GANGTOK · SIKKIM

This North-eastern state of India is bordered by Tibet in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and West-Bengal in the south. Sikkim is the least populous and second smallest state of India followed by the Goa. Sikkim has been given many names. The Lepchas, original inhabitants of the land called it Nye-el ‘paradise’. The Limbus named it Su-Khim or ‘new house’ while to Bhutias it was Beymul Demazong, ‘the hidden valley of the rice’. Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kanchenjunga, the world’s 3rd and highest peak in India. Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park. Modern Sikkim is a multi-ethnic and multilingual Indian state with 11 official languages. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Sikkim accounts for the largest share of cardamom production in India and is the world's second largest producer of the spice after Guatemala.
Today, travellers boarding on journey of Sikkim discover a numinous wonderland of spectacular natural beauty. The panoramic precision of the snow-capped Himalayas, the heady scent of flower-bedecked meadows, the vibrant culture and joyous festivals, the infinite variety of its flora and fauna makes it a holiday that is at once charming and challenging. With the splendid snow and ice scenery it is often regarded as the undisputed monarch among the peaks of the world as the Sikkimese revered and stared as the adobe of their guardian deity Dzo-nga.