Have A Great Time Going to Sikkim for Shopping

The Himalayan state of Sikkim offers a unique shopping experience. Sikkim is the best spot for shopping freaks. The land is proud of its traditional arts and crafts that may pull you to posses them at random. Exploring the Sikkim tourist places for the local assets will be a pleasing thing to do.

The most gorgeous place for Shopping in Sikkim is Gangtok. Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and also a major collection of shopping places too. The places like Gangtok Market, Gramin Vikas Agency, Old Market, Lall Market, M.G. Road and New Market are known for some of the great collection of traditional handicrafts and Sikkim Tea. Here you can outline a collection of shops which involves myriad handicrafts and other items. Lal Market is a local market area that provides dried fish, yak’s cheese or chhurpi and yeast to make the local beer.

In the local markets check out for Woven Woolen Carpets and Blankets, Thangkas – traditional paintings on cotton canvas and often framed with silk, Sweaters and Jackets, Jewelery, Choksee or small wooden tables, Wooden and Bamboo Artifacts, Wall Hanging and Antiques with Buddhist motifs, Sikkim Tea (‘Solja’ and Khangchendzonga’) Cardamom or Elachi, Lepcha Weave bags, Yak’s cheese (chhurpi), in addition to the Tibetan and Sikkemese Garments. Read customer reviews about Sikkim tourist places .

While treasuring a souvenir on your Sikkim tourist places, do not forget to bargain with the shopkeepers, who generally extract higher price tags. Or else go to the Tibetan Handicrafts Centre which is a trusted name to shop in Sikkim. The not-so-good bargainers can go to Government Emporiums, where they will get right price as well as quality assurance.

If you are too crazy about decorative and ornamental pieces, you are at the perfect place to shop at…

 

 

*Happy Women’s Day*

All your love, all your caring ways, all your giving these years are the reasons why my heart thinks of you on Women’s Day! With a wish for happiness and a world full of love. Happy Women’s Day!

 

Beauty Beyond Words: Chief Attractions of Sikkim Hill Stations

Sikkim state is completely flourished by the attractive and naturally blessed places. The heavy mist always covers up the high hills and the mystical winds. Sikkim is fashionable by its extended greenery on the entire landscape. Finding a hill stations within this state is very hard as this state is totally grassy and fragile.The complete state looks like a big hill station. Sikkim state is very small state. Even Though many travelers around the world visit this Sikkim tourist places.

The extremely famed hill station of Sikkim is Gangtok. Gangtok literally means a hill top which in itself is a delicacy for the nature lovers. Gangtok hill station is a real Sikkim tourist place which has been sanctified by the Nature god and also the extravagant of culture. It is a one of the perfect place for the tourists. This garden state is spread on the foothills of grand Mount Kanchendezonga is also the capital city of Sikkim. The real surprise for the tourist is butterflies, birds, wild herbs and flowers etc that offers by the land of the state. All this elements, you will get to see while going towards the high hills. This place is admired because of almost five hundred types of orchids are present. This hill station is also the best spot for the floral during the month of June – October and also in the start of December. Gangtok also offers pleasure to the adventure lovers with its white-water rafting, trekking, mountain biking, yak safari, etc. Some of the main attractions are Deer Park , White Hall, Do Drul Chorten, Tsongo or Changu lake and Rumtek Gompa, the biggest monastery in Sikkim. Moreover all these, the special masked dances and other folk and cultural attractions drive the tourists go weak and get enchanted by Gangtok.

Pelling is a town in West Sikkim. It is famous for magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains of Kanchenjunga. Pelling is a very beautiful and pleasant destination of Sikkim tourist places, which has given its contribution to make Sikkim state amazing enchanting and tremendous. Pelling hill station has been covered up with the snow of the peak. This location gives a panoramic view, that has been decorated by the snowy rocks & clouds. Pelling offers good outlook of entire mountain ranges including the Koktang, Rathong, Kabru, Kumbhakarna, Narsing, Kanchenjunga, Dom, Pandim, Shimbho, Zopuno, Siniyalchu and others. The other eye-catching elements are Khelcheopalri Lake and Monastery, these spots comes under the different sections. After wandering in the whole Pelling hill station, you will also get more enjoyment from the Sangay waterfall. At this place, you will get to take enjoyable from the pure white dazzling waterfall. This view of the amazing waterfall from the bridge is simply interesting. In the place of Pelling, one of the best Sikkim tourist places you will get to numbers of dazzling villages, waterfalls, smooth routes of trekking and pleasant atmosphere, which will refresh you completely.

Sikkim Festivals, Colour Yourself with Joyous Celebrations

Festivals Of Sikkim
The Sikkim state celebrates many festivals because of admix of different religion and cultures. For those pepoles who are visiting Sikkim tourist places, offer an exclusive occasion to participate and point up the rich traditions of an ancient culture as well as the warmth and generosity of a friendly people. There are many festivals celebrated in Sikkim through out the year. As the peoples in Sikkim mostly follow Buddhism, the festivals celebrated here are connected to the Buddhist festivals. Just make a trip to Sikkim tourist places to enjoy the concealed festivals.

These Festivals are classified as :

The most celebrated Buddhist festivals that you can see on your Sikkim tourist places are :

Saga Dawa (the Triple Blessed Festival and is considered as the holiest of the holy Buddhist Festivals),
Bumchu (it is celebrated at the monastery at Tashiding in the month of January or February),
Drukpa Tsheshi (o mark the event when Buddha first turned the Wheel of Dharma ),
Lhabab Dhuechen (representing the Descent of Buddha from the heaven),
Losoong (marks the termination of harvest season),
Phang Lhabsol (popularised by the third Chogyal of Sikkim, Chakdor Namgyal and celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month around the end of August),
Losar (the arrival of New Year),
Guru Rimpoche’s Trungkar Tshechu, Kagyed Dance ( is performed on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar, around December) and KalChakra Puja.

The popular festivals of Hindus that you can see on your Sikkim tourist places are :

Tihar or Tyohar/ Diwali (is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to their kingdom after 14 years of exile),
Janamashtami (celebrated in August or September to honor the birth of Lord Krishna),
Dasain/ Dusshera/ Durga Puja (usually celebrated in October indicating the victory of good over evil),
Saraswati Puja (celebrated in January to honor the Goddess of Knowledge Saraswati),
Vishwakarma Puja (observed on 17th September every year to honour Vishwa Karma – the God of Machines),
Holi (marks the advent of spring season)
Ramnavami /Chaite Dasain (to commemorate birth of Lord Ram).
Maghe Sankranti (Makar Sankranti celebrated in January),

Other Festivals:

Namsoong (an original festival of Lepchas to welcome the new year which begins from the first day of first month),
Tendong Lho-Rum-Faat (a Lepcha thanks giving festival to Tendong Hill),
Sakewa ( festival of the Rai community for Kubera, the God of wealth),
Teyongsi Srijunga Sawan Tognam, Christmas, Bhanu Jayanti, Tamu Lochar and Nyempa Guzom.

 

*Diwali Wishes*

On Diwali, wishes for every joy and prosperity. Here’s hoping, that the beauty of this festival of lights, bring a world of joy, happiness and pleasure to you, to last the whole year through.

                                                                                               “Happy Diwali”

Diwali gives an opportunity to make special memories with our family and friends, to laugh and enjoy what life offers us. People wake up on the early morning to conduct the customary pujas. And peoples get dressed sparklingly and wear glittering gold jewelry  and families gather together and light crackers to conduct in the great evening.  Armed with sweets and savories people convene their near and dear ones.

Discover the Rich Art Culture of Sikkim

Culture of Sikkim
The people of Sikkim are very affectionate, friendly and sweet. Sikkim is the melting pot of a variety of culture. Like any other place, its culture is signified for its delicious cuisine, lively people, dedicated religion, cheerful language, indigenous art & crafts, melodic music, and spirited dance. People of different communities live together in Sikkim upholding an unique identity of there traditional religion. You can experience all these once if you visit the most beautiful Sikkim tourist places.
Know more about culture of Sikkim here.

Peoples :

The People of Sikkim consist of three ethnic groups, that is, Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali. The communities of different hues mingle freely in Sikkim in order to make up a homogenous blend. The predominant Communities of Sikkim are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. All these cultures has shaped out a classic Sikkimese Culture that include all ways and walk of life.And also handled to preserve their own identity. These can also be seen in the different places of Festivals, Worship and Cultural dances that are celebrated through the year.

Cuisine:

The food in Sikkim are either vegetarian or non vegetarian as both are easily available there. One can enjoy Indian, Chinese and Tibetan cuisines at Sikkim with a very limited variety of continental cuisine also available there. Rice is the main food the Sikkimese. The Momo, the most commonly available food in Sikkim. Another well-liked and easily available item is the Thukpa or Gya-thuk, a typical Tibetan style noodles in soup, based with vegetables or meat.

Religions:

Religions play an vital role in the life of Sikkim. The two major religions that are pursued in Sikkim are Buddhism and Hinduism. Infact, Buddhism come forward as the leading religious practice that is adepted by the majority of the Tibetans and the Bhutias. Hinduism is keenly followed by the Nepalese. Apart from Buddhism and Hinduism, religions like Christianity, Muslim, etc, are also practiced by many supporters.

Art and Craft:

Sikkim possess a rich culture of handicrafts as well. People of Sikkim seemed to be born with excellent skill required for craft making. You can find some of the most attractive woolen items like woven woolen carpets and woolen blankets. The wide array of handlooms and handicrafts comprise of carpets, wood carved furniture, Mask Making, Paintings, Sikkimese motifs, table called Choktse, thankas, and canvas wall hangings.

Dances & Music:

Folk dances and songs are an embedded part of Sikkimese culture. Most of the dances are related to the incredible beauty of the natural environment of Sikkim. Where by some indicate the harvest season and others are performed for prosperity. Almost all the dances are accompanied by the musical instruments. Mask Dance is one of the most amazing dance of Sikkimese. The Nepalese like tapping their feet on Maruni, Dhaan Naach, Dau Ra Jane, Tamang Selo and Sebru Naach. In addition to this, Singhi Chaam and Yak Chaam are the popular dance of the Tibetan. And the famous dances of the Bhutias are Be Yu Mista, Lu Khangthamo, Chi Rimu, Gha to Kito and Tashi Zaldha. The dances like Zo-Mal-Lok, Chu Faat, Kar Gnok Lok, Dharma Jo, Mon Dryak Loks, Tendong Lho Faat, and Mun Hait Lok are enjoyed by the Lepchas. There are different types of dances, so watch out them when you travel the Sikkim tourist places.

Languages:

Sikkim is a multi-lingual state, where people of different communities who live together. In Sikkim, people use different local languages, like Tibetan, Bhutia, and Lepcha. There are other different languages spoken in Sikkim like Hindi and English apart from traditional Sikkimese language.

Visit Sikkim Monasteries for an Enchanting Practice

Monasteries in Sikkim
Monasteries form an integral part of Sikkim tourist places. The depiction of a rich cultural heritage and religious lifestyle of the Sikkim peoples are closely interlinked with the monastery culture. There are almost about 250 monasteries or Gompas of Nyingma and Kagyu order in Sikkim. Guru Padmasambhava is the presiding deity at all this monasteries. The culture of Sikkim is closely related to Tibetan Buddhism. Monasteries form a vital part of Sikkim. Most of the monasteries belong to the Nyingmapa Sect or the Kargyupa Sect. Buddhism is an essential part of Sikkim and its culture. Many of them recommend trips to observe the striking Sikkim tourist places which have a monastery as their eventual destination. The monasteries that are closest to Gangtok are Enchey, Rumtek and Phodong.

Rumtek Monastery:
It is one of the largest monastery in the Eastern Himalaya. It was built by the Gyalwa Karmapa in strict accordance with the traditional designs of the Kagyurpa monastery in Tibet. This renovated monastery is decorated with tenkhas and fescoes. The main Temple of the Dharma Chakra Centre also has a 31 feet high Golden Stupa. It abodes some of the worlds most unique art objects, ancient manuscripts and icons.

Pemayangtse Monastery:
This is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of Sikkim tourist places.This monastery belongs to the Nyingma-pa sect. It is a three storied building of the monastery having with a good collection of wall paintings and sculptures. This monastery is also famed for its scenic location as it commands an inspiring view of Mount Khanchendzonga.

Enchey Monastery:
This monastery A 200 year old structure situated in Gangtok on a hill top. The monastery includes various images of Gods and goddesses along with the several religious stuffs. And this monastery is well known for the mask dance called ‘Cham’ performed in the month of January.

Tashiding Monastery:
This monastery is situated on a hilltop looming between the Rathong and the Rangit rivers. It is lying in the western part of Sikkim. The Tashiding Monastery is around 40 kms from Gyalshing by road.

Phensang Monastery:
This monastry is situated in the North Sikkim. I was builted in the year 1721. There are around 300 monks in the monastery. This monastery was completely demolished by fire in 1947 and it was rebuilt in 1948.

Phodong Monastery:
Phodong Monastery is one of the most beautiful monastery in Sikkim.It is 28 kms away from Gangtok.This Monastery was also rebuilt. Ancient wall paintings are piled up in this monastery which is put on display during its annual festival. Religious dances are an integral part of this festival.

There are also much more monasteries like Ralong Monastery, Tsuk-La-Khang Monastery, Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery, Dalling Monastery, Kewzing Monastery, Dubdi Monastery, Yangyang Monastery, Namchi Monastery, Khatok Monastery etc… Many Buddhist monasteries are repositories of artistic treasures, including wall paintings, tankas, and bronze images. You can explore beautiful Sikkim tourist places if you make a trip.

 

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Sikkim

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Sikkim spread over an extensive area of 5,200 hectares. Sikkim’s animal territory has a large variety of animals and birds. The dense forests in Sikkim provide a comfortable habitat to the fauna in the state. Wildlife in Sikkim consist of snow leopard, wild ass, leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer and flying squirrel to roam in its area. There so many Sikkim tourist places where you can take a look at the amazing Sanctuaries and parks

Khangchendzonga National Park:

The Khangchendzonga National Park is the largest wildlife santuary in Sikkim. And it is spread across an area of 1784 sq km. The third highest peak in the world, the Khangchendzonga, overlaps the western boundary of the park. This park is situated in such a remote area of the North and South districts, the area has remained untouched to quite a large extent. This reserve also includes the huge Zemu Glacier. It is a is dwelling to the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, flying squirrel ,wild ass, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, barking deer and the red panda who survive in heavenly isolation amongst enormous magnolias, rhododendrons and pine forests. This is one of the best Sikkim tourist place to visit for the wildlife lovers.

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary:

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary is extended over an area of 35 sq km. The Sanctuary is located at Maenam in South Sikkim. It offers a spectacular view of Teesta River which flows far below the region. And also Maenam hill comes in the fringe of this Sanctuary. Covered by thick forests Maenam Sanctuary covers a vast range of fauna. There by this thick forests of Maenam is the home of Barking Deer, Red Panda, Civet-Cats, Goral, Serow, Leopard-Cat, Magpies, Black Eagle, Blood Pheasant, Blue necked Pitta, Common Hill Partridge along with many other animals and birds. Tourists come to the sanctuary while enjoying the adventure of trekking.

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary:

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around 25 km from the town of Gangtok. The sanctuary covers a large variety of different birds and butterflies , red pandas, leopards, civet cats and the Himalayan black bear. The sanctuary is also very rich in natural vegetation and consist of various thick forests of katus, champ, kimbu, oak, ferns and bamboo. You can also find here a various numbers of rhododendrons, orchids, mosses and lycopodium. This is also the home to a large number of wild orchids and rhododendrons. A log house with two rooms is accessible at Golitar and Tumin.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary:

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is the most excellent place to speck twenty different species of rhododendrons in Sikkim. It is located in the in the sublime Yumthang Valley. On the banks of river, you can trace long line of Rhododendron trees and shrubs. This sanctuary is a striking place to see the full glory of flora and fauna. The spring season is consider ed as the best time to visit. Rhododendron Niveum the state tree can be seen only in this sanctuary which is rich in ground flora like primulas, potentillas, poppies, gentians and aconites.

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary:

Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary is situated around 31 km from Gangtok. The sanctuary is located near the famous Tsomgo Lake. This sanctuary is having a very rich natural vegetation cover and consist of various rare species of plants and trees that are hard to find somewhere else. The sanctuary is also having a various species of medicinal plants like Nilo Bikh, Jatamasi, Kutki, etc… various birds like Laughing Thrushes, Satyr, Snow Partridges etc… and various animals like Musk Deer, Leopard, Red Panda etc.
In spite of the smallest area in India, the range of wildlife in Sikkim covers a wide spectrum. There are also few more Wild life Sanctuaries in Sikkim like Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. There are also much more wildlife spots in Sikkim tourist places.

Best Season to Visit : March – May and September – December

 

Experience the Sikkim Adventures

Sikkim is one of the most excellent spots for adventure travel in India. There are several Sikkim tourist places where you can find pleasure through the adventurous trip and can make your imagination come true. If you are an adventure lover and a daring traveler, Sikkim adventure holidays is the great opportunity to explore yourself.
You will find everything from trekking to biking or river rafting and mountain climbing when you will decide for adventure tour in various Sikkim tourist places.

Trekking :-

There are so many amazing sikkim tourist places for trekking. Sikkim offers many charming trekking routes for the trekkers. You can experience the pleasure and excitement related to trekking and can have amazing moments. Through trekking you will get a clear view of lofty peaks, variety of blossoming flowers , dense forests, winding rivers, spring and to know the village or mountain life. Some of the great treks can make your trekking experience more excited like Dzongri – Goecha la Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Singalila Ridge trek, Green Lake treks etc. Trekking in Sikkim will of course be one of the most memorable experiences for the trekkers. Trekking in Sikkim is exciting both in spring and during autumn.

Mountaineering :-

Sikkim Himalayas is the finest place for mountaineering. In the southern part of Himalayas there is an extensive range of peaks like Kanchenjunga, pandim, Narsing, Kabru, Talung with its absolute beauty. One needs to obtain permit for mountaineering on this peak. Mountain climbing are among safest and more enjoyable one. When a mountaneer visit sikkim, his utmost desire is to climb the Rocky Mountains or high altitude mountains. You can enjoy dominant the mountain with peak climbing in Sikkim.

Mountain Biking :-

The most excellent part of Mountain Biking is that it is customizable. As most of the routes of Sikkim are appropriate for mountain biking, you can easily explore many of the mountains of Sikkim. The familiar places that you can cover up for mountain biking are Pelling & Ravangla Region. The starting point for mountain biking in Sikkim is Gangtok.

River rafting :-

River Rafting is the adventure sport most enjoyed in Sikkim. Teesta & Rangit River are the perfect rivers for safe River Rafting. This rivers are covered by the thick forest from both the sides. The white water waves of the river Teesta and Rangit gives you the daring experience of River Rafting. Teesta River is offering one of the best rafting stretches in the world. Rangit is a tributary of the Teesta which offers more challenges to the experienced rafters.

Kayaking :-

Kayaking is made on the Teesta River and it is arranged specially for the groups. This particular sport requires only the expertise. A very good Fiberglass kayak is accessible on hire.

Yak Safari :-

Yaks are bovine mammals which makes the adventure sports tour more interesting and the most memorable. You will have a great kind of experience through the Yak safari. It means that you are supposed to have a journey on Yak and cover different trekking points and Rivers. The most well-liked trials are Dzongri area & Tsomgo Lake.

Hang Gliding :-

Hang Gliding is a type of aero sports. It makes you to fly over the sky like the birds. At some parts of Sikkim, Hang Gliding adventure is available. It is one of the fast developing areas for Hang Gliding adventure sports.

 

Explore the Magical Charm of Sikkim Spots

Prominent as a hilly region in the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is one of the beautiful land having with its extravagant surroundings. Sikkim shares its borders with Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet and West Bengal. Once if you visit sikkim tourist places, you can witness the culture, festivals and attractions of this incredible place. The place is blessed with the spectacular ush green vegetation, majestic mountains and rich flora & fauna.

Travel to Sikkim tourist places brings you the opportunity to visit the following tourist attractions:

Trekking:

Sikkim is the best spot for trekking. There are around five trekking peaks for the trekkers, which is established by Government of Sikkim. The land offers you several treks that take you through pine forests, monasteries ,beautiful valleys and to mountain lakes. Mountain biking, river rafting, kayaking are the other adventures that tourists can experience on their Sikkim trip.

Wildlife:

Sikkim possess its rich variety of flora and fauna. The extreme temperature of sikkim further makes it apt for natural habitat for wildlife. It also takes conceit in protecting 550 species of birds. The most well-known national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that give shelter to these animals are Khangchendzonga National Park, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary and Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary etc. Tourists can travel around the varied Sikkim wildlife for having a different experience.

Monasteries:

Sikkim tourist places include Buddhist Gompas or monasteries. Monasteries in Sikkim are the indivisible part of Sikkim. These are Buddhist Gompas which are considered to be the soul of Sikkim. There are almost around 200 monasteries which belongs to the Nyingma and Kagyu. Rumtek, Labrang, Pemayangtse and Enchey are the most famed Sikkim monasteries.

Culture:

The residents of Sikkim are very friendly people. An important part of the culture of Sikkim are traditional music and dances . People of various communities live in the place in harmony. Archery,is a well-liked sport of the place and is conventionally played after the harvests.

Festivals:

The festivals of Sikkim add more attraction to the Sikkim state. These colourful events are considered to be the holy beginning of any activity. Bringing up peoples together, on the occasions are a reason to enjoy. Phang Labsol, Bum-chu, Lhabab Dhuechen and Saga Dawa are the famous festivals that are celebrated in Sikkim.

Sikkim Cities:

If you visit Sikkim, just visit the most wonderful cities like Gangtok, Pelling, Jorethang Kalimpong and Singtam.