Sikkim

A map showing us where Sikkimese is located.

Sikkim (Bengali:সিক্কিম, ভারত) is a state in the Republic of India. It has the smallest number of people and second smallest land size (2,745 mi² (7,110 km²)) of any state. The third highest mountain in the world, Mt. Kanchendzonga (28,208 Ft asl) is in Sikkim. The capital is Gangtok and other big towns are Gayzing, Pelling, Yuksam and Jorethang. The languages spoken are English, Sikkimese, Lepcha, Tibetan, Nepali and Hindi. Tourism makes a lot of the money in this small state of India, because it is not close to the sea. It is next to Bhutan to the east, Nepal to the west, Tibet to the north and the Indian mainlands to its south.

Sikkim has been cut off from the outside world for a long time. It was settled by Tibetans in the 16th century and became a British protectorate in 1890. Sikkim became part of India in 1949 and became a state in 1975.

Sikkim's people have mainly Nepalese ancestry; there are also Bhotias (Tibetan in origin) and aboriginal Lepchas, who are mainly pastoral nomads. The Nepalese practice Hinduism, but the former chogyal (“king under the religious laws”) and the official class are Buddhist, and Sikkim is known for its Buddhist monasteries. Tibeto-Burmese languages and dialects are commonly spoken.

Physical Features

Sikkim is the second smallest state after Goa, but it has many physical features like forests, rivers and mountains around its edges. Most of the mountains above 6100 meters (20000ft) are near the west of the state, like Mt Kanchendzonga. Other mountains that are over 6100 meters (20000ft)tall are Kabru (the second tallest), Sinilchu, Pandim, Rothong, Kokthang, Talung, Kanglakhang, Simvo & Jonsang. On the east side the tallest peak is Paunhri, which is about 6700 meters(22000ft) tall. The other mountains that are a little bit shorter than 6100 meters (20000ft) are Masthonangye, Yabukjakchen, Narsing and Lamaonden. Most of the mountains in Sikkim have never been climbed, because the Sikkimese consider them sacred. They feel that when the mountains are climbed, they will not be holy anymore.

Lakes

On the way between Gangtok to Nathula, 35 kilometers from Gangtok is Lake Changu (Tsomgo), about 3693 meters (12310 ftp) above sea level. Two other lakes nearby are the Bidangcho and the Mememcho. Lake Kechopari is another well-known lake. It is between Gyalshing and Yoksum. Many of the lakes in Sikkim are on the western border, north of Chiwabhanjang towards the Base Camp. Laxmipokhari, Lampokhari, Majurpokhari, Dud Phokhari, Samiti Lake, and the twin lakes of Ram-Laxman are a few of the lakes in this area. Gurudogmar, which is the largest lake, is in North Sikkim.

Hot Springs

Sikkim has many hot springs which are known to be good for health. The most important hot-springs are at Phurchachu(Reshi), Yumthang, Borang, Ralang, Taram-chu and Yumey Samdong. All these hotsprings have a lot of sulfur and are near the river banks. The average temperature of the water in these hot springs is 50 °C.

Foods and Drinks

Sikkimese usually eat rice, green vegetables, potatoes, dal, and sinky, Kenama and Gundruk, (Nepali food).

Momo

Momo is a very popular Tibetan treat in Sikkim. It is prepared by stuffing meat and vegetable ingredients in flour dough then making them into dumplings. Momos are eaten with soup and chilli sauce. This Tibetan dish can be found in almost every local restaurant and fast food shop.

Thukpa

Thukpa is a noodle soup with vegetables and beef which is also very popular.

Sael Roti

Seal Roti (Nepali traditional food) is made by grinding rice and water into a paste, then deep fried. It is normally eaten with potato curry. It is prepared during Dasai and Tihar (local festivals).

Gundruk

Gundruk is the leaves of the mustard oil plant that are dried in the sun, then boiled with ingredients.

Geography

• Area : 7400 Sq.km
• Capital : Gangtok
• Height: 5,840 ft
• Population: 6.10 Lakhs
• Land type: Hilly from 600 ft. to over 28,509 ft above sea level

• Climate:
  • Summer

Max- 21 °C ; Min - 13 °C

• • Winter

Max -13 °C ; Min - 0.48 °C Rainfall : 325 cm every year

• Languages spoken: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi

National symbols of Sikkim

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  national bird of Sikkim

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  national animal of Sikkim

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  national tree of Sikkim

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  national flower of Sikkim