Sikkim

Sikkim

SIKKIM

AREA: 7,096 SQ. KM
POPULATION: 540,493
CAPITAL: GANGTOK
PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES: LEPCHA, BHUTIA, LIMBU AND NEPALI

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

A region and former kingdom of northeast India in the eastern Himalaya Mountains between Nepal and Bhutan. Long isolated from the outside world, Sikkim was settled by Tibetans in the 16th century and became a British protectorate in 1890. Sikkim passed to India in 1949 and became a state of that country in 1975.

Sikkim’s people are predominantly of Nepalese extraction; the minority Bhotias (Tibetan in origin) and aboriginal Lepchas are mainly pastoral nomads. Although the Nepalese practice Hinduism, Buddhism was professed by the former chogyal (“king under the religious laws”) and the official class, and Sikkim is noted for its Buddhist monasteries. Tibeto-Burmese languages and dialects are spoken widely.

In the 16th centuary Tibetans began to settle Sikkim, whose native Lepchas were probably converted to Buddhism by Tibetan lamas. In 1642 a Tibetan king started a hereditary line of Sikkimese rulers that lasted until 1975. Gurkhas from Nepal invaded Sikkim several times in the 18th and 19th cent., but the British, expanding their presence in India, forced the Gurkhas out of Sikkim (1814–16). Later (1835, 1849) the Sikkimese had to cede territory to the British, who assumed a protectorate. China, nominal suzerain of the area, finally recognized the protectorate in 1890, after a British victory over Tibet, but continued to maintain a claim over the area and later did not acknowledge that Sikkim was an Indian state until 2005.

British protection ended when India won independence in 1947, but political and social unrest in newly independent Sikkim led to a treaty (1950) by which the kingdom became an Indian protectorate. India directed defense and foreign relations and communications, while Sikkim retained internal autonomy. India financed construction of strategic roads traversing the mountain passes, thus ending Sikkim’s long isolation from the outside world. Sikkim’s administration was turned over to India in 1974, and in 1975 India ended Sikkim’s last vestiges of independence, deposing the kingdom’s chogyal. Sikkim became India’s 22d state. It is governed by a chief minister and cabinet responsible to a unicameral legislature and by a governor appointed by the president of India.

PLACES TO SEE

GANGTOK: The capital of Sikkim with a population of approximately 50,000 has emerged into the mainstream of the Tourism Industry, with more and more tourist visiting this little Himalayan state every year. Gangtok has developed into a cosmopolitan flavour where old-world charm and hospitality exist along with the Internet Age. With different cultures and religion existing in perfect harmony, Gangtok has shown that “Unity in Diversity” exists in Sikkim. Sikkimese have strong bonding with their age-old traditions and customs. However, a quick survey of Gangtok shows that the bubble of modernization has burst with a bang in the town. The capital is definitely not behind the rest of the world in terms of urbanization – Broad roads, flyovers, posh markets, state-of-art hospital, educational institutes, fast food outlets, discothèques, and all other modern amenities that the heart can desire for. One imposing manmade landmark of the town is the 200 ft-high TV tower which overlooks the town and is situated near the Enchey Monastry below Ganesh Tok. A stroll along the Mahatma Gandhi Marg is shopper’s delight- Hotels, restaurants, curios, footwear and almost everything is available. Be here to experience the magic.

KALIMPONG: Like the other hill towns, Kalimpong bears a name of historic significance. Once the headquarters of a Bhutanese Governor, the word ‘Kalim’ means King’s Minister and ‘ pong’ – the stronghold hence the stronghold of the King’s minister. It is also called ‘kalibong’ or the spur by the hill people. ‘Kalimpong’ in local dialect stands for ‘Kaulim’ which is a fibrous plant which grows in abundance in this region. The meaning that has found the most favour, however, is the Lepcha meaning of the name-’ridge where we play’. It is said that these local tribesmen used to organize field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuits – hence the name. This ‘ playground on the ridge’ has for long been in the shadows of its better known big brother – Darjeeling. Kalimpong enjoys the best climate in the region. Weekly markets on Wednesday and Saturdays afford some interesting sights and you can haggle for hours with smiling shopkeepers. Durpindara commands an impressive view of the snows. The dense forests of golden oak trees offset by the rich undergrowth of moss and lichen provide an ideal setting for balmy walks on the thick cushions of russet-brown leaves. One comes to Kalimpong to slow down and be pampered by nature’s bounties. The vast Rolling Meadows covered with a riot of wild flowers, the sparkling brooks and rivulets meandering lazily by the terraced fields are a feast for one’s eyes. Kalimpong is a blaze of colours throughout the year owing to the richness of its stunning flora. The orchids of this region in particular are famous for their infinite variety as well as their delicate tints. Monasteries of Kalimpong date back to 1836 and tell a rich story not only of history but also of local art and culture. You can visit among others, the Pedong, the Thongsa, the Thurpa Choeling monasteries. There as you mingle with boy monks and gyalong blowing lamas, you will want to forget the rest of the world, for you have made a tryst with eternity.

PELLING: Pelling is about 133 km away from Siliguri and 125 km from Gangtok and well connected by bus and jeep services. Placid Pelling pulls most of the visitors for its representative status in history, nature and culture of the state. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, including the Koktang, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Kabru, Dom, Khangchendzonga, Pandim, Zopuno, Shimbho, Narsing, Siniyalchu and others.Pelling itself consists of little more than a road junction, Helicopter pad and numerous hotels, creating the so-called “Bengali Boulevard”, a strip of highly unimaginative identikit concrete blocks. Luckily, from most angles this development is hidden by the forested slopes and Pelling offers numerous attractive walks and hotel terraces from where one can gaze in awe at the world’s third highest peak.Pelling gives a spectacular views of the Mount Khangchendzonga, the Guardian Deity of Sikkim and the worlds third highest mountain along with other sister mountains bowing before the Godly figure in reverence. Pelling is an ideal getaway for tourists as its vicinity has numerous waterfalls, soft trek routes, villages and soothing atmosphere for all discerning.

LACHUNG: Lachung is a very small town with scattered settlements, dominated mostly by Bhutias. There is also an army cantonment for the border protection. You can visit monastery, handicraft centre, go around for village. If you are interested then you can do trout fishing. A Bhutia village has a unique local self-governing body called the Zumsa which substitutes the Panchayat. It is located about 25 kms from Yumthang Valley. To get a glimpse of Lachung Monastery you have to come to the opposite slope of the highway.

YUMTHANG VALLEY: At 24 kms from Lachung lies Yumthang, the rightfully called the Valley of Flowers as in Flowering season there blossoms vivid colours of variety of Rhododendrons, chimals and blue poppies. Yumthang is located on a flat valley and is near the tree line, the surrounding mountain seems to kiss the heavens. The journey from Lachung to Yumthang has a very picturesque landscape and is lined with Rhododendrons & 108 other types of Orchids which bloom in different colours from April to May. “Come as a visitor for a life-time experience.” April and May promises colourful flowers, where as November end to March usually sees snows. Simple village folks spread scarcely admit the virgin landscape is a food forever. Another peculiar feature of the valley is that, the valley totally covered with snow during the winter. Hence, while you see the flower bed in summer, you see snow bed in the winter. A natural hot spring is another attraction of the tourist who are said to have had relief of their skin ailment after having bath there. The visit is on the passing of Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.Yumthang valley is a mesmerizing scene with yaks grazing on flower – carpeted meadows against a backdrop of towering peaks. It has breathtaking views where one can become a part of a timeless scene without any kind of intrusion. Hot springs, crystal clear streams, water falls, soaring mountains and natures bounty, you name it, you will find it here.

PEMAYANGTSE: Pemayangtse Monastery, the sublime lotus is the premier monastery in Sikkim. It is the oldest monastery here and houses priceless thankas, icons, Buddhist texts, paintings and frescos. Built on the 18th century AD, this monastery follows the Nyingmapa sect of the Tibetan Buddhism. On the top floor of the temple, there lies the Architectural Design of Heaven called the Zangdoplari. It’s a masterpiece art crafted single handedly out of wood by the late Dungzim Rimponche and photography is prohibited. The wall of this area is hundreds of years old and are original and on vegetable paintings. Although Dubdi monastery in west Sikkim is considered the oldest monastery having been built in 1705, it is the Pemayangtse monastery (about 118 kms from Gangtok) in west Sikkim which is held in highest regard. The Pemayangtse Monastery draws religious sustenance from the Mindoling Monastery in Central Tibet. About a century ago, batches of monks from Pemayangtse were sent to Mindoling for instructions in strict discipline and rites. The practice is, of course, now discontinued.