Sikkim India

Sikkim is the second smallest state of India in terms of area but is a very popular tourist city for nature lovers. Sikkim is located in the north-east of India and is surrounded by West Bengal, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet. The total population of Sikkim with an area of ​​7000 square kilometers is about 6.5 lakh. Gangtok is the largest city and capital of Sikkim. Sikkim is at the top of the list of tourists as it can be easily and cheaply traveled from Bangladesh.

Consisting of four districts, North Sikkim, East Sikkim, South Sikkim and West Sikkim, Sikkim is full of magnificent mountain springs, deep valleys, medicinal plant forests and rich biodiversity. With alpine pastures, mountains, glaciers and thousands of wild flowers, every part of Sikkim's suburbs like Gangtok and Lachung fascinates tourists. Sangu Lake is another special attraction of East Sikkim.

Sikkim has numerous attractions to visit. But most of the tourist spots are located in Gangtok, Lachung and Peling cities. And Gangtok is the main hub for transportation to all cities in Sikkim.

The capital city of Sikkim is Gangtok originally belonging to East Sikkim. It is now known as a Tibetan Buddhist center and a base camp for trekkers trekking from the Himalayan peaks of Sikkim. Among the various sightseeing places here, Kanchanjungkha and Ase hills can be seen from Tashi View Point. And traditional clothes are also available on rent for taking photos for just Rs.50. The museum of Namgal Institute of Tibetology, which focuses on Tibetan culture, has various Buddhist statues, religious items used by monks, religious rituals, library and research center. The “Hanuman Tak Mandir” dedicated to Hanuman under the control of the Indian Army offers a beautiful view of the mountain valley and Pahar. Again, the adventure will be experienced at Ban Jhakri Falls along with the beautiful waterfall. Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park with various animals, Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Nathu La, Ridge Flower Park, Saramsa Garden, Lhasa Falls ) and can visit places of interest like Gandhi statue. And Gangtok's camping, ropeway, rafting, trekking and hiking opportunities are another special attraction for tourists.

Pelling is a small town in West Sikkim. Visiting the temple on a 50 meter long bridge hanging over the hill at Sky Walk Pelling is a different experience than any other adventure. At the Rimbi Orange Garden next to the Rimbi River, you can see cardamom, orange, nutmeg and orange trees, the entry fee is Rs. 10 per person. Many people come here to see the natural scenery of Kanchanjunga Falls. Again, you can do trekking in historical places like Rabdentse Ruins for 25 rupees. The architectural style of Pemayangtse Monastery, which is about 300 years old in West Sikkim, also attracts tourists.

Located near the Tibetan border in North Sikkim, Lachung village is divided by rivers. It takes about 5 and a half hours to reach this village located at a distance of 110 km from Gangtok. The strangely beautiful surroundings and the clear blue waters of the Teesta river and two wonderful springs on the way to the Yamthang Valley bring peace to the mind. From the Yamthang Valley you will find snow on the mountains far away. It houses the 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery surrounded by apple orchards. Also known as the Switzerland of Sikkim, Katao Middle Point offers a beautiful view of snow-capped mountains. There are also BhimNala Fall, Khanda Water Falls and Snow Point for trekking.

Sangu Lake is also known as “Tsomgo lake” in East Sikkim, 40 km from Gangtok. Located at a height of 3,753 meters above the ground, this glacial lake is one of the tourist spots in Sikkim. The true beauty of this lake cannot be expressed in words or in writing, it can only be felt. Especially the road from Gangtok to Sangu Lake is very beautiful. The weather here is very cold, the higher you go, the colder it gets. The real fun of playing with ice in the snow fruit can never be understood without being here.

A traditional town in West Sikkim with Kanjanjungkha springs, small lakes and Buddhist temples. There is also an opportunity for hiking here.

Yamthang Valley is also commonly known as Valley of Flowers. From late February to mid-June, the entire valley is covered in colorful flowers.

Besides Lachen Monastery, Ravangla Buddhist Park, Ralang Monastery, Sunrise View Point, Namchi Hilltop Monastery, Char Dham Temple, Khanchendzonga National Park, at an altitude of 8,000-12,000 feet. Located in Singalila National Park, Arita Lake and Rishi Khola Falls are tourist attractions.

The best time to visit Sikkim is from the end of February to May and from the end of September to November. Road closures are likely in winter. Besides, North Sikkim experiences landslides throughout the year, and many places in Sikkim cannot be visited during the monsoons. South and West Sikkim and Gangtok can be visited throughout the year.

To go to Sikkim first you have to go from Dhaka to Banglabandha in Panchagarh by bus. Hanif bus from Dhaka goes directly to Banglabandha. After completing the immigration of Bangladesh in Banglabandha, after completing the immigration of the Indian border, you have to go to Fulbari bus stand by auto. From Phulbari you have to spend Rs. 10 by bus to reach Siliguri. After reaching Siliguri, check the map and go to SNT (Sikkim Nationalized Transport) office to get permission to travel to Sikkim. In case of permission, it is better to take at least 10 days of permission. The distance from Siliguri to Sikkim's capital city Gangtok is 114 km. It takes about 6 hours to go from Siliguri to Gangtok by road. Renting a shared car from the Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) bus terminal or NJP station in Siliguri will cost 350 to 400 rupees per person. Bus fare will be Tk 120 per person.

When hiring a car to Sikkim try to hire a Sikkim registered car. Vehicles with West Bengal or other state registration will be dropped at Deorali, 2 km below Gangtok city centre. Then you have to rent a car again.

Day 1: Dhaka to Banglabandha by night bus. After immigration, proceed to Siliguri. From Shuliguri to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Arranging car for site seeing next day with hotel booking. It takes Rs 2500 to 3000 to reserve a full car for Gangtok sight seeing. The rental amount varies depending on the season. Day 2: Leave for Gangtok site seeing at 8 am. One can visit 7 to 11 places including Hanuman Talk, few Monasteries, Ropeway, Museum, Tasi View Point, Banjhakari Waterfall etc. Come back and take the package to tour North Sikkim. North Sikkim 2 days 1 night tour route will be Gangtok-Lachung-Yumthang Valley-Gangtok. Day 3: Leave for Lachung, 122 km from Gangtok by 7 am. Day 4: Morning return to Gangtok from Lachung via Yantham Valley Day 5: Sammu/Sangu Lake tour and return to Gangtok. Day 6: Morning Gangtok to Dhaka via Siliguri and Banglabandha.

The fare from Dhaka to Banglabandha by Hanif bus is Tk 700 per person. And going to Sikkim including immigration and taxi fare will cost 1800-2000 rupees per person. Again, Lachung and Yamthang Valley tours through various North Sikkim packages will cost Rs 11,000-14,000. However, Sikkim is a restricted trade area, so you have to travel here through a travel agency and if you take a North Sikkim package, it will be convenient to travel as well. If you take the package through a travel agency instead of taking the package from the hotel, the cost will be less. A stay of 6 days and 7 nights in Sikkim will cost around 16,000-20,000 rupees per person for food, travel and sightseeing. However, if you travel in a group of 6/7 people to Sikkim and share a hotel room, the cost will be much less.

Sikkim has numerous hotels, motels and homestays to stay in Gangtok, Peling, Lachung and MG Marg. According to the hotel, the rent for two beds will be 1500 to 5000 taka. However, the hotel rent doubles during the tourist season. If you do a little research, you will get a room for two people between 500 and 1000 taka. Information about some hotels in Gangtok –

Hotel Priyadarshini: In this hotel, the rent of a double bed room is 1600-2000 taka, the rent of a 4 bed room is 2400 taka and the rent of a 6 bed room is 3500 taka. Phone: 9836556139, 9433067673. Hotel Willis: Double bed room rent in Hotel Willis is Tk 2000-3500. Phone 81700-67952, 75570-86652. Swang Hotel: A double bed room will cost Rs 1800-2500. Phone 8250893315. New Hotel Sikkim: Double bed room rent in this hotel is Tk 1500-2500. Phone 9051166693

Sikkim is called Land of organic everything here is very clean and fresh, so you can be sure that you can eat good and fresh food when you visit Sikkim. At MG Market, Lal Bazar Road in Gangtok, you can enjoy delicious street food at affordable prices. And at restaurants like Nimth, Mama's Kitchen, Crumbs n Whips, Cafe Royale, Gupta Restaurant, Local Cafe and Kabur, you can try dishes like Thukpa, Mom, Gundruk Soup, Sha Faley, Tibetan Bread and Lachi.

One can find several local shops to shop for gift items in Gangtok. And you can buy various winter clothes, handicrafts, gift items and souvenirs from various shops in Sikkim.