Shopping can be a real wholesome experience to the tourists visiting Sikkim. The local handicrafts are a must buy here which can be picked up from the Government Institute of Cottage Industry in Gangtok or the Dalai Lama Trust Fund shop in the basement of Hotel Tibet. Though some other shops in the region also sell these but the prices and quality differ.
Apart from the handicrafts, canvas wall hangings, thankas, prayer wheels, Tibetan carpets, rugs and jewellery can also be picked as return gifts for your friends and family. One of the most unique items to be bought from Sikkim is a Dragon set. Exclusively carved in silver and gold, these sets are inlaid with precious stones. You can also bring home the popular tea of Sikkim and cardamoms.
The Old Market, Lall Market and New Market on Mahatma Gandhi Marg are some of the major shopping areas in Gangtok. Lined with make shift shops, these markets sell ‘Choktse’ furniture, Lepcha weave bags, masks, Tibetan Thangka paintings, carpets, wooden and bamboo artifacts, woven materials like dresses, shawls, beautiful blankets and knitted garments.
Sikkim Facts and Hill Stations in Sikkim
Sikkim Facts and Figures – Some very interesting facts and figures about Sikkim state are presented here.
| Area: | 7,096 km² (2,740 sq mi) |
|---|---|
| Altitude: | 280 m (920 ft) to 8,585 m (28,000 ft) |
| Capital: | Gangtok |
| Location: | Eastern part of India |
| Population: | 540,493 |
| Languages: | Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu, Hindi and English |
| Religion: | Buddhism & Hinduism |
With a very small geographical area, Sikkim is not very replete with hill stations though yet the most popular one in the state remains Gangtok. The enthralling beauty and cultural extravagance of Gangtok has contributed a great deal in making the town a most sought after hill station of North East. Gangtok literally means a hill top which in itself is a treat for the nature lovers. This garden state spread in the foothills of mighty Mount Kanchendezonga is also the capital city of Sikkim. Long boulevards through the town wrapped in a sheet of colors and freshness in the form of flowers blooming here truly leaves the tourists content.
A wide array of plants, flowers, birds, butterflies and wild herbs comes as a real delight to the tourists visiting this lofty hill. To add more to the exasperating charm of Gangtok, the colorful Lamas robed in Red, exotic monasteries bordered by fluttering flags and the ever smiling amiable people of the region act as colorful plumes in the beauteous cultural feather of the town. Famous for housing over 500 species of orchids, Gangtok is at its floral best from April to June and October to early December.
Sikkim Hotels
With a number of hotels and resorts, Sikkim offers you a comfortable stay in the form of modern rooms equipped with almost all the needs of modern day discerning traveler. Some of the hotels at Gangtok and Pelling even offer three to four star facilities. Nestled deep in the hills, some resorts are quietly placed on calm hills near monasteries whereas some others are very near to the tourist attractions. A wide array of options is available from which you can make a judicious choice depending upon your budget and requirement.
Good 3 Stars like Chumbi Residency are accompanied by budget hotels like Mt. Simvo in Tadong. While at Rumtek, you can stay at Shambala Resort, 24 kms from Gangtok. Going 5 kms farther Rumtek, one could stay at Martam Village Resort.
In the Eastern part of Sikkim, The Aritar Retreat can be an ideal stay option, being quietly placed in Rhenock, around 55 kms from Gangtok.
The Western region of Sikkim does not offer luxurious hotels but the ones that are here are quiet comfortable but not luxurious. Hotel Tashigang at Yuksom can be a place to relax for a few days. North Sikkim offers very basic but comfortable accommodation in the form of log huts at Lachung, Lachen and Yakchey. The rooms of these huts are replete with attached toilet, electricity, room heaters, hot water facilities and blankets.
Discount booking for cheap hotels in Sikkim, India.