|
A paradise of natural beauty
Sikkim lies nestled - and almost hidden - between Nepal,
Bhutan, Tibet and Darjeeling in the Eastern Himalayas.
This small but beautiful land is dominated by Mount
Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
Religion forms an integral part of the daily lives of
the Sikkimese, and Kanchenjunga is revered as their
protective deity. With 200 Buddhist monasteries dotted
across the tiny land, the influence of Buddhism is
everywhere.
Even in the remotest hamlet, the fluttering of prayer
flags are a constant reminder of the teachings of Lord
Buddha. Until 1975, Sikkim was an independent kingdom
ruled by Chogyals (kings). The history of Sikkim's
Chogyals dates back to the sixteenth century, when the
first Chogyal was consecrated by three holy men at
Yoksom, in West Sikkim. In 1975, following a popular
movement to abolish the monarchy, Sikkim became the 22nd
state of the Indian Union. Long a restricted area,
Sikkim now welcomes a few visitors from around the world
to share its rich heritage and natural bounty.
Blessed with a cool and bracing climate, and a panoramic
view of the Himalayas, the world renowned hill resort of
Darjeeling is a welcome respite during the hot summer
months.
Situated at 2134m above sea level, Darjeeling was
acquired by the British from the Raja of Sikkim as a
gift around a hundred and fifty years ago, and developed
it as a rest and recreational center for their troops.
Today the town retains many of the legacies of the
British Government.
Darjeeling's population of about 100,000 is made up of
people of many races and religions. Gorkhas, Bhutias,
Lepchas, Sherpas. Yolmos and migrants from the plains
have all made Darjeeling their home, and everyone lives
in perfect harmony; at the shrine at Observatory Hill,
you'll find Hindus and Buddhists offering prayers
alongside each other. The official language is Gorkhali
(Nepali), but Hindi and Bengali are also spoken, and
almost everyone understands and speaks a bit of English.
|
Tour name
|
Days
|
Special interest
|
Places to visit
|
|
Yoksun - Dzongri & the Guichala
|
14 |
Trekking |
Yoksun, Dzongri, Guichala, Darjeeling
|
|
Singalila Trek
|
9
|
Trekking |
Darjeeling
|
|
Kanchanjungha Wilderness trek
|
15
|
Trekking
|
Darjeeling / Sikkim
|
|
Kanchanjungha panorama
|
6
|
Nature and Culture
|
Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kalingpong
|
|
Sikkim nature & Culture tour
|
12
|
Nature and Culture
|
Gangtok, Kalingpong and West Sikkim
|
|
Sublime Sikkim tour
|
7
|
Village culture, monasteries and nature
|
Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kalingpong
|
|
