Tibeten: is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. The state borders Nepal to the west, Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China to the north and east, and Bhutan to the southeast. The state of West Bengal borders Sikkim to its south. The people of Sikkim are simple and friendly with natural gaiety. The customs and rituals of Sikkim are as diverse as the ethnic that inhabit the land. The predominant communities are the LEPCHAS, BHUTIAS, NEPALESE and smaller proportions of LIMBUS. Legend has it that the Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche visited Sikkim in the 9th century, introduced Buddhism .Indeed, the Namgyal dynasty was established in 1642. Over the next 150 years, the kingdom witnessed frequent raids and territorial losses to Nepalese invaders. It allied itself with the British rulers of India, but was soon annexed by them. Later, Sikkim became a British protectorate, before merging with India following a referendum in 1975. Sikkim has 11 official languages: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha (since 1977), Limbu (since 1981), Newari, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang (since 1995) and Sunwar (since 1996). English is taught in schools and used in government documents. Sikkim is the only state in India with an ethnic Nepalese majority. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhist. Gangtok is the capital and largest city. Sikkim's economy is largely dependent on agriculture and tourism, and the state has the fourth-smallest GDP among Indian states, although it is also among the fastest-growing. Literacy in Sikkim is 69.68%, which breaks down into 76.73% for males and 61.46% for females. There are a total of 1157 schools, including 765 schools run by the State government, 7 central government schools and 385 private schools . Twelve colleges and other institutions in Sikkim offer higher education. The largest institution is the Sikkim Manipal University of Technological Sciences, which offers higher education in engineering, medicine and management. It also runs a host of distance education programs in diverse fields. There are two state-run polytechnical schools, Advanced Technical Training Centre (ATTC) and Centre for Computers and Communication Technology (CCCT) in Sikkim which offer diploma courses in various branches of engineering. Common sports in Sikkim are Football and cricket. Hang gliding and river rafting have also been introduced in order to promote tourism. Western rock music and Hindi songs have gained wide acceptance among the Sikkimese. Indigenous Nepali rock and Lepcha music are also popular. The Sikkimese Nepalese celebrate all major Hindu festivals such as Diwali and Dussera. Local festivals like Maghe Sankranti and Bhimsen Puja are common. Losar, Loosong, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu are Buddhist festivals. During the Losar (Tibetan New Year) most offices and educational institutions are closed for a week. Muslims celebrate Id-ul-fitr and Muharram. Christmas has also been promoted in Gangtok to attract tourists during the off- season. The Sikkimese culture finds expression in it's beautiful art and craft. Knotted woollen carpets with the dominating dragon emblem, and eight auspicious signs; wood carvings, Lepcha handlooms in traditional designs and rich colours for clothes, bags, linen and accessories; leather jackets and handbags, articles of homemade paper, Thanka (religious scroll paintings) and Sikkimese Dragon Jewellery make a fascinating collection of handicrafts, inspired by an age old culture.The Gumpa being performed in Lachung during the Buddhist festival of Losar. Fog is a common feature in the entire state from May to September.
Biting cold is experienced at higher altitudes of 10,000
ft plus. The temperature rarely rises above 15 degree centigrade and heavy snowfall occurs during the winter months. Some also receive snowfall during April or mid-November.
1. Cold Weather Season: December February
2. Spring Season: March May 3. South-West Monsoon: June September 4. Period of retreating Monsoon: October November With around 600,000 permanent residents, Sikkim is the least populous state in India and the second-smallest state after Goa in total area. Kangchenjunga, the world's third- highest peak, is located on Sikkim's border with Nepal. Sikkim is a popular tourist destination, owing to its culture, scenery and biodiversity. It also has the only open border between India and China. West Sikkim (Pelling-Yuksom):- Pelling, a small hamlet in western sikkim, offers fabulous views of Kanchendzonga, lovely walking trails, buddhist monasteries all within walking distance of each other. Things to see and do:- Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Sanga-Choling, Yuksom, Khecheopalri Lake, Tashing Monastery, and Treks. When to go :- March through May, September to November. North Sikkim:-North Sikkim, consisting of northern and central parts of Sikkim, is the very quintessence of natural beauty in Sikkim. Numerous passes, valleys, waterfalls, springs, and a variety of flowering plants all add to the beauty of the region. Things to see and do :- Chungthang, Lachung & Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Lachen & Gurudongmar Lake. When to go :- March through May, September to November. Gangtok :- Gangtok ,capital of Sikkim, is an ethnic melting pot with a mix of Tibetans, Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalis. Brightly colored buddhist monasteries dot the landscape with inspiring views of the Kanchendzonga in the background. Things to see and do :- The Ridge, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Enchey Gompa, Nathu la Pass and Changu Lake. When to go :- April through May and October (after the monsoons). Khangchendzonga National Park Khangchendzonga natoinal park was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list on July 17, 2016, becoming the first "Mixed Heritage" site of India. Located at the heart of the Himalayan range in northern India (State of Sikkim), the Khangchendzonga National Park includes a unique diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests, including the world’s third highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga. Mythological stories are associated with this mountain and with a great number of natural elements (caves, rivers, lakes, etc.) that are the object of worship by the indigenous people of Sikkim. The sacred meanings of these stories and practices have been integrated with Buddhist beliefs and constitute the basis for Sikkimese identity. Ashish Verma Class :- BTM 1 sem st