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Sikkim offers the magical feel of
a Himalayan fairytale land. It is an amazing place
of hidden valleys, snow – fed lakes and a mountain
setting covered with flowers, forests and mystical
monasteries. It is pristine, tranquil and peaceful.
This small and beautiful State of India in the
Eastern Himalayas is home to the three major ethnic
communities-Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese-providing
a colourful composite of cultures.
Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third highest peak in the
world at 8598 metres, dominates the thoughtscape and
lansdscape of Sikkim. It is revered as Sikkim’s
guardian deity. Some of other peaks, all situated
22,000 ft. above the sea level are, Mt. Kabru, Mt.
Talung, Mt. Siniolchu, Mt. Simvo, Mt. Pandim, Mt
Rathong & Mt. Paunhari. Sikkim shares borders with
Nepal, Bhutan and China.
Sikkim is one of the 26 bio-diversity “hot spots” in
the world, a veritable treasure house of some of the
world’s most beautiful streams, lakes and
waterfalls. The State has rich flora and fauna
despite having only 0.22% land of the country.
Altitude in the State ranges from almost sea level
of 253 metres in South Sikkim to 8598 metres, the
peak of Mt. Khangchendzonga, the third highest peak
in the world and highest in India. As a result,
climate of Sikkim also ranges from Tropical to
Alpine. |
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