Sikkim Travel and Darjeeling Travel

Sikkim's greatest incitement is mountains. Dominating them all and presided over the terrain Sikkim with immense dignity is Khangchendzonga, 8585m. The unspoilt natural splendor and tranquility of the countryside has made certain regions ideal for trekking.

Sikkim is a one stop traveling spot for tourist around the world. To the adventure lovers trekking in Sikkim is an experience of many dimensions. For sheer exhilaration nothing can match the view of the mountains, which seem to reach the heaven. As you wander up lush green trails you begin to amaze and wonder at the unspoilt natural splendor and dramatic terrain. You may chance upon the shy Musk Deer or wave out to the exotic Red Panda perched among the treetops. Revel in the excitement of being part of a unique culture, a rich tapestry woven with legends, myths, rituals and festivals.

Trekking tour with Adarsh Tours & Travels takes you to Gangtok-a bustling town with the blend of tradition and modernity & further to famous Rumtek & Phodong monastery and finally to the wind swept top of Gochala-La. Sikkim is interlaced with jungle-clad ridges and deep ravines created by the raising torrent of the mountain river's speed and emerald valleys alternating with terraced hillsides & dense forest.

The waterfalls, rivulets, lakes the abundance of Orchids & Rhododendrons all embellish the land but the glory of Sikkim is the snow capped mountains which girdle it in a protective embrace.

COME! UNFOLD THE WONDER THAT IS SIKKIM.

Flora and Fauna:
Because of the altitude that varies right from sea level to summits that touch the skies, the flora and fauna naturally covers a wide spectrum. Nowhere in the world in such a small area can one find flora and fauna of all varieties - Tropical to the Alpines. Sikkim's botanical and zoological richness is awe- inspiring, boasting of more than 4000 species of plants and 30% of all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent. No wonder Sikkim has been a dream of naturalists. Dr. J. Hooker during the middle of the last century surveyed in the detail the botanical wealth in Sikkim and his findings were embodied in the publication 'Himalayan Journal' that is still considered as an authoritative document. Dr. Salim Ali an ornithologist has given a detailed account on birds in his book 'The birds of Sikkim'. Besides these there are many books available on the flora & fauna of sikkim.

Plants:
The lowlands in the south, 800'to 5000', experience a tropical climate; lush vegetation such as figs, laurel, Sal trees and bamboos have been cleared in some areas for farming. The temperate forest of oak, chestnut, maple, birch, alder, magnolia and silver fir dominates between 5000; and 13000. Above 13000, is the alpine zone where juniper, cypresses and rhododendrons grow. The perpetual snowline lies at 16000'. Luxuriant forests cover 36% of the land, more than 4000 species of plant have been recorded in Sikkim. Over 600 species of orchids grow in Sikkim, Epiphytal and terrestrial types, in the tropical and temperate zones. 35 species of rhododendrons grow in temperate and alpine regions, their flowering from May to August colours hillsides.

Animals:
Amongst the mammals of Sikkim are the rare Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red panda, Musk Deer and Blue Sheep.

Laace to see in Sikkim

GYALSHING
Gyalshing is a beautiful place set in the picturesque Himalayan state of Sikkim. Its main attractions, other than trekking up to Dzongri at the base of the Kanchenjunga, are the two old monasteries of Pemayangtse and Tashiding.

MANGAN
Mangan is the district headquarters of North Sikkim, a place of stunning beauty. The little hamlets with their flower patches, and the water wheels strung with bells set in exquisite miniature gardens more than compensate for the primitiveness of the region.
The region is famous for the Phensong and Phodong Monastery, the latter being considered one of the six main monasteries of Sikkim.

NAMCHI
Namchi, meaning 'sky high', is nestled among the hills at an elevation of 5,500 ft, commands panoramic view of the snow capped mountains and vast stretch es of valley.

It is also the district head-quarters of south Sikkim. With it's immense potential for all round tourist activities, it is fast developing as a tourist destination.

GANGTOK
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim since the mid-19th century, sprawls down the west side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul river. The scenery from this hill town is spectacular and there are excellent views of the entire Kanchenjunga Range from many points within the city. North of Gangtok is the Enchey Gompa and the telecommunication tower. The palace of the former Chogyal, or ruler of Sikkim, and the impressive Royal Chapel are lower down along the ridge. Then there is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, an Orchid Sanctuary and a large chorten (Tibetan stupa) with an adjoining gompa.

Gangtok is a very popular hill station resort with many fine hotels filled with visitors from all over the country.

Getting to Sikkim

By Air
Jet Airways and Indian Airlines operate flights from Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati to Bagdogra. From the airport one can take a taxi to the campus at Majitar, Rangpo - the drive takes about three hours. One can also use
the services of charter helicopters to travel between Gangtok and Bagdogra.

By Train
One can travel by train from any part of the country to New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri. From here the journey to the campus, which takes 3 hours, can be made by bus or taxi.

By Road
Long distance buses ply from major towns in West Bengal and Assam to Siliguri. The journey from Siliguri to the campus can be made by taxi or bus via the Himalayan foothills along the Teesta and Rangit rivers and passing through the towns of Teestabazar, Melli and Rangpo.

Tourist Attraction

Nestled at the foot of Mount Kanchendzonga, Sikkim boasts of an unexplored beauty. Lofty mountains dominate the skyline of Sikkim. The state lays its invitation in green-coated rolling slopes, the rushing hills streams, and tall junipers and Rhododendrons and sparkling orchids. Hilltop monasteries peep from the rugged terrains while multicolored prayer flags wave in the mountain breeze.

Gangtok City: The capital city of the state is now a sprawling urban settlement. Quaint pagoda-roofed houses and colorful monasteries teeming with red-robed lamas sum up Gangtok for you.

Rumtek Monastery: Only 24kms from Gangtok, the magnificent monastery is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Gangtok. It is the residence of 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and religious art objects.

Tsomgo Lake: Some 40kms from Gangtok, Tosmgo is a tranquil lake surrounded by frozen hillsides. A drive further uphill would take you to the Nathula Pass, which gives you a bird's eye view of Indo-China frontier. Mind it, entry is restricted for foreign nationals.

Pelling (Pemyangtse): In the western district of Sikkim, Pemyangtse is a picture perfect destination. It offers a breathtaking view of the world's 3rd highest peak of Mount Kanchendzonga. The little place is home to a number of tourist attractions in Gangtok, namely

Pemyangtse Monastery It is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, located on a hilltop at a height of 6840 ft. Apart from it, there are many other monasteries Pelling like: Sangachoeling Monastery, Dabdi Monastery, Tashiding Monastery and so on.

Khechepalri Lake The sacred lake has crystal clear water. They say that the birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface.

Alongside the above, tourist attractions in Sikkim include, plethora of Alpine flora and fauna. Sikkim is also a trekkers' paradise. You can do mountaineering in numerous peaks in and around the state or do white water rafting along the turbulent rivers of the Teesta and the Rangit.

Sikkim Visa Information

Visa Requirements
Citizens of all countries (including Commonwealth) require a valid passport an an appropriate (entry, transit or tourist) visa. The visa must be obtained abroad from an Indian Mission. If planning to visit a neighboring country such as Nepal and then re-entering India, a double/multiple entry visa should be obtained.

General requirements:

• Original passport valid for at least six months
• Correct visa fee.
• Two passport-size photographs (five photographs in case of Pakistani nationals)
• Supporting documents, where necessary
• Duly completed application form (Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals need to apply on special application forms)

Tourists from other countries are advised to check current applicable visa fee/visa extension fees with government of India Tourist Offices or Indian Consular Offices located in their respective countries.

Validity of all visas is counted from the date of their issue.

For each visit on a tourist visa or business visa, the duration of stay in India is only for a period of six months even though a valid visa may be for more than six months.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

Tourist Visas:
Usually, a multi-entry visa, valid for a period of 180 days, is granted for the purpose of tourism. The visa is valid from the date of issue. Tourist Visa can also be given for 3 months, valid from date 1st entry into India which should be within 2 months from date of issue.

Collective Visas:
The facilities exists for issuing collective visas to group tours of not less than 4 members and sponsored by a government recognised travel agency. Such groups may split into smaller groups to visit different places in India after obtaining a collective "licence to travel" from Indian immigration authorities. They must reassemble and depart as the original group.

Transit Visas:
Transit visas are granted by Indian Missions abroad for a maximum period of 15 days.

Employment Visa
This visa is issued to skilled and qualified professionals or persons who are engaged or appointed by companies, organizations, economic undertakings as technicians, technical experts, senior executives, etc. Applicants are required to submit proof of contract/employment/engagement of foreign nationals by the company or organization.

Exemption from Registration:
Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or a shorter period are not require to register themselves with any authority in India. They can move about freely in the country, except to restricted/protected areas and prohibited places.

Visa Extension
For extending the visa apply for a letter of permission from the
Ministry of Home Affairs
Lok Nayak Bhavan, 1st floor
Khan Market, New Delhi 110003
Phone: 24693334, 24612543, 2461764