Take a break from the heat and hassles of most of India in the wonderful state of Sikkim.

Sikkim, where plastic bags are banned and the mountain air is clean.  Considered among some of the friendliest people in India and holding a stake in some of India’s most shockingly stunning scenery.

Because of the long Settlement as an independent kingdom right up until 1975, Sikkim has long been considered one of the last Shangri Las of The Himalayas.  However due to the tourist boom this may soon be less than true.  Stunning villages are making way for lack luster imposing hotels so make sure to get in while you can.

The Info on Sikkim                                                     

Sikkim is a state on the east of India. Settled amongst the Himalayan foot hills it borders China, Nepal and Bhutan.  It is a state blessed with snow covered mountains, lush green valleys and a magical sense of awe is left in the eye of the beholder.

The official language of Sikkim is Nepali and it is the most common language of many locals however Dzongkha and Tibetan are spoken by small numbers.  Hindi is a widely spoken second language and all educated people are able to speak English.

It is definitely worth noting that foreign tourists all require a Restricted Area Permit to enter Sikkim. These are available at immigration offices at major airports.

Flora and Fauna of Sikkim

Situated at the base of the Himalayas it is of no doubt that Sikkim bears ecological importance.  There is a diverse range of flora and fauna to be found in the forested areas of Sikkim but due to the altitude gradient, the surprising thing about Sikkim is the  range of plants  from tropical, temperate, alpine and tundra all are present and accounted for in this tiny area of land.

The rhododendron is the state tree but there are also orchids, figs, laurel, banana, sal and bamboo that grow in the subtropical climates.  While the eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests claim oaks, chestnuts, maples, birches, alders and magnolias grow.  Above 3500 meters in altitude you can find alpine shrubs and meadows with stunning wildflowers.

Animals are just as plentiful and varied as the flora with snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, red panda, Himalayan marmot, goral, barking deer, common langur, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, marbled cat, leopard cat, wild dogs and Tibetan wolf just a few of the amazingly distinct animals that can be seen here during your vacation in Sikkim.

Butterflies are found in Sikkim in record numbers of species.  There are approximately 1438 butterfly species found on the sub continent of India and 695 have been recorded to be found in Sikkim.  The most stunning and endangered of which are the Kaiser-I-hind, yellow gorgon and the Bhutan glory.

Culture in Sikkim

All major Hindu festivals are celebrated in Sikkim including Diwali and Dussehra.  Festivals from Nepal are also common like Tihar and Bhimsen Puja.  Buddhism is another religion found deep in Sikkim along with Islam.  Christmas on the other hand is a holiday introduced to attract tourists to Gangtok during the off season.

Westernized rock music has a wide acceptance here alongside Hindi songs Nepali rock and Lepcha music.  Football and cricket are popular sports while white water rafting and hang gliding have been introduced to promote the state’s tourism appeal.