Sikkim (Sikkim)

Sikkim (Sikkim) – India, located in the north of India in Himalayas. Area 7986 km². Population – 540 493 (2001). The largest city and the capital of the state is Gangtok.

Until 1861, Sikkim was an independent principality under the control of the noglyal dynasty. Since 1861, the British Protectorate. Since 1975, as part of India.

Sikkim stretched from north to south, and has 114 km long and 64 width. Most of its territory is covered with hills and mountains. The lowest point of Sikkim is located at an altitude of 280 m, the highest – Kontajang mountain – at an altitude of 8585 m. The essential part of the territory is unsuitable for making agriculture, but part of the slopes is used for terraced agriculture. About a third of the sikkim territory is covered with forests.

Sikkim called the last Himalayan Shangri-LA due to his remoteness and beautiful species on Himalayas. Virtually anywhere in the state you can see the snowy top of the Mount Kanchengang.

Despite the small territory, six federal protected natural zones are located on the territory of Sikkim: Kanchengha National Park and five natural reserves.

There are no railways and airports in Sikkim, since their building is difficult because of the mountainous terrain.

The main motives that attract tourists in Sikkim – Buddhist temples and monasteries, as well as natural attractions.

Monastery RMTEK – The largest in Sikkim, the residence of the carmaps. Founded in 1730, later burned and was restored in a new place.

Dubdy Gompa Monastery in Yuksome, which is considered the oldest in Sikkim.

Monastery Petechtinst near Gyalshinga, the most important monastery of the Nyingma tradition, founded in the XVII century.

Ruins Radden, The second capital of Sikkim, destroyed by Nepalese in 1814.

Lake Czechopalri 27 km from Pelling, between Gyalshing and Yuksom, at an altitude of about 2 km. It is considered sacred as Buddhists and Hindus.

Lake Changu At an altitude of about 4 km, on the road connecting the gangtok and Potula Pass. Located in the border zone, a special permission is required to visit.

Institute of Tibetology Namgyal – Founded in 1958 and built in traditional Tibetan style. Here the richest collection of rare Buddhist books, figurines, tanks, sacred facilities are stored.

Valley Yumtang 135 km long, famous for its alpine landscapes.