VIJAY'S - Sikkim

Sikkim is the 22nd state of India came into existence with effect from 26th April, 1975. Sikkim has been divided into four districts and each district has further been bifurcated into two sub-divisions for administrative purpose. Sikkim state being a part of inner mountain ranges of Himalayas, is hilly having varied elevation ranging from 300 to 8540 meters. But the habitable areas are only up to the altitude of 2100 mtrs. Constituting only 20% of the total area of the state.

Nepalis, Bhutias, Lepchas.

SIKKIM TIME CORPORATION LTD. (SITCO)

The highest portion of sikkim lies in its north west direction. A large number of mountains having altitudes of about seven thousand meters stands here with - Kanchenjunga (8598 m.), The third highest peak in the world. The high serrated, snow capped spurs and peaks of Kanchenjunga look attractive consisting of Kumbha Karna (7711 m.), Pendem (6706 m.), Narsingh (5825 m.),

Kabru Dome (6545 m.), etc. A number of glaciers descends from eastern slopes of Kanchenjunga into Sikkim where snow clad line is found above 5300 mtrs. The biggest of them is Zemu, from whose snout above Lachen monastery rises the river Teesta. Teesta is the main river and its main tributaries are Zemu, Lachung, Rangyong, Dikchu, Rongli, Rangpo and Rangit which form the main channel of drainage from the north to the south. It boasts of the great mount Kanchendzonga as its crown. Ethically Sikkim has mainly three groups of people viz.

The local language is Nepali. English is the official language. This jewel- like mountain state of ethereal beauty with an area of 7299 sq. kms , nestles in the heart of Himalayas. Cradled in the manifold splendors of nature deep within the snow clad Himalayas is Sikkim's capital Gangtok. Wrapped in mists and clouds, a garden state with an incredible variety of rhododendrons & a host of other flowers

SIKKIM "THE LAST SHANGRILA"

The society of a region, it's culture, social institutions, beliefs and social structure are all sensitive to the development. Economic activity is referred to as the livelihood pattern, so is the prevalent economic conditions of the people.
People of Sikkim engage in different economic activities, prominent among which are Tourism, Industries, horticulture & agriculture etc. giving rise to a definite occupational structure. In other words, economic parameters of a region are the best indicators of the development.

The people of Sikkim

Sikkim has many hot springs known for their medicinal value. The most important are the ones located at Reshi , Yumthang , Ralang .
RESHI HOT SPRING

Phurcha Chu Hot Spring

These hot springs are located about 25 kms. from Gyalshing on the river rangit. The water of these springs has medicinal value as it contains sulphur and can cure some skin diseases.

YUMTHANG HOT SPRING
Yumthang is situated about 135 kms. from Gangtok in North Sikkim . It is well known for its hot springs. The route to Yumthang from Lachung has a very picturesque landscape and is lined with Rhododendrons. Yumthang falls in the restricted area .

http://sikkim.nic.in

Sikkim's near about 200 monasteries or Gompas belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu order have not only been influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people, but also demonstrates the ancient rituals in practice. Devoted Lamas robed in red, chant ancient mantras to the rhythm of drums and trumpets while soft lights flicker from decorative lamps placed before statues of the great Guru Padmasambhava. Feel the peace and quiet of being one with nature and close to the almighty as sacred words mingle with the whirring prayer wheels. The Gompas are adorned with life-like frescoes of hoary Buddhist legends, rare silk and brocade Thangkas. Also preserved here, are ancient Tibetan manuscripts, exquisitely carved wood work and icons of silver and gold. PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY Pemayangtse Monastery is situated in West Sikkim at Gyalshing (140 kms. from Gangtok) and commands an impressive view of Mount khanchendzonga. This monastery belongs to the Nyingma order and all other Nyingma monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it. RUMTEK MONASTERY 24 Kms. from Gangtok, a drive through beautiful countryside takes one to Rumtek Dharma Chakra centre built in 1960'S by his holiness the late 16th GYALWA KARMAPA when he took refuge in Sikkim after the Chinese attack. It houses some of the worlds most unique art objects, ancient manuscripts and icons.
ENCHEY MONASTERY This monastery is situated in Gangtok on a hill top. It was built during the reign of Thutob Namgyal . PHENSANG MONASTERY This monastery was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. In 1947 it was completely gutted by a devastating fire. However it was rebuilt in 1948. It is present in North Sikkim. PHODANG MONASTERY This monastery is in North Sikkim 28 kms. from Gangtok. The original monastery is rebuilt and is today one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sikkim. TASHIDING MONASTERY This is another important monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order and is about 40 Kms. from Gyalshing by road via Legship (West Sikkim). It lies nestled on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong river and the Rangit river and is surrounded by a profusion of Prayer flags that flutter in the air.