Summary

Sikkim is surrounded by Tibet in the North,
Nepal in the West, Bhutan in the East and
Bengal in the South. Sikkim is rich in its
biodiversity.
Sikkim is situated between Nepal and
Bhutan. Population of Sikkim comprises of
three main ethnic groups Lepcha, Bhutia and
the Nepalese. A small Himalayan State,
Sikkim is located between North Latitude and
East Longitude is the 22nd State of India.
Its topography is ruled by the most majestic
mountain chain in the world which includes
Khangchendzonga, world’s third highest
mountain-a guardian deity of the Sikkimese. The
mountains of Sikkim offer great experience to all
trekkers, mountaineers and seekers of adventure.
Sikkim has become one of India's most visited
states, due to its reputation of cleanliness, scenic
beauty.
Sikkim is a popular tourist destination owing to
its culture, scenic beauty and biodiversity. It is
covered by Precambrian rock and is much
younger in age than the hills. More commonly
found in the alpine zone are yaks, mainly reared
for their milk, meat. The flora includes
orchids, figs, laurel, bananas, sal trees & bamboo.


Languages spoken:
Sikkimese, Lepcha, Tibettan, Nepali and Hindi.

Permits required:
Few areas of Sikkim like Gangtok, Rumtek,
Phodang and Zongri in West Sikkim and
Pemayangtse have been excluded from the inner
line and declared as restricted areas.
The Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area
Permit to enter Sikkim. 15-day permit is issued
by Indian Missions abroad. The Tourism Officer
at the border town of Rangpo can issue a 2-day
permit to foreign tourists to enable them to enter
the state and acquire the full 15-day permit.
Sikkim Tourist Information Counter in cities
namely, Gangtok, Bagdogra, Siliguri,
Kolkata, Delhi are authorized to issue permits. It
is advisable for foreigners to travel in tourist
vehicles that carry an ‘All India Permit’.

Indian Nationals:
Indian nationals do not require any permit to enter Sikkim excep for a
few restricted areas.

Planning your trip:
If you plan to visit this place, get lot of
information about budget hotels, and make a list
of essential thing to carry for the trip that
includes clothing, money and medicines.
Remember that, Sikkim is divided into four
regions – east, west, north and south.
Acclimatization is necessary before going on for
trekking.

Clothing:
In the summers, light cotton clothing will do, but
keep a little of warm clothes to meet the
uncertain frosty breeze. In hilly areas, when the
sun appears, it shines brilliantly. Consequently,
try to wear body-covered dresses to avoid tan
and skin problems. Also carry sunglasses, sun
hat and sunscreen along with you. In the winters,
pack heavy woolen pullovers, jackets with warm
trousers and shirts. It would be better to add
woolen caps in the list.
Decent informal clothing is totally acceptable in
the state of Sikkim. The Sikkimese people don't
prefer wearing body revealing clothes and
likewise, the tourists are expected to dress in a
decent style.