Sikkim
is India's 22nd state and one of the most enthralling regions in the
Himalayas. This concealed peaceful land of rice cultivation, called "Bayul
Demojong" by the local people, is inhabited by Nepalis, Lepchas,
Bhutias, Tibetans and Marwaris.
The Geogrphical Location
Surrounded by the Tibetan Plateau in the North, Nepal in the West, Bhutan
in the East and West Bengal along its Southern border, the awe-inspiring
Kanchanjunga peaks (the third highest in the world) guard its green valleys,
turquoise lakes, and crystal-clear streams and gorges.This incredible land
calls for exploration!.
The vegetation in Sikkim
Sikkim has a vast array of vegetation, including 4,000 rare species of
plants, than anywhere else in the world. Its fascinating flora and fauna
will enchant nature lovers.
The trek goes through Darjeeling, its tea plantations and on to the
majestic mountain peak of Goecha-la (5000 m) in Sikkim. Here it traverses
the base of the Kanchenjunga (8585 m). The trek runs through the enchanting
tropical and alpine forests with a great variety of orchids, rhododendrons
and primulas. The valleys are warm during the day with average temperatures
of around 35° C while night temperatures drop below 0° C.
Types of Treks Available
Teahouse Treks: Lodges and tea-houses are available for night stay .
Proper arrangements are made by the sherpa guides. A sleeping bag , liner
and duffel bags are available.
Organized
Treks: Has full trekking support which includes full camping and kitchen
equipment, Sherpa trek leader, Sherpa cook, Sherpa trek staffs and local
porters.Camping equipment will include tents, sleeping bag with liner,
mattress, dining tent, toilet tent, duffel bag.
Trekking routes in Sikkim
Sikkim offers a number of fascinating trekking routes to enterprising trek
enthusiasts. The best time to trek in these parts of the Eastern Himalayas
is between mid- February to May and again from October to December. The
treks pass through beautiful gompas, simple but colourful hamlets and
through so fascinating alpine forests full of a rich variety of flora and
fauna. Yuksom is an ideal take-off point for trekking. This point is
invariably used as a centre of climbing and trekking expeditions by the
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling. The trek to Bakhim is an
unforgettable experience. Dzongri at an altitude of 3,962 metres, offers the
visitor an excellent and unobstructed view of the Khangchendzonga Massif. It
also provides a trekker with superb views of sunrise and sunset
Trekking Permits
Foreigners have to obtain permits for trekking on most routes in Sikkim.
Permits can be obtained from any of the following places: Delhi, Kolkata,
Siliguri. Permit restrictions mean that trekkers can only follow well-beaten
trails and within a limited period of time.
