Sikkim - Travelogue

This PowerPoint presentation contains all little details about Sikkim like its culture, tradition, food items, famous personalities, clothes people of Sikkim wear, festivals and surely places to visit.
Hope you will like my effort.

1. Sikkim A Closer look at The sky, the mountains and tree gives us delight… Beauty of nature Sikkim beauties -N L

2. INTRODUCTION Sikkim is India's 22nd state. It is the least populous and second smallest among the Indian states. A part of the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kanchenjunga, the highest peak in India and the third highest on Earth. Sikkim’s capital and largest city is Gangtok. Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kanchenjunga – Mountain in Asia

3. Location of Sikkim Sikkim is a state in northeastern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south. Sikkim is also close to India's Siliguri Corridor near Bangladesh. Physical Location of Sikkim Location: 27.2°N 88.4°E Altitude: 280 m (920 ft..) to 8,585 m (28,000 ft..) above sea level Area: 7,096 km²

4. Climate of Sikkim   The state has five seasons: winter, summer, spring, autumn, and monsoon season. Sikkim's climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to tundra in the north. Most of the inhabited regions of Sikkim experience a temperate climate, with temperatures seldom exceeding 28°C (82 °F) in summer. The average annual temperature for most of Sikkim is around 18 °C (64 °F). Majestic climate of sikkim Sikkim is one of the few states in India to receive regular snowfall. The snow line ranges from 6,100 meters (20,000 ft.) in the south of the state to 4,900 meters (16,100 ft.) in the north . The tundra-type region in the north is snowbound for four months every year, and the temperature drops below 0°C (32°F ) almost every night. In north-western Sikkim, the peaks are frozen year-round ; because of the high altitude, temperatures in the mountains can drop to as low as −40 °C (−40 °F) in winter. During the monsoon heavy rains increase the risk of landslides. The record for the longest period of continuous rains in Sikkim is 11 days. Fog affects many parts of the state during winter and the monsoons, making transportation perilous. Features of Sikkim 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 are above 6100 meters (2000 ft.) are near the west of the occupied territory, like Mt. Kanchendzonga. Other mountains that are above 6100 meters (2000 ft.) 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 (22000 ft.) tall. The other mountains that are a little bit shorter than 6100 meters (20000 ft.) 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. 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.

5. Occupation of Sikkim Sikkim exhibits diverse climatic conditions from tropical moist to temperate and alpine zones. Agriculture is the primary occupation of the inhabitants of the state . The major crops of the state include rice, maize, tea, soybean , ginger, orange, pears, potato and tomato. It is the top producer and exporter of large cardamoms in the country. In  agriculture, a terrace is a piece of sloped plane that has been cut into a series of successively receding flat surfaces or platforms, which resemble steps, for the purposes of more effective farming. This type of landscaping is therefore called terracing. Graduated terrace steps are commonly used to farm on hilly or mountainous terrain. Terraced fields decrease both erosion and surface runoff, and may be used to support growing crops that require irrigation, such as rice. dress of sikkim The Kho or Bakhu is a traditional dress worn by Bhutia, ethnic Sikkimese people of Sikkim and Nepal. It is a loose, cloak-style garment that is fastened at the neck on one side and near the waist with a silk or cotton belt similar to the Tibetan chuba and to the Ngalop gho of Bhutan, but sleeveless. Women wear a silken, full-sleeve blouse called a honju inside the kho; a loose gown type garment fastened near the waist, tightened with a belt. Married women tie a multi-coloured striped apron of woolen cloth called pangden around their waist . Male members wear a loose trouser under the kho. The traditional outfit is complemented by embroidered leather boots by both men and women.

6. 1. Sikkim and Momos are complementary to one another. Believed to be of Tibetan origin and modulated by the Nepalese cuisine the momos are the lifeline of Sikkim . 2. Phagshapa is a strip of pork fat which is stewed with dry chilies and radish. A spicy and tangy endeavor of this Sikkimese dish is rich in proteins and is made of no oil . 3. This wonderful dish of Tibetan origin is literally heaven on your taste Buds. Everyone loves bread, meat deep-fried stuff, and Sha Phaley has all three. Bread stuffed with ground beef and cabbage made into semi-circle and then deep-fried is everything that people need to know about this famous food of Sikkim. Traditional Food of Sikkim Sikkimesse people usually eat rice, green vegetables, potatoes, dal and sinky Thukpa is a noodle soup with vegetables and beef which is also very popular. Rice is the staple food of Sikkim and fermented foods traditionally constitute a significant portion of Sikkimese Cuisine . Food of Sikkim

7. Eminent Personalities of Sikkim

8. Festivals of Sikkim Festivals in Sikkim are a story that never fails to attract attention and admiration which is one of the best time to visit sikkim. While India celebrates all her festivals with much sound – both in form of firecrackers and human enthusiasm – Sikkim is more colorful with its decorations and dances, as it  maintains the organic and clean feel that the world has come to associate with this paradise. Rustic beliefs, colorful decorations and a whole lot of laughter characterize some of the best festivals of Sikkim. It is an important day for the Mahayana Buddhists as it celebrates the three most important phases of Gautama Buddha – his birth, his enlightenment and his attaining nirvana. This triple celebration, which is the biggest in Sikkim, is observed on the full moon of the fourth month of the lunar calendar of the Buddhists and typically falls between the end of May to beginning of June – what the rest of India celebrates as Buddh Poornima. The day is celebrated with people paying a visit to the Sikkim monasteries and offering lamps of butter to show their devotion and love. Saga Dawa Losoong or the Sonam Losar It is the Farmer’s New Year is like the Baisakhi festival of the North where farmers celebrates their bountiful harvest where the lama dances keeping in tradition of the expulsion of the evil spirit and to welcome the new spirit via the New Year. Pang Lhabsol It is unique as it celebrates nature. The festival and all its celebrations are surrounding the third highest peak in the world, the Kanchenjunga or Khangchendzonga. Besides celebrating the peak this festival also honors the treaty signed by Bhutias and Lepchas where all the local deities were welcomed to witness this occasion. Celebrated around the fifteenth day which falls in the seventh month as per their calendar, end of August as per the standard calendar, the festival is a depiction of the deity who is the guardian by the lama who dons the garb and dances. This scenes is accompanies by much joking and laughter. International Flower Festiva l This festival is held in Gangtok every year in the month of May, is another example of Sikkim’s respect for nature. Orchids, gladioli, ferns, herbs, roses, cacti, creepers, you name it they have it on display. The colorful display and the intoxicating fragrance of so many flowers mingling will definitely soothe your soul. Losar is the Tibetan New Year Festival which is heralded by the Guthor Chaam that witnesses the lamas of Rumtek and Pemayangtse showcasing the traditional and beautiful dance. Celebrated in the month of February, the Gyalpo Losar is about offering flowers to the monasteries, visiting friends and families and hoping for a better year.

9. Tourism of Sikkim Nathula Pass Pelling Teesta River Lachen, Lachung and Yumthang Valley Tsomgo Lake Zuluk 1. Nathula Pass : It is around 53 km away from the main city of Gangtok. This place apar0t from being one of the best tourist places in Sikkim and is a politically very important point of Sikkim. Nathula Pass connects India to Tibet which creates an amalgamation of Indian and Tibetan culture around this place. There is a famous border trade market called – Sherathang from where you can buy a sovereign for yourself and friends . 2. Pelling is the second most favorite spot in Sikkim. It coaxes thousands of travelers who seek peace in the lap of nature and to be surrounded by gigantic views. This town is a paradise of trekkers and peace lover. 3. Teesta River: It is like a magical delight for its visitors who get mesmerized by its shiny wilderness with which it flows tirelessly. People can come to visit the Teesta River in winter when the river appears in the frozen state and enhance the beauty of the season with its view or River rafting and kayaking are some most loved activities in Teesta River by its visitors. You can catch the glimpse of the Sangam of Teesta River along with its tributary the Rangeet River whenever you travel to the majestic place. Another major attraction of Teesta River is Dikchu Bridge which you can check out on your way to Lachung . 4. Lachen, Lachung and Yumthang Valley: These three immensely beautiful villages soaked in Sikkim’s culture. Lachen is very small village in North Sikkim. This village is the home of Tibetan nomadic tribes during winters. It is a gateway to two really beautiful lakes named Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu . Lachen will give visitors the best experience of peaceful time, Lachung is perfect to relish snow and Yumthang is the place one must go to catch on the beauty of the flower valley of Sikkim. 5. Tsogmo lake: The lake is nestled around 40 km away from the main city of Gangtok. This immensely beautiful glacier lake is one of the top tourist ddestination of Sikkim. Tsogmo means ‘Source of Water’. This mesmerizing lake is one of India’s highest altitude lakes which make Sikkim even more beautiful. Tsogmo lake reflects the gigantic views of snow-clad mountain around it. The flora and fauna family found at this location include Primulas , yellow and blue poppies, Irish, Yaks and Ponies, and migratory ducks – Brahmini . 6. Zuluk : It is one of the best offbeat locations in Sikkim which holds the power to mesmerize its visitor with enthralling views of mountains all around it. There is a pristine and unique temple named Nag Temple which is dedicated to Nag Devta (Snake God). It has an idol of King Cobra and is shaped like a den or cave which feels like entering into a snake hole. Other major attractions of Zuluk are magnetic views of snow-clad Mt. Kanchenjunga and Thambi View Point  .

10. Thank You By-Kirti Taneja Class – VIII E Roll No.- 21