Sikkim, state in India,is located in the northeastern part of the country, in the eastern Himalayas. It is one of the smallest states in India. Sikkim is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and northeast, by Bhutan to the southeast, by the Indian state of West Bengal to the south, and by Nepal to the west. The capital is Gangtok, in the southeastern part of the state. Sikkim is a mystical wonderland of spectacular natural beauty. The panoramic perfection of the snow-capped Himalayas, the heady aroma of rhododendron groves, the vibrant culture of the Bhutias, the Lepchas and the Gorkhas, the Buddhist faith intermingling with Hindu belief, the infinite variety of its flora and fauna makes it a holiday that is at once fascinating, soul stirring and challenging. The crowning glory of Sikkim is Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world. With magnificent snow scenery, it is often regarded as the undisputed monarch among the peaks of the world. Our ride through Sikkim would offer us breathtaking views. PEOPLE The original inhabitants of Sikkim were the ‘Lepcha’ tribe. In addition to these Bhutia and Nepali communities of different hues intermingle freely in Sikkim to constitute a homogenous blend. Hindu Temples coexist with Buddhist Monasteries, Churches, Mosque, and Gurudwara. The predominant Communities are Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalese. LANGUAGES The official languages of the state are English, Nepali, Sikkimese (Bhutia) and Lepcha. Additional official languages include Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Mukhia, Newari, Rai, Sherpa and Tamang for the purpose of preservation of culture and tradition in the state. TERRAIN Sikkim is a land of dramatic contours. Rugged mountains, deep valleys and dense forests consort with raging rivers, lakes and waterfalls to create a visual feast. The state has the steepest rise in altitude over the shortest distance and has within its 7,096 sq. kms the entire climatic range, from tropical to temperate to alpine. A part of the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok. Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park. Floating high over the cloud-covered lower Himalaya, Mt. Khangchendzonga dominates the landscape of Sikkim. At 28, 208 ft is the third highest mountain in the world and the highest in India. Located between these towering mountain ranges are passes like Nathu-la, Jelep-la, Cho-la and many others which were at one time important corridors of passage between Sikkim and Tibet. WEATHER Sikkim’s geographical location with its altitudinal variation allows it to have tropical, temperate and alpine climatic conditions within its small area of 7,096 kms. Temperature conditions vary from subtropical in the southern lower parts to cold deserts in the snowy north. Rainfall is heavy and well distributed during the months from May to early October. Biting cold is experienced at higher altitudes of 10,000 ft plus. The temperature rarely rises above 15-degree centigrade and heavy snowfall occurs during the winter months. Some also receive snowfall during April or mid-November. FLORA AND FAUNA The flora consist of oak, chestnut, maple, birch, alde r, magnolia and silver fir. There are about 35 species of Rhododendrons (declared as the state tree of Sikkim) in Sikkim and are found above the height of 10,000 feet. The state’ orchids are world-famous as the state has 556 species of them. Fauna includes Yak, Himalayan Bear, Red Panda, Blood Pheasant and Blue Sheep. In the arid cold alpine regions of Sikkim, roam the snow leopard and wild ass.