Sikkim is the twenty-second state is a landlocked
Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. It is a land of abundance beauty. The state is gifted with changing landscape, high altitude lake, hot water springs or
mountaineering amongst the world's highest peaks. The attractions are many like photographing nature's diversity, meeting people of other cultures, enjoying
festivals or just hanging out. Sikkim is the right destination for tourist of all ages. Tourist can explore the land undisputedly magnificent; awesome and
mystic. The forest stands are very diverse and non-forested areas-such as cliffs, high alpine meadows, cascading streams high altitude lakes are many of the
other attractions. A wide variety of birds, butterflies and wildlife can be seen along the trail at different elevations and in different seasons. The mountain
peaks, terraced hills, verdant valleys, fast flowing rivers and lush tropical forest, vivid flowers, birds and butterflies, simple tilted villages and
colorful monasteries, is a rare and unique.
The state has more than 25 mountain peaks, over twenty glaciers, 25 odd high altitude lakes, including the Tsomgo Lake, Gurudongmar, Memencho and Khechopalri
Lakes, few hot water springs, and numerous snow-fed streams in Sikkim have carved out river valleys in the west and south of the state. These streams combine
into the Teesta and its tributary. Eight mountain passes connect the state to Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. Nathu - La Pass & Jelep La Pass are the most ancient
among them. It is said that over twelve hundred species of butterflies found in the Indian subcontinent over six hundred and fifty can be found in Sikkim. The
climate in the state ranges from subtropical to high alpine with snow capped mountains in the north. Mount Kanchendzonga the third highest peak is located in
the north western part of the state and can be viewed from most of Sikkim. One can come across twenty eight peaks which nature has provided to this state
making it as a tourist paradise. Few hot springs, twenty five varieties of rhododendron are some of its major attractions of the state. Sikkim has four
districts namely East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim with its capitals at Gangtok, Geyzing, Mangan and Namchi respectively. In Sikkim
tourist can enjoy the well preserved and unique nature, culture and history of this state. Other than the tribes of Sikkim three major ethnic groups namely
Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali are dominant in the state. People are warm and friendly and are god fearing but colorful. They are peaceful and have managed to
preserve their own identity instead of the present trend of modernization. One can come across these colorful people in action during festivals and cultural
gatherings. Geographically the state has the steepest rise in altitude over the shortest distance north to south like Nepal and Bhutan or similar Himalayan
kingdom of the region. Butterflies, Orchids, Rhododendrons, flowers, wildlife are all diversified and worth appreciating. There are two major passes in the
Himalayan range. Nathu – La and Jelep – La were important corridors of passage between Sikkim and Tibet and was part of the historical silk route.
Airways - Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport to Sikkim. Sikkim has its own helipad at Gangtok, Pelling
and few other places. Pelling, Mangan, Namchi and Rangpo have helipad. Chopper service is regular from Bagdogra to Gangtok once a day. Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
is approximately 130 kilometers away and is served by regular flights, Go Air, Kingfisher, Spice Jet and Jet Airways flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, Chennai
and Delhi.
Railways - New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) is the nearest major railway station and is approximately 135
kilometers away and a 4 - 5 hours drive to Gangtok / Pelling. New Jalpaiguri is well connected to the rest of India. There are regular train services to all
the major destinations of India like Chennai, Jaipur, Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.
Roadways – Gangtok is well connected with NH 31 A and is 135 kilometers away from New Jalpaiguri railway station
(NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Pelling is 140 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB). The roads are scenic and
traveling by road is better than any other means. Sikkim is well connected with rest of India and with China via the Nathu La pass. Nepal and Bhutan is 4 – 5
hours drive from Sikkim.