Sikkim Circuit

Sikkim in the East with the state capital Gangtok is the most known destination. Other then the local sightseeing, the Tsomgo lake and Nathula pass are popular day visit places for its snow. Most of this area falls under Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary and is a delicate ecosystem ranging from 10,000ft to about 14,000ft. The Kupup lake can be made a part of this circuit and the tour can be made circular by starting from Gangtok and ending in Rongli/Pakyong or vice versa. The Rumtek monastery is one of world's most famous monastery and is the headquarters of three hundred centres all over the world. There are few other important monasteries in this district. The Fambong Lho wildlife sanctuary is close to Gangtok and can offer good quality short nature treks and camping. Few villages like Martam and Pakyong already have infrastruture for tourists and many more can be developed locally. Close to the Pakyong area is the Neora Valley National Park which can be well knit continuation activity with the Lava area of North Bengal. The Rangpo and Singtham part of Teesta are ideal for white water activities and the whole of the district can possess very good all year camping sites.

The West district is the richest of all districts, the four premier monasteries-Dubdi, Sanga Choeling, Pemayangtse and Tashiding are here, the first capital of the Namgyal kings started in Norbugang at Yuksom and later shifted to Rabdantse near Geyzing, the district headquarters of the West district. The hot springs and holy caves are of great religious importance. The Varshay Rhododendrone Sanctuary can be used for tourism activity supporting atleast seven villages around it-Hilley, Okharey, Soreng, Buriakhop, Sombaria, Dentam, Chewabhanjung and Uttaray. The whole of this area can be connected with trekking itinerary between East Nepal and Darjeeling district. The most popular trekking and moutaineering training area in the East Himalaya is the Dzongri area usually approached from base Yuksom. These areas touch the Kanchenjunga National Park. Various ethnic people still maintain their identities here.

Sandwiched between the West, East and Darjeeling district is the South district with its headquarters at Namchi. The only tea garden of Sikkim, Temi is located close to Namchi. This district also houses one of the holy caves and a hotspring. The Mainam Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal retreat for the Himalayan pheasants and the occasional Himalayan Black Bear. This is an ideal Birding site to be covered through trails. Jorethang is the second important market after Gangtok and surrounded by rivers giving opportunity for white water activities and angling.

North is further north from Gangtok and covers mainly the high altitude areas and is sparsely populated with the headquarters at Mangan, the district is famous for conserved Lepcha villages and snow clad valleys and passes often calling it the Switzerland. There can be various activities in this area from trekking, nature trails, camping, skiing to aero sports. The Sigba Rhododendrone Sanctuary is very easily approachable but the Green Lake area trek in the Kanchenjunga National Park area are unique experiences. Though the twin villages of Lachen and Lachung are the primary tourist accommodation places but many more community camping sites can be developed. The view of the Mt.Kanchenjunga from the PWD bunglow of Singhik needs a special mention.

There are several villages and points all over Sikkim from where the mighty Kanchenjunga range is visible which can be the criteria for developing as a tourist spot. Most of the PWD bungalows have been placed accordingly.