Small
but beautiful, Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas.
It is spread below Mount Khanchenjunga (8534m), the
third highest mountain in the world and revered by the
Sikkimese as their protective deity. For many years,
it was regarded as one of the last Himalayan 'Shangri-las'
because of its remoteness, spectacular mountain terrain,
varied flora and fauna and ancient Buddhist monasteries.
It is separated by the Singalila range from Nepal in
the west, Chola range from Tibet in the northeast and
Bhutan in the southeast. Rangit and Rangpo rivers form
the borders with the Indian State of West Bengal in
the south. On its west is also the massive 31km long
Zemu glacier. It ranges from sweltering deep valleys
a mere
300m above sea level to lofty snow peaks such as the
Khanchenjunga at 8000m. Various explorers and mountaineers
have claimed to have seen Yeti or its foot prints in
the vicinity of the mountain and its glacier- "The
abominable snowman" has its place in folklore.
Sikkim's botanical and zoological affluence is truly
impressive. The varieties of birds and
butterflies in
Sikkim is matched only by incredible diversity in the
animal and botanical world, nourished by unique and
dramatic geographical features. The lower altitudes
are sub-tropical and abound in some of Sikkim's more
than six hundred orchid varieties, sprays of cardamom
fruit orchards and terraced rice paddies. Amidst the
grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing
rivers and hills, Sikkim offers her visitors a rare
and singular experience. Within a matter of hours one
can move from the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys
to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach
up to the area of perpetual snow. Wrapped in mists and
clouds, a garden state with an incredible variety of
rhododendrons and a host of other flowers
Places
to Visit Gangtok
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