Sikkim

SIKKIM

Situated in the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is the second smallest and least populated state of India. Sikkim is strategically bounded by Tibet in the north, Nepal in the west, Bhutan in the east and West Bengal in the south. The skyline of Sikkim is dominated by Mount Kanchenjunga (8534m), the world’s third highest peak. Kanchanjunga has five satellite peaks: Jano, Kabru, Pandim, Narsim, Simiolchu. Flowing on a north-south axis through Sikkim, its main river, Teesta is one of the wildest and most turbulent of all Himalayan rivers. Local population of Sikkim comprises of Nepalis, Lepchas, Bhutias, Tibetans and Marwaris. Sikkim’s topography is earmarked by rugged mountain slopes, green valleys, turquoise lakes, crystal-clear streams and wild gorges which offer ample opportunities for white water rafting. About a third of the land is covered with thick forests. Vegetation of Sikkim includes 4000 rare species of plants, greater than anywhere else in the world. Sikkim boasts of twenty-eight mountain peaks, twenty-one glaciers and 227 high altitude lakes. Eight mountain passes connect the state to Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal.