Sports of Sikkim
The state of Sikkim is a beautiful place where any one can spend their vacations with joy and spirit. Being a small state located in the foot hills of the great Himalayas, it is also popular for its adventure sports like rafting, trekking, yak riding and mountaineering besides its scenic beauty.
Sports Clubs and Associations in Sikkim
Sikkim Football Association (SFA)
Affiliated to the All India Football association, the Sikkim Football
Association (SFA) was formed in the year 1976. It was initially named as
Gangtok Football and Sporting Association but then later on changed to
Sikkim Football Association (SFA). It was this association which started
the Sikkim Gold Cup way back in year 1979.
United Sikkim Football Club
Based in Gangtok, the United Sikkim Football Club was founded in the
year 2008 by Sikkim Football Association and Baichung Bhutia. It is the
only club from Sikkim to play in the I league and is the second team
from entire of north east.
Sikkim Cricket Association
An associate member of the board of Council of Indian cricket, the Sikkim Cricket Association governs all activities related to cricket in the state of Sikkim.
Sikkim Paragliding Association (SPA)
Sikkim Paragliding Association (SPA) is a body formed in order to promote the aero sports which is still to gain popularity amongst the people.
Contact No.: +91 98515 88593
Palzor Stadium in Sikkim
The Palzor stadium is the most popular and famous stadium of Sikkim. The stadium is majorly used for all football matches. The capacity of the stadium stands at 30,000 people. It is more popularly known as the Polo Ground and was opened way back in 1943. The stadium is the ground for all parades in the state such as Independence Day and Republic Day and other public meetings.
Sports Personalities from Sikkim:
Sikkim has given birth to one of the most famous player in the football history of India: Baichung Bhutia. Apart from Baichung Bhutia, there are also other sportpersons from the field of archery and football.
Baichung Bhutia
Baichung Bhutia, is a footballer based in Sikkim who plays as a striker.
Nicknames as the Sikkimese Sniper, Bhutia has shooting skills worth
mentioning. He was selected the Indian player of the year three times.
He is the first Indian footballer to sign contract with a Europena club
when he signed his first deal with English Club Bury in the year 1999.
He even has a stadium named after him in honour of his immense
contribution to football. He has been honoured with awards such as the
Arjuna award and Padma Shri.
Tarundeep Rai:
Hailing from Namchi, Sikkim, Tarundeep Rai is an Indian archer. He is
the first Indian to win the men’s silver medal in Archery at the 16th
Asian Games,2010. He has taken part in many Archery competitions at an
international level in Asian Games and World championships as well and
brought laurels for the country.
Archery in Sikkim
Archery is a sport which is very popular amongst the Sikkimese. It is a traditional sport practiced here since time immemorial. It is especially played during the harvest season and can be considered as a ritual practice here. The game needs to be played wearing their traditional attire known as ‘kho’. Even the women take active participation in the game and there is valid use of verbal abuses during the game in order to confuse the opposition.
Adventure Sports in Sikkim:
Sikkim is one place in India where you can drool away and at the same time have your adrenaline rush at the peak with its unlimited scope of adventure activities.
Rafting
The Teesta and Rangit rivers and its tributaries provide a great
experience of rafting. Due to hilly area, the rivers have rapids and
good speed. Due to this, various rafting tours are organized during the
tourist seasons in Sikkim. The white water rafting on the Teesta River
starts from Markha and roll down till Rangpo through Sirwani and
Mamring. The river rafting on Rangeet River starts from Sikip and
finished at Melli through Jorethang and Majitar.
Trekking
Sikkim is a famous place for trekkers. The state has many easy and short trekking routes. The trekking routes include great Himalayas, beautiful gompas, meadows, forests and orchards. Tashi View Point- Tinjure Trek, Dzongri Trek, Chiwabhanjang Trek, Garakhet Trek, Varsey Trek, Trek to Tolung monastery are some famous treks in Sikkim. It is a major source of attraction in Sikkim and hence with the passage of time a lot of trails have been developed by the trekkers who visit the place for trekking purpose. Some of the trails in Sikkim which are worth going are as follows:
Dzongri Trek
A traditional trekking route that leads to Goecha La, the Dzongri Trek
of 9 days gives one the view of Mt. Pandim and Kanchenjunga. Known as
the paradise for trekkers, the best time for this trek is from March to
June and August to November. The altitude of this trek is 4020 meters.
Tholung trek
It starts at Bagdora nd then continues upto Lingsha. Common things found on the way are yaks and alpine trees. At an altitude of 2438 meters, the best time for Tholung trek is from March to May and it can last upto 9 days.
Lhaba Tarum Tsachu trek
A very high altitude trek, the Lhaba Tarum Tsachu trek gives on adventure, romance, pleasure and serenity. Just 16 kms away from the Kanchenjunga peak, it is at an altitude of 2650 meters and best time for the trek is from march to may.
Green Lake Trek
Passing through forests and wonderful rhododendrons, the Green lake trek
is a trek at an altitude of 4935 meters and it takes as many as 11 days
for the trek. Green lake needs permit for access and hence everyone
cannot go for this trek. The best time for this trek is November to
March.
North Sikkim High Altitude Trek
This is a 15 days trek to test the adrenaline rush of trek lovers for it is at a very high altitude. The trek gives one a lot of breathtaking sights at an altitude of 4340 meters and the best time for this trek is May to October.
Versay Trek
Also known as the soft trek, the Varsey trek is at an altitude of 3060
meters and it takes around 10 days for the trek to complete. This route
takes one to the abode of rhododendrons and orchids and camping can also
be done on the way in this trek. Monasteries are an added bonus in this
trek.
Sikkim Dzongri Trek
This trek started in the year 2000 and at an altitude of 5000 meters, it is one of the dangerous and thrilling treks of Kanchenjunga. The trek starts at Yuksom and gradually the altitudes become gradual leading one to the wilderness. The trek takes 10 days and the best time is from March to October.
Sikkim Khangchendzonga Trek
Also one of the thrilling treks of Sikkim, the Sikkim Khangchendzonga
Trek is at an altitude of 4940 meters and takes as many as 20 days for
the trek to complete. The best season to go for this trek is April to
May. Beautiful flowers can be witnessed here on the way to the trek.
Singalila trek
It is one of those rare treks from which all the four peaks- Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Lhotse can be seen. It is a very steep trek and hence one needs to be highly alert during this trail. The best time for this trek is from June to Septemeber and it takes 12 days for the trek to complete. The height of this trek is 3636 meters.
Goecha La trek
Starting at Yuksom, the Goecha La trek is at a height of 4940 meters and the number of days to complete it is 8. The trek can also be done via motorbikes and it ends at rocky terrains. Best time for this trek is May.
Mountain Biking
Sikkim also offer unique experience for mountain biking. Most of the roads in the state are accessible by mountain bikes. Mountain biking is being promoted in most parts of North and West Sikkim. Treks have been prepared keeping in mind the thrills desired by the mountain bikers. The bikes are available at many places in Sikkim. Some of the trails made available for mountain biking are:
Khardungla Mountain bike Expedition to Gurudongmar
Eco-ride Sikkim
Gangtok -Tami tea garden- arrive Ravangla-Tashiding-Yuksam-Norbugang Chorten-Khechoperi lake- Pemayangtse Monastery- Jorethang-Darjeeling
Biking Tour of Sikkim and Darjeeling (11 days )
Gangtok - Martam Village- Rumtek Monastery-Sirwani Bridge-Temi Tea garden - Ravangla-Tashiding- Legship -Yuksam- Pemayangtse- Rinchenpong - Dentam-Rinchenpong- Jorethang
Mountaineering
Due to its hilly location Sikkim provides great mountaineering
experience. Sikkim lies in the foot hills of great Himalayas and Mount
Kanchenzonga situated in the state. Due to the presence of a lot of
peaks here, mountaineering is seen to be a very popular sport here. The
best time to go for mountaineering here is from June to last week of
September to the month of December. However, the mountaineers need to be
safely guided to have the best mountaineering experience. Peaks in
Sikkim where one can go for mountaineering are:
- Mt. Khanchendzonga
- Mt. Simvo
- Mt. Kabru Forked
- Mt. Punari
- Mt. Pandim
- Mt. Jopuno
- Mt. Jopuno
- Nepal Peak
- Mt. Siniolchu
- Mt. Narshing
- Mt. Kabru
- Frey’s Peak
- Mt. Kabru Dome
- Mt. Kabru South
- Mt. Thingchinkhang
- Brumkhangtse
- Mt. Rathong
- Mt. Khanchenghyao
- Mt. Lamo Andgen
- Tent Peak
- Mt. Kumbarkarna
- Mt. Gurudongmar
- Mt. Kokthang
- Chola Range
- Frey Peak
- Mt. Tenchenkhang
- Mt. Joponu
- Lama Wangden Peak
- Brumkhangtse Peak
Yak Safari
Apart from mountain biking, Sikkim is also known for yak safari. Yak
safari offers a great experience. Dzongri area and Tsomgo Lake are the
famous trails for yak safari in Sikkim.
Para Gliding
Para Gliding in Sikkim is also provides an unforgettable experience. An
annual paragliding festival is organized in the state to promote the
sport. There are many places where the paragliding takes place by
different organizations. Baliman Dara and Bulbuley Dara are two places
in Gangtok which helps tourists in paragliding. Chakung is another place
in west Sikkim where paragliding takes place.
Contact details of Paragliding operators:
Sikkim Paragliding Adventure Sports Cooperative Society Ltd.Booking Office:
Reshithang Sport Village, Ranka
Near Banjhakri Water Fall (about 100 meters ahead)
Phone: 03592 - 649053, Mobile: +91 9547116119
Email: fly@sikkimparagliding.org
Head Office:
Kazi Road, Gangtok
Mobile: +91 9547116119; Email: fly@sikkimparagliding.org
Fly Sikkim Adventure Booking Office:
Reshithang Sport Village, Ranka
Located next to Sikkim Paragliding Adventure Sports Cooperative Society
Phone: +91 9197207767 (O),+91 98515 88593, +91 97350 17094
Email: flysikkimadventure@gmail.com
Nature TravellerHead Office:
House #248,
Sichey,
Gangtok,
Sikkim-737101,
India
Contact no.: +91-03592-202132, +91-96478-56686, +91-99331-82810
E-mail: info@naturetraveller.co.in
Fly SikkimHead Office:
Resithang,
Khel Gaon,
Ranka,
East Sikkim,
Gangtok,
Sikkim 737101
Phone: +91 9197207767 (O),+91 98515 88593, +91 97350 17094
Mail us : flysikkimadventure@gmail.com