Sikkim

Sikkim, an erstwhile Himalayan Kingdom, had been a state of India since its merger in 1975. Located in the Himalayas, it is wedged in between the Kingdoms of Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east. With an area of 7,096 sq kms, it has a rectangular shape measuring about 114 kms from north to south and 64 kms from east to west.

The elevation varies between 300 mts to 8500 mts. The greater Himalayas form a natural boundary with Tibet and Singalila range with Mt. Khanchendzonga (8545 mts), the third highest peak in the world running north to south separating Sikkim from Nepal. On the eastern front the Chola range borders with Tibet and the Pangola range further down separates Sikkim from Bhutan. Finally, the vast plains form a horse shoe picture of the high ranges bordering Sikkim. A spectacular bird’s eve view of Sikkim with its mountain ranges can be seen from Maenam peak (3200 mts). And Tendong peak (2580 mts) in south Sikkim. These peaks are accessible from Ravangla by a two/three day’s trek.

The two major rivers, Teesta and Rangeet, flow from north to south creating deep gorges which divide Sikkim into three longitudinal strips. The valleys on the north are wider like Yumthang (3600 mts) and Lachung (2700 mts) valleys, which are easily accessible by road. These Rhododendron laden areas deep in the mountains are inhabited by Lachungpas, who have preserved and maintained till now a unique culture and society governed by a village council – Dzomsa. The Teesta and Rangeet rivers also offer the thrill of riding the wild waters and angling for some local variety of fish.