Weather and Climate

Sikkims geographical location with its altitudinal variation allows it to have tropical, temperate and
alpine climatic conditions within its small area of 7,096 kms. Temperature conditions vary from sub-
tropical in the southern lower parts to cold deserts in the snowy north. It is also the most humid
region in the whole range of the Himalayas, because of its proximity to the Bay of Bengal and direct
exposure to Southern monsoon. 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).

Cuisines
Sikkim is a very small hilly state of India located in the Eastern Himalayas with a total geographical
area of 7096.Sq. Kms. The traditional food of Sikkim is called Sikkimese cuisine. The cuisine is a blend
of Tibetan, Nepali and Lepcha dishes which comes from various ethnic tribes and communities of
Sikkim. Sikkimese food is largely based on rice, culinary vegetables from jungle like Ningro (Fern),
Nakima (Wild Lily), Baas ko Tusa (Bamboo-Shoot), Cheuw (Mushrooms), etc. Even organic vegetables
such as Iskus (Chayote/ Squash), Pharsi (pumpkin), Pharsi ko Munta (Pumpkin leaves), Iskus ko Munta
(Chayote/ Squash leaves), Kinema (Fermented Soyabean), Ruk Tamatar ( Tree Tomato) and Dalle
Chillies (Hot Fire Balls), etc are also extensively used in day to day menu. Most of the Sikkimese
people are meat eaters. Varity of fresh n processed meats of mutton,beef,pork chicken and fish are
feasted in almost every meal. Locally fermented beverage such as Arra ( Homemade Whiskey), and
Chaang / Tongba (Fermented Millet) also compliments the Sikkimese cuisine

Fairs & Festivals

Sikkim (/ˈsɪkɪm/) is a state in northeastern India. It borders Tibet in the north and northeast, Bhutan
in the east, Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south. Sikkim is also located close to India's
Siliguri Corridor near Bangladesh. Sikkim 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 Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third
highest on Earth. Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok. Almost 35% of the state is covered by
the Khangchendzonga National Park. The Kingdom of Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal dynasty in
the 17th century. It was ruled by a Buddhist priest-king known as the Chogyal. It became a princely
state of British India in 1890. After 1947, Sikkim continued its protectorate status with the Republic
of India. It enjoyed the highest literacy rate and per capita income among Himalayan states.

Economy of sikkim
In 2023-24, passenger and aircraft movements were 8,417 and 170, respectively.

At current prices, Sikkim’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is estimated at Rs. 0.47 trillion (US$
5.72 billion) in 2023-24. Sikkim’s GSDP is estimated to increase at a CAGR of 10.75% between 2018-
19 and 2023-24.

In 2022-23, the secondary sector contributed 62.60% to the state’s GSVA at current prices. It was
followed by the tertiary sector at 28.58% and the primary sector at 8.83%. At a CAGR of 12.66%, the
primary sector witnessed the fastest growth among the three sectors between 2011-12 and 2022-23.

As of March 2024, Sikkim had a total installed power generation capacity of 798.69 MW, of which
167.54 MW was under central utilities, 415.11 MW was under state utilities and 216.04 MW was
under the private sector. Of the total installed power generation capacity, 103.04 MW was
contributed by thermal and 695.15 MW by renewable energy.

Agriculture
Total cropped area of Sikkim is averaged at 138,000 hectares.

In 2016, Sikkim became world's first Organic state. Also Sikkim was the first state in the world to
implement 100% organic policy.] Majority of Sikkim's population(around 62%) is employed
Agriculture and Agriculture based sector and 80% of rural population is employed in this sector.

In 2003, Sikkim implemented 100% and banned chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Sikkim became
first Indian state to do so.] In January 2016, Sikkim was awarded with prestigious Future Policy Gold
Award by UN (FAO).

Sikkim is major producer of in India.] Sikkim accounts 88% of cardamom produce of India.

Major crops of the state are, Paddy, Buck Wheat, Maize, Barley, potato.

Sikkim is known for its unique Tea Board of India is considering GI tag for Sikkimese Tea.
Culture & Heritage
The people of Sikkim are warm, simple and friendly with a nature gaiety. The customs and rituals of
Sikkim are as diverse as the ethnic that inhabit the land ; the ‘Lepchas‘ — essentially children of the
forest , the ‘Bhutias’ and the ‘Nepalese’.The people of sikkim love to celebrate. Be it the chasing away
of the evil spirit or the celebrations on the occasion of the new year, the Sikkimese do it all with a gay
abandon. And if you’re fortunate you could persuade the Sikkimese to offer you ‘ chang’ – a
preparation from fermented millet. The drink is served to you in bamboo containers with a hollow
bamboo pipe.The Sikkimese culture finds expression in it’s beautiful arts and crafts. Carry back a
momento of your holiday – be it an intricately carved piece of furniture (choktse), a highly
embellished carpet or an artifact of woven bamboo.

Languages
The official languages of the state are English, Nepali, Sikkimese (Bhutia) and Lepcha. Additional
official languages include Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Mukhia, Newari, Rai, Sherpa and Tamang for the
purpose of preservation of culture and tradition in the state.

Nepali is the lingua franca of Sikkim, while Sikkimese (Bhutia) and Lepcha are spoken in certain areas.
English is also spoken and understood in most of Sikkim. Other languages include Dzongkha, Groma,
Hindi, Majhi, Majhwar, Thulung, Tibetan, and Yakha.

The major languages spoken as per census 2001 are Nepali (62.61%), Sikkimese (Bhutia) (7.73%),
Hindi (6.67%), Lepcha (6.61%), Limbu (6.34%), Sherpa (2.57%), Tamang (1.87%) and Rai (1.64%)

Tourist places in sikkim

Sikkim is a state in the northeast part of India. It shares its borders with Tibet in the north and
northeast, Nepal in the west, Bhutan in the east, and West Bengal in the south. The largest city of
Sikkim is Gangtok, which is also its capital. Sikkim tourism has a dramatic touch of beauty added by
the mount Kanchenjunga which is one of the highest peaks and part of the Himalayas. Sikkim also
hosts a wide variety of wildflowers, glaciers, and alpine meadows which make it more scenic than
most states. Among the famous places to visit while in Sikkim, the foremost is the capital city –
Gangtok.

Gangtok
The capital city Gangtok accounts for its importance in the cities of the state. It is incredibly beautiful,
exuberant, and blessed with a culture and history that is adjunct to the pride of Sikkim. In the month
of March-May, the fragrance of rhododendron mixes in the air of the city and attracts many visitors.

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake is situated approximately 40 km far from the city of Gangtok, which makes it a 2-hour
journey. It’s also among the very famous places in Sikkim. It’s an astonishingly beautiful lake of the
glacier which is depicted by its name ‘Tsogmo’ which means ‘Source of Water’. The lake is also
among the highest situated lakes in India which adds more pride to Sikkim tourism.

Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass is approximately 53 km from the capital city, Gangtok. This is an important place in
Sikkim from tourism as well as political point of view as it joins India to Tibet. This is also why there’s
a beautiful blend of cultures of both the countries in this place. A famous trade market is located on
the border, known as the Sherathang. This market has a treasure of sovereigns and Tibetan items,
one can buy to take back home.

Biodiversity
The State is endowed with rich floral and faunal diversity. Species wise, the State harbors over 4500
flowering plants, 550 Orchids, 36 Rhododendrons, 16 Conifers, 28 Bamboos, 362 Ferns and its allies,
9 Tree Ferns, 30 Primulas, 11 Oaks, over 424 Medicinal plants, 144+ mammals, 550 Birds, 48 Fishes
and over 600 Butterflies. While these figures are still not absolute, it may be kept in mind that this is
only the mega-fauna and flora. The tremendous diversity of insects like beetles and moths as well as
a host of other life forms is yet to be enumerated. Most of the high altitude medicinal plants are rare
and endangered species. Sikkim also has 28 Mountains/Peaks, more than 80 Glaciers, 227 high
altitude lakes/wetlands and over 104 rivers and streams.

FLORA IN SIKKIM
Sikkim can be basically divided into three zones. The tropical from almost sea level to about 5000
feet, the temperate from 5000 to 11,000 feet and the alpine above 11,000 feet. Till 10,000 feet,
there are terraced farmlands in which the Rice, Maize, Barley and Millet are grown. Cardamoms,
Oranges, Apples, Potatoes and Ginger are grown in abundance in the state. The lower altitudes
towards the south harbour jungle cats, Mongoose, House sparrows etc. The jungles in the south, are
teeming with plantains, Bamboos, Tree Ferns, Walnut, Sal and Oak. Orchids also abound in areas
with moderate altitudes. They are the pride of Sikkim and there are about 600 species. They come in
a wide variety of colours and sizes. The most popular orchids of Sikkim are Cymbidiums, Vanda,
Cattaleya, Hookeriana, Farmeri, Dendrobium Amoenum. The Nobile Orchid has been declared as the
State Flower of Sikkim.
FAUNA IN SIKKIM
The diversity in the plant world is complemented by a similar variety in the animal kingdom.
Amongst the mammals of Sikkim are the rare Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red panda, Musk
Deer, Blue Sheep, Shapi, Common Langur, Leopard Cat, and the Flying Squirrel.

Shapi*
Shapi is a rare animal that inhabits the alpine region. It was discovered only in 1938 by a German
doctor Ernest Schalfer. The Shapi has the size of a mountain goat and has a long white mane. The
Shapi is an endangered animal which is on the verge of becoming extinct.

Red Panda
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 feet. It has been declared as the State Animal of Sikkim. It is
about 2 feet in length when full grown and belongs to the racoon family. It feeds mostly on bamboo
leaves.

Himalayan Bear
These are found roaming in the temperate forest of Sikkim. They feed on corn, wild plants, honey
and can sometime grow to enormous sizes.

Snow Leopard
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 feet to as high as 18,000 feet.

Yaks
Among the more commonly found animals in the alpine zone are yaks. Yaks belong to the cattle
family and can survive only at altitudes above 10000 feet. They survive on alpine shrubs and can go
without food for days together. Due to the long and thick hair that grows on its flanks, legs and tail
and its thick hide, yaks can comfortably sleep and rest in the snow.