Sikkim constitutes 0.22 percent of the total geographical area of India. It extends approximately 114 km from north south and 64 km from east to west with altitude ranging from 250 to 8598 meters.
Sikkim was a sovereign kingdom, later became the 22nd state of India in 1975. Sikkim has four districts East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim & South Sikkimis India's smallest state in terms of population and second smallest in area after Goa. It is considered as the land of tranquility, peace and hidden paradise. Sikkim comprise of beautiful valleys, historical sites, ages old religious shrines, where people share rich cultural and heritage. Sikkimis fast becoming the hot spot for both domestic and foreign tourists and it is also the most peaceful state in whole Indian Union. Sikkim's capital is Gangtok and other major towns are Gyalshing, Pelling, Yuksom and Jorethang. The Languages spoken are English, Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali and Hindi.The main source of revenue has been tourism, It shares its border with Bhutan to the east, Nepal to its west, Tibet (China) to the north and Indian mainlands to its south.
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Physical Features
Sikkim may be small in area, may be only second smallest after Goa, but it has rich physical features like forests, rivers and mountains. North District occupies almost half of Sikkim and falls in the Greater Himalayan zone. The southern slope of the state is under East, South andWest District, and falls in lesser Himalayan zone. The terrain of Sikkim is so rugged that form the air it looks as though a giant plough had been carelessly run through it. Sikkim is a land of monumental mounts that seems like they are touching the heaven. These mountains form a part of the long range - the mighty Himalayas. the Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world, majestically towers over all the mountain in its vicinity like a god surrounded by smaller deities and can be seen from almost any part of Sikkim in good weather as it thrust its mighty shoulders high above the lush verdant valleys.
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Mountains
Most of the peaks above 6100 meters (2000ft) lie towards the western border of State. On the western border lies the third highest mountain of the world - the Khangchendzonga or Sey-Sey Lungma 8586 m (28,169.291 ft). On the left of Khangchendzonga are the peaks known as Kumbha Karna or Phoktanglungmais 7,710 m (25,295.276 ft), Other peaks that stand at altitudes of above 6100 meters (20,013.123 ft) are Kabru, which is also the second highest mountain in the state.
| Mountain | Altitude |
|---|---|
| Khangchendzonga or Sey-Sey Lungma | 8586 m (28,169.291 ft) |
| Goechala Peak | 6172 m (20,249.344 ft) |
| Kumba Karna or Phoktanglungma | 7,710 m (25,295.276 ft) |
| Narsing | 5,825 m (19,110.892 ft) |
| Pandim | 6,705 m (21,998.031 ft) |
| Simvo | 6,827 m (22,398.294 ft) |
| Nepal | 7,162 m (23,497.375 ft) |
| Tent Peak | 7,315 m (23,999.344 ft) |
| The Pyramid | 7,132 m (23,398.95 ft) |
| Fluted Peak | 6,827 m (22,398.294 ft) |
| Siniolcu | 3,657 m (11,998.031 ft) |
Glaciers
Teesta Khangsa glacier, Lhonak North glaciers, Lhonak South glaciers,Langbu glacier, Chungsang glacier, Tent Peak glacier, Nepal gap glacier, Hidden glacier, Talung glacier, Namthul Phuk glacier, and Rathong are the glaciers of Sikkim. The Zemu glacier is the largest and the most famous glacier of the eastern Himalayas. It is 26 km in length and is situated in a large U-shaped valley at the base of the Khangchendzonga massif in northwestern Sikkim. The Teesta River rises from the snout of this glacier. Many tributary glaciers feed the trunk glacier. The side valleys in which these glaciers lie open into the main Zemu Valley from different directions. Ice-falls and waterfalls have formed at the junction of the tributary glaciers with the Zemu glacier.
Rivers
The Teesta river is the main river in the Sikkim. The main stream Teesta originates from the glacier lake Chhu Lhamo located at the northeastern corner of the State. The Chola range in the east the Singalila range in the west determine the boundary of the Teesta. Other major rivers are Rangit, Zemu rivers. Teesta originates from the Cholamu lake where it is hardly a stream. No one can imagine that this innocuous looking stream would transform into a thundering mighty river less than a hundred kilometers downstream. Meeting Teesta at the border between Sikkim and West Bengal is its major tributary the river Rangeet which originates from the Rathong Glacier. During monsoons the otherwise innocuous looking rivers of Sikkim become swollen, swift, muddy and dangerous. The rivers are narrow, serpentine and full of rocks and hence are not navigable. Because of swift currents hitting rocks, the rivers are very noisy and can be heard for miles together. The Teesta finally joins the Bhramaputra in Bangladesh.The rivers are fed by snow melting on the mountains as well as rain that accumulates in the catchment areas during the monsoons. Human settlements usually must exist above the level of rivers and hence even if flooding takes place life and property remain safe.
Lakes
Even in such rugged terrian, Sikkim does have lakes though not very large in size. These lakes are both spring fed as well as river fed. On the highway between Gangtok and Nathu La, 34 kms. from Gangtok lies the serene Tsomgo(Changu) Lake at an altitude of about 11,000 feet. Khecheopalri lake is another well known lake that lies on a bifurcation of the route between Gyalshing and Yuksom . Menmecho lake, Green lake and Samiti lake are some other beautiful lakes.
Tsomgo(Changu) Lake : Tsomgo means source of the lake in Bhutia language. ' tso' means lake and ' mgo' means head. The lake is about 40 kims from Gangtok, and it takes about 1/2 hours of drive, since the road goes through twists and turns of himalayas. The altitude of lake is 12,000 ft on the Nathu La highway. The Lake is about 1 km. long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep. It is also a home of brahmini ducks besides being a stopover for various migratory birds. The lake remains frozen during the winter months up to mid-May. Between May and August it is possible to see a variety of flowers in blooms, including the rhododendrons, various species of primulas, blue and yellow poppies, irises etc. It is also an ideal habitat for the red panda and various species of birds.
Khecheopalri lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this state both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that the birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. There is a motor able road from Pemayangtse right up to the lake area. or two in the peaceful environment a trekkers hut has been provided by the tourism office. The hut is presently managed by a local person and provides comfortable stay providing a taste of local cuisine which may include 'chang' brew made of fermented millet. There is also a pilgrim's hut, managed by the tourism department , which is meant to provide accommodation to the people who come on pilgrim tours.
Kathok and Khecheopalri are two important lakes of this area. Khecheopalri, known as the Wishing Lake, is one of Sikkim's most sacred lakes. A festival held every year at Khecheopalri Lake during February-March draws people from all over Sikkim. Another is held at Yuksam during Decembe-January in connection with Kathok Lake.
The Green Lake is fast developing into a take-off point for mountaineering expeditions to the peaks of this area. The Green Lake may in the minds of many conjure up an image of beautiful, exotic waterbody, but sadly it is not true. Infact in 1899 the lake had disappeared according to D. W. Freshfield who writes, the hollow enclosed between the covering moraines of Zemu and Green Lake Glaciers has been lately a lake, and was now a lake basin.
Samiti Lake As you climb towards Gochala Pass and pause to take a deep breadth, you can enjoy the colour of transparent torquise of Lake Samiti- A glacial lake in the Onglathang valley. (a view from west sikkim)
Tso Lhamu is a lake which lies on the plateau that juts into Sikkim into Tibet. From this moderately sized lake, the Teesta River takes birth as a trickle hardly a foot wide. The water in the lake flirts with ice before getting frozen in winter. The reflection of the surrounding mountains doubles the beauty. Everything looks so prehistoric that you almost expect to see a Dinosaur amble by. A flock of birds, the cranes swims on the placid ice water of Chola Mu. These birds are migratory from Russia, China and other parts of India.
Lakshmi Pokhari It is a big natural lake cupped in deep crater. The rim of the crater is so hard above the lake level that it is easy t o photograph the complete lake without using a wide angle lens. As you invoke the blessing on the bank of this Pristine Lake, you cannot help thinking that it is here that God really resides.
Lampokhari (Long lake) is located in Aritar, East Sikkim, Under Rongli sub division. Aritar is 3 to 4 hours drive from Gangtok and 2 hours drive from Rongpo. Aritar Lake (a.k.a Lampokhari) is a newly renovated lake by the government to facilitate the paddle boating, which is only allowed in this lake. If you are looking for night stay, no worries! there are many lodges already available for you, but recommended place to stay here is an old bungalow, built by Sir James Claude White.
Climate
The climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to tundra in the northern parts. Most of the inhabited regions of Sikkim, however, enjoy atemperate climate, with the temperatures seldom exceeding 28 °C (82 °F)in summer or dropping below 0 °C (32 °F) in winter. The state enjoys five seasons: winter, summer, spring, and autumn, and a monsoon season between June and September. The average annual temperature for most of Sikkim is around 18 °C (64 °F). Sikkim is one of the few states in Indiato receive regular snowfall. The snow line is around 6,000 meters (19,600 feet).During the monsoon months, the state is lashed by heavy rains that increase the number of landslides. The state record for the longest period of non-stop rain is eleven days. In the northern region, because of high altitude, temperatures drop below -40 °C in winter. Fog also affects many parts of the state during winter and the monsoons, making transportation extremely perilous.
Passes
The mountain ranges are interspersed with the passes which can be used to cross from one side to another. On the Eastern Chola range the most important passes are the Nathu La and Jelep La both at an altitude of about 15,0000 ft. and Bhutah La at an altitude of about 13,000 ft. The first two lead to Tibet and the third to Bhutan.On the west boarder of Sikkim and Nepal, the most important pass is Chiwabhangjang, which has an altitude of 10,300 ft. The other passes on the west is Kang La. In the north one of the important passes is the Kongra La.
Nathula Pass Five kilometers to the north of Jelap la pass, on the same altitude on a range that runs into Tibet, is the rarely used Nathula pass on the Sikkim-Tibet frontier. The zig zag track becomes steeper as it leaves Gangtok, but makes up in the changing landscape which becomes more sublime with ever inch of ascent till it reaches the calm waters of the lake. Nuk Tahyi in a region, bleak and dismal. from the submit two roads from both Jelap and Nathula passes unit in a track leading to the Chumbi Valley of Tibet. On the one side stands a change of imposing peaks dividing from Tibet, on the other yawning abyss of ravines and gorges.
At Nathula the Chinese and the Indian troops face each other almost at breathing distance. It was in the news quiet a lot when skirmishes between the two countries occurred on this pass. Jelap la was used by Younghusband to attack Tibet in 1903 and to commemorate this the path through Jelap la is called the Young husband track. Nathula and Jelap la passes for a part of the trade route between India and Tibet till 1962 .
Human Development
The state has registered impressive improvement in human development since the mid 1970s and the scores well in it's human development indicators. It has lower birth and death and infant mortality rates thanthe country as a whole. It's population is currently growing at an annual rate of 1.3 per sent compared to all Indian rate of 1.8 percent. The Human Development index recently has shown steady improvement since 1991, although the rate of increase has slowed down between 1995 and 1998. The HDI which as 0.454 in 1991 rose to 0.509 in 1995 and to 0.532 in 1998. The east district as the highest HDI scores, followed by the south, west and north.
Natural Resource
Sikkim is amply blessed with all the bounty of nature. Nearly 26% of the flowering plants in India are found in Sikkim as endemic species. Sikkim has 362 types of ferns and 400 species of butterflies & moths, 227 natural mountains lakes out of which visitors have seen only two of them. Similarly, Sikkim has 28 mountains and peaks, 21 glaciers, 424 medicinal plants, 104 rivers and steams, 448 species of orchids, 37 rhododendrons, 21 species of bamboos, 30 species of primulas and 48 species of fish, so on and forth. Sikkim has 0.5% of the land area ofIndia but have over 26% of the biodiversity. The hydro power potential in Sikkim alone is estimated to be a whopping 800 MW, the government is trying to tap on this huge potential in collaboration with NHPC. Five major power projects identified along with Teesta basin. 510 MW Teesta hydroelectric Project Stage V generates 2172 million units annually which could be exported to other parts of India, generating handsome revenue for the State. Besides Testa Projects, the Central Electricity Authority of India has recently Identified a total of 21 macro and mini Power schemes for the state located in places like Rolep, Ralang, Chakung chu, Chujachen and Dikchu.
Tourism
During few years tourist spots have been developed throughout the state and have been well published in all leading national and international magazines. By placing Tourism in the category of Industry,unlimited opportunities have been opened. The State is encouraging adventure sports, rafting, trekking and rock climbing, it represents thestate in ASEAN car rally, mountain bike rally and exhibits para gliding. The state has opened up three mountain peaks for alpine expedition. Currently tourism has provided 15,000+ jobs in Sikkim state.There has been an increase in the revenue earned through tourism. The revenue has reached INR 60 - 70 Crores (i.e between $14898318 - $17381372). To support this trend the state and central government is spending INR 25 Crores ($6207632) each year on tourism related projects.After 1995, under the guidance of tourism department 200+ travel agencies have been established and they are regularly trained and made sensitive to environmental issues. More passes are being issued to vehicles going to Nathula Tourist spot.
Economy
Three big industries and 245 small scale industries have come up in the state. They are running successfully. Sick industries are also beinguplifted, privatized or closed down. There are 496 cooperative societies and 94 consumer cooperatives in the state which are being provided loan through SISCO bank. Till now 1270+ people and organizations have been benefited. Former prime minister of India, Shri Atal Behari vajpayee during his visit to Sikkim Announced an economic package of INR 500 crores ($124152658) for the State.
Education
Today there are total of 783 state Government Schools, with 503 Primary Schools, 146 Junior High Schools, 93 Secondary Schools, 93 Secondary Schools and 41 Senior Secondary Schools in Sikkim. Pre-primarysections are attached to all the State Government schools to prepare the children to enter into the school system. The total enrollment during 2005-2006 in the State Government schools was 1,32,414 (includingprimary sections) with 65,080 boys and 67,334 girls. Growth rate of female literacy has been higher than those of boys in Sikkim. There are 7central Government Schools with total enrollment of 1862 students. 341 private schools are functioning throughout the state with a total enrollment of 32,264.There are 12 Sanskrit Pathsalas, 70 Monasticschools and 7 Islamic schools. The foreign Language training for capacity building for unemployed youth in English, Tibetan, Chinese, French, German, Thai and Japanese started from 2006. Currently Literacy is 69.68+% in State. The State Government is committed to make Sikkim literacy rate up to 100% by 2015.
Health Services
Health services are free in all Government Health centers in Sikkim. There are 24 Primary health centers and 147 PHSCs in the State. Most of the Health centers of the state are better than the national Average. Incomparison to the national indicators, the health indicators of Sikkim are three times better. In Sikkim the ratio of hospital bet :people is 1:530 whereas it is 1:1451 (2004-2005) at the national level. Similarly,the ratio of patients: doctor is 2504:1; the ratio of population:nurse is 3359:1; whereas the same ratios at the national level are 3500:1 and 5000:1, respectively, in the state, on an average, a doctor attends 4.72beds and nurses 6.33 beds.Sikkim is the first state to launch Hepatitis B immunization from 14th August 2001. Leprosy prevalence rate is 0.68%/10,000, elimination level already achieved. More than 90% of the children are vaccinated against life threatening diseases. Sikkim is the first state, which has succeeded in vaccinating all the children below the age of one with Hepatitis B vaccines. Under this program more than 30,000 children have been inoculated. From sept 2004 aged 1 to 5 are being vaccinated free ofcost with Hepatitis-B vaccine. Till now more than 10,000 children have been vaccinated.
Smoking is banned in all public places, the sale of Gutka is prohibited. A rehabilitation center of drug addicts and liquor addicts have been opened at Nimtar, east Sikkim.
Religion institutions
On 14th February 2004, a 135 ft. tall statue of Sikkim's Patron Saint, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) was installed at Samdruptse, Namchi.At Solophok in Namchi, a 108 ft. tall statue of Laor Shiva, the holy Char Dham of Hindus with idols of various gods and goddess of different communities of Sikkim have been installed. Presently there are 723 religious institutions of different faiths in Sikkim.
Infrastructure
936 km roads of state has been carpeted, the construction of 309 km new link roads also completed. A sum of Rs. 500 crore ($124152658) has been sanctioned by the central government for construction of an alternative highway to connect Sikkim with the rest of the country. Plans are underway out to connect Melli of Sikkim with Mamring; and Jorethangwith Namchi through alternative highways. The State Government has linked the entire villages of Sikkim with roads and upgraded existing roads by carpeting them. CC footpaths have been constructed in almost all the villages of Sikkim. To modernize means of transport helicopter services have been introduced in Sikkim, till now eight helipads have been constructed throughout the state. New structures such as Chintan Bhawan, Samman Bhawan, Janta Bhawan, SREDA bhawan, Ashirbad Bhawan, Circuit House, Youth Hostel, Kanchenjunga Shopping Complex, Car parks inDeorali and Baluwakhani in Gangtok and in Ranipool have been constructed. Strom drainage system was constructed in National Highway between Gangtok & Ranipool. At Pakyong, East Sikkim the constructionof airport has already begun, and Sikkim occupies the first position inTele density. Sikkim has a number of hydroelectric power stations, providing a steady electricity source.
Media
Before 1994 there were only 20 accredited newspapers in Sikkim, Todaythere are more than 70 daily, bi-weekly and weekly newspapers are published in Sikkim. For the protection of the rights of the journalists"Press Club of Sikkim" has also been established. Number of net-Cafes are also established in Sikkim, after introduction to broadband in State, surfing has been quite faster in these Cafes. Also the paid satellite dish TVs have been introduced in Sikkim, now people have choices between Cable Operators and Dish TVs. And almost all major townshave cellular network coverages in Sikkim, the major service providers are BSNL, Reliance Infocomm, Hutch, Airtel & BSNL.