Sikkim, a tiny and once a remote independent Buddhist Kingdom ruled by the Chogyal Dynasty whose root goes back to the 13^th century is nestled between Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet. The Chogyal Dynasty started with Khye Bumsa, a Tibetan warlord who happened to come to this land of Demazong meaning “Valley of Rice”. During the British Raj in India, Sikkim was given the status of Protectorate State. In 1975, under the 16^th Chogyal, Sikkim became the 22^nd state of Indian Union.

Measuring just 40 by 70 miles (2800 square kilometers), its terrain rises from just above sea level to the icebound summits of Khangchendzonga (28,208 ft), third highest peak in the world, revered by the locals as their protective deity. Each year, in order to appease the Lord Khangchendzonga, a state sponsored religious festival of Pang Lhabsol is held at the four major monasteries of Sikkim.

Referred to as the ‘Garden Kingdom of the Himalayas’, flora and fauna of Sikkim with over 600 varieties of Orchids, 30 species of Rhododendrons and Primulas, is considered one of the botanical minefields in the world. Seventy percent of the landscape is still untouched by the modern civilisation . Forest life as such are still magically primeval and refreshingly intact, spared the chopper’s axe due to the eco-consciousness of the people advocated widely.

The people of Sikkim are of three distinct heritages: Lepcha, believed to have originated from the border area of Assam and Burma; the Bhutia, of Tibetan origin, settled in Sikkim after the 15^th century; and the Nepalese, who migrated from Nepal in the middle of the 17^th century. Communities, cultures, religions and customs of different hue intermingle freely and the Sikkimese’s natural friendliness adds immeasurably to the visitor’s enjoyment.

Highlighting a visit to Sikkim are the stunning monasteries which form an integral part of Sikkim: it is here that Gods mix with the mortals. Built in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition (Nyingma and Kargyu sects), set amidst thick forests and on isolated hilltops, these monasteries are host to a number of festivals, which are singular experience in pomp and pageantry.

GANGTOK, the hillside capital of Sikkim (5,800ft) retains a small-town feeling, neat and clean, but undergoing rapid modernization. An open air vegetable bazaar and bustling handicraft center selling hand-woven carpets, intricately carved chokste(tables), and exquisitely carved silver and gold jewelry attract visitors. Attractive hotels and restaurants feature Sikkimese, Tibetan and Chinese dishes.

GENERAL INFORMATION : HOW TO GET TO SIKKIM
The primary means of communication within Sikkim is by road. A daily helicopter service between Gangtok and Bagdogra is the only other alternate option. However Sikkim is well connected to rest of the country by rail and air through Siliguri in West Bengal which is about 115 kms from Gangtok and forms the railhead to Sikkim. Bagdogra, the airport of Siliguri has daily flights to Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati. Sikkim is also well-connected by road with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Phuntsoling, the border town of Bhutan.

CLIMATE
Sikkim has an unusual variety of climate influenced by varying altitudes so much so, it is possible to drop from arctic heights to the tropical lowlands within a matter of couple of hours. Places with moderate altitude (4,000 ft – 10,000 ft) like Gangtok have a more or less good climate. During the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is pleasant. June-August, the monsoons bring torrential rain for days together and winter (December-February), the days become cold and nights chilly but the snow line remains above 12,000 ft.

GOVERNMENT
Sikkim became a constituent unit of India on 10 April, 1975 after abolishing the institution of the Chogyal (the king) who had ruled since the first king had been consecrated in the year 1642 in Yuksom. The people of Sikkim submitted a general referendum in favour of the resolution, after which the two houses of the Indian parliment passed the 38^th Consitution Amendment Bill, which made Sikkim the 22^nd state of the Indian Union. As a democratic state, election to the 32 seats in the state legislature is held after every 5 years .

RELIGION
The main religions are Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity whereby the Hindus constitute nearly 67%, Buddhists 30% and Christianity 2%.

Important festivals are Saga Dawa (4^th month of the lunar calendar), Phang Lhabsol (15^th day of the 7^th month of the lunar calendar), Loosong (Sikkimese New Year held during the December usually), Lossar (Tibetan New Year which normally is celebrated in the month of February)

LANGUAGE
The official language of Sikkim is Nepali. English is widely spoken and even used as the medium of communication in official documentation.

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