Walking Tours - An Amazing way to experience Indian Culture

Once arranging the cultural tour to India was restricted to arranging of a comfortable hotel for accommodation, designing the route ensuring the most comfortable means of transportation with the lowest possible traveling time between the two cities and visit to few of the renowned monuments depicting the historical moments of the country. It was more of a relaxation holiday at a foreign locale on the premise of exploring the local culture. But did it really introduced you to the local cultures and beliefs or helped you understand the ways of life, of the people of the destination you are visiting??. Does it fulfill the role of tourism as a greater binding force by developing better understanding of each others culture??. Probably not.

With the advent of modern communication means, the life of human being has become more active, they are performing more activities per day than they used to do earlier, they are better informed, better and more widely connected, sometimes across world boundaries (through facebook or linkedin etc), still they are far from each other, bereft of understandings of others thinking, personality and cultural ethos. To fill this gap, new age travel agents are developing ways to give you a more closer look and a better understanding of the cultures you are visiting, to enable you to make a personal bond and discover the facets your culture might be lacking. It not only gives you better understanding of human life but also help make you a better person.

One of the most popular new age travel phenomenon developed to achieve this is the walking tour of the cities historical areas, which have resident people representing different eras and beliefs. A walking tour , by slowing down your travel through a particular area, not only gives you enough time to observe the day to day life from very close quarters but also gives you chance to interact with the local people. Walking through a street of residences or through an old market where resident come for their daily purchases, not only helps you come across the daily struggle a normal resident have to go through, but also helps you share briefly, their moments of joy, despair and sorrow. The walking tours give you a chance to relive some of the moments as experienced by the local people. A great local guide discussing his life experiences with you while you walk through the places where he or one of his friends/ relative has spent his childhood, will not only take you to nostalgia but will also help you to bring closer to yourself, letting you appreciate what you have and desire to have what you missed.

A lot of new age travel agents in Delhi, the historical city and capital of Modern India, have devised walking tours of Delhi introducing you, not only to its rich historical past, but also to its sound, smell and tastes. Being an amalgamation of Seven different cities of different Era, the modern day Delhi is a multifaceted city, where Old meets New, Where the people wearing ultra modern western clothes still have their traditional cultural ethos ingrained in them, where you have swanky new age malls sharing the space with the heritage era structures, where modern day transport means co exist with the traditional transport means. It gives you numerous area spread across different parts of the city, to explore, unraveling different aspects of the city’s life and history. A lot many tour operators have mastered the art of providing the walking tours across the city providing you a near authentic experience of cities culture, some of them who arrange Walking tours of Delhi – an amazing way to experience Indian culture :

www.masterjikeehaveli.com : Organized by Mr Dhruv Gupta, who is the resident of this heritage haveli in Old Delhi area, it only takes you to the bylanes of erstwhile Shahjahanabad and today’s walled city and experience the life from close quarters, but you also get a chance to visit his home, where you will have a sumptuous meal for your Lunch Or Dinner. Here you even can have a cooking lesson in Indian Cooking given by his wife. 

www.delhimagic.com : Organized by Ms Deepa Krishnan, who has specialized in organizing walking tour across India including in Mumbai, Agra, Kolkata etc, through the team of highly professional travel enthusiasts.

www.delhiheritagewalks.com : Found by Late Mr Rajesh Ranjan, Delhi heritage walks employs professionals with diverse educational background but all with he passion towards discovering and preserving the rich historical lineage of Delhi. The walks are organized at different parts of Delhi, focusing on different Era’s. Apart from scheduled walks, individual walks are also organized by them.

INTACH (The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) is a national body started in 1984, now having about 150 chapters across India. It not only prepares the comprehensive list of built heritage of Delhi and other parts of India, it plays an important part in making people aware of the rich cultural heritage through public meetings and events. Conducting heritage walks through the areas rich in heritage monuments is also part of the same efforts. It conducts scheduled walks on certain days, where people can join after paying certain fee. You will be accompanied by a historian during these walks to give you detailed information about the rich history of the monuments and city.

It co-ordinates with the local government towards preservation of the heritage monuments

SALAAM BALAK TRUST: Salaam Balak Trust is an NGO engaged in uplifting of unprivileged and less fortunate children. In this endeavor, they have picked up some children from the street and have trained them to be guide. These Children now double up as guides to take tourists to walk through the bye lanes of Paharganj and the area around New Delhi railway station, where they had spent their childhood. They will give you the insight on the daily life of these underprivileged children and their families and you will also get to learn the cultural ethos of real India.

Neora Valley National Park

Neora Valley National Park

One of the richest biodiversity Parks in North East India, Neora Valley National park is spread over an area of 88 sq kms of Kalimpong , Sub Division of Darjeeling district. Neora Valley national park derives it biodiversity from the variation of altitude it encompasses under its ambit. With its altitude varying from 600 feet to 10600 ft ( at Rechela Danda, Neora Valley National Park) displays temperate tropical vegetation to sub alpine vegetation. Established in 1986, Neora Valley National Park is the least exploited National Parks of India. Its rugged hilly train and still unexplored and unreachable dense Jungle makes it an exciting place for the nature lovers. In some parts of the park, the vegetation is so thick that the sunlight fails to penetrate and reach to the ground. Bounded by natural forests, dense bamboo groves, colorful canopy of rhododendron trees, lush green valley, meandering rivers and streams with snow capped mountains in the backdrop, it is just perfect for trekking enthusiasts.

Neora Valley National Park is rich in vegetation with various species of trees and plants growing here. Neora Valley National park is particularly rich in trees of rhododendron, bamboo, oak, ferns and sal. The National Park is famous for its variety of wild orchids, with its splendid colors and invigorating patterns, the orchids growing here are unique. The deep unexplored forest of Neora Valley National Park might be holding numerous exotic varieties of Orchids still unknown to man.

Known as home to Red Panda, Neora Valley national park is rich in its fauna. Apart from the highly endangered species of Red Panda found here, it is also home to endangered species of clouded leopard and Musk deer. Neora Valley national park is also home to  Indian Gaur, Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard Common Leopard, Lesser Cats, Himalayan Thar, Serrow, Gural, Deer and Squirrels. The recent discovery of Royal Bengal Tiger from here had brought the National Park in high sensitive Zone at the same time increasing its diversity. According to 2002 tiger census, Neora Valley National Park has 19 big cats.

Neora National Park is paradise for the bird watchers too offering varieties of rare birds to be watched. You can find here spectacular variety of pheasants, cuckoos, minivets, flycatchers, maynas, orioles, owls, parakeets, Partridges, Sunbirds, Swallows, Swifts and Woodpeckers. Neora National Park is equally famous for the plethora of butterflies found here. Kaiser-e- Hind and Krishna Peacock are amongst the most attractive butterflies. A mammoth variety of insects including bugs, beetles, spiders and ants are also found here.King cobra, common cobra krait, green pit viper, blind snake and lizards are also found in Neora Valley National Park

           

Neora National Park can be entered from Lava, 30kms from Kalimpong and also from Samsing, 80kms from Siliguri. It offers numerous trekking routes for the trekking enthusiasts, the most popular being a six day trek through the forests comprising Samsing - Bhote Ghar - Thusum - Rechela - Alubari - Lava offering you an unforgettable thrilling experience

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Sikkim

Sikkim is a treasure house for nature lovers, a paradise for trekkers. Its bio diverse wildlife not only gives you  a chance to see the flora and fauna of different weather conditions, but also brings you closer to the nature while giving you ample opportunity to explore it in close quarters through trekking.

The major sanctuaries apart from KanchendzongaNational Park , preserving the nature of the hill state of Sikkim are as below:

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary:

Spread over an area of 43 sq kms, located on the periphery of the picturesque valley of Yumthang Chu, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is one of the best places to see various species of Rhododendrons. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is spread in Northern Sikkim, with its southern boundary being demarcated by Yakchey La while in the North is it is surrounded by the picturesque Yumthang Valley. In the east, it is surrounded by the high rugged Chuba-Sagochen mountain ranges and in the west part of Chomzomei Tso extending up to Lava pass defines its boundaries. The picturesque Yumthang Chu (river) flows through the wide valley offering a breathtaking landscape. The sanctuaries altitude varies from 3048m and 4575m

Lachung is the last frontier offering accommodation to the visitors before reaching Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and Lachung is used as the base for exploring this sanctuary. Shingba is famous for the profusion of the Rhododendron flowers, so much so that about 40 species of the flower is found here. Rhododendron nevium the State Tree occurs only in this sanctuary. Apart from Rhododendrons, the sanctuary also boasts of primulas, potentillas, gentians, saxifrages, poppies, aconites larch, juniper, maple along with rambling lichens. You can also see silver fir and well-groomed thick mat of moss shielding the soil.

Shingba Sanctuary is also famous for a large faunal variation, specially for the presence of The beautiful and highly endangered Spotted Linsang or Tiger-Civet . Other animals found here include The Serow, Goral, Blood Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge etc. Brown Trout, an exotic fish species, was introduced in Yumthang Chu in 1978 and have been flourishing since then.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary can be reached from Lachung. The best time to visit is from April to May and from September to November, when the temperature and weather is most favorable. However the best time to visit is April May, as it is the time, when the Rhododendrons are in full bloom converting the valley of Yumthang into valley of flowers.

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 104 sq kms of Soreng and Gyalshing District in west Sikkim, Barsey or Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary was established in 1988. It is an important corridor between the Kanchendzonga National Park in north and Singhalia National Park in West Bengal to the east. It is a mix mountain kind of flora with its altitude ranging from a bit above 2200 mts to above 4000 mts. The site contains five forest types: subtropical moist deciduous forest (2,200–2,400 m), wet temperate forest (2,400–2,700 m), moist temperate forest (2,700–3,250 m), sub-alpine forest (3,250–4000 m), and alpine meadows (>4,000 m).

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary can be reached from Geyzing via Hilley, Dentam or Soreng. It is a beautiful 04 kms trek from Hilley. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is famous for presence of wide variety of Rhododendrons. Almost 600 types of Rhododendron are found here out of the total 1000 types found in Sikkim. Some of the species of Rhododendron that can be easily seen in the sanctuary are arboreum, cinnabarinum, falconeri, barbatum, campanulatum hodgsoni, Acer caudatum, Betula utilis, Pieris ovalifolia, Prunus rufa, Pyrus foliolosa and P. macrophylla

Apart from the above type of Rhododendrons, the other flora found here are numerous species of Primula, Magnolia, oaks and pine. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is also famous for its fauna including the Red Panda and Black Bear. Other fauna species found here includes Leopard, Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat, Himalayan Yellow Throated Marten, Himalayan Palm Civet, Cannidae Wild dog, Indian Fox, Jackal, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar, Red Panda, Barking Deer, Serow, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan Langur, Crimson Horned Pheasant, Monal Pheasant and Kaleej Pheasant, Crestless Porcupine, Rufous Tailed Hare, Chinese Pangolin, Flying Squirrel, Giant Squirrel and Himalayan Mouse Hare.

 The best time to visit is from April to May and from September to November, when the temperature and weather is most favorable. However the best time to visit is April May, as it is the time, when the Rhododendrons are in full bloom. Barsey can be reached from Sillliguri by first traveling to Jorethang ( about 03 hrs drive ) followed by drive to Hilley ( about 2.5 hrs Drive). From Hilley you need to trek to reach Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 31 sq kms, about 36 kms from the Capital of state of Sikkim, Gangtok, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary was established in 1977. With the average altitude varying between between 3292m to 4116m, it lies along the Nathula Road, in the vicinity of famous Changu Lake (Tsomgo Lake). The area extends from “15 mile Police Check Post along the ridges bordering Rongchu and Tsomgo Lake upto Nathula Pass.

This sanctuary can be visited for its blooming alpine flowers including Rhododendrons, Poppies, Primus, ground Orchids, Etc. Other important plants and trees found here includes Tall Junipers, Silver Fir, gentians, Wild strawberries, rare panax, irises etc. You can also discover medicinal plants like Nilo Bikh, Kutki, Jatamasi etc here. Rhododendron Nevium (the state tree of Sikkim) and Cypripedium Tibeticum ( the ground slipper Orchid) , both on the verge of extinctions, have been introduced here.

The sanctuary has and extended season for flowers blooming, with the different flowers blooming at different seasons/time period, and hence extending the beauty of the sanctuary for a longer periods. The best time to visit the Sanctuary is from April to August and in the month of October to November. Starting May, Primulas are the first to pop through the snow, which are followed by Rhododendrons, which are in their full bloom in June and July. Other species of flowers come to bloom subsequently with the last species to bloom being Polygonum, which dries up in October, when the winter sets in. Snow Fall is experienced in December covering the entire area with snow, untill about April.

The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is also rich in its fauna with the various type of high altitude animals seen here including Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer, Blood Pheasant, Leopard, Red Panda, Common Langur, Himalayan Marmot, Yellow Throated Martens Weasel, Lesser Cats and Satyr Tragopan.

The sanctuary is also rich in its bird population with some of the commonly seen bird here are Monal Pheasant, Laughing Thrushes, Satyr, Sow Partridges, Redbilled Choughs, Redstarts, Rose Finches, Tragopan, Kestrel, Firetailed Sunbirds, Forktails etc.

The sanctuary is easily accessible by road from state Capital Gangtok through one and hour ride. Both Buses and taxis are available to travel to Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary.

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary

Located at a distance of 24 kms from the state capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, just above Singtam Dickchu Road, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 51.76 square kilometers and is a trekker’s delight. With its altitude ranging from 1524 mts to 2649 mts, it provides many a spot from where you can have a beautiful view of the Kanchendzonga ranges. The highest peak in the sanctuary is Tinhurey at 2749 mts. There are various watchtowers at Alubari, Tinijurey and Sang Tsokha, from where you can have a good view of the Kanchenjunga Ranges and the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary.

The sanctuary is quite rich in its vegetation of Katus, Oak, Champ, Kimbu, Ferns and Bamboo. Also various types of Rhododendrons, Mosses, Orchids and Lycopodium too can be found here.

Amongst the fauna, the most visible animals available here are Himalayan Black Bear, Civet Cat, Red Panda, Binturong or Bear cat etc. It is also rich in its avi fauna, with the birds to the like of Satyr Tragopan, Hill Patridges, Kalij Pheasant, Collared Scops Owl, Collared Broadbill, Black Eagle, Maroon Oriole, Bulbus, Titmice, Green Pigeon, Brown Wood Owl, Nepal Tree Creeper, Orange Bellied Chloropsis, Yellow Billed Blue Magpie etc can be seen here.

Fambong Lho wildlife sanctuary offers various interesting routes for Trekkers too.

The best time to visit is from April to Late May, when the Rohododendrons are in full bloom. September to Mid December is also good for traveling as the weather is most suitable then. It can be easily accessed through the drive from Gangtok. The famous Rumtek Monastery lies on its southern Periphery.

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary

Located about 65 kms From State Capital Gangtok, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 36.43 square Kilometers of South Sikkim District. Maenam lies in the northern Part of South Sikkim district and is easily accessible by road from Namchi (regular buses and taxis are available from here). Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary has an average altitude of 2300 – 3263 mts and offers you a stunning view of River Teesta flowing through it. Maenam Wildlife sanctuary is 26kms from the beautiful town of Ravangla and is located just over the Tendong hill. It is fed by Teesta River in the east and Ringit River in the West.

Maenam Literally means “treasure house of medicine”. True to its name, the sanctuary is full of plants having medicinal value. Apart from being rich in the Medicinal Plants, it also is home to various rare species of animals including Red Panda, Goral, Serow, Baring Deer, Marbled Cat, Leopard Cat, Civet Cats, Blood Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge, Magpies, Black Eagle, Blue Necked Pitta, Woodcock, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crimson Horned Pheasant, Green Pigeon, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Spotted Dove, Rufous Turtle Dove, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Warbler, Tree Sparrow, Common Rose Flinch, Red Headed Bullfinch, Goldheaded Black Finch etc

Maenam sanctuary is not only famous for its rich flora and fauna, but is an equally popular for the various trekking routes it offer for the trekkers. The two most popular treks are the trek of 12 kms from Ravangla to Maenam, transiting through trails of alpine Forests and striking view of Mt. Kanchendzonga, and the other one from Maenam to Borong Village.

Maenam wildlife sanctuary also offers a chance to visit Maenam Gumpha, a monastery located on the top ridge of the sanctuary and founded by Queen of Sikkim on 1969. Apart from this there is a Shiva Temple located at one of the villages and considered to be sacred along the local population.

Maenam Wildlife sanctuary can be reached from Gangtok via Ravangla and Namchi. Just 65 kms from Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Gangtok inturn connects the sanctuary with rest of India.

Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 128 sq kms, Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 2002 and it the newest sanctuary in Sikkim. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Pangolakha Range , which extends below the Chola Range and demarcates Sikkim with Bhutan. Hathichirey ( the place where Elephants can penetrate) form the tri junction between Bhutan, Sikkim and West Bengal.

The average altitude of the sanctuary varies from 1760 to 4390 mts and offers the typical alpine- temperate – subtropical vegetation, with high altitude lakes at Nathula and Jelepla. The main forest types includes trees of Rhododendron, Silver Fir, Juniper, Oak and dense Bamboo Thickets. The forest is just ideal for the habitat of Red Panda, Sikkim’s State Animal and Bison besides its act as an important corridor for Tiger and Takin. A recent survey of the Red Panda have found almost 300 Red Panda’s combined in Neora and Pangolakha National Parks.

It is more famous for its Avian Fauna with a rich repository of Birds especially near the Jelepla and Nathula. It also forms and extension of the more popular Neora Valley National Park of West Bengal, which in itself is an important bird area.

Recently a proposal has been mooted to covert Pangolakha wildlife Sanctuary into a National Park, to step up the efforts of conservation and at the same time to ensure the continuity of the Neora National Park.

Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary can be reached from Gangtok via Jelepla Pass, a distance of 57 kms and 1.5 hrs drive. Gangtok in turn connects it to the rest of the country.

 

Sikkim - Nature Lovers delight

Sikkim – The land of Rhododendrons is famous for breathtakingly beautiful valleys and some of the religiously most important Buddhist monasteries. Although primarily known for its beautiful valleys, important monasteries, optimum weather of an ideal summer resort and trekking routes, it is equally rich in its biodiversity. The presence of almost 06 sanctuaries and one National Park covering almost 2300 kms of this tiny state, in itself speaks for the rich flora and fauna present here and makes it a nature lover’s delight. Sikkim is rich in its flora, with both temperate and alpine regions, spread over an altitude of 2500 feets to 10500 feets. The biodiversity of the state of Sikkim is being preserved under the following National parks and Sanctuaries:

National Park

1. Khangchendzonga National Park: North, South, West 850 sq. km.

Wildlife Sanctuaries 

1. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, North Sikkim, 43 sq. km. 

2. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary West Sikkim, 104 sq. km. 

3. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary East Sikkim, 31 sq. km. 

4. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim, 51.76 sq. km. 

5. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, South Sikkim, 35.34 sq. km. 

6. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim, 124 sq. km.

Kanchendzonga National Park 

Spread over 850 sq kms of area under Sikkim, Kanchendzonga (also Kanchenjunga) National Park is the largest biosphere reserve and the only National Park in the state of Sikkim. Kanchendzonga National Park covers an area of about 25% of the state of Sikkim and is probably one of the most bio diverse National Park of the world, with its altitude ranging from 1300 mts (approx 4000 fts) to 8550 mts (approx 2800 fts). The park in its ambit have the worlds third highest peak in Mt Kanchendzonga (8550 fts), many glaciers (the biggest being Zemu glacier, which is 26kms long and is one of the biggest in North East Himalayas) and other high altitude park.

Kanchenjunga National Park was established on 26 Aug 1977, and since then the Government have done excellent work in maintaining its bio diversity. Kanchendzonga in local language literally means ‘Abode of Gods consisting of five Treasure Houses'. Buddhist believes that the Kanchendzonga in itself, have hidden many important religious scripture and relics. It is also believed that Kanchendzonga is the guardian diety of Sikkim and guard the area along with the other five peaks which are Narshing, Pandim, Simvo, Kabru and Siniolchu. The most beautiful amongst these peaks are Mt. Pandim, Mt. Narshing and Mt. Siniolchu which lie in the park area.

The variation in its altitude between 4000 fts to 28000 fts has resulted in equally varied flora and fauna. The National Park at one end have temperate broad leaved forests and on the other have coniferous trees receding into barren lands, typical of high altitude mountains, in between you have mixed forests displaying the flora of both the extremes. 

The temperate broad leaved forest is dominated by Oaks, Fir, Birch, Maple, Willow etc. In the Alpine scrub and grass the common scrubs found are Mecohopsis, Primula Rhododendron, etc. besides these there are many medicinal plants and herbs found in higher Himalayan altitudes.

The variation in altitude, temperature and flora also means rich bio diversity in the animals, reptiles and birds found at Kanchenjunga National Park. The most famous of the animals found here is the Snow Leopard. Apart from Snow Leoplard, other animals of importance found here are clouded Leopard, Tibetan Wild Ass, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Civet, Red Panda, Wild Dog, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Goral, Serow and Takin. Kanchendzonga National Park is also home to reptiles like Rat snake and Russell's viper apart from about 550 species of birds, out of which 127 are in endangered list. Some of the rare species found in Kanchenjunga National Park is Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier,Tragopan Pheasant, Green Pigeon, Tibetan Snowcock, Snow Pigeon, Impeyan Pheasant, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Sunbird & Eagle, Baer’s Pochard, Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, and Black-breasted Parrotbill,

Best time to visit Kanchenjunga National Park is from April to May and from September to Novermber, From May to September, it is a period of monsoon and heavy rainfall making it treacherous to travel, while from November to March, the area receives snowfall and experiences very low temperatures.

Kanchendzonga National Park can be explored by trekking only. Yusksom serves as the base for various trekking routes for Kanchenjunga National Park. Yuksom is some 40 kms from Pelling and about 145 kms from state capital Gangtok. The nearest railhead for Kanchendzonga National Park is at New Jalpaiguri at 125 kms while Bagdogra at 147 kms is the nearest airport for the Kanchendzonga National Park. Darjeeling another beautiful town is about 90 kms.

Some of the most popular trekking routes are from Yusksom and Lachen.

• Yuksom - Tshoka – Dzongri

• Bakim - Dzongri - Thangshing - Samuteng – Goechala 

• Dzongri Base Camp - Rathong – Khangerteng

• Thangshing - Lam Pokhari - Kasturi Orar - Lapdong - Tashiding.

• Lachen-Yabuk-Rest Camp (Marco Polo Camp) - Green Lake

• Lachen-Thangu (13,695 feet (4,174 m)) - Muguthang (16,000 feet (4,900 m)) - Thay La (17,000 feet (5,200 m)) - Khyoksa La (18,000 feet (5,500 m)) - Rest Camp - Green Lake.

You need to obtain prior permission to visit Kanchenjunga National Park from the Ministry of Home affairs (for foreign nationals) and the Inner Line Permit from State Home Department ( both for Indian and Foreign nationals). Permission of the State Chief Wildlife Warden is also required to visit the National Park. 

Kalimpong - the land of beautiful Valleys

Kalimpomg, the land of beautiful valleys, is a small village in Darjeeling district, some 80kms from Bagdogra and New Jalpaiuri,is one of the most beautiful town of the lower Himalayas also known as Mahabaharata Hills. At an altitude of 1250 mtts(approx 4100 ft),located on top of a ridge on the east of river Teesta, this hill station of "the Raj" ( known as It was developed by Britishers) , has an incredible stunning backdrop of towering snow capped peaks, Flowering valley full of Rhododendrons and Gladiolas.

The town was initially known as Kaleebung and later on, the name was converted to Kalimpong. There is no certainty as to the origin of the name of the town and quite a few theories are there explaining the origin.  The most widely accepted theory about the origin of the name Kalimpong is "Assembly (or Stockade) of the King's Ministers" in Tibetan, derived from kalon ("King's ministers") and pong ("stockade"). It is also supported by its translation from Lepcha “ridges where we play" or ‘Hillock of Assemblage’, as it was known to be the region's traditional tribal gathering for summer sporting events. People from the hills also call the area Kalibong ("the black spurs").Some people believe that the name Kalimpong is derived from a fibrous plant Kaulim found in this region. Another theory as propagated by K.P. Tamsang, author of ‘The Untold and Unknown Reality about the Lepchas’, the name Kalenpung is the root word for the Kalimpong, Kalenpung is the fibrous plant found here. Other theories suggest that the name has been derived from a place in Bhutan.

Until the mid-19th century, Kalimpong and the area around was ruled in succession by the Sikkimese and Bhutanese kingdoms.Under Sikkimese rule, the area was known as Dalingkot, however in year 1706, the king of Bhutan won this territory from the Sikkimese monarch and renamed it Kalimpong. Kalimpong was once been the forward position of the Bhutanese, the area being sparsely populated by the indigenous Lepcha community and migrantBhutia and Limbu tribes. In 1780, the Gurkhas invaded and conquered Kalimpong. After the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1864, the Treaty of Sinchula was signed in 1865, according to which Bhutanese held territory east of the Teesta River was ceded to the British East India Company. including Kalimpong, which was a small hamlet with two to three families residing there.

The first recorded mention of the town of Kalimpong is a fleeting reference made that year by Ashley Eden, a government official with the Bengal Civil Service. In 1866, Kalimpong was added to district of Darjeeling ,In 1866–1867 an Anglo-Bhutanese commission demarcated the common boundaries between the two, thereby giving shape to the Kalimpong subdivision and the Darjeeling district. The favorable temperate climate and beautiful scenic nature prompted the British to develop this town as an alternative hill station to Darjeeling. Kalimpong's proximity to the Nathu La and Jelep La passes (La means "pass"), offshoots of the ancient Silk Road, soon made it an important trading outpost in the trade of furs, wools and food grains between India and Tibet. The increase in commerce attracted large numbers of migrants from Nepal, leading to an increase in population and economic prosperity.

Following Indian independence in 1947, Kalimpong became part of the state of West Bengal. When China annexed Tibet in 1959, many Buddhist monks fled Tibet and established monasteries in Kalimpong. These monks also brought, with them many rare Buddhist scriptures which are preserved in these monasteries. In 1962,the Sino-Indian War led to closure of Jelepla Pass and disrupted trade between Tibet and India leading to a slowdown in Kalimpong's economy.

Kalimpong and neighbouring Darjeeling were major centres demanding for a separate Gorkhaland state in the 1980s. Between 1986 and 1988, the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland and Kamtapur based on ethnic lines grew strong. Riots between the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the West Bengal government  led to the formation of theDarjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, a body that was given semi-autonomous powers to govern the Darjeeling district, except the area under the Siliguri subdivision.

Kalimpong is a beautiful town scattered with beautiful and religiously important monasteries, beautiful valley full of natural delights. Most of the Kalimpong of today have developed under the colonial rule, giving the buildings a colonial charm and the town its character. Kalimpong is not only a destination for natural lovers and religious followers, but it is also a shoppers delight with markets full of indigenous handicraft items mostly of Tibetan and Bhutanese nature.

Kalimpong town in itself have numerous places of interest to offer for sightseeing, some of the most interesting are:

Kalimpong town is located on the ridge connecting two peaks of variable altitude, Deolo is the highest point in Kalimpong at 5591 ft while Durpin is the lowest point at 4190 ft. Both Deolo and Durpin offers excellent view of Mt kanchendzunga.

Deolo/Delop Top can be reached by 15minutes drive from Kalimpong city centre towards Algarah. Apart from the scenic view of Kanchanzunga, Deolo top also offers a large well maintained garden spread over several acres.

Durpin is closer to city centre. Durpin, which roughly means "binoculars" offers the view of whole Chola Range of Sikkim including the Jelep La Pas, apart from Kanhenjunga in Northwest and Tiger Hill in South. Below you can also see the mighty Teesta River and the sangam of Relli and Ryang with Teesta. Durpin hill also have one of the most sacred monasteries in Kalimpong, known as Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa.

Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa was Built in the mid-1970s. H.H. the Dalai Lama, on his visit to Kalimpong in the year 1956 presented a set of rare manuscripts "Kangyur" of 108 volumes to the Durpin Dara Monastery, which led to the construction of the new monastery to house them. The construction of the monastery was completed in 1975 The Dalai Lama visited

Kalimpong once again on May 29, 1976, for a four day visit, when he consecrated at the Durpin Dara Monastery. This 'Gompa' (monastery) houses impressive wall-paintings and a rare three dimensional `mandal` upstairs. A climb up the stairs takes you to the top of the monastery giving you better view of the Kanchenjunga as well as the Dooars Valley.The aesthetic atmosphere with the chants of prayers by Groups of monks inside the main hall is an experience that you will like to remember fora long time. Brang monastery is one of its kind out side Tibet and has retained the special lamaistic order with a school of Tibetan Medicine and a religious debating society.

Another important monastery is on the way to Deolo, the Tharpa Choling Monastery at Tirpai belonging to the Yellow-Hat-Sect of lamas or Gelugpa Sect of the Dalai Lama and was established in 1937.Other monasteries worth visiting are Thongsa Gompa, Founded in 1692, It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong. The Pedong Bhutanese monastery established in the same year near the old Bhutanese Damsang Fort at Algara is where ceremonial dances are held every February.

A picturesque Golf Course on the Slopes of Durpin Ridge has been constructed by the army. This nine holes (12 greens) golf course is one of the more challenging Golf Courses and adds to the beauty of the town.

Kalimpong Arts and Craft Centre

The Kalimpong Arts and Craft Centre, founded by Mrs. Katherine Graham in the year 1897, is located within walking distance from the motor stand and is famous world wide for its handicrafts. Some of the things made here are tapestry bags, purses, pictorial wall panels, screens, embroidered bags, scrolls etc. The centre also manufacture Bhutanese, Lepchas and Sikkimese designed cloth which is also used on the handicraft item prepared at the centre. It is stated that once more than 500 people used to work when it was managed by the Scottish Missionaries.

Dr. Graham's Home

Formal English education in Kalimpong started in year 1870 with the arrival of Scottish missionaries. Rev. W. Macfarlane in the early 1870s established the first schools in the area. Later the Scottish University Mission Institution was opened in 1886, followed by the Kalimpong Girls High School. In 1900, Reverend J.A. Graham founded the St. Andrew's Colonial and Industrial Settlement, now simply known as 'Dr. Graham's Home' for destitute Anglo-Indian students. It started with the initial batch of 35 students, in a cottage on Deolo (population of Kalimpong then was around 1000 people). As time progressed and city grew ( the current population of Kalimpong is about 50000 people), Dr Graham's House also grew. It is now a multi religious, has both boy and girl students, Boarders and day pupils and even fee paying students, and is spread over 50 cottages. This unique institution is still supported by part by charitable collections and sponsors from all over the world.

Gouripur House

About 2 kms from Town, on th eway to Durpin Dara, is located Gaouripur House (now Co-operative Training Institute). Though a small hill station, Kalimpong was one of the favourite place of the great Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore. Whenever he visited Kalimpong he stayed at Gouripur House ( Chitra Bhanu).On 25th April,From this house , Rabindranath Tagore,  recited his poem "Janamadin" through a telephone system linked with the All India Radio, Calcutta. He wrote many poems when he was residing in this house. His last visit ended on 28th Sept 1954.

Darmodaya Vihar

Damodaya Vihar is a temple on Rishi Road and is the residence of Nepalese Buddhists monks and is run and maintained by the members of Kalimpong Dharmodaya Sabha. The idol of Buddha inside the temple at Dharmodaya Vihar was presented by Buddhists of Burma. A Nursery school by the name "Dharmodaya Nursery School" in the old premises of the Vihar is also being un there.

Flower Nurseries:

Kalimpong is an important flower producing city in India. It has over 40 nurseries producing flowers like Orchids and Gladiolas. Kalimpong produces over 80% of Gladiolas in the country. Flowers are exported from here to the cities in northern India. Sri Ganesh Moni Nursery and Udai Moni Nursery are two important nurseries here. A Flower Festival is held in the month of October.

Swiss Welfare Dairy and Central Sericulture Station

About four km from the town towards the Teesta and just above the Central Sericulture Station is the Co-operative Dairy called the Swiss Welfare Dairy. Also worth visit is the The State Sericulture Department which has taken up an expanding programme of mulberry cultivation in Darjeeling Hills. Following in the footsteps of India's preceptors, medicinal plants are being cultivated among the Rauwalfa Serpentina, Digitalia, Puipa Belladona etc. They are a delight to visit to for socialist as well as nature lovers.

Apart from the above locations within this beautiful city, the following places too can be visited as short excursions:

Gitdabling - Budhabare

Budhabare roughly meaning Wednesday is a weekly market located at Gitabdling, in the valley of Git River. Every Wednesday the tribals assemble to sell their produce and purchase itmes of daily need. It is a great opportunity to study local tribal culture, ways of life and dressing by visiting these markets. The valley of Git river , at an altitude of 1400mts in itself is a scenic countryside with forests, streams with clean water, terraced cultivation and Old style homes. It offers and ideal atmosphere for trekking amongst the old Lephca Houses, Vllage pubs, Church and Gompa.

Lolegaon - Kafer

Located about 54 kms from Kalimpong town, Lolegaon is A forest region with exotic flora, unusual serenit. The a sunrise view of Jhandi Dara rivals the view from Tiger Hill. Accommodation is available at forest rest house and tents.

Lava

Located about 30kms from the Kalimpong Town , at an altitude of 2000 mts, on a pass astride the old trade route to Bhutan, Lava is a small hamlet. Surrounded by virgin forests, it is ideal for nature exploration, bird watching, and for viewing orchids in their natural habitat. You can go to Sherpa View Point for excellent views of the snow ranges of the Chola Range.Lava is also the base for exploring the Neora Valley,you can go upto the 3152 m high Rachela Pass on the junction with Sikkim and Bhutan. It also serves as a base for Treks to Samthar plateau. Lava and the Neora Valley National Park are birders' paradise; some of India's most sought-after birds are found here.

Neora National Park

Spread over 88 sq kms area, Neora National Park is a semi-evergreen forests with altitude between 1600 m and 2700 m  and is home of several rare species of birds, mammals and flora. Large part of the Neora National Park is still inaccessible, at times due to the density of its forests comprising dense woody trees, bamboo groves, colourful canopy of Rhododendron trees and oak trees. This national park is one of the most bio diverse park in East India, the height varying from 1600 mts to 2700 mts ensuring that the flora ranges from broad leaved tropical plants to the coniferous plants of higher altitude. It most famous for its population of Red Panda apart from other mammals like clouded leopard, musk dear, Himalayan Black bear, sloth bear, Himalayan Flying squirrel etc. It is also a paradise for the bird watchers with some of the rarest of the words found here like Rufous-throated Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker apart from many other birds (around 700 species). 

Apart from the above attractions, Kalimpong also serves as base for many an adventure activities including trekking, River rafting at River Teesta or enjoying the journey on samco ropeway, giving you a birds eye view of Teesta river valley , some 120 kms down.

Kalimpong weather is pleasant throughout the year, with maximum temperature never crossing 30 degree celsius. March to May is the summer season and best to visit. June to October is the monsoon season, best to be avoided due to multiple landslides. December to February is extremely cool, with the night temperatures touching sub zero.

Kalimpong is accessible through road, rail and air. The nearest airport to Kalimpong is Bagdogra, which is 80kms away, nearest railhead New Jalpaiguri is 77kms. Both of them offer accessibility to the rest of the India with direct trains/flights to Delhi and Kolkata.

Lachung - Land of Rhododendrons

Lachung

Situated about 120kms, 6-7 hrs drive North of Gangtok, Sikkim, at an altitude of 8610 ft, Lachung is the most famous village of North Sikkim, almost synonym of North Sikkim. Joseph Salton Hooker in his definitive, The Himalayan Journal (1855) has described Lachung as "most picturesque village of Sikkim". The snow capped mountains, the multiple rivulets and waterfalls and sparkling clean water bodies never ceases to dazzle you. Lachung is a land of infinite possibilities, Lachung is the land of valley of flowers, where Rhododendron forms the carpet of flowers, transporting you into another world.

Almost inaccessible due to Snowfall and landslides for about 06 months of the year, Lachung is full of natural surprises for those who dare to visit this North Sikkim Paradise. Lachung in itself is a small village and offers limited tourist experience; however it is the only place where you can find decent accommodation to explore the more exotic valleys in the vicinity. Apart from the market, where you can purchase items of your daily needs, Lachung have a small monastery uphill of the village, which provides you the most ideal place to meditate. A Day spent at leisure beside the Lachen Chu river will certainly rejuvenate you and bring you closer to nature.

Lachung is not open to all tourists, you need to take special permits to visit it, referred to as Inner Line Permit/ restricted area permit /Protected area permit ( PAP), which need to be applied in advance. You can visit Lachung only on package tour being organized by authorized agents from the area on a fixed itinerary, that too with a group of minimum 04 people. Lachung, North Sikkim serves an excellent base for the excursion to base to travel to Yumthang valley and its surrounding area such as Katao and Yumasamdong.

Yumthang :

Situated at an altitude of 11800 feet, about 140 kms from Gangtok, Sikkim, Yumthang is one of the most famous valleys of North Sikkim. Popularly known as “Valley of Flowers”, Yumthang is a paradise for nature lovers presenting breathtaking scenic beauty and fascinating flora and fauna. It is at the beginning of the Tibetan plateau and the tree line ends here, however the presence of wild flowers like primulas and Rhododendrons are present in abundance. The best time to visit is the spring season ( April to May end), when Rhododendron are in full bloom, filling the valley with the carpet of bright color flowers, which has earned it the name of “Valley of Flower”.

 Yumthang also offers view of a stunning array of peaks with Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. The valley is rich with the presence of numerous hot water springs scattered all over the valley. These sulphur rich hot water springs (sulphur water springs) are considered to be medicinal and believed to have miraculous healing powers. Nevertheless a bathe in the hot water springs in the middle of cold season is always rejuvenating.

The best season for visiting the valley starts in late February and continues up to mid June, when thousands of colourful flowers are in full bloom. However, if you wish to enjoy a clear sky and brilliant view of snow-capped mountains, the September - December season would be ideal.

The most popular hot spring is the one located on the right side of Yumthang River. Another tourist attraction is he Shiv Mandir situated 06kms further from the Yumthang Valley. Accessible by trek only, you will be exhilarated to see some of the most stunning landscapes enroute. Another 16 kms , one hour drive will take you to Yumesandong. At 16000 ft, on Chinese border, its rugged vegetation free mountains, present a breathtaking scenario. November – December and February March are the best time to visit Yumesandong

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Adjoining Lachung and Yumthang, alongside Yumthang River, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is spread over 43 sq kms . The sanctuary is famous for presence of almost 24 species of Rhododendron flowers, which comes in full bloom from April to May end, presenting a riot of colors through the valley and a surreal experience few can surpass. Yumthang River flowing through the sanctuary is also rich Brown Trout and provides excellent opportunities for angling.

Lachung, Yumthang and Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary can be visited only after obtaining due Inner Line permits/ Restricted area permits. Further the area can be visited only in groups through an organized tour, arranged by local travel agents.

Yumthang and Shingba Rhododendron sanctuary does not provide options for accommodation except for a forest rest house. Hotels are available in Lachung, which is used as the base for excursion to Lachung, Yumthang Valley and Shingba Sanctuary.

Lachung is accessible by six to seven hours drive from Gangtok.

Lachen - an Unexplored Paradise in North Sikkim

One of the bases for exploring North Sikkim is Lachen, the sister village of the other base Lachung. Situated at an altitude of 8838 feet, about 121 kms and 06 hrs drive from State capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, Lachen is the base for beautiful and famous Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley.

The name Lachen means "big pass". This is a small hamlet with about 200 houses and Is opened to the tourists only few years back. Lying on a verdant plane segregated by cavernous ravines, Lachen in North Sikkim is famous for its multi hued mountains along with snowy peak and black cliffs. The natural and scenic beauty of Lachen will definitely rejuvenate you and bring you closer to itself.

The town of Lachen., mainly acts as the base for excursion to the Lake of Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu. Lachen in itself has limited attractions to offer which includes a small monastery giving you a beautiful bird eye view of Lachen town. Another attraction in Lachen is The Handicraft centre in the main market. At the centre, you can view local girls weaving carpets from Yak Wool. Lachen is also a starting point for many a trekking route including treks to Kanchenjunga National Park, Green Lake, Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley.

Lachen have its own system of administration, much like the Panchayati Raj. The system is called Dzumsa head of the Dzumsa are known as Pipon & Gyenbos. The original inhabitants of Lachen are called Lachenpa. Most of the families resides during winter months only, while in summer, they are off to green pastures of Tibet to graze their cattle, however with the advent of tourism, some families have started to stay back during Summer also.

The best time to visit Lachen is from November to June.

The following are the excursions which can be taken from Lachen :

Gurudongmar Lake

Located at a height of 17800 feet, this beautiful lake remains milky in color throughout the year, owing the floating ice on the surface. The lake is considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhist alike.

Legend is that the Lake used to remain frozen for most of the year, hence the locals have no source of drinking water. Once Guru Padmasambhava Passed by while returning from Tibet, when the local people approached him with the request of finding a source of drinking water for them. On hearing their plea, the Guru obliged and blessed a portion of the lake by touching it. This portion of the lake now never freezes, even in extreme winters and is a constant source of drinking water for the locals. The water of the lake is considered sacred and the tourists coming here do take the samples of this blessed water as a momento with them.

Gurudongmar lake is not open for the Foreingers, however Indian tourists can visit it with Inner Line Permits.

Chopta Valley

With the sunrise and desire to explore some of the beautiful secrets of Mother Nature, you need to set out early in the morning to visit Chopta Valley. Driving with Lachen as base, you will climb almost 4500 feet within a distance of 30 kms to reach Thangu. A 20 minutes drive from Thangu, takes one into the virgin valley of Chopta, famous for its breathtaking unexplored scenic beauty. As you drive towards Chopta, the green vegetation of low altitude gives way to the coniferous trees of the mountains, which further diminishes in sight, with the landscape slowly converting into Plateau like nature, with small bushes. Beyond Thangu, the vegetation is scarce with Chopta valley as the last bastion of vegetation before entering the Tibetan plateau kind of landscape. Thangu in itself resembles a carpet of alpine flower in the moth of May and June, while rest of the period (October to March) it is mostly covered with white snow. A further two kilometers drive or trek takes you to the Chopta Valley, which is the last point till which the foreign tourists are allowed to visit.

Located at an altitude of 13200 ft, with the temperature remaining sub 10 degrees throughout the year ( at night and in winters, it goes below zero), Chopta Valley is only one of the very few places in Sikkim, where you can actually walk on  frozen river, but that happens only in winter months. In springs the valley is riot of colors with green mixing beautifully with the bright blue sky and flowers of numerous hues and shades spread along to provide you with a mesmerizing experience. As far as your eyes can see, Chopta valley is a landscape of green pasture criss crossed with small rivulets, many of them are snow covered.

An adventurous trek through Chopta valley will lead you to Muguthang valley. At an altitude of 15500ft, Muguthang valley, largely un-inhabitated is another unseen destination in the greater Himalayas.

Although Lachen is still not as famous as its sister city of Lachung, its prestine beauty, its virgin unexplored landscapes gives you enough reasons to visit this area. Visit to Sikkim cannot be said complete without visit to North Sikkim, especially to Lachen and Lachung - the unexplored Paradises of North Sikkim.

North Sikkim - An unexplored natural delight

India is full of beautiful landscapes, but very few matches the beauty and serenity of North Sikkim, where you can still hear the silence, can experience the nature undisturbed by the so called development by humans and where experiencing nature takes precedence over any other worries you have. Visit to North Sikkim will definitely leave you rejuvenated but also make you realize what you have lost due to modern day development.

Being the Northern most district of State of Sikkim, India, Large part of it is still undisturbed by the human interference, an unexplored natural delight and the local govt. for sustainable tourism, sensibly have restricted the entry of the tourists by making it mandatory to obtain Special Permits before visiting the area beyond Mangan. At 3950 ft altitude, Mangan is the district headquarters of North Sikkim and lies approx 65 kms from Gangtok. Another 30 kms from Mangan will take you to the beautiful Chungthang, which is located at an altitude of 5600ft. From Here you will have two roads, one on left leading you to Lachen, which serves as a good excursion point for Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley while the other on right leads you to Lachung, base for tours to the valley of flowers Yumthang and other surrounding interesting places.

The Journey to North Sikkim is full of exotic natural landscapes, constantly changing horizon of misty valleys, deep blue sky, flowers in full bloom including Rhododendron, streams running down with clear water and chirping of some of the most exotic birds, making your experience ethereal.

Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang, Chopta Valleym Gurudongmar Lake, Chungthang, Thangu are few of the places you will regret not have visited while in Sikkim.

Mangan, the district headquarter is the only town open to tourist without permit. Mangan is the doorstep to Tibetan Plateau and offers beautiful landscapes. Tourists beyond Mangan can only travel in packaged tours.

Singhik is the first village ahead of Mangan. A small village about 15kms from Mangan at an altitude of over 5000 ft, it offers some of the breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga. An half an hour walk from Singhuk, uphill takes you to a place where you can see an ancient monastery. Another walk uphill takes you to Singhik View Point, one of the best places to see Kanchanjunga and Siniolchu.

About 2 kms downhill, through a winding road, you reach Teesta River, above the confluence of Rongyung Chu and Tista River. Leisure tourist are not allowed beyond this point however local can visit interiors like Leek, Timbong and Kussong.

Chungthang at an altitude of 5300 ft, about 31 kms from Mangan, 100 kms from State Capital of Gangtok, 26 kms from Lachen and 22 kms from Lachung, is the place where Lachen and Lachung river meet to form River Teesta. It is also the place where you need to choose between 12000 ft plus destination around Lachhung or to Lachen famous for its beautiful lakes like Gurudongmar and Tso Lamu.

The small town of Chungthang is full of legends. One legend claims it to be the place from where the word Demaong (the hidden valley of rice) first originated in Sikkim. According to it, the revered guru Padmasambhawa while on his way to Tibet, took some rice here, Some of the rice is said to have fallen into the ground, which have given it the properties to grow fine quality of rice. The land even today grows rice where as the surrounding area does not. There is a stone which is said to bear the footprint of the Guru and is a sacred spot even today.

Chungthang or Singhik does not offer good hotels to stay at, however basic accommodations are available with few of the restaurants. They can be covered as day excursion from Lachen or Lachung.

The best time visit these places is from March to June and September – November, when the weather is most pleasant.

North Sikkim is easily connected with road to Gangtok, however a prior permit (which is called Inner Line Permits, Restricted Area permits/Protected Area Permits,) is required to visit the area.  The inner line permits can be obtained from the following authorities by paying a fee of USD 30 Per person.

1.      All Indian Missions abroad

2.      Ministry of Home Affairs

3.      All Foreigners Registration Officers

4.      Immigration Officers at Airports at Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and New Delhi

5.      Deputy Commissioner, Darjeeling

6.      Deputy Secretary/Under Secretary, Home Department, Govt. of West Bengal, Calcutta

7.      Government of Sikkim

8.      Chief Secretary, Gangtok

9.      Home Secretary, Gangtok

10.  Secretary, Tourism, Gangtok

11.  I.G.P. of Police, Gangtok

12.  Resident Commissioner, Sikkim House, New Delhi

13.  Deputy Secretary, Tourism, Siliguri

14.  Resident Commissioner, STCS, Calcutta

15.  Tourism Officer, Rangpo

If you plan in advance and want to avoid last minute hassles, it is advisable to take an endorsement on the visa itself for permission to visit Sikkim from Indian Missions when applying for Visa to visit India. Once in India, it is most convenient to approach Government of Sikkim authorities at Delhi, Calcutta and Siliguri. Travel agents too help in arranging the Inner line permits (provided services are booked through them). They require the scanned copy of your passport and VISA along with Passport size photograph to do so.

The permits are normally issued on the same day or maximum by next day, but the issuance of permit is done only during the Government working days. The initial permit is issued for a period of 15 days and can be further extended twice by 15 days each

Kindly note that the nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Nigeria and Myanmar can be issued Inner Line Permits only after approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. All Bhutan nationals are exempt from the requirement of obtaining Inner line permits to travel to any part of Sikkim. Permits to foreign diplomats and members of United Nations and International Organisations holding diplomatic/official passports are issued only at Delhi by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Only the following destinations in Sikkim are open for foreign travelers traveling individually:

EAST -   Gangtok, Rumtek, Pakyong, Barapathing, Rongli, Renak, Aritar, Rorathang

WEST -   Geyzing . Pemayangtse . Khechepheri, Tashiding . Yuksom . Soreng

NORTH -   Phodong . Mangan . Singhik

SOUTH -   Namchi . Ravangla

The following destinations in Sikkim are further open to the foreigners traveling in a group of 04 or more. Permission is granted only for tour circuits specified with definite entry and exit points, the mode of transport to be specified at the time of requesting for permit. These tours can be organized only through local tour operators and the also provide a local Liaison Officer who accompanies with the group.

East District

Gangtok –Penlong – Tinure –Rumtek/Martam

North District

Gangtok – Chungthang- Lachen – Thangu

Mangan – Lingzia – Shabrung – Tholung Monastery – Kisong (except Yabok)

Mangan – Lingzia –Sakyong-Royot –Patam (except Gochala) – Dzongri – Yoksum

Yumthang-Phuni-Phunichoka-Tarum Chachu – Chunbgthang

Dikchu – Phodong –Labrang-Nampptam –Mangan – Maling –Singhik –Samartek – Chungthang

Lachung – Yumthang – Yume – Samdong

South District

Sirwani – Temi – Damthang – Tendong – Namchi

Damthang – Tendong –Damthong – Rabangla-Maenam-Yangaang – Singchuthang - Sirwani

Rabangla – Maenam – Borong/Polout – Tashiding

Kewzing – Rayong – Tinkitam –Legship

West District

Yuksom – Dzongri (except Gochala)

Yuksom – Dzongri – Thangsing – Lampokhri

Utterey – Chewa – Bhanjang – Dhond – Garakhet – Oktak – Dzongri

Hilley – Versay – Singalila – Chewabhanjang

Hilley via Sombarey0 Versay – Soreng

Hilley – Versay – Dentam

Pelling –Sangcholing – Khecheperi – Yuksom – Dubdi – Sinon – Tashiding

The following can also be visited:

Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim (Day visit only)

Mangan, Singhik, Toong, Chungthang, Lachung and Yumthang (for 05 days only)

Foreigners can stay only to those places mentioned In the Inner line permits from the above. Any variation or violation of above instructions and conditions specified on permits are treated as offence under the Foreigners Act and are punishable under law.

So Pack your bags and be off to North Sikkim, a natures delight, amazing experience of what nature can offer.