HOW TO GET TO SIKKIM

The primary means of communication within Sikkim is by road. A daily helicopter service between Gangtok and Bagdogra is the only other alternate option. However Sikkim is well connected to rest of the country by rail and air through Siliguri in West Bengal which is about 115 kms from Gangtok and forms the railhead to Sikkim. Bagdogra, the airport of Siliguri has daily flights to Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati. Sikkim is also well-connected by road with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Phuntsoling, the border town of Bhutan.

WHAT TO WEAR IN SIKKIM

Comfortable clothing and shoes, and warm nightclothes are recommended. Except for the summer months, down jackets and sweaters may be necessary; in summer, cotton and light woolens are suggested, as well as rain gear for frequent showers. All year round, temperatures vary greatly between day and night, so clothing should be layered to adapt to changing situations.

CLIMATE

Sikkim has an unusual variety of climate influenced by varying altitudes so much so, it is possible to drop from arctic heights to the tropical lowlands within a matter of couple of hours.  Places with moderate altitude (4,000ft – 10,000ft) like Gangtok have a more or less good climate. During the spring (March-May) and autumn(September-November), the weather is pleasant. June-August, the monsoons bring torrential rain for days together and winter (December-February), the days become cold and nights chilly but the snow line remains above 12,000 ft.

GOVERNMENT

Sikkim became a constituent unit of India  on 10 April, 1975 after abolishing the institution of the Chogyal  (the king) who had ruled since the first king had been consecrated in the year 1642 in Yuksom. The people of Sikkim submitted a general referendum in favour of the resolution, after which the two houses of the Indian parliment passed the 38^th Consitution Amendment Bill, which made Sikkim the 22^nd state of the Indian Union. As a democratic state, election to the 32 seats  in the state legislature is held after every 5 years .

RELIGION 

The main religions are Hinduism, Buddhisim and Christianity whereby the Hindus constitute nearly 67%, Buddhists 30% and Christianity 2%. Important festivalsare Saga Dawa (4^th month of the lunar calendar), Phang Labsol ( 15^th day of the 7^th month of the lunar calendar), Loosong (Sikkimese New Year held during the December usually), Lossar (Tibetan New Year which normally is celebrated in the month of February)

LANGUAGE

The official language of Sikkim is Nepali. English is widely spoken and even used as the medium of communication in official documentation.

INFORMATION FOR VISITORS DOCUMENTATION

All visitors must pre-apply for India visa and hold a current passport. Visa application is made through the Indian Consulate/Embassy in your hometown. Also an Inner-line permit to Sikkim must be applied; a 15-day permit is issued from any Indian Embassy abroad, representatives of Government of Sikkim at Delhi, Calcutta, Siliguri and Darjeeling which can be extended if needed  in Gangtok.  This permit is valid for Phodong, Rumtek and Pemayantse areas only, permit for trekking and visiting other restricted areas in Sikkim must be applied in Gangtok only. A two day permit on emergency basis is however issued at Rangpo , the border town of Sikkim.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

No inoculations are mandatory for Sikkim; but visitors are responsible for ascertaining the requirements of countries through which they will pass enroute to or from Sikkim. Visitors are advised to consult before departure with a knowledgeable physician or travel clinic for recommendations and advice.

CURRENCY 

Sikkim, being a state of India, the currency unit is rupee. Foreign currency should be exchanged with an authorized agent or Bank in Gangtok only. During trek and tour outside Gangtok, exchange of foreign currency is generally not possible. Credit cards are accepted at some locations in Gangtok though not widely, but checks are generally not accepted.

TIPPING AND GIFTS

Tipping is at visitors' discretion. Visitors are requested not to give candy, gums, pens etc to children, who soon learn to demand gifts, or to hand out medicines to local people, which may be inappropriate for their medical problems and delay their seeking professional help.

SHOPPING

Visitors can visit the Government run Handicraft Centre, Sikkim Rural development Agency Showroom or local shops  which have a wide selection of traditional and exquisite items. Some of the favorite items are furniture crafted in traditional designs, Lepcha weave bags, intricately woven carpets, masks, wooden butter tea cups, thankas, canvas wall hangings and exquisite dragon sets of silver and gold inlaid with precious stones which are unique to Sikkim. Also Sikkim Tea is famous the world over.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Visitors should bring in all necessary supplies. Photography is usually not permitted inside temples and at some of the restricted areas, it is always better to ask your local travel agent the restrictions. Use of movie and video cameras requires permission and fees at some of the restricted areas.