GENERAL INFO ABOUT SIKKIM

SIKKIM - A BRIEF INTRODUCTION 

The mystical land under the foothills of the Himalayas, where Mount Khangchendzonga, the guardian of the five treasures, which is considered the guardian deity by its people is the land called Sikkim. Sikkim, meaning "The Valley of Rice" provides a spectacular view of mountains and landscapes and bio-diverse culture. It is the 22^nd state of India situated in the North Eastern part of India. It had a monarchy government ruled by the Choygal meaning "king" until 1975 when it was annexed by India. It is a small land just 115 km by 65 km with 7096 sq km of area and with a population of 5,40,493. It is surrounded by high passes, mountain ranges, rivers and ravines of three countries and an another Indian state. It has 220 km stretch with Tibet border where lies the Chola range,30 km with Bhutan where lies the Pangolia range,100 km with Nepal where lies the Singalila range and 80 km with West Bengal, another Indian state.

Sikkim has a majority of Nepalese and Lepchas as minority who are the original inhabitants of the land and in lesser percentage are Bhutias. The culture is strongly influenced by Tibet with over 194 Buddhist monasteries. 

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