Sikkim is a state of India located in the country's northeast. Its capital is the highland town Gangtok. Sikkim shares international boundaries with three countries: Tibet to the north, Nepal to the west, and Bhutan to the east. Only the southern border, with the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, is shared with India.
Further, the Himalayan mountain range surrounds almost the whole state of Sikkim. Sikkim's height varies greatly, ranging from 280m (920ft) at the lowest point to 8,586m at the highest end, Kanchenjunga mountain, which is on the boundary of Sikkim and Nepal (28,169ft). Gangtok is 5,410 feet above sea level.
Sikkim is a country of most extraordinary magnificence, with brilliant alpine lakes, majestic mountains, abundant fauna, exciting rivers, active monasteries, stunning temples, and welcoming people enticing one to explore this dream kingdom. Meanwhile, like every beautiful place, Sikkim has a set of regulations that must be followed not to disrupt the calm existence. With this in mind, here are some suggestions for being a responsible traveller to Sikkim.
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Don'ts
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Don't dismiss the meals served by the locals. The meals supplied by the locals will be entirely organic. Growing the same requires a lot of time and effort. Please do not dishonour the meal by wasting it. Take as much as you wish and only as much of that as you need.
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Please do not disrupt the serenity of any wild animal. While touring woods and other locations, you may likely encounter several creatures. Please don't disrupt their peace. Please do not play loud music when in the forest.
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Avoid plastic bags or bottles in the forest since plastic does not decompose and affects the natural ecosystem. Please do not toss it in the woods and bring it back with you if you use plastic.
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Do not request drivers to transport you to regions where no permits are authorized. They will never do it, and you should not venture beyond areas with restricted access. Due to excessive snowfall, you may not be able to obtain permission to go all the way to specific locations. Do not try to be clever and stroll to such sites. If you do not receive a permit, exact locations are closed due to inclement weather. Walking there is not the best option since you may become disoriented or worse.
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Bodily excretions should be confined to the toilet. To eliminate excrement, always use a bathroom. A real Sikkimese will never excrete somewhere other than in the bathroom. Please use the restroom as you usually would. This is because, many outsiders/tourists have been observed excreting wherever they choose. Please realize that you are in Sikkim, and therefore use the toilet and contribute to making Sikkim a better place to live.
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Avoid going near the waterfalls since there is a risk of slipping and injuring oneself.
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It is also preferable if you refrain from smoking in public areas. Sikkim is a non-smoking state, and smoking in public is strictly prohibited. There are no booze stores near the motorways, either. Please refrain from drinking and smoking in public areas and during public events.
Must read 20 Incredible Local Sikkim Food Options To Gorge Upon In 2023
Dos
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We frequently create a busy itinerary to see all of the sights. As a result, tiredness and breakdown occur during or after the travel, resulting in sickness or poor health. As a result, it is recommended to set aside a day for leisure and rest. You will also need time to acclimate to the shift in weather.
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To be safe, travel with a local guide. In addition, traveling with a local guide allows for a more in-depth investigation of the area.
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Carry warm clothing regardless of the month since you will need them, notably if you are heading to north Sikkim and intend to visit destinations such as Zero Point, Katao, and others.
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Bring back all non-biodegradable waste, such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags, and so on. These must not be discarded or buried in the environment. They must only be disposed of in municipal trash cans.
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When trekking, always stay on the designated trail and avoid disturbing the vulnerable vegetation.
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Book all of your tickets to popular tourist destinations ahead of time to avoid being caught off guard by a price increase. Take a shared cab or taxi to save money while also allowing you to socialize with other passengers. Plan a stay in a homestay or guesthouse, clean and reasonably priced. Try to organize your trip in a group to save money.
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Bring passport-size pictures (at least 4–5) and ID documents (at least two originals such as voter ID, Aadhar, DL, etc.). Pan card does not count) with you at all times since you never know when you'll need them in Sikkim.
In the end, before you go, do some research about your location. Read travel guides, tourism journals, history, and novels by local writers, paying particular attention to conventions such as greetings, proper clothes, eating habits, and so on. Being aware of these norms will boost your local acceptance as a visitor and enrich your vacation.