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Sikkim
Nestled at the foot of the world's third highest mountain peak, the Kanchenjunga, Sikkim covers an area of just 7,300 sq km. It is hard to find even a square kilometre of flat land in Sikkim. The elevation rises from 244 metres where the mountains begin to the lofty heights of Kanchenjunga at 8,534 metres. Sikkim is composed of the Rangit and Teesta river basins and these two river valleys are immensely luxuriant, with thick forests ranging from sal in the deep southern gorges to conifers in the upper tributaries.

Buddhism is widely practised in the area and the state is dotted with monasteries that propogate Buddhist art, culture and religion. Most of Sikkim's over 50 monasteries are located in the southern part of the state.

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a small township which is accessible from the neighbouring state of West Bengal. Densely forested, with waterfalls and lakes and myriads of flowers and fauna, Sikkim offers spell-binding views and excellent treks. Besides the monasteries, it is Sikkim's natural beauty that attracts travellers. The state has more than 4,000 varieties of flowering plants and shrubs among which are magnolia, tree fern, lily, wild strawberry and rasberry, woody creeper, primrose, bougainvillea, crimson and yellow rhododendron and poinsettia. Sikkim's forests also support almost 600 species of orchids, many of which are peculiar to the region. Bird and animal life is also abundant in the state. There are more than 500 species of birds and over 600 species of butterflies in the region besides game like the Himalayan bear, musk deer, barking deer, red panda, blue sheep and marbled cats.

Some of die treks that give the visitor an opportunity to view Sikkim's natural splendour include a 15 day trek from Pemayangtse to Dzogri via Yaksum, Bakkim, Thangsing and Goeche la. It is also possible to trek from Pemayangtse to Gangtok in 9 or 13 days via two separate routes. The Pemayangtse monastery is 115 km from Gangtok by road and is located on a 2,085 metre high ridge. This second oldest monastery in Sikkim was founded in the 17th century and has been rebuilt many times since. The area also offers an excellent view of Kanchenjunga. Yaksum is a short distance from Pemayangtse and is a sacred spot where three lamas performed the consecration ceremony of Sikkim's first Chogyal ruler in 1642. Yaksumis thickly forested and the area abounds in wildlife. It is also possible to do an 8-day trek from Naya Bazar to Gangtok.
Note: All foreigners are required to obtain a special permit before entering or trekking in Sikkim. Trekking parties are normally escorted by a liaison officer from the Indian government.