WELCOME TO SIKKIM

    Sikkim has the unique distinction of being bounded by three sovereign nations, Nepal in the west, Bhutan in the east and China's Tibet in the north. It also shares its southern border with the state of West Bengal. Sikkim is geographically diverse due to its location in the Himalayas. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Mt. Kanchendzonga, the third highest peak in the world dominates the landscape of the State and is revered as Sikkim's guardian deity. Sikkim is a popular tourist destination owing to its culture, scenic beauty and biodiversity.

    The official language of the state is English, but there is a sizable population that converses in Nepali (the lingua franca of the state), Lepcha, Bhutia, and Limbu. It is the only state in India with an ethnic Nepalese majority. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Gangtok is the capital and the largest town. Sikkim has a booming economy dependent on agriculture and tourism.

The state has a good number of glaciers and some of the very important ones are Zemu, Rathong, and Lona in North Sikkim. The river Teesta is the lifeline of Sikkim and it originates from Lake Cholamu. Its tributaries are Rangeet, Ramam and Rangpo. Sikkim offers best buys for hand woven carpets, thankas and other paintings. Other items typical of the state and are large cardamoms, Lepcha weave bags, purses, jewellery and liquors etc. The main inhabitants of the state are the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis.