Welcome to Sikkim, a hidden gem in the northeastern part of India. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Sikkim is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a culture lover, Sikkim has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready to exploring best things to do in Sikkim.
Religions
Although Buddhism appears to be the predominant religion in Sikkim, the real side of religion in the state is Hinduism. Buddhism is followed by mostly the Tibetans and Bhutias. Hinduism is followed by the Nepalese. Other religions too flourish because of the tolerant mindset of the Sikkimese like Christianity, Sikhism and Muslim.
Languages Spoken
The official languages of Sikkim are English, Bhutia, Nepali, Lepcha, and Limbu and Hindi. It must be noted though that almost all written transactions are in English.
People / Population
People of Sikkim are very friendly, warm, peaceful, simple and jovial. They mix up with each other very quickly. Sikkim’s population is divided into three ethnic groups – Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese each having their distinctive identity. Lepchas are said to be the original inhabitants and they call themselves Rongtub or Mutanchi or the dearest people of mother earth. The majority of the Lepcha population are settled in Dzongu, Penang and Dekchu valleys of northern Sikkim or in Darjeeling, Kalimpong area. Bhutias originally came from Kham area in eastern Tibet and the current Bhutan population are descendants of early settlers who followed Prince Khye-Bumsa of Kham. Nepalese, the third ethnic group forms the majority of Sikkim’s population. They are sub-divided into various castes and tribes such as Bawan's (Brahmans), Chhetries, Gurungs, Tamangs, Rais, Limbus, Magars, Damaris, Kamis, etc. The majority of the Nepalese population practice Hinduism while Buddhism also followed by certain groups.
Activities & Adventure
Sikkim is the perfect place for tourists in search of tranquility, fun or adventure. It is a place where people can have full enjoyment and excitement. Sikkim is a paradise for adventure seekers. Many types of adventure sports are offered on this small and beautiful land of Sikkim. Some of these sports include river rafting, yak safari, trekking, mountaineering, mountain biking and hang gliding.
Major Festivals
The people of Sikkim are firm believers of God and religion. The people who have lived in Sikkim for a considerable amount of time can clearly tell that life in Sikkim is in itself a festival. Life in Sikkim is an ongoing festival. The people of Sikkim are lovers of fun and they do not miss a single chance of amusement. In Sikkim, everything that people do is governed by the customs of the religion. The major festivals of Sikkim are:
Saga Dawa
Rumtek Chams
Drukpa Tseshi
Pang Lhabsol
Losoong
Enchey Chaam
Dasain - Dipavali
Wildlife
Kanchendzonga National Park - The Park covers an area of around 1400 sq.km. It is bound on the north by the Tent Peak and the ridge of Zemu glaciers, on the east by the ridge of Mt. Lamaongden, on the west by Mt. Kanchendzonga and in the south by Mt. Narsing and Mt. Pandim. Wildlife found in this Park is the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda, barking deer, blood pheasant, civet cats, black eagle, etc.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary - Adjoining the Tsomgo Lake and covering an area of 4 sq km, wildlife found in this sanctuary are the red panda, blood pheasant etc.
Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary - Famous for its variety of rhododendrons.
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary - Located above Ravangla town and covering an area of 35 sq km, this sanctuary has its highest point in Maenam at 10,600 ft. Animals and birds found in this sanctuary are the red pandas, leopard cat, civet this 33 hectares wildlife sanctuary is located near Yumthang. Wildlife found in this sanctuary - the blood pheasant, partridge, tiger, civet cats, etc.
Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary - This rhododendron sanctuary has been recently established and lies in the west corner of Sikkim.
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary - With an area of 51.76 sq. km and lying above the road between Singtam and Dikhu, this sanctuary is 25 km from Gangtok. The sanctuary is rich in wild orchids, rhododendrons, etc. and is home to the Himalayan black bear, red panda, civet cat and many varieties of birds and butterflies.
Kanchendzonga National Park - The Park covers an area of around 1400 sq.km. It is bound on the north by the Tent Peak and the ridge of Zemu glaciers, on the east by the ridge of Mt. Lamaongden, on the west by Mt. Kanchendzonga and in the south by Mt. Narsing and Mt. Pandim. Wildlife found in this Park are the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda, barking deer, blood pheasant, civet cats, black eagle etc.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary - Adjoining the Tsomgo Lake and covering an area of 4 sq km, wildlife found in this sanctuary are the red panda, blood pheasant etc.
Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary - Famous for its variety of rhododendrons.
Meanam Wildlife Sanctuary - Located above Ravangla town and covering an area of 35 sq km, this sanctuary has its highest point in Meanam at 10,600 ft. Animals and birds found in this sanctuary are the red panda, leopard cat, civet this 33 hectares wildlife sanctuary is located near Yumthang. Wildlife found in this sanctuary - the blood pheasant, partridge, tiger, civet cats etc.
Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary - This rhododendron sanctuary has been recently established and lies in the west corner of Sikkim.
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary - With an area of 51.76 sq. km and lying above the road between Singtam and Dikhu, this sanctuary is 25 km from Gangtok. The sanctuary is rich in wild orchids, rhododendrons, etc. and is home to the Himalayan black bear, red panda, civet cat and many varieties of birds and butterflies.
Flora and Fauna
Sikkim is endowed with a rich species of flowering plants, including 600 species of orchids. There are magnificent magnolias in the temperate regions and over 40 varieties of rhododendrons in the higher regions. The red panda, the Himalayan black bear, several species of deer, leopard cat, flying squirrels, the blue sheep, the Tibetan wild ass, the bearded vulture and around 600 species of butterflies are found in Sikkim.
Sikkim is a land of unparalleled beauty, rich culture, and thrilling adventures. From exploring vibrant towns and serene monasteries to embarking on thrilling treks and savoring delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone in this enchanting destination. So, plan your trip to Sikkim for offbeat things to do and create memories that will last a lifetime.
