For the PGT Geography, the State of Sikkim, NER India

1. Sikkim The “Switzerland of East”
Land area: 7,096 km²,
Founded: May 15, 1975, 3:00 PM PDT
Capital: Gangtok,
Population: 619,000 (2012) Bird: Blood Pheasant
The Tsomgo River, Sikkim

2. • Sikkim is a small state in northwest India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, the area
has a dramatic landscape including India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kanchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to
glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. Steep paths lead to hilltop Buddhist
monasteries such as Pemayangtse, which dates to the early 1700s.
• Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, and North Sikkim is its most lovable part for tourists. It
is surrounded by mountains, snow, and forests and blessed by other wonders of nature. Flowers and fall are key
attraction factors of this tourism attraction. This part of Sikkim is called as Switzerland of East; by this one can
easily imagine how beautiful is this. It will be a lifetime experience to visit North Sikkim for anyone. Gangtok
will be key station of the trip and after thaSikkim is a small state in northwest India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet
and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, the area has a dramatic landscape including India’s highest mountain, 8,586m
Kanchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers.
Steep paths lead to hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse, which dates to the early 1700s.
• Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, and North Sikkim is its most lovable part for tourists. It
is surrounded by mountains, snow, and forests and blessed by other wonders of nature. Flowers and fall are key
attraction factors of this tourism attraction. This part of Sikkim is called as Switzerland of East; by this one can
easily imagine how beautiful is this. It will be a lifetime experience to visit North Sikkim for anyone. Gangtok
will be key station of the trip and after that you will directly go to Lachen and there you will experience what
you can’t imagine. It will take 7 Hours to reach Lachen village from Gangtok, and that journey will give you
some of the most beautiful scenic snaps.
• Sikkim is one of the beauties in north eastern part of India. It is nicely tucked away and beautifully landlocked
with immense natural beauty, it has all the components which would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous
day-to-day activities. To make it a wonderful exploration, here are a few places to visit in Sikkim that must make
it to your plan. Here are gems of this journey which attracts a large number of tourists to this part of Sikkim.
• These are key tourism destinations of Sikkim. A trip of 7-8 days would be enough to experience the amazing
beauty of Sikkim.t you will directly go to Lachen and there you will experience what you can’t imagine. It will
take 7 Hours to reach Lachen village from Gangtok, and that journey will give you some of the most beautiful
scenic snaps.
• Sikkim is one of the beauties in north eastern part of India. It is nicely tucked away and beautifully landlocked
with immense natural beauty, it has all the components which would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous
day-to-day activities. To make it a wonderful exploration, here are a few places to visit in Sikkim that must make
it to your plan. Here are gems of this journey which attracts a large number of tourists to this part of Sikkim.
• These are key tourism destinations of Sikkim. A trip of 7-8 days would be enough to experience the amazing
beauty of Sikkim.

3. North East Regional Institute of Education, Umiam
( A constituent unit of NCERT, New Delhi MHRD, Govt.
of India )

4. The Contour Map of Sikkim

5. The Sikkim is a mountainous Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. Sikkim is the second smallest state in
India. Given below is the Map of Sikkim giving details about the location of the state. The Sikkim Map given
below gives information about the location of Sikkim's districts and also the location of Sikkim state on
India Map. The map also shows the national and international boundaries which Sikkim shares with its
neighboring states and other countries.

6. The flora of Sikkim includes the rhododendron, the state tree, with a wide range of species
occurring from subtropical to alpine regions. Orchids, figs, laurel, bananas, sal trees and
bamboo grow in the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests of the lower altitudes of Sikkim,
which enjoy a subtropical-type climate The alpine-type vegetation is typically found between an
altitude of 3,500 to 5,000 meters (11,500 to 16,000 ft). In lower elevations are found juniper,
pine, firs, cypresses and rhododendrons from the Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests

7. The Statue of Guru Rimpoche at
Samdrupts

8. Sikkim is a small state in northwest India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Part of the
Himalayas. Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, Sikkim is one of the beauties
in north eastern part of India. It is nicely tucked away and beautifully landlocked with immense
natural beauty, it has all the components which would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous
day-to-day activities. To make it a wonderful exploration

9. Sikkim is a mountainous Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. Sikkim is the second smallest
state in India. Given below is the Map of Sikkim giving details about the location of the state.
The Sikkim Map given below gives information about the location of Sikkim.

10. Sikkim has 11 official languages: Nepali (lingua franca),
Bhutia, Lepcha (since 1977), Limbu (since 1981), Newari,
Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang (since 1995) and
Sunwar (since 1996). English is taught at schools and used
in government documents. It is the only state in India
with an ethnic Nepalese majority. The predominant
religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Gangtok
is the capital and the largest town. Sikkim has a booming
economy dependent on agriculture and tourism, and has
the only open border between India and China. Amidst
the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast
flowing rivers, hills, Sikkim offers her visitors a rare and
singular experience. Within a matter of hours one can
move from the sub-tropical heat of the lower valleys to
the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to
the area of perpetual snow.

11. Education and Employment
Literacy in Sikkim is 69.68%, which breaks down into 76.73% for males
and 61.46% for females. There are a total of 1157 schools, including
765 schools run by the State government, 7 central government
schools and 385 private schools. Twelve colleges and other institutions
in Sikkim offer higher education. The largest institution is the Sikkim
Manipal University of Technological Sciences, which offers higher
education in engineering, medicine and management. It also runs a
host of distance education programs in diverse fields. There are two
state-run polytechnical schools, Advanced Technical Training Centre
(ATTC) and Centre for Computers and Communication Technology
(CCCT) in Sikkim which offer diploma courses in various branches of
engineering. ATTC is situated at Bardang, Singtam and CCCT at
Chisopani, Namchi. Sikkim University a central university began
operating in 2008 at Yangang, which is situated about 28 km from
Singtam. Many students, however, migrate to Siliguri, Kolkata,
Bangalore and other Indian cities for their higher education.

12. The flora of Sikkim includes the rhododendron, the state tree, with a wide range of
species occurring from subtropical to alpine regions.

13. • The flora of Sikkim includes the rhododendron, the state tree, with a wide
range of species occurring from subtropical to alpine regions.
• Orchids, figs, laurel, bananas, sal trees and bamboo grow in the Himalayan
subtropical broadleaf forests of the lower altitudes of Sikkim, which enjoy a
subtropical-type climate.
• In the temperate elevations above 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) are Eastern
Himalayan broadleaf forests, where oaks, chestnuts, maples, birches, alders,
and magnolias grow in large numbers, as well as Himalayan subtropical pine
forests, dominated by Chir pine.
• The alpine-type vegetation is typically found between an altitude of 3,500 to
5,000 meters (11,500 to 16,000 ft). In lower elevations are found juniper,
pine, firs, cypresses and rhododendrons from the Eastern Himalayan
subalpine conifer forests. Higher up are Eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and
meadows, home to a broad variety of rhododendrons and wildflowers.
• Sikkim has around 5,000 flowering plants, 515 rare orchids, 60 primula
species, 36 rhododendron species, 11 oak varieties, 23 bamboo varieties, 16
conifer species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, 8 tree ferns, and over 424
medicinal plants. A variant of the Poinsettia, locally known as "Christmas
Flower", can be found in abundance in the mountainous state. The orchid
Dendrobium nobile is the official flower of Sikkim.

14. The Waterbodies Sketched in the map of Sikkim

15. The Rare Map of NEFA Tract - Theatre of the World War II

16. The Sikkim Map the location of Sikkim's districts and also the location of Sikkim state
on India Map. The map also shows the national and international boundaries which
Sikkim shares with its neighboring states and other countries.

17. • Political Subdivisions: Sikkim has four districts, each overseen by a
Central Government appointee, the district collector, who is in
charge of the administration of the civilian areas of the districts.
The Indian army has control of a large territory, as the state is a
sensitive border area. Many areas are restricted and permits are
needed to visit them. There are eight towns and nine subdivisions
in Sikkim.
• The four districts are East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and
South Sikkim. The district capitals are Gangtok, Geyzing, Mangan
and Namchi respectively. These Four Districts are further divided
into Subdivisions. "Pakyong" and "Rongli" are the subdivisions of
the East District. "Soreng" is the subdivision of the West District.
"Chungthang" is the subdivision of the North District. "Ravongla" is
the subdivision of the South District.

18. The Drainage Map of Sikkim: Numerous snow-fed streams in Sikkim have carved out river valleys
in the west and south of the state. These streams combine into the Teesta and its tributary, the
Rangeet. The Teesta described as the "lifeline of Sikkim", flows through the state from north to
south. About a third of the land is heavily forested

19. The Sikkim Map given below gives information about the location of Sikkim's districts
and also the location of Sikkim state on India Map. The map also shows the national
and international boundaries which Sikkim shares with its neighboring states and
other countries.

20. The White house of Sikkim,

21. Sikkim is a mountainous state
Geography: The thumb-shaped state is characterized by wholly mountainous terrain.
Almost the entire state is hilly, with an elevation ranging from 280 metres (920 ft) to
8,585 metres (28,000 ft). The summit of the Kangchenjunga is the highest point which
falls on the border between Sikkim and Nepal.

22. • Topology: The most widely accepted origin of the name
Sikkim is that it is a combination of two words in the
Limbu Su, which means "new", and Khyim, which means
"palace" or house, in reference to the palace built by the
state's first ruler, Phuntsog Namgyal. The Tibetan name
for Sikkim is Denjong, which means the "valley of rice".
The Lepchas, original inhabitants of Sikkim called it Nye-
mae-el or paradise, and the Bhutias call it Beyul
Demazong, which means the hidden valley of rice. In
Hindu religious texts, Sikkim is known as Indrakil, the
garden of Indra.
• Most of Sikkim is covered by Precambrian rock and is
much younger in age than the hills. The rock consists of
phyllites and schists and therefore the slopes are highly
susceptible to weathering and prone to erosion.

23. Sikkim is a mountainous Indian state nestled in the
Himalayas. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India.

24. The Rumtek Monestry, Sikkim
The Sikkimese celebrates all major Nepali festivals like Tihar and Bhimsen Puja are
common. Losar, Loosong, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen, Drupka Teshi and Bhumchu
are Buddhist festivals - Losar

25. The State Emblem of Govt. of Sikkim,

26. The Budha Temple

27. Hon"able Shri Niwas Patil
The Governor of Sikkim

28. The Lush Flora Garden - Namchi WMV,
Sikkim

29. • Namchi is blessed with fresh air which is fragmented
with the aroma of lush flora. The beautiful sight of
snowcapped mountains and the woodland
mountain valleys adds to the scenery; and makes it
an important one among the places to see in
• Sikkim.Khangchendzonga range, Sherdup Choeling
Monastery, The beautiful tea gardens, Rock Garden
• Namchi Mahotsav in October

30. The Traditional Borong Village, Sikkim

31. Dzongu- It is located at 70 km from Gangtok in North
Sikkim. Dzongu is a reserved area for Lepchas, who are
the original inhabitants of Sikkim. Here one can
experience the lifestyle, culture, and tradition of
Lepchas from close. There is a seven sister waterfall in
Dzongu, which is one of the very popular tourist
attraction in Sikkim

32. The Thunderbolt Clouds on Himalayan
Ranges, Sikkim

33. • Sikkim is a small state in northwest India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and
Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, the area has a dramatic landscape including
India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kanchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to
glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. Steep
paths lead to hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse, which
dates to the early 1700s.
• Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, and North Sikkim is
its most lovable part for tourists. It is surrounded by mountains, snow, and
forests and blessed by other wonders of nature. Flowers and fall are key
attraction factors of this tourism attraction. This part of Sikkim is called as
Switzerland of East; by this one can easily imagine how beautiful is this. It
will be a lifetime experience to visit North Sikkim for anyone. Gangtok will
be key station of the trip and after that you will directly go to Lachen and
there you will experience what you can’t imagine. It will take 7 Hours to
reach Lachen village from Gangtok, and that journey will give you some of
the most beautiful scenic snaps.
• Sikkim is one of the beauties in north eastern part of India. It is nicely
tucked away and beautifully landlocked with immense natural beauty, it has
all the components which would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous
day-to-day activities. To make it a wonderful exploration, here are a few
places to visit in Sikkim

34. The Roaring Great Himalaya's, Sikkim

35. The Furious Thunderclaps of Himalayas
- Sikkim

36. The Yuksom Town - Human Habitat,
Sikkim

37. The Meander 's of River Teesta, Sikkim

38. • Teesta River is stunning to look at when it is frozen
in winters. During spring however the river is
shimmering in the sun rays and displays a perfect
habitat for blooming flowers.
• River rafting and kayaking during the summers, Bird
spotting, Lush green fauna and flower beds on the
banks Sangam of river teesta with it tributary the
Rangeet River, Dikchu bridge on way to Lachung

39. The Lachung Valley, North Sikkim

40. • Lachung- Just like Lachen, Lachung is also a beautiful small village. Usually
tour packages named them combine Lachen & Lachung. It is famous for
its, Apples, Peaches and Apricots. Coming near to their tradition and
culture is unbelievable experience which every tourist should have on his
trip to North sikkim. It is a perfect place to stay for a night before you visit
Yumthang Valley. Lachung village is one of the most popular places of
Sikkim.
• Kabi Lungchok (17 km from Gangtok) is a historical attraction of North
Sikkim and Phodong Monastery (38km from Gangtok) is one of the major
Monastery of Sikkim and opens a religious perspective for tourists in
North Sikkim.
• Kabi Lungchok (17 km from Gangtok) is a historical attraction of North
Sikkim and Phodong Monastery (38km from Gangtok) is one of the major
Monastery of Sikkim and opens a religious perspective for tourists in
North Sikkim.

41. The Zuluk Village, Sikkim
Zuluk is a small village located at a high altitude and has a
very empowering history due to its connection with the Silk
Route. It promises great views of the snowcapped mountain
ranges especially during winter.

42. The Tsongu (Oxbow) Lake, Sikkim
Tsongo lake which is located just 38 km away from the capital
city of Sikkim, Gangtok, is among the most popular tourist
places in Sikkim. A snaky road through rocky mountain
topography and strident mountains which takes you to the
Tsongo Lake is a lot of adventure in itself. Migratory ducks like
the Brahmini,

43. The Ravangla Village Human Habitat Sikkim

44. Revangla- Furrowed by dense forests and outstandingly
balanced on a ridge superintending an extensive swish of
western Sikkim, Ravangla assures one of the most beautiful
mountain views. It is a popular tourist place in Sikkim and
draws many nature lovers every year.
• Tathagata Tsal, a Buddhist park,, Mane Choekhorling
Gompa, Pang Lhabsol, which displays religious prayers and
songs, Hikes and treks

45. The Peellig Himalayas – Sikkim
Sikkim is a small state in northeastern Region India,
India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kanchenjunga.
Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and
thousands of varieties of wildflowers.

46. The Frozen Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake- It is at 17000 ft, beauty is at its best. It is among
15 biggest lakes in world. History behind it is, that Guru
Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Dongmar), touched, and
sanctified the lake, and thus, even in extreme winter, a portion of the
lake does not freeze and this lake is sacred for religious people.

47. Indian Army Field Post in Great Himalayan Ranges, The
way to reach by only the Nathula Pass in the Himalayas,
connects India with Tibet. The pass, at 4,310 m above
sea level forms a part of a side-shoot of the prehistoric
Silk Road on Border of India and China, a war memorial
Exhibition Centre of the Indian Army at Mt Chomolhari.

48. The Gurudongmar Lake- It is at 17000 ft, beauty is at its best. It is among 15 biggest lakes in
world. History behind it is, that Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Dongmar),
touched, and sanctified the lake, and thus, even in extreme winter, a portion of the lake
does not freeze and this lake is sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists.

49. The Lachen Big Pass

50. Lachen is a distant village in North Sikkim and the
winter home for Tibetan nomadic tribes. Lachung is
also a high altitude village of Tibetan and Bhutia
people in North Sikkim. And Yumthang is a beautiful
valley bounded by snowcapped mountains. All three
are extremely beautiful tourist places in Sikkim.
This is a perfect example to say “simplicity at its best”.
A small village with around 200 houses takes you to a
dream land where one gets taste of real peaceful life.
It is at altitude of 8500 ft. Lachen is also gateway to
the Gurudongmar Lake. Foreigners need a special
permit to visit here. It adds the perspective of
simplicity in tourism attractions of Sikkim. Monastery
of Lachen gives a panoramic view of Lachen Village.

51. The Lachen - North Sikkim Valley Human Habitat

52. Trio logy of the Sikkim

53. Gurudongmar Lake- It is at 17000 ft, beauty is at its
best. It is among 15 biggest lakes in world. History
behind it is, that Guru Padmasambhava (also known
as Guru Dongmar), touched, and sanctified the lake,
and thus, even in extreme winter, a portion of the
lake does not freeze and this lake is sacred for both
Hindus and Buddhists.

54. Trio logy of the Sikkim
Gurudongmar Lake

55. The Meander"s - Tsongu Lake

56. Tsongo lake which is located just 38 km away from the
capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, is among the most
popular tourist places in Sikkim. A snaky road through
rocky mountain topography and strident mountains
which takes you to the Tsomgo Lake is a lot of
adventure in itself.

57. The Yamthang Valley Foothills, North Sikkim

58. • Yumthang Valley- This wonder of Sikkim is situated
at a height of 11800 feet is popularly known as
‘Valley of Flowers, 148 kms from Gangtok, it is a
paradise for nature lovers with a fascinating blend of
flora and fauna and breathtaking scenic beauty. In
spring season tourists get Bumper offer by Nature to
see something which you cannot forget, it is really a
lifetime experience to gaze bed sheet of flowers on
slops of mountains. There is also a hot spring, which
is a popular tourist spot at Yumthang valley.
Yumthang Valley is a must visit destination of North
Sikkim.

59. The Lachung Valley, Sikkim

60. Lachung- Just like Lachen, Lachung is also a beautiful
small village. Usually tour packages named them
combine Lachen & Lachung. It is famous for its,
Apples, Peaches and Apricots. Coming near to their
tradition and culture is unbelievable experience which
every tourist should have on his trip to North sikkim.
It is a perfect place to stay for a night before you visit
Yumthang Valley. Lachung village is one of the most
popular places of Sikkim

61. The Topology of Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim

62. • Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, and
North Sikkim is its most lovable part for tourists. It is
surrounded by mountains, snow, and forests and blessed by
other wonders of nature. Flowers and fall are key attraction
factors of this tourism attraction. This part of Sikkim is called
as Switzerland of East; by this one can easily imagine how
beautiful is this. It will be a lifetime experience to visit North
Sikkim for anyone. Gangtok will be key station of the trip and
after that you will directly go to Lachen and there you will
experience what you can’t imagine. It will take 7 Hours to
reach Lachen village from Gangtok, and that journey will give
you some of the most beautiful scenic snaps.
• Sikkim is one of the beauties in north eastern part of India. It
is nicely tucked away and beautifully landlocked with
immense natural beauty, it has all the components which
would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous day-to-day
activities. To make it a wonderful exploration, here are a few
places to visit in Sikkim

63. The Trio logy of Sikkim

64. • Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of
wildflowers. Steep paths lead to hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as
Pemayangtse, which dates to the early 1700s.
• Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, and North Sikkim is its
most lovable part for tourists. It is surrounded by mountains, snow, and forests and
blessed by other wonders of nature. Flowers and fall are key attraction factors of
this tourism attraction. This part of Sikkim is called as Switzerland of East; by this
one can easily imagine how beautiful is this. It will be a lifetime experience to visit
North Sikkim for anyone. Gangtok will be key station of the trip and after that you
will directly go to Lachen and there you will experience what you can’t imagine. It
will take 7 Hours to reach Lachen village from Gangtok, and that journey will give
you some of the most beautiful scenic snaps.
• Sikkim is one of the prime tourism destinations of India, and North Sikkim is its
most lovable part for tourists. It is surrounded by mountains, snow, and forests and
blessed by other wonders of nature. Flowers and fall are key attraction factors of
this tourism attraction. This part of Sikkim is called as Switzerland of East; by this
one can easily imagine how beautiful is this. It will be a lifetime experience to visit
North Sikkim for anyone. Gangtok will be key station of the trip and after that you
will directly go to Lachen and there you will experience what you can’t imagine. It
will take 7 Hours to reach Lachen village from Gangtok, and that journey will give
you some of the most beautiful scenic snaps.
• Sikkim is one of the beauties in north eastern part of India. It is nicely tucked away
and beautifully landlocked with immense natural beauty, it has all the components
which would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous day-to-day activities. To
make it a wonderful exploration, here are a few places to visit in Sikkim

65. The Eastern Himalayan Lachen Valley - Sikkim

66. Indian Army Field Post - Great Himalayan Ranges, Sikkim
Nathula Pass, located in the Himalayas, connects India with
Tibet. The pass, at 4,310 m above sea level forms a part of a
side-shoot of the prehistoric Silk Road.

67. The Great Himalayan Ranges, Sikkim

68. The Kanchanjangha Range of Sikkim Himalaya's,

69. The Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim Paragliding in the
valley Jhakri Falls and Kyongnosla Water Falls, Yak ride, lively
nightlife, Snowcapped ranges of Mt Kachendzonga, Bird eye
view from the rope way, Enchey Monastery

70. The Gangtok has loads of gems in its kitty,never ending
walking trails and gorgeous silver-fir trees.