Introduction

Sikkim the land of the mighty Khangchendzonga, tumbling streams and torrents, mountain monasteries and quaint shopping plazas is arguably the one of the most exotic travel destination in India. Enfolded in mists and clouds this garden state has an incredible variety of orchids, rhododendrons, gladioli and a host of other flowers.
Sikkim is separated by the Singalila range from Nepal in the west, Chola range from Tibet in the northeast and Bhutan in the southeast. Rangit and Rangpo rivers form the borders with the Indian state of West Bengal in the south.

Sikkim is a treasure of botanical and zoological life. The wide range of birds and butterflies in Sikkim is matched only by its diversity in the animal and botanical world, nourished by unique and impressive geographical features.

Sikkim is an adventurer’s paradise as it provides a wide range of activities with trekking, mountaineering, rafting and mountain biking and yak safari being the prominent ones. Some of the best known peaks are Pauhunri, Pandim, Talung, Tent Peak, Jongsang, Rathong, Koktang and Sinioulchu regarded by the mountaineers as the most beautiful peak in the world.

The Teesta river offer long stretches which are ideal for safe rafting while the Rangit River has more turbulent waters and offers a challenge to more experienced rafters.

Historical Background

Sikkim was inhabited in pre-historic times by three tribes namely Naong, Chang and the Mon. The Lepchas who entered Sikkim around the 13th century absorbed them completely. The state of Sikkim was established in 1642 and was ruled by Phuntsog Namgyal who was recognized by Dalai Lama as the first king. The Namgyal dynasty ruled Sikkim till 1975. In the mid-18th century, there were a series of territorial wars with Bhutan, as its king opposed the accession of a minor king in Sikkim. In the early 19th century British gained access to Tibet by the support of Sikkim and in return it regained the Nepalese-occupied territories. By 1817, Sikkim became a de facto province of Britain. In the year 1835 the British East India Company obtained Darjeeling from Sikkim. After a decade the British invaded the region and the military defeat of Sikkim resulted in the Anglo-Sikkimese treaty in 1961. After India's independence, in the year 1950 a treaty was signed between Sikkim and India making Sikkim an Indian protectorate, with the centre assuming responsibility for Sikkim's external relations, defense and strategic communications. However after a few years Sikkim merged with India and Sikkim became the 22nd state of the Indian Union.

People And Cultures

Ethnically Sikkim has mainly three groups of people viz. Nepalis, Bhutias, Lepchas. The local language is Nepali and English is the official language. The people of Sikkim are warm, simple and friendly with a natural gaiety. The custom and rituals of Sikkimese are as diverse as the ethnic groups that inhabit the land. They have an impressive range of folk songs and dances. People of Sikkim love to celebrate with a gay abandon and their way of life is inextricably bound up with nature.