History
The early history of Sikkim starts in the 13 th century with the signing of a Brotherhood Treat between the Lepcha Chief Thekongthek and Tibetan Prince Khe-Bhumsa at Kav in north of Sikkim and the beginning of Namgyal dynasty in Sikkim in 1642.Till the 18 th century the inhabitants of Sikkim were Lepchas.In the 18 th and 19 th centuries a large number of immigrants of Nepalese origin came to Sikkim and they constitute 50% of the total population. With the march of history events also brought a change from monarchy to democracy and Sikkim became an integral part of the Indian Union in 1975.
At A Glance
Area: 7,096 sq.km; Capital: Gangtok; Languages: Nepali, Hindi, Lepca and Bhutani; Airport: Nearest airport-Bagdogra of West Bengal; Hill Resorts: Gangtok (1547 m); Nearest railhead: Siliguri (114 km).
Gangtok
Cradled in the manifold splendors of nature, deep within the snow clad Himalayas is the capital of the Sikkim. Gangtok offers a hospitable base to explore the varied wonders of this highland, its picturesque valleys, monasteries, mountains, lakes and trekking trails.
Places of Interest
(1) Enchey Monastery (2) Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom (3) Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology (4) Sikkim Time Corporation Ltd (5) Do – Drul – Chorten.
How to Reach
Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (124 km)
Rail: Nearest railhead is Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km) connecting Howrah, Delhi, Guwahati and Lucknow.
Road: You can travel by road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri.
Distance from Gangtok
Kalimpong 67 km; Bagdogra 124 km; Darjeeling 88 km (direct route), 119 km via Kalimpong.
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