Sikkim the tiny Himalayan state is a wonderland by all accounts. Overlooked by Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak, Sikkim is attractive equally fortheightseer, the adventure sports enthusiast and those interested in Buddhism and Tibetology. From
a low of 800 ft. above sea level to the Summit of Mt. Kanchenjunga (28,169 ft.), the guardian deity of Sikkim and the third highest peak in the world. Mountains criss-cross the country that is rich in flora and fauna, stunning mountains, beautiful alleys,clearlakes 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.
Some 600 to 1000 species of orchids alongwith a variety of plants and flowers create visual delight, all of which the Goverment of Sikkim helps to protect by creating a national park, two wildlife sanctuaries, an alpine sanctuary and a rhododendron sanctuary.
A hospitable population that's predominantly Buddhist, many fine old monasteries rich with frescoes, religious paintings on silk and statues of the Buddha’s various incarnations make it a soothing place to be in. Gangtok, the capital, abounds with pagoda like roofs of many buildings and the presence of crimson robed monks in the bazaars. The Institute of Tibetology, the only one of its kind in the world, was set up by the erstwhile ruler to promote research on Mahayana Buddhism, and on the language and traditions of Tibet.
Lower down the hill is the famed orchid sanctuary where 500 species of orchids indigenous to Sikkim are cultivated. Sikkim offers several treks that lead through pine forests, through picturesque valleys, monasteries and to mountain lakes. It is also the base for mountaineering expeditions and the rivers Teesta and Rangeet offer excellent river rafting. A number of good hotels and lodging houses exist in Gangtok.
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