A tiny but fascinating Sikkim is located in eastern Himalayas. The land is spreading below the Khanchendzonga (8534 mts), the 3rd highest mountain of the world which is respected by Sikkimese as their protective god. With the area of 7,300 Sq Kms and the measurement of approx. 114 Kms from north to south & around 64 Kms of east to west, the state has its height ranges around 300 mts to 8540 mts above the sea level.

Sikkim, is the place endowed with the bounties of nature like hypnotic valleys, magnificence mountain peaks, sprawling rivers all these fascinating features of Sikkim offers a unforgettable and pleasing experience of their whole life. The land offers you a mixture of various weathers, yes one can enjoy the pleasure of hot and cold weather to perpetual snowfall.

Sikkim came into the existence in 26th April, 1975 and reckon as 22nd state of India. sikkim has been parted into four districts & in order to serve the administrative purpose, each district has divided into two sub divisions. It is the land comprising of various inner mountains of Himalayas, who have range of height from 300 to 8540 mts. Moreover the highest part of the sikkim is lying in the north west direction of this state.

Kanchenjunga (8598 m.), third highest peak of the world looks like a queen when she wears the crown of snow. Moreover Kanchenjunga comprising of various other charming peaks i.e. Pendem (6706 m.), Narsingh (5825 m.), Kumbha Karna (7711 m.), Kabru Dome (6545 m.), etc., which all are covered with the white sheet of snow and ready to hypnotize you.

Several glaciers can be founded at the bank of Kanchenjunga to Sikkim and Zemu is the biggest one among various glaciers. Teesta, the chief and snaky river of the land beautify the place and enhance the glory of the state with its tributaries which are Lachung, Zemu, Dikchu, Rangpo, Rongli, Rangit and Rangyong.

Bhutias, Nepalis and Lepchas are three main groups of people in Sikkim. The people living there speak local language which is Nepali and English is considered as official language of the state. The precious jewelry like mountains is spreading within the sphere of 7299 sq. kms embellishing Sikkim and also enhancing the beauty of state. Moreover the magnificence of nature is hidden in the lap of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.

History of Sikkim:  Earlier Sikkim was occupied by 3 tribes i.e. Chang, Naong and Mon. Later on Lepchas had entered in Sikkim and acquired the state completely.in the early 17th century the Tibetan migrated in the state which obligate Lepchas to shift from Sikkim in order to avoid the conflict.

During the ruling period of Tashi Namgyal who was the ruler in the year 1914 Sikkim undergo through various reforms. Forced labour was banned and gambling was completely illegal in the state. Developmental plans were introduced etc. After the death of Tashi Namgyal, his son became the ruler of the state. In the year 1975 Sikkim got its position of being a 22nd state of India.

The chief communities of Sikkim are the BHUTIAS, NEPALESE and LEPCHAS. Most of the people residing in urban areas are engaged in Government service and business. Various development activities like construction of roads, buildings, and bridges etc., have changed a structure of Sikkim. The small part of population comprises of migrant labourers from plains and Nepal. A Trip to Sikkim is going to be enjoyable for you.

THE LEPCHAS:  The original inhabitants of Sikkim are said to be Lepchas. They existed much before the Bhutias and Nepalese migrated to the state. Before adopting Buddhism or Christianity as their religion, the earliest Lepcha settlers were believers in the bone faith or mune faith. This faith was basically based on spirits, good and bad. They worshipped spirits of mountains , rivers and forests which was but natural for a tribe that co-existed so harmoniously with the rich natural surroundings. The Lepcha (Zongu) folklore is rich with stories. The Lepcha population is concentrated in the central part of the Sikkim. This i s the area that encompasses the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers and Dickchu.

Life in a Lepcha dwelling is very simple. The male Lepcha wears a dress called a "pagi" made of cotton, which is stripped. The female Lepcha wear a two piece dress. The Lepchas speak the language lepcha, although this language is not very well developed but is rich in vocabulary related to the flora & fauna of Sikkim. Lepchas are very good at archery. The polyandry marriages are permitted amongst the Lepchas.

THE BHUTIAS:  These are the people of Tibetan origin. They migrated to Sikkim perhaps somewhere after the fifteenth century through the state of Sikkim. In Northen Sikkim, where they are the major inhabitants, they are known as the Lachenpas and Lachungpas. The language spoken by the bhutias is sikkimese . Bhutia villages are as large as those compared to those of Lepchas . A Bhutia house called "Khin" is usually of rectangular shape .

The traditional dress of the male member is known as the "Bakhu" which is a loose cloak type garment with full sleeves. The ladies dress consists of a silken "Honju" which is a full sleeve blouse and a loose gown type garment. The ladies are very fond of heavy jewelry made of pure gold.

THE NEPALESE:  The Nepalese appeared on the Sikkim scene much after the Lepchas & Bhutias. They migrated in large numbers and soon became the dominant community. The Nepalese now constitute more than 80 % of the total population. The Nepali settlers introduced the terraced system of cultivation. Cardamom was an important cash crop introduced by the Nepalis'. Except for the Sherpas & Tamangs who are Buddhists, the Nepalis' are orthodox Hindus with the usual cast system.

The Nepali language is spoken and understood all over the state. This language is similar to Hindi and uses the Devangri script . The traditional male nepali dress consists of long double breast garment flowing below the waist and a trouser known as "Daura Suruwal". The female dress consist of a double breasted garment with strings to tie on both the sides at four places, which is shorter than the Daura and is known as "Chow Bandi Choli". They also wear a shawl known as "Majetro". The "Khukri" which has become a synonym to the Nepali (Gurkha) culture, is a very sharp edged, angled, heavy weapon carried in a wooden or leather scabbard known as "Daab".

Capital:  Gangtok.

Language:  Nepali.

Population:  540851 (2001 census).