Our travel desk organize visit to all the places of tourist interest in this regions. We have a network with other hoteliers and travel agents and we are proud to handle corporate and group excursions and tours in this whole of eastern Himalayan region.

Sikkim

Sikkim's richness of culture, customs, heritage, flora and fauna is really worth visiting. This tiny state of India is divided into four districts East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim. A brief write up of the region are given below keeping in mind the places of tourist interest.

Links / Connection

Air - Sikkim has a few Helipads in Gangtok, Pelling, Mangan, etc. They are all served by Choppers. Choppers can be chartered. There is regular chopper service from Gangtok to Bagdogra. The nearest major airport from Gangtok is Bagdogra (IXB) in West Bengal 130 kilometers away and 4 hours drive by car. Pelling is 155 kilometers from Bagdogra and 5 hours drive to Bagdogra.

Rail - The state of Sikkim do not have any railway system. The nearest railway stations are Siliguri Junction, Siliguri Town station and Sevoke but the frequency of trains is less. The major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) nearly 135 kilometers and 4 hours drive from Gangtok. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is 5 hours from Pelling. Reservation of ticket can be made at the office of the Sikkim Nationalized Transport at PNGHS Road, Gangtok.

Road - National Highway 31 A connects Gangtok with Siliguri. Gangtok is well connected with Darjeeling, Pelling, Kalimpong, Lachen and Lachung. Even neighboring countries like China, Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal has linking roads to Sikkim. Regular services of private vehicles and taxis are available between Gangtok and Siliguri from all the nearby tourist destinations as well as from all the major railway terminus and airport. Sikkim has its own nationalized transport system (SNT) which has their own fleet of Buses.

East Sikkim

East Sikkim is one of the four administrative districts of Sikkim, and occupies the south east corner of the state. The capital of East Sikkim is Gangtok. It is also the state capital and is the hub of all administrative activity.

The district occupies an area of 964 square kilometers with a population of 244, 790 (2001 Census) individuals. The civilian region is administered by a district collector. Popular tourist locales are the Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and the Nathula Pass. The Nathula Pass formed the offshoot of the ancient Silk Road which connected Lhasa to India. The pass and the famous Baba Mandir are open to Indian nationals only. To enter this region an Inner Line Permit (ILP) has to be obtained.


Places of Interest

• Gangtok City.
• Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom.
• Enchey Monastery.
• Do Drul Chorten.
• Tashi View point.
• Ganesh Tok.
• Himalayan Zoological Park.
• Gangtok Ropeway.
• Ban jhakri Falls.
• White Hall Flower Show.
• Ridge Fountain.
• Rumtek monastery.
• Saramsa Garden.
• Tsomgo Lake/Baba Mandir/Nathula Pass.

West Sikkim

West Sikkim district has its headquarters at Gyalshing, now more commonly called Geyzing. The district is a favourite with trekkers due to the high elevations. Other important towns include Pemayangtse and Yuksom.

The district has a wide variety of fauna and flora to offer. Since most of the district is hilly it enjoys a temperate climate. Above 12,000 feet (3,800 meters) the slopes are full of rhododendron forests. West Sikkim also has the ancient capital of the state Yuksom. It served as the capital beginning in 1642 for almost 50 years until it was shifted to Rabdentse.

The economy is mainly agrarian, despite most of the land being unfit for cultivation owing to the precipitous and rocky slopes. Attractions include the Khecheopalri Lake. Legend says and one can also have a closer view during the visit that, though the area is forest yet not a single leaf is allowed to fall on the surface of the lake. One can also visit the oldest monastery known as the Dubdi Monastery, the first monastery of the state.