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Until recently a Buddhist mountain kingdom,
Sikkim is situated between Tibet, Nepal & Bhutan. From a low of 800
ft. above sea level to the summit of Mt. Khanchendzonga (28,169 ft.
/ 8,598 m), the guardian deity of Sikkim and the third tallest peak
in the world, Sikkim’s terrain encompasses terrain of almost every
elevational stratum. Fast flowing rivers that originate in the
mountains criss - cross the State that is rich in flora & fauna,
stunning mountains, beautiful valleys, clear lakes and lush
evergreen forests. In high altitudes where yaks graze are found the
snow leopard, the blue sheep, goral, tahr and the red panda – the
state animal of Sikkim. Abundant species of birds & butterflies are
to be found here & it is said that Sikkim contains more birds than
any similar sized area in the world. Some 600 to 1000 species of
orchids along with a variety of plants & flowers create a visual
delight, all of which the government of Sikkim helps to protect by
creating a national park, two wildlife sanctuaries, an alpine
sanctuary and a rhododendron sanctuary.
Rich in history Sikkim’s first King was crowned in 1642 and
was called the “Chogyal,” king of religion. His direct lineage, the
Namgyals ruled the small country till 1975 when Sikkim became a part
of India.
Sikkim is made up of three major ethnic groups – the
Lepchas, the first known settlers and the original inhabitants of
the land, the Bhutias who trace their ancestry to Tibet and the
Nepalese, the largest ethnic group.Religion is a pervasive force and colourful Buddhist
monasteries are to be found all over the state. Major religious
festivals give way to a spectacular feast of religious dances known
as chaams. Monks garbed in all their brocaded costumes and masks
commemorate important religious events in somber, graceful dances.
Sikkim has gained much importance in the field of Tourism.
Tourism has seeped in very slowly & here you will find a people
whose simple good heartedness you will cherish. You’ll trek through
wonderful countryside and admire the marvelous mountain views for
Sikkim is a favoured destination for the adventure mountaineer,
trekker and mountain biker as well as the lover of unspoiled nature
& culture.
Come let us take you on a journey through “OUR LAND, OUR
PEOPLE, and OUR HERITAGE".
We invite you in this mystical land that the rest of the
world calls Shangri-La and a land we feel humbled to call our home.
We hope that visitors who make the journey to Sikkim enjoy
their experience & return home with glowing memories. |
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