Sikkim, the Beautifyl  Himalayas Swiss

Introduction:

Erstwhile Flag of Sikkim Prior to Merger

SIKKIM
Small but beautiful. Sikkim is a enchanted dreamland. .A journey to Sikkim involves awakening the senses and discovering the pristine and mystic beauty of the land. 

Sikkim is situated in the Eastern Himalayas spread below the world's third highest mountain Kanchenjunga (8585 m) revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. Though measuring just 65 km. by 115 km - the size of Switzerland - it ranges from sweltering deep valleys - a mere 300 mts above sea level to lofty snow peaks such as Kanchenjunga. On its West side is the massif 31 Kms long Zemu Glacier.  

Various explorers and mountaineers have claimed to have seen YETI or its foot prints in the vicinity of the mountain and its glacier,- "The Abominable Snowman" has its place in folklore. The best known peaks are Pauhnuri (7125 m) , Pandim (6691 m), Talung (7349m), Tent Peak (7365 m), Jongsang (7459 m), Rathong (6679 m), Koktang (6147 m) and Sinioulchu (6887 m) regarded by the mountaineers as the most beautiful peak in the World.
SIKKIM offers her visitors a rare and singular experience. Within a matter of hour one can move from its sub-tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rigged mountains slopes that reach up to the areas of perpetual snow.  

Sikkim's botanical and geological affluence is truly impressive. The varieties of birds and butterflies in Sikkim is matched only by incredible diversity in the animal and botanical world, nourished by unique dramatic geographical features. The lower altitudes are sub-tropical and abound in some of Sikkim's more than 600 hundred Orchid varieties, sprays of Cardamom, fruits orchards and terraced rice paddies. To the Lepchas - this was " Nye Mae-El "(Paradise) , to the Bhutias it is , " Beymul Denzong" (The Hidden Valley of Rice). Sikkim is commonly attributed to the Tsong word "Sukhim' meaning (New or Happy Home).

Nowhere in the world in such a small area can one find flora and fauna of all varieties - Tropical to the Alpines. Sikkim's botanical and zoological richness is awe- inspiring, boasting of more than 4,000 species of plants and 30% of all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent . Truly a naturalist's delight. The hillsides and mountain slopes of Sikkim are strewn with bright patches of myriad colours. The lower mountain slopes are abundant with lush green bamboos and ferns. And the northern valleys are draped with wild cherry, oaks, chestnuts, pines and white magnolia. The higher altitudes are abloom with a carpet of rhododendrons with a splendour of their own. Sikkim's 600 varieties of orchids are a feast for the eye.

Fact at a Glance:

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Name: Sikkim was merged with India since 1975. Now Sikkim is a State of India. The name of the state derived form Sukhim, meaning “happy home, a place of peace.”
Area:  7,300 sq.km
Population: 406,000.
Capital city: Ganktok
People:  Nepalis (75%), Lepchas (20%), and smaller proportions of Bhutias and Limbus.
Language: Hindi is the official language, with English as the working language of the government; Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia and Limbu are also spoken.
Religion:  Hinduism, Buddhism.  The people have faith in the Buddha, the dharma (his teachings), and the sangha (assembly of monks) . 
Economy:  The economy of Sikkim is basically agrarian. Maize, rice, wheat, potato, large cardamom, ginger and orange are the principal crops. Ginger, potato, orange and off season vegetables are the other cash crops. Sikkim is one of the world's main producers of cardamom.
Average temperature Due to the extreme altitude, there is an immense variation in climate and vegetation.  

.The best time to visit Sikkim is between mid-March and June but especially, April and May, when the rhododendrons and orchids bloom. However, temperatures can be high, especially in the valleys. During the monsoons, from the end of June until early September, rivers and roads become impenetrable, though plants nurtured by the incessant rain erupt again into bloom towards the end of August. October, when orchids bloom once again, and November tend to have the clearest weather of all. As December approaches, it gets bitterly cold at high altitudes, and remains that way until early March, despite long periods of clear weather.

Sikkim People:

The people of Sikkim are warm, simple and friendly with a natural gaiety. The custom and rituals of Sikkimese are as diverse as the ethnic groups that inhabit the land. They have an impressive repertoire of folk songs and dances.

The population of Sikkim comprises three main groups of people, the Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalese.

The Lephhas, also called Kongpa, or the people of the ravines are said to be the original inhabitants of Sikkim.  The Lepcha are great industrialists, speak a distinct dialect and have their own names for rivers, flowers, plants, animals, and even insects. Before adopting Buddhism or Christianity as their religion, the earliest Lepcha settlers were believers in the bone faith or mune faith. This faith was basically based on spirits, good and bad. 
Life in a Lepcha dwelling is very simple. The male Lepcha wears a dress called a "pagi" made of cotton, which is stripped. The female Lepcha wear a two piece dress. The Lepchas speak the language lepcha, although this language is not very well developed but is rich in vocabulary related to the flora & fauna of Sikkim. Lepchas are very good at archery. The polyandry marriages are permitted amongst the Lepchas. 

The Bhutias had their original home in Tibet, and came and settled in Sikkim about seven centuries ago. They introduced Buddhism in Sikkim, and this is today the state's major religion. The Bhutias are successful traders and agriculturists, are generally more tough than the others, and can be found tending cattle even at very high altitudes.

A Bhutia house called "Khin" is usually of rectangular shape . 
The traditional dress of the male member is known as the "Bakhu" which is a loose cloak type garment with full sleeves. The ladies dress consists of a silken "Honju" which is a full sleeve blouse and a loose gown type garment. The ladies are very fond of heavy jewelry made of pure gold. 

The Nepalese today form the dominant population in Sikkim. They came to Sikkim as recently as two centuries ago, many during the Gurkha invasions and they are Hindu by religion.
The traditional male nepali dress consists of long double breast garment flowing below the waist and a trouser known as "Daura Suruwal". The female dress consist of a double breasted garment with strings to tie on both the sides at four places, which is shorter than the Daura and is known as "Chow Bandi Choli". They also wear a shawl known as "Majetro". The "Khukri" which has become a synonym to the Nepali (Gurkha) culture, is a very sharp edged, angled, heavy weapon carried in a wooden or leather scabbard known as "Daab". 

The population is mostly rural, living in scattered hamlets and villages. Gangtok, with fewer than 30,000 people, is Sikkim's largest settlement; other towns, in descending order of population, include Singtam, Rongphu, Jorthang, Nayabazar, Mangan, Gyalshing, and Namchi.

A favourite form of celebration is drinking of 'Chang', the millet beer of the Himalayas. Packed into tall bamboo containers, the drink is sipped through a bamboo pipe.

Knotted woollen carpets with the dominating dragon emblem, and eight auspicious signs; wood carvings, Lepcha handlooms in traditional designs and rich colours for clothes, bags, linen and accessories; leather jackets and handbags, articles of homemade paper, Thanka (religious scroll paintings) and Sikkimese Dragon Jewellery make a fascinating collection of handicrafts, inspired by an age old culture.

Mountains:

Sikkim has a very rugged topography. The towering mountains that define this paradise of the nature/ The two mountain ranges are :

Singilela: on the western boarder

Chola: on the eastern boarder

The Singelila Range is an enormous spur of the Great Himalayas. The crowning glory of this range is the 8596 m  Mount Khangchendzonga - the third highest in the world.  The Sikkimese believe that it is the abode of five treasures of the snows. In deference to local sentiments, no expedition has set foot on the summit- but remained a few meters below.  The 5000 m high  Gochela (the Lock Pass) offers a superb viewpoint. A depression, between Mount Pandim, and a spur of the Kabru Peak form the pass. It looks down into the Talung Valley, with the mighty Talung Glacier, winding its way down below. One is surrounded by great white peaks - Khangchendzonga (8596 M), Simvo (6811 M), Sinolchu (6888 M), Pandim (6691 M), Kabru (7338 M) and Rathang (6087 M). The awe inspiring sight, instills a feeling of standing in the very lap of Khangchendzonga, and gazing up at its face.

Glaciers:

There are many glaciers in Sikkim,  the most important ones are Zemu Glacier, Rathong Glacier and the  Lonak Glacier in North Sikkim.

 

Zemu Glacier

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. Icefalls and waterfalls have formed at the junction of the tributary glaciers with the Zemu glacier.

Waterfalls & Hot spring :

 

The verdant green landscape of Sikkim is broken here and there by waterfalls that leap out of the hillside to the valley floors in plumes of white. Waterfalls are found almost all over Sikkim.  Most of the waterfalls are perennial and are spring water fed but there are many that derive their water from melting snow. Except for a few all the waterfalls are unnamed.

Sikkim has many hot springs known for their medicinal value. The most important are the ones located at Reshi , Yumthang , Ralang .

Plants 

Luxuriant forests cover 36% of the land. The lowlands in the south between 800 feet to 5000 feet experience a tropical climate. Here you find lush green vegetation including figs, laurel, Sal trees and bamboos.
Some of the areas have been cleared for farming. 
The temperate forest of oak, chestnut, maple, birch, alder, magnolia and silver fir dominates between 5,000 ft and 13,000 ft. 
Above 13,000 ft, is the alpine zone where juniper, cypresses and rhododendrons grow. 
The perpetual snowline lies at 16,000 ft.  

More than 4,000 species of plant have been recorded in Sikkim. Over 600 species of orchids grow in Sikkim, Epiphytal and terrestrial types, in the tropical and temperate zones. 35 species of rhododendrons grow in temperate and alpine regions, their flowering from May to August covering the hillsides in a riot of colours. 

Animals :

The diversity in the plant world is complemented by a similar variety in the animal kingdom. Over 400 varieties of butterflies and moths adorn the forest with colour and life. Giant Lammergeier Vultures, Eagles, Whistling Thursh, Minivets, Bulbuls and Pheasants are some from among the 550 species of birds recorded in Sikkim, some of which have been declared
endangered. 
Among the more commonly found animals in the alpine zone are yaks. They are domesticated and reared in North Sikkim mainly for their economic productiveness.  The musk deer, found in the upper temperate regions, is today a species in the endangered list. A common denizen of Sikkim is the muntjac, or the `barking deer'. It is so called because of the barking noise it makes when  alarmed.  Among the more exotic mammals is the Red Panda which lives mostly on treetops. It is found at altitudes ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 ft. 
The snow leopard is an almost mythical animal. It has rarely been sighted and to date, only two field zoologists have succeeded in photographing this elusive animal in its habitat which can vary from 5,000 ft to as high as 18,000 ft. 
Blue sheep, flying squirrels, binturong, tahrs, marmots and musk deer are at home in this cool blanket of green. 
Most of this beautiful and virgin area comes under the Kanchenjunga National Park. 
Sikkim also has large cardamom, orange and tea plantations. The rivers of Sikkim have trout, salmon and carp. Fishing is allowed with a permit.


National Park/Sanctuaries and Forest Parks :

Khangchendzonga National Park(North Sikkim) 
This 850 sq.km. park is the home of Snow leopard , Clouded leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Blue Sheep, Serow,
Himalayan Tahr, Goral , Musk Deer, Barking Deer, Impeyan Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasantt , Osprey, Lammergeier, Sunbirds etc. 
Mount Khangchendzonga (8585m.),Mount Narsing (5825m.), Mount Simvo
(6811m.) and Mount Siniolchu (6888 m.) enhance the scenery.
The best season to visit thepark is from March to late May and September to mid-December. 

One of the abiding charms of Sikkim for the nature lover, is the constantly changing character of plant and animal life. Each of the altitudinal zones
of vegetation harbours characteristic fauna of its own. Sikkim, which is less than 8000 sq. km. In area has over 550 species and subspecies of birds, nearly 30% of the entire bird fauna of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka together.
The wealth and variety of butterflies and flowerings plants found here is perhaps unequalled in the world.  

Fabong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary  
20 kilometers from Gangtok and at an altitude of 1280 to 2652mtr., this 5176 hectare Sanctuary hosts Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Barking Deer, Goral, Serow, Marbled-Cat, Clouded Leopard, Leopard-Cat and Civet-Cats along with various kinds of birds. The Binturong or Bear-Cat (Arctictis binturong) is a rare civet reported from here. 
The best season to visit the Sanctuary is from March to late May and September to mid- December. 
Entry to Sanctuary is permitted from the chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok. 

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary 
The main attraction of this 32.50 hectare reserve is about 40 varieties of rhododendrons that set the area ablaze in colour during season. The rare
and endemic Rhododendron Niveum is preserved herein.
Serow, Goral, Blood Pheasant , Common Hill Patridge etc. also found here. The beautiful and highly endangered Spotted Linsang or Tiger-Civet
(Prionodon pardicolor) has been reported from here.  

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary (East Sikkim) 
Situated some 26 kms. From Gangtok, this 401.05 hectare Sanctuary abounds in alpine flowers like Poppies, Primulas and Rhododendron. Musk Deer, Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Lesser Cats, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Impeyan Pheasant are some of the species found. The bestperiod to visit Kyongnosla is July - August - September. 

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary 
This newly declared Sanctuary has an area of 3534 hectare. Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Goral, Serow, Barking Deer, Marbled-Cat,
Leopard-Cat, Civet-Cats, Blood Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge, Magpies, Black Eagle, Bluenaped Pitta, Sunbirds and many other varieties of animal are found here.  

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.

International Flower Festival 
The International Flower Festival is celebrated during March-May, when most of the state's 600 species of orchids, 240 species of trees and 240 species of ferns, 150 kinds of gladioli, 46 varieties of the world famous rhododendrons, equally varied species of magnolias and many other foliage plants are in full bloom. 
Major categories are orchids, gladioli, annuals, roses, alpine plants, pot plants, cacti, succulents, creepers, climbers, ferns, herbs and even wild flowers. 
Lectures and seminars are held by the experts in each field. A food festival is also organised.

Monasteries :

Monasteries form an integral part of Sikkim. There is a plethora of monasteries in Sikkim.  In fact there are almost nearly 200 monasteries or Gompas  belonging to either the Nyingmapa Sect or the Kargyupa Sect but Sikkim also has monasteries of the Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Bon faith.

 Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre ( 24 kms from Gangtok) : 

A short drive from Gangtok through the beautiful countryside one finds themselves in Rumtek Dharma Charma Chakra Centre. It was constructed by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960. It is believed that the monastery is an excellent replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet. the centre houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures, manuscripts and religious art objects.

A fifteen minute walk downhill from Dharma Chakra Center takes one to the old  Rumtek monastery which was originally built in 1730 by the ninth Karmapa but was destroyed by fire and had to be reconstructed to the present state. His Holiness late Gyalwa Karmapa lived in this monastery till the completion of the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center. 

The annual dances also called the Tse-Chu Chaams are held on the 10^th day of the 5^th  month of the Tibetan calendar around June. Dances called the Kagyat are also held here on the 28^th  & 29^th  day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar.

 PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY:

Pemayangtse is situated in Pelling,West Sikkim. Originally built by Lhatsun Chenpo in the 17th century it was  a small Lhekhang. Later during the rule of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal, Jigme Pawo, Lhatsun Chenpo's third reincarnation extended it and rebuilt the structure. It is perched at a height of 2085 mts and is the second oldest and perhaps the most important monastery in Sikkim.. This monastery belongs to the Nyigma order and all other Nyigma order monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it. 

The monastery houses numerous religious idols and other objects of worship, most of which are precious because of their antiquity. On the top floor of the monastery there is a wooden sculpture depicting the Maha Gurus Heavenly Palace "Sanghthokpalri". This master piece was completed by the late Dungzin Rimpoche, who took five years to craft it single handed. 

The main festival of the monastery is on the 28^th & 29^th day of the 12^th month of the Tibetan calendar, normally corresponding to the month of February. During these two days religious dances are performed and pilgrims come from all over Sikkim to watch them. Dressed in costumes of rare magnificence, the Lamas represent Mahakala and Guru Drag-dmar. The dance ends on the third day with the unfurling of the `Ghyo- ku' - a gigantic embroidered Buddhist scroll as the devotees bend down in homage.

ENCHEY MONASTERY  :

An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his  flying powers. This 200-year-old Monastery has in its premises images of god, goddesses and other religious objects. The present monastery was built in the shape of a Chinese Pagoda. Following the Nyingma order, it has around 90 monks. The annual ritual is celebrated with Chaam' or religious masked dance on the 18^th &19^th days of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar around January.

DUDDUL CHORTEN   : 

Duddul Chortenat Dotapu Chorten, Gangtok was built under the supervision of the late Most Venerable Trulshi Rinpoche after due prepartions in 1945-46, in accordance with the prophecy made in 1944 by thi Holiness the Dud-Zom Rinpoche. Placed inside the Chorten are a a complete mandala set of Dorji Phurpa (Bajra Kilaya), one set of Ka-gyur holy Books, relics, complete 'zung'(mantras) and other religious objects. This chorten is considered to be one of the most important chorten of Sikkim. Around the  chorten  108 Mani-Lhokor (Prayer Wheels) are installed. The Chorten is surrounded by Chortne Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang, where tow huge statues of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambahava ) are installed, Drupda( Meditation Centre), Nyingma Shede (Institute of Nyingma Higher Studies) and many smaller monuments including the 'kudung' of the latter Most Venerable Trulshi Rinpoche. The Sikkim Research Institute of Tinetloly and other Buddhist Studies (SRITOBS) is located near the Chorten. His Eminence Dodrup Chen Rinpoche of Sikkim has his seat at the Chorten Lhakhang and guides the disciples, including the inmates of the Drubda, in their search for higher knowledge and practice of the tenets of the Nyingma Order.

PHENSANG MONASTERY:

This monastery in North Sikkim was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. In 1947 it was completely gutted by a devastating fire. However it was rebuilt in 1948 thangs largely to the devotion of the Lamas and the unstinted spot of the laity. There are around 300 monks under the monastery and the main annual function in the monastery is on the 28^th & 29^th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calender which normally corresponds to the month of December.

 

 

PHODANG MONASTERY :

This monastery is in North Sikkim 28 kms. from Gangtok. It was built by the Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal somewhere in the first quarter of the eighteenth century. The original monastery has been rebuilt and is today one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sikkim. It possesses the old mural paintings and has around 260 monks. Like the Ralong and Rumtek monastery the main annual Puja is performed on the 28^th & 29^th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calender when the religious dances are performed.

 

LABRANG MONASTERY:

About half a kilometer uphill from Phodang Monastery is this monastery which was built about one hundred years later but belongs to the Nyingmapa sect. Just below the road between the Phodang and Labrang Monastery are the ruins of Tumlong,the third capital of Sikkim.

TASHIDING MONASTERY :

About 40 Kms. from Gyalshing(West Sikkim), via Legship is this important monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order. It was built on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong river and the Rangit river, where a rainbow emanating from Mount Khangchendzonga came to an end. At first only a small Lhakhang was built by Ngadak Sempa Chempo in the 17th Century. The main monastery was built by Pedi Wangmo during the reign of Chakdor Namgyal and some of the statues built then still exist. The sacred objects of worship in Tashiding are the  chorten Thongwa Rangdol and Bumchu( holy water). The chorten was built by the Lhatsun Chenpo and it is believed that merely to view the chorten is enough to cleanse one of all sins.Carved skillfully on flagstones surrounding the monastery are holy Buddhist mantras like "Om Mane Padme Hum" by the master craftsman Yanchong Lodil.

Bhuchu is a sacred pot containing holy water blessed by Ngadak Sempa Chenpo, after he had performed the Mane Mantra prayers 5 billion times The holy water does not dry up nor spoil and continues to have the fresh smell even 300 year later. The sacred Bumpa containing the water is kept under seal and opened for public darshan once a year on the 15^th day of the first Tibetan month.

PAL ZURMANG KAGYUD MONASTERY :

The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the XII^th successive incarnation of Zurmang Gharwang. This monastery is situated on the Tumtek-Ranka-Gangtok road at Lingdum, about 45 minutes drive from Gangtok. The complex is a fine example of Tibetan monastic architecture.

TSUK-LA-KHANG MONASTERY :

This monastery is located in the Royal Palace premises near the Ridge Park in Gangtok. It is two storied and was used during royal function like weddings and coronations. The Phang Labsol and Lossang Festivals are celebrated in the ground adjacent to the monastery once every year with the performance of the Chaams or the masked dance.

SANGA CHELLING MONASTERY :

Sanga chelling means ' the island of esoteric teaching'. This monastery was built in 1697 and is situated about 7 kms. from Pemayangste. It is said to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim.

DUBDI MONASTERY :

Dubdi means 'the retreat' and this monastery was built in 1700. It is located near Yuksum on a hill top. One has to travel by foot to reach it.

KEWZING MONASTERY :

This monastery is located near Kewzing in South Sikkim. It was built during the reign of Chogyal Thutob Namgyal.

SIMIK MONASTERY :

This monastery is situated in near Singtam town. It was built during the reign of Chogyal Tsudphud Namgyal.

HEE GYATHANG MONASTERY

This monastery is located in and follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.

LINGTEM MONASTERY

KHECHOPARI MONASTERY

This monastery is located just above the famous near Yuksum.

MELLI MONASTERY

Melli basically means 'a lepcha village'. This monastery is also located near Yuksum.

SINON MONASTERY

Sinon means 'the suppressor of intense fear'. The monastery was built in 1716 and is located about 10 kms. from Tashiding on a hill top.

DALLING MONASTERY

Dalling means 'the thunderbolt'. This monastery was built in 1840 and is situated near Kewzingin .

YANGYANG MONASTERY

Yangyang means 'the ridge of fortune'. This monastery was built in 1840 and is situated at a place called Yangyang 10 kms. downhill from Rabongla.

NAMCHI MONASTERY

This monastery is located in Namchi, the district headquarters of south district and was constructed during the reign of Chogyal Gurmed Namgyal.

CHAWANG ANI MONASTERY

This monastery is located near Phensang which is on the highway between Gangtok amd Mangan. It was built during the reign of Chogyal Tshudphud Namgyal .

RHENOCK MONASTERY

This monastery is located a bout 63 kms. from Gangtok.

KHATOK MONASTERY

This monastery is located in East Sikkim near Pakyong. The present structure of the monastery was built during the reign of Chogyal Thutob Namgyal.

BERMOIK MONASTERY

This monastery was constructed in 1952 and follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. It is situated in South Sikkim above Singtam.

LACHEN MONASTERY

This monastery in North Sikkim was built in 1806 and follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.

LACHUNG MONASTERY

This monastery in North Sikkim was built in Sikkim 1880 and also follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.

SANG MONASTERY

This monastery is situated near Rumtek and was built in 1912.

RALONG MONASTERY

This monastery  belong to the Karma Kagyu order and was built after the return of the fourth Chogyal form his pilgrimage to Tibet. The Karmapa performed the 'Rabney' (blessing) on its completion from Tsurphu itself, and grains from this ceremony fell on the ground at Ralong and were witnessed by the devotees. A few of the grains are still in the possession of some of the monks. Between 1975-81 the government reconstructed the monastery. The monastery has around 100 monks. The main ceremony falls on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar, when the 'chaams' are performed. It is situated near Rabongla in South Sikkim.

History:

Sikkim is, today, a state of the Indian Union, due to a combination of politically significant events. Ruled by the Gyalpo rulers as a political entity till the 18th century, Sikkim appealed to the British for help to overthrow the emigrant Bhutanese and Nepali Gorkhas, who threatened to outnumber the natives. A series of events led to the state becoming a protectorate of the British. 

In 1950, three years after India attained independence from Britain, a treaty was signed between Sikkim and India that made Sikkim an Indian protectorate. India assumed responsibility for the external relations, defense, and strategic communications of Sikkim. The terms of the 1950 Indo-Sikkimese treaty, however, included increased popular participation in government, and five general elections based on adult suffrage were held between 1952 and 1974. In the last of these elections, two rival parties merged to form the Sikkim Congress, which swept the polls. The party launched a campaign to obtain greater political liberties and rights that the chogyal attempted to suppress. With the situation getting out of control, the chogyal asked the government of India to take over the administration. India prepared a constitution for Sikkim that was approved by its national assembly in 1974. In a 1975 special referendum, more than 97 percent of the electorate voted for the merger of Sikkim with India. 

Sikkim became the 22nd state of the Indian Union on May 15, 1975

Nepal & Himalayas Kingdoms Expeditions 2001 & 2002:

NP01 - Mt. Everest Nepal Side Trek

NP02 - Kathmandu - Pakhara - Ghorepani Trek

NP03 -  Lobuche Peak Trek 

NP05 - Nepal- Sikkim - Bhutan,    3  Countries in One Expedition

NP06 - Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Trek

NP07 - Round Manaslu Restricted Area Trek

NP08 - Special Tour of Nepal for Students / Young People

NP09 - Helicopter & Balloon Himalays Tours

Optional Short Tours:

MT. EVEREST FLIGHT TOUR: FOR ONE HOUR WHICH IS CONDUCTED FOM KATHMANDU TOWARDS MT. EVEREST AND BACK. IT IS AN HOUR LONG JOURNEY THAT LEAVES MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME. FLYING AT 25,000 FT. WITH A GUARANTEED WINDOW SEAT AND WONDERFUL VIEW OF MT. EVEREST RANGE. THE FLIGHT DURATION IS TOTAL 45 MINUTES .
THE COST: US$ 170. / PER PERSON (FLIGHT COST ONLY)