The Sikkim Podcast

Award winning Lepcha culture conservationist and founding member of Dzongu based NGO, Mutanchi Lom Aal Shezum, Namgyal Lepcha talks about the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood [GLOF] and its impact in Dzongu, North Sikkim. The GLOF only intensified the already existing problems faced by Dzongu and further pushed back development in the area. Disclaimer: This interview was taken on 25 July 2025 in Dzongu. The Sangkalang bridge was rebuilt a few days after this video was taken.

In his early twenties, Nopu Bhutia set out for Tibet as a muleteer—one of 46 men from the hills of Sikkim and Kalimpong who carried trade across the high Himalaya.Now 90, living in Dalapchand, his memories come in fragments—but each one opens a window into a world that has all but disappeared.Speaking to Sikkim Ko, he recalls the journeys, the people, and a way of life that once connected these mountains across borders.Mr Bhutia can be heard referring to ‘Nechung’ or ’Naytsang’ repeatedly in this video. The word means hotel or guesthouse in Tibetan. THE ROUTE: Kalimpong, Pedong, Dalapchand, Phadamchen, Gnathang, Nathula and Jelepla, Rinchengong now renamed Xiayadongxiang, and Phari now renamed Pagri. He also mentions Yatung which is Yadong now.Interview by Tshering EdenAnimation by Sensorium Design Studio#tibet #tibettrade #indochinaborder #nathula #jelepla #muleteer #kalimpong #sikkim #sikkimtibet #pedong #dalapchand #phadamchen

Presenting the inaugural edition of Sikkim Ko Kura, an interview series where we engage with Sikkimese voices to discuss the issues closest to their hearts. Our first guest is Gyatso Lepcha, a dedicated river activist and social entrepreneur from Dzongu. In this episode, he shares his journey with Pema Wangchuk—from participating in protests against hydel projects to becoming the proud owner of Mayal Lyang Homestay. Mr. Lepcha opens up about the challenges and rewards of living for Dzongu and advocating for its future. To learn more about Mayal Lyang Homestay http://www.mayallyang.com #hydelprotest #dzongu #northsikkim #sikkimtourism #sikkimhomestay #mayallyang #sikkimko #sikkimkokura Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/sikkim_ko Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/Sikkim-Ko-103191552433696 We are also on X @Sikkim_Ko You will also find The Sikkim Podcast on most podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7sdFFk0zq5dbuN3eSm1PE9?si=c88f30dc35d84426 Apple…

In this episode we discuss the delay in disbursement of salaries to the 22000 temporary employees, meeting on left-out communities chaired by the Sikkim CM, Sikkim Pollution Control Board, Disaster Risk Reduction Day, appointment of Advisors, reduction in vehicle tax, and revision of OPD timings.Oh and Happy Dasain everyone! #sikkim #temporaryemployees #leftoutcommunities #spcb #disasterriskreduction #tribalstatus Follow us on Instagraminstagram.com/sikkim_ko Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/Sikkim-Ko-103191552433696 We are also on X @Sikkim_Ko You will also find The Sikkim Podcast on most podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7sdFFk0zq5dbuN3eSm1PE9... Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-sikkim.../id1477491928 Video shot and edited by Loven Lama.Note: This episode was recorded on 09 Oct 2024.

In this week's episode we discuss the results of the Traffic Survey carried out by the Gangtok Traffic Police, hike in DA, action against late payment of electricity bills, landslides in the past few days across the state, visit of Jagadguru Shankaracharya, 'strip search' incident at Rangpo, meeting on land acquisition issues related to National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL, and, a look back at the 2023 floods that ravaged Sikkim and parts of West Bengal. #sikkim #sikkimko #sikkimgovernment #gangtoktraffic #teestaflood #dahike #nh10 Chapters 04:40 Traffic Survey Results 36:52 Hike in Dearness Allowance 38:40 Power Dept Advisor on delays in electricity bill payment 42:45 The recent landslides across the state 48:52 Meeting on land acquisition issues related to NHIDCL, BRO, and PGCIL 53:40 Jagadguru Shankaracharya’s visit to Sikkim 58:00 ’Strip search’ incident of Rangpo 1:02:25 First…

In this episode we discuss the weather, extension of OPD timings for government doctors, Gangtok traffic and the survey by Gangtok Police on solving the traffic problem in the city, decentralisation of tourist permit system, hike in royalties on forest produce, launch of Online Land Stability Reporting System in the state, Fossil Park proposal at Mamley, animal fat in Tirupati ladoo controversy, and one nation one election proposal. #globalwarming #gangtoktraffic #touristpermit #sikkimtourism #nathulapermit #fossilpark #onlinelandstabilityreportingsystem #tirupatiladoo #sikkim #onenationoneelection Follow us on Instagram http://instagram.com/sikkim_ko Follow us on Facebook http://facebook.com/Sikkim-Ko-103191552433696 We are also on X @Sikkim_Ko You will also find The Sikkim Podcast on most podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7sdFFk0zq5dbuN3eSm1PE9?si=c88f30dc35d84426 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-sikkim-podcast/id1477491928…

In this episode we discuss the ban on private practice by Govt doctors, hike in vehicle tax in Sikkim, Nathula Day and the Chola skirmish of 1967, Sikkim govt clarification on the delay in payment of wages to 20,000 temporary employees, and major infrastructure development announcements by the Chief Minister of Sikkim, PS Tamang. We also discuss the protests against Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra in the north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. #beefban #nathuladay #aapsu #tur #meghalaya #arunachalpradesh #gaudhwaj #sikkim #vehicletax #sikkimdocs Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/sikkim_ko Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/Sikkim-Ko-103191552433696 We are also on X @Sikkim_Ko You will also find The Sikkim Podcast on most podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7sdFFk0zq5dbuN3eSm1PE9?si=c88f30dc35d84426 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-sikkim-podcast/id1477491928 Video shot and edited by Loven Lama. Note: This…

We really wanted to thank our viewers/listeners for the comments they have been leaving on our videos, and so we bring to you Sikkim Ko Comments. We want to underline some of the comments left by you, respond to some, and take inspiration from some. Hope you like this video. Please leave a comment and let us know. Location: Temi Tea Garden, Namchi District, Sikkim. Video shot and edited by Loven Lama. #sikkimko #sikkimkocomments #sikkimkopodcast

In this episode we discuss the fire at Modern Senior Secondary School, mass transfer of Government Primary Teachers, Vigilance raids on SBS officials, ban on police personnel making videos in uniform for social media, Jyotiraditya Scindia visit, fresh violence in Manipur, and more. #sikkimnews #teachertransfers #jyotiradityascindia #donerministry #manipur #kamalaharris #donaldtrump #sikkimko Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/sikkim_ko Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/Sikkim-Ko-103191552433696 We are also on X @Sikkim_Ko You will also find The Sikkim Podcast on most podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7sdFFk0zq5dbuN3eSm1PE9?si=c88f30dc35d84426 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-sikkim-podcast/id1477491928 Video shot and edited by Loven Lama. Note: This episode was recorded on 11 Sept 2024.

In this episode we talk about the tussle between Sikkim Football Association and Football Development Private Limited regarding the Sikkim Premier League, malicious rumour mongering against some restauranteurs, Facial recognition devices in govt offices, MeToo movement in Malayalam film industry, Himachal Pradesh govt in financial crisis, and more. #sikkimnews #sfa #sikkimfootball #fdpl #sikkimpremierleauge #metooindia #malayalammovie #himachalpradesh #sikkimko #hemacomitteereport Chapters 2:50 Sikkim Premier League controversy 32:00 Malicious rumour mongering about certain restaurants of Gangtok 49:35 Biodiversity Heritage Site proposal for Singi Badang Sacred Pond in Yuksam Dubdi and Pawo Hungri Sacred Grove in Labing Gerethang 53:28 Facial Recognition devices in Govt offices 01:01:15 Extension of deadline for registration of tourism related businesses with the government 01:02:18 MeToo movement in the Malayalam film industry 01:18:30 Himachal Pradesh government in financial crisis 01:26:40 Why are GLOF…

Sikkim CM, PS Tamang meets Union Minister of Communications and Minister of DONER, Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia; on 33rd Bhasa Manyata Diwas, Sikkim Govt announces notifications to be published in Nepali as well; Tourism Dept gets awarded; Glacial Lake Susceptibility Study and Community Outreach expedition to North Sikkim; West Bengal protests against rape and murder of doctor; Modi’s visit to Ukraine and; the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. #glofsikkim #sikkimtourism #sikkim #scindia #donerministry #westbengalprotests #modiukraine #telegramceo Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/sikkim_ko Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/Sikkim-Ko-103191552433696 We are also on X @Sikkim_Ko You will also find The Sikkim Podcast on most podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7sdFFk0zq5dbuN3eSm1PE9?si=c88f30dc35d84426 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-sikkim-podcast/id1477491928 Video shot and edited by Loven Lama. Note: This episode was…

In this episode we discuss the recent violent clash in Samdong, landslide at Balutar, and the state of Table Tennis in Sikkim. Due to some technical issues we could not record the National and International sections this time. We will, however, bring you these discussions in separate videos later this week. #samdongviolence #balutarnhpc #tabletennis #sikkim #sikkimtabletennisclub #landslide Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/sikkim_ko Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/Sikkim-Ko-103191552433696 We are also on X https://x.com/Sikkim_Ko You will also find The Sikkim Podcast on most podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc. Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7sdFFk0zq5dbuN3eSm1PE9?si=c88f30dc35d84426 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-sikkim-podcast/id1477491928 Note: This episode was recorded on 21 Aug 2024.

In this episode we discuss the Sikkim Govt’s budget, rolling back of regularisation relaxation for Assistant Professors, and return of party-based Panchayat and Municipality elections in Sikkim. We also discuss Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from Olympic finals, Waqf board bill, UK protests, and the aftermath of student protests in Bangladesh. Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/sikkim_ko Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/Sikkim-Ko-103191552433696 We are also on X @Sikkim_Ko You will also find The Sikkim Podcast on most podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcast, etc. Note: This episode was recorded at Rabbit Hole on 12 Aug 2024. #sikkimnews #sikkim #vineshphogat #waqfboardbill

Sikkim Govt announces Pollution Certificate fine relaxation, Insurance cover for drivers, and a few more benefits on the occasion of Sarathi Diwas. We also discuss the Supreme Court verdict allowing sub categorisation within SC/ST quotas, and the distasteful comments made by Anurag Thakur in the Parliament. And more... Follow us on Instagram @ instagram.com/sikkim_ko Follow us on Facebook @ facebook.com/Sikkim-Ko-103191552433696

First budget session of the second SKM government, garbage bags in tourist vehicles, sovereign gold bonds scam?, and more in this episode of The Sikkim Podcast. The Sikkim Podcast is produced by Gangtok based media platform Sikkim Ko. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook #sikkimfloods #unionbudget2024 #goldbonds

In this episode, Tshering Eden [Features Editor, Summit Times] and Pema Wangchuk [Consulting Editor, Summit Times], talk about the state's efforts to tackle COVID-19 and what could be improved. They also touch upon the appointment of Sudesh Joshi as Additional Advocate General of Sikkim and the RTI filed by Nawin Kiran Pradhan of Sikkim Subject Committee on recruitment of 1600 temporary employees by the SKM Government since it came to power. This episode was recorded on 07 Aug 2020. For suggestions and criticism please write to us at news@summittimes.com

This episode Tshering Eden [Features Editor, Summit Times] and Pema Wangchuk [Consulting Editor, Summit Times] discuss the illegal entry of 5 persons via Melli checkpost and COVID in the Armed and Paramilitary forces. This episode was recorded on 10 July 2020. On 11 July, 23 more cases of COVID among paramilitary forces were reported. For suggestions and criticism please write to us at news@summittimes.com

We are back! This episode Tshering Eden [Features Editor, Summit Times] and Pema Wangchuk [Consulting Editor, Summit Times] discuss the COVID-19 status of Sikkim. We have been gone for a long time and there is some catching up to do. This episode was recorded on 10 June 2020. Listen to this episode on Youtube at We are also on: Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/…/the-sikkim-podca…/id1477491928… Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7sdFFk0zq5dbuN3eSm1PE9 Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts… Breaker - https://www.breaker.audio/the-sikkim-podcast Overcast - https://overcast.fm/itunes1477491928/the-sikkim-podcast RadioPublic - https://radiopublic.com/the-sikkim-podcast-GAlbyY Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/SL52mY For suggestions and criticism please write to us at news@summittimes.com

This episode we discuss some incidents that sparked controversy on social media and also ended up touching real lives, and not in a nice way. We talk about the MG Marg incident, confusion over the death of a person in DKK Bhawan and the need for clear communication to cut through the clutter on social media.

This episode Tshering Eden [Features Editor, Summit Times] and Pema Wangchuk [Consulting Editor, Summit Times] discuss the Aarogya Setu app, challenges for education sector, racist attacks on people from the North East, and more. This episode was recorded on 27 April 2020.

This episode Tshering Eden (Features Editor, SummitTimes) and Pema Wangchuk (Consulting Editor, SummitTimes) discuss the lockdown relaxation that was attempted and quickly abandoned and the confusion that ensued. We also discuss the issues of concern that grow with each passing day. This episode was recorded on 24 April 2020.

Hello listeners! This time we thought we'd keep it light, at least that's what we think, and discuss the PM's 9pm9min diya jalao yojna for 5 April, tipplers in times of lockdown, quarantine cooking, some memes and more.

This episode we discuss the failure of the government to address the issue of migrant laborers in the entire lockdown plan, the Assam Lingzey incident, the situation in Sikkim and more.

In this episode we are trying something new and recording the podcast through our phones. Although the media is exempt from the lockdown, paranoid Tshering does not want to step out of the house so we have recorded this episode while on a call. Please let us know if this works. We discuss the lockdown in Sikkim and the controversy that the Health Minister was embroiled in recently.

This episode Pema Wangchuk [Consulting Editor, Summit Times] and Tshering Eden [Features Editor, Summit Times] discuss COVID-19 and the State's response so far. #thesikkimpodcast #summittimes #covid19 For suggestions and criticism please write to us at news@summittimes.com

In this episode, Pema Wangchuk [Consulting Editor, Summit Times] and Tshering Eden [Features Editor, Summit Times] discuss the Language teacher recruitment controversy, corona virus preparedness [again, yes] and the SDF foundation day. This episode was recorded on Friday. For any feedback, suggestions, criticism please write to us at news@summittimes.com #summittimes #thesikkimpodcast

Continuing from the last podcast, Pema Wangchuk [Consulting Editor, Summit Times] and Tshering Eden [Features Editor, Summit Times] move on to the topics of rationing of Saturday holiday for Government employees, possible souring of the SKM-BJP Sikkim relationship and a disturbing incident related to Corona virus in Sikkim [And NO, there has been no Corona virus case detected in Sikkim]. This episode was recorded on 26 Feb 2020. You can also listen to this episode on Youtube at - https://youtu.be/iQzozvi5fJg Please send your feedback and suggestions to news@summittimes.com

In this episode Pema Wangchuk [Consulting Editor, Summit Times] and Tshering Eden [Features Editor, Summit Times] discuss the arrests of general secretary, SDF social media, Barap Namgyal and Santosh Rai of Khoj TV. We also discuss the taxi drivers’ strike on Tuesday after the Traffic Police removed the Hospital Dara stop in the capital. This episode was recorded on Tuesday. For feedbacks, suggestions and criticism you can mail us at news@summittimes.com #thesikkimpodcast #sikkim #summittimes

We continue the discussion that had begun with the first podcast of the year 'Heavy New Year' and go on to cover a range of topics - from Chairman and Advisor appointments, government circulars, LT Assembly seats to how government offices need to be designed better.

2020 began with the Sikkimese rushing to get their bluebooks updated and while a lot has happened in the first fortnight of the new year, in this episode we discuss the Motor Vehicle's road safety awareness and enforcement drive and the cancellation of five-day week for government employees. Not the best of beginnings for everyone, but let's hope for brighter days ahead this new year. #sikkim #thesikkimpodcast #summmittimes

This episode we discuss the Citizenship [Amendment] Act 2019, Sikkim's reaction to it and proposed defenses like the Inner Line Permit.

This episode we discuss the Citizenship [Amendment] Bill, Sikkim's opposition to the Bill and the move to draft guidelines for digital media in Sikkim.

This episode we give an update on the CM's second swearing-in and wonder why everything was so hush hush till the last minute. We also talk about the firing of 29 public prosecutors by the state government.

This episode we discuss the swearing-in of the Chief Minister and Cabinet that was supposed to happen but did not happen today, Aapdara protest against NHPC's refusal to acknowledge damages and compensate accordingly, and the protest by Muslim community in Namchi recently.

This episode we discuss the Pakyong murder case, media reporting of the case, cable car option for Gangtok's traffic problems, basketball star Nima Doma Bhutia and more. #thesikkimpodcast #Pakyongmurder #Nimadomabhutia

This episode we discuss the by-poll results, SKM-BJP alliance, and the relaxation on firecrackers this Diwali. #Sikkim

This episode we discuss the by-poll in three constituencies of Sikkim, voter turn-out, candidates and the stakes involved. #sikkimelection2019 #sikkim #SKM #SDF #BJP

This episode we discuss the upcoming by-elections in Sikkim and wonder whether the last-minute SKM-BJP seat-sharing alliance will affect how voters in the three constituencies of Gangtok, Martam-Rumtek and Poklok-Kamrang vote. Political violence reported from Poklok-Kamrang is also touched upon. Note: We recorded this episode on 14 Oct, 2019.

This episode we discuss the ECI's decision to allow Chief Minister, PS Tamang to contest elections and also touch upon the upcoming by-elections in three constituencies of Sikkim.

This episode we discuss the efforts of Sikkim Traffic Police to ease traffic snarls in Gangtok by trying out one way to town from Amdo Golai via DC Office, Sichey, PS Road. The trial did not work and in this discussion we have some ST staff giving their opinions on why it didn't work and what else could be done. #sikkimtraffic #thesikkimpodcast

And we are back! This episode we discuss the controversy that has erupted in Sikkim football, Amit Shah's statement on Article 371, the CM's latest announcements and more. #sikkimfootball #SFA #FPAS #SikkimAakraman

This episode we discuss fake news about the Election Commission allowing P S Tamang to contest by-elections and former CM Pawan Chamling being made Lt Governor of Ladakh; media reports of Indian Mountaineering Federation saying it will not allow mountaineering on Mt Khangchendzonga, child rights, viral videos and more!

In this episode of The Sikkim Podcast we discuss the One Family One Job [OFOJ] scheme, the Government circular withholding and cancelling appointments and joinings made during the Model Code of Conduct, the latest press statement arguing that the government wants to 'review and verify' such appointments, the fate of the OFOJ appointees, and well, the entire confusion surrounding OFOJ. Listen to Uttam Gurung, Tshering Eden and Pema Wangchuk vent their frustration over the ongoing OFOJ drama.