Sikkim is a place with unsurpassed natural beauty. Its monastries, temples, eco<friendly and extremely hospitable people provide the state a sanctified atmosphere of tranquility. A close view of Mt. Khangchendzonga from Dzongri (13,200 ft) is breathtaking in the early hours of morning. Tosar Lake situated at a height of 13,000 ft in North Sikkim is a popular tourist destination. The small and beautiful state of Sikkim comprises of so many species of fauna.

Winters in the month of November to February are cold with minimum temperatures dipping to 4 centigrade during January< February. It is between the month of March and early May when sunshine is quite abundant. Though summer is officially from May to October, Sikkim is almost always wet due to the heavy monsoons.

Gangtok : Situated at a height of 5,500ft, Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim offers the tourists all modern amenities for pleasure and comfort. There are a good number of luxurious and moderate hotels including modern shopping complexes, cyber cafes etc. The places of tourist interests in and around Gangtok are Institute of Tibetology, Deer Park, The White Hall, Enchey Monastery, Tashi View Point, Himalayan Zoological Park, Do<drul Chorten (Stupa), Institute of Cottage Industries and Ganesh Tok.

Excursions : The Ipecac Garden, Kabi Longstok, Phodong Monastery, Tumlong Palace Ruins, Chungthang, Lachung, Yumthang, Rumtek Monastery are few options for excursions.

Kanchendzonga National Park : The Park covers an area of around 1400 sq.km. It is bound on the north by the Tent Peak and the ridge of Zemu glaciers, on the east by the ridge of Mt. Lamaongden, on the west by Mt. Kanchendzonga and in the south by Mt. Narsing and Mt. Pandim. Wildlife found in this Park are the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda, barking deer, blood pheasant, civet cats, black eagle etc.

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary : Adjoining the Tsomgo Lake and covering an area of 4 sq km, wildlife found in this sanctuary are the red panda, blood pheasant etc.

Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary : Famous for its variety of rhododendrons.

Meanam Wildlife Sanctuary : Located above Ravangla town and covering an area of 35 sq km, this sanctuary has its highest point in Meanam at 10,600 ft. Animals and birds found in this sanctuary are the red panda, leopard cat, civet this 33 hectares wildlife sanctuary is located near Yumthang. Wildlife found in this sanctuary< the blood pheasant, partridge, tiger, civet cats etc.

Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary : This rhododendron sanctuary has been recently established and lies in the west corner of Sikkim.

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary : With an area of 51.76 sq. km and lying above the road between Singtam and Dikhu, this sanctuary is 25 km from Gangtok. The sanctuary is rich in wild orchids, rhododendrons etc. and is home to the Himalayan black bear, red panda, civet cat and many varieties of birds and butterflies.

Domestic Tourists : Except for a few restricted areas, Indian tourists need no entry permits to visit Sikkim.

Foreign Tourists : Foreign tourists require a special permit that can be obtained from all Indian Missions abroad who are authorized to issue a 15< day permit. The Tourism Officer at the border town of Rangpo is also authorized to issue a 2<day permit to foreign tourists to enable them to enter the state and acquire the full 15<day permit. Permits can also be obtained from the various offices.

Maghe Sangkranti Mela : A three<day holy festival of the Hindus, this mela is held in the month of January. Huge fairs are regularly organised in and around the riverbanks and the confluence of Jorethang, Saramsa, Rorathang and Triveni rivers.

Bumchu : Held during January/February at the monastery of Tashiding, the abbot of the monastery unveils a pot of holy water and foretells the future of the state during this festival.

Losar : Losar is celebrated to welcome the Tibetan New Year around the first week of February.

Saga Dawa : Saga Dawa is celebrated in the month of May in all<important monasteries of Sikkim. It is an important festival of the Mahayana Buddhists during which the Lamas with painted masks, ceremonial swords leap and swing to the tune of the drums, the trumpets and the chanting of the monks.

Pang Lhabsol : This unique festival of Sikkim is held during the month of August to worship the snow peaks of Mount Kanchendzonga. The warrior dance with its intricate steps and leaps accompanied by martial war cries is an important feature of the celebration.

Tendong Lho Rum Faat : This important festival of the Lepchas community marks the celebration of the Tendong Hills where it is believed that the hill rises like a horn to save the Lepchas from a great flood. The festival is celebrated during the month of August.

Dasain : It is the main festival of the Hindu Nepalese in Sikkim where elders of the family apply 'tika' on the young and bless them. This festival signifies the victory of good over evil and it is held during the month of October.

Tihaar : This festival is celebrated as the festival of lights with the lighting of lamps accompanied with traditional carols called Deusi and Bhakti. The festival is held during the month of November.

Losoong Festival : Losoong is an important festival of the Bhutia community of the State. The festival marks the end of the harvest season and also the end of the Tibetan Year. It is celebrated in the Monasteries of Tsug Lakhang, Phodong and Rumtek with religious dances (Chaams) feasting and archery contests. It is held during the month of December.

The best time to visit Sikkim is March to June and September to December.

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