Famous for Kanchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world at 8,586m, the mountain kingdom of Sikkim has a tremendous variety of plant and wildlife besides a diverse ethnic mix of peoples with rich cultural traditions. One of the smallest states of India, it is bounded by Nepal to the west and Bhutan to the east; by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and northeast and by West Bengal to the south.

Gangtok - The Capital of Sikkim
Sikkimese life is centred around Gangtok. Its Buddhist past is the root of its appeal for visitors, and remains evident at the impressive Institute of Tibetology, the Enchey Monastery, Pemayengtse and the marvellous Rumtek Monastery not far away, the last a thriving centre of Mahayana Buddhism. Sikkim's pride, the orchid, is nurtured at the Orchid Sanctuary and other sites in and around Gangtok. Among the festive attraction of this hilly capital is the flower show that is held over here every spring near White Hall, the Governor's residence on the ridge above town

History & Ethnicity
Ruled by the Namgyal (Lepcha) clan since the 15th century, Sikkim lost much land to the British and to Nepal and Bhutan in the 18th century. With the defeat of the Nepali army by the British in 1817, southern Sikkim was given back to the ruler, in exchange for the hill that later became known as Darjeeling.

The original inhabitants of Sikkim are the Lepchas who stay in the central and northern areas; lower valleys are inhabited by Nepali immigrants. Other ethnic groups are the Magars renowned as warriors and the Bhotias, who came to Sikkim from the Kham area of Tibet in the 13th century.

Culture & Tradition
The state's cultural life is related to Tibetan religious and aesthetic traditions. The cultural climax of the year comes with the 2-day Phanglhapsol festival, when masked dances are performed in honour of Kanchenjunga, presiding deity and the mountain. There are also many secular folk dances. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology has one of the largest collection of Tibetan books in the world. Many Buddhist monasteries are repositories of artistic treasures, including wall paintings, Tankas or Thangkas (religious paintings mounted on brocade), and bronze images.

Way Of Living
Tourism and agriculture are the two basis of the Sikkim's economy. Sikkim is one of the world's main producers of Cardamom, and the region has also become an exporter of Mandarin Oranges, Apples, and Potatoes. Sikkim is also rich in mineral wealth. Its forests have great economic value in sawn Timber and wood Pulp. Sikkim's cotton and wool weaving, carpets, rugs, blankets, and bamboo work is well known

Climate