Much of the history of Sikkim is veiled by legends of antiquity and myths. However, its majestic peaks, its rushing rivers and tropical forests have played important role in shaping the history of Sikkim. But it is an established fact that the earliest inhabitants of the land were the Lepchas. The Lepchas were food gathering people who claimed they came from Mayel, a legendary kingdom on the slopes of Khangchendzonga. They lived in close harmony with nature, for she gave them all they needed—the flesh of animals, fruits, medicinal herbs, honey and fibres that could be woven in fabric. They called themselves, Rong Pa literally meaning ravine folk or the Mutanchi, meaning the beloved people of the mother earth.

It is said that the Namgyals were Tibetans and belonged to the Minyak house of Kham region of eastern Tibet. In the first half of the fifteenth century a prince of Minyak dynasty went on a sojourn cum pilgrimage towards west along with his five sons. They visited the then under construction monastery of Sakya. They found the lamas struggling unsuccessfully to erect four giant pillars in the main hall. One of the son of the Minyak prince accomplished the Herculean task of lifting the pillars and setting them in proper place. This remarkable feat earned him the title of Khey Bumsa, the one who possesses the strength of one lakh persons. He was offered the hand of Sakya hierarch daughter in marriage and was insisted upon to settle down there. He accepted the offer and settled down with his wife at Phari in the Chumbi valley. This place became the nucleus of the later Kingdom of Sikkim in the first decade of the 16th century.

The Tibetan migration in early 17th century led the Lepchas to shift their habitats so as to avoid conflict. Meanwhile they struggle among the followers of the "Yellow Hats" & the "Red Hats" in Tibet forced the latter to seek refuge in Sikkim, where they attained the status of aristocracy & gradually dominated the State. in order to avoid any possible opposition from the Lepchas these immigrants chose one venerable person Phuntsog Namgyal as the temporal & spiritual head of Sikkim. He relocated his capital to Yuksam & estlablished a centralised government.

Tensung Namgyal who succeeded his father in 1670 moved his capital to Rabdentse. During the reign of Tashi Namgyal who was throned in 1914, Sikkim underwent a number of reforms. Forced labour was abolished. Gambling was made illegal.
Guru Rinpoche, Sikkim Travel Guide
Landlords' courts were abolished. Developmental plans were drawn up for which aid from India was secured. Executive & Judicial powers were decentralised. Tashi Namgyal died on 2nd December 1962, & was succeeded by his son Palden Thondup.

He was married to a Tibetan lady Sangey Deki. She died in june 1957 & Palden Thondup got married to Hope Cooke, who gave birth to a daughter Hope Leezum & a son, but neither their marriage nor Kingdom survived a decade.

Growing agitation in 1973 against the monarchy led to the administration's collapsed & Indian troops stepped in which was followed by political arm wrestling for power. In 1975 Sikkim was merged to become India's 22nd State.

Tour Attractions in Sikkim

Gangtok
This fairytale capital of Sikkim in the clouds, balanced precariously on steep mountain slopes, surrounded by lush rice terraces, swift flowing, gurgling, foaming rivers and distant snow views is a must visit in Sikkim tour. The famous tourism attractions in Gangtok are Rumtek monastery, Do-Drul Chorten, Tashi viewpoint, Lal Bazaar and Tsuklakhang.

Pemayangtse
This not-to-be-missed tourism destination in Sikkim is 120 Kilometers from Gangtok. A hermit built Pemayangtse monastery in the 17th century and since then, this place has become a tour attraction. Other things worth visiting in the vicinity are Tashiding Monastery, Rabdentse, Khecheopalri Lake and Yuksam.

Yumthang
Yumthang in North Sikkim situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet is about 140 km from Gangtok. This paradise for nature lovers has a fascinating blend of breathtaking scenic view with hot springs and alpine environment. This is a must visit destination during Sikkim tour. On the way to this beautiful natural paradise, one can see the magnificent Khang-Chen-Dzonga range in all its splendour from Singhik village and pass through lush green Lachung.

Excursions Around Sikkim

Darjeeling
This beautiful tour destination is one of the oldest hill stations in India. This place is a must visit during your Sikkim tour. The major tourism attractions in Darjeeling are Tiger Hill, Ghoom monastery, North Point ropeway and Kursiong.

Kajiranga Wildlife Sanctuary
Kajiranga is a not-to-be-missed tourism spot near Sikkim. Kajiranga that is stretched amidst grasslands of Brahamputra basin is famous for One-horned rhinoceros. These Rhinos are one of the endangered species in the animal kingdom. Apart from that, you can see various other animals such as Elephant, Leopard, Hyena and Antelopes.

Bhutan
Bhutan is a must visit tour destination during your excursion around Sikkim. This Himalayan kingdom is famous for its breathtaking views and snow-capped mountains. A major center of Buddhism, Bhutan has many monasteries and Stupas that are worth visiting.

How to Reach Sikkim

By Air
The town of Bagdogra at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok has the nearest airport. There are regular flights to Guwahati, Calcutta, and Delhi from Bagdogra.

By Rail/Train
The nearest railway stations from Gangtok are New Jalpaiguri (125 km) and Siliguri (144 km). These railway stations are connected to Delhi, Calcutta, Guwahati, and other important cities in India with express as well as super fast trains.

By Road
Gangtok is connected by road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Siliguri. Cars, luxury coaches and jeeps are available for hire in the town. There are also regular bus services run by the Sikkim Transport Corporation.