 Sikkim is the 22nd state of India that came into
existence with effect from 26th April, 1975.
Sikkim state being a part of inner mountain
ranges of Himalayas, is hilly having varied
elevation ranging from 300 to 8540 meters.
But the habitable areas are only up to the
altitude of 2100 mtrs. Constituting only
20% of the total area of the state.
Sikkim has been divided into four districts
and each district has further been bifurcated
into two sub-divisions for administrative
purpose.
The highest portion of Sikkim lies in
its north west direction. A large number
of mountains having altitudes of about
seven thousand meters stands here with
- Kanchenjunga (8598 m.), The third highest
peak in the world. The high serrated, snow
capped spurs and peaks of Kanchenjunga
look attractive consisting of Kumbha Karna
(7711 m.), Pendem (6706 m.), Narsingh (5825
m.), Kabru Dome (6545 m.), etc. A number
of glaciers descends from eastern slopes
of Kanchenjunga into Sikkim where snow
clad line is found above 5300 mtrs. The
biggest of them is Zemu, from whose snout
above Lachen monastery rises the river
Teesta.
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The Lepchas are the original inhabitants of
the state. Compared to other ethnic groups,
the Lepchas still maintain many of their traditional
ways. The Bhutias comprise, the Sikkimese Bhutia
and Bhutia from Bhutan and Tibet. The Sherpas
are a marginal ethnic group in the state. over
70% population consist of Nepalese. They are
dominant ethnic group in the state.
In addition to an Indian visa, foreigners must
obtain inner line permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim,
the permits can be obtained from all Indian
missions, Tourism Office, New Delhi, Sikkim
Tourism office, Calcutta and Sikkim Tourism
Office, Siliguri on the strength of an Indian
Visa.
Foreigners are issued a permit for initial
period of 15 days duration on the spot without
any delay provided photocopies of Passport
and Visa details along with two passport photos
of applicants are made available then and there.
It can be extended for further 30 days of 15
days each. The extension of permits can be
obtained from FRO at Gangtok, Superintendent
of Police of North, South and West Districts.
If you are visiting the interior regions,
you also require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
OR Protected Area Permit (PAP) which is obtainable
in Gangtok from the Police Check Post and Department
of Tourism.
NOTE: THIS PERMIT IS ISSUED TO LOCAL GOVT
REGISTERED TRAVEL AGENTS ONLY.
English, Nepali, Hindi and their cultural
languages (Lepcha, Rai, Tamang, Limbu, Bhutia,
etc)
Cold Winters in the month of November to
February 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, with rains at times continuing
for days on ends. Longest recorded nonstop
rain is 11 days. September to October is
Autumn. A peculiar feature of Sikkim weather
is that though there is a classification
of sorts of the various seasons, actually
experiences a cold winter from end of November
to February and monsoons throughout the year
with a little respite during May - June and
October - November. Even the winter months
can be irritatingly wet and damp with the
unpredictable showers.
India has strict rules against importing
or exporting its currency. International
airports have currency-exchange booths that
are always open for arriving or departing
overseas flights. When you change money,
remember to get a certain amount in small
denominations. Also reject torn bills. Many
merchants, hotels, and restaurants won't
accept worn or tattered bills, and it's a
hassle to go to a bank to get them exchanged.
Always change money from an authorized money-changer
and insist on receiving an encashment slip.
Some banks now charge a nominal fee for this
slip, which is necessary if you plan to pay
hotel bills or travel expenses in rupees. The
encashment slip is also required if you need
to reconvert rupees into your own currency
at departure. Do not be lured by illegal street
hawkers who offer you a higher exchange rate.
India's state-run banks can take forever to
cash traveler's checks. Save time and use American
Express Traveler's Service. Otherwise, cash
the check at the foreign-exchange counter at
your hotel. Rates will be slightly lower, but
you will save irritation and time. Most Western-style
hotels have foreign-exchange facilities for
their guests.
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