Sikkim सिक्किम

Kabru Mountain Range, Sikkim


Sikkim सिक्किम) is a small landlocked state in northeastern India. It covers just 7,096 sq km (2,739.8 sq mi) and has a population of around 607,000 (2011 estimate). Sikkim is bordered by China to the north, Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east and the Indian state of West Bengal to the south. The capital and largest city in Bhutan is Gangtok.

Khecheolpalri Village, Sikkim


Sikkim has a diverse geography that ranges from humid subtropical rainforest to high alpine forest. It is also home to the third tallest peak in the world, Kangchenjunga, which is at the border with Nepal.

Sikkim was an independent country until 1975, when it merged to become a state in India. Its history goes back to the 9th century, when it was mentioned in the sacred manuscript of Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche, who is credited with introducing the religion to Sikkim.

The Royal Family of Sikkim originates, according to legend, from Khye Bumsa, a prince from eastern Tibet who traveled south upon receiving divine revelation. The fifth generation of Khye Bumsa's descendant, Phuntsog Namgyal, became the first king of Sikkim in 1642.

Gangtok, Sikkim


The kingdom of Sikkim faced constant threat from Nepal. When the British arrived, it allied itself to the British. In 1814, an attack by the Nepalese on Sikkim resulted in the Gurkha War, which led to the signing of a treaty between Sikkim and Nepal for the return of territories annexed by the latter. Meanwhile relationship with the British was strained by the British imposed tax on the Morang region. When two British physicians were detained by Sikkim authorities in 1849, the British retaliated. This led to the annexation of Darjeeling and Morang into India.

Sikkim became a British protectorate in 1890. A referendum in 1947 reject joining India. Nonetheless it came under Indian suzerainty, with India taking charge of its external affairs, defence, diplomacy and communications, but otherwise allowing Sikkim a high degree of autonomy. In 1973 rioting erupted in Gangtok, forcing the government to seek help from India. In 1975, the prime minister of Sikkim sought statehood within India. A new referendum saw 97.5% voting to join India. This was accomplished a few weeks later, on 16 May, 1975, with Sikkim becoming the 22nd state and also the 2nd smallest state in India.

Enchery Gompa Monastery, Gangtok, Sikkim

How to go to Sikkim

Sikkim is a restricted area, so foreign tourists need a Restricted Area Permit. If you are going there through a local travel agency, the agency should be able to iron that out for you. In any case, the permits are available at the immigration office of major airports.

The nearest airport to Sikkim is the one at Bagdogra, in West Bengal, served by Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Kingfisher, SpiceJet, among others. It's still a four hour journey from there to Gangtok. There is a government-operated taxi/minivan stand at the airport. The charter of a taxi from the airport to Gangtok will cost you Rs 1,100 while the minivan is Rs 1,500, so try to get other travelers to share the fare with you.

View of Kangchenjunga from Goecha La pass

Main Cities in Sikkim

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