Sikkim is a beautiful and pristine state in the lap of the Himalayas with rugged mountains, valleys, virgin forests, glacial lakes, and waterfalls. Many of the tribes of Sikkim worship nature and consider few of the lakes as holy. Hence, local people take great care to keep their surroundings clean and naturally beautiful.
If you are visiting Sikkim, we advise you to respect the region and its people by following the etiquettes listed below:
- Respect local customs, beliefs, and traditions.
- Do not deface monuments, trees, etc with graffiti.
- Do not make noise and play loud music. Maintain and enjoy the serenity.
- Smoking is banned in public places though some zones are available. If you are in a forest area, please dispose off the cigarette butts thoughtfully to prevent forest fires.
- Dumping of rubbish attracts fine upto Rs.5000 and imprisonment of 6 months.
- Photography of people; courtesy demands that you take permission.
- Do not relieve yourself in public; use toilets.
- Please do not spit.
- Reduce litter; carry back all the rubbish to your hotel for proper disposal or use dustbins on site.
- Buy eco-friendly products.
- Use water sparingly; it is scarce and a valuable natural resource of the Himalayas.
- Monasteries are places of worship; please do not disturb monks at prayers.
- Walk around chortens and monasteries in the clockwise direction.
- Honking is discouraged.
- Avoid overtaking especially at road blocks.
- Do not encourage touts and beggars.
- Discourage trade in wildlife products. Please report it to the police.
- Do not pick flowers and uproot plants.
