 |
 |
|
| Commonly Spoken Languages: Sikkimese, Nepalese, Hindi and English The Land of Mountain Crests," Sikkim, lies between the kingdoms of Bhutan in the east, Nepal to its west and Tibet to the north. This small stretch of rugged land is but a speck on the world map but its size belies its richness and diversity of culture flora and fauna. Sikkim is one of the most beautiful and untouched areas in the Himalayas offering visitors pristine nature in all its grandeur. The worlds 3rd highest mountain, Mt. Khangchendzongna (28,156 ft), and it's attendant peaks - Pandim, Narsing, Kabru, Talung, Siniolchu, Pau-Hunri, Simvo, and Jopuno present a surreal vista where local legends depict this area as "the alter of the Gods."The tiny Himalayan state of Sikkim coupled with near by Darjeeling in West Bengal offers some very different visions of the Himalayas. |
| |
The world renowned hill resort of Darjeeling is a welcome respite for many Indians during the hot summer months. Situated at 2,134 m above sea level, it is stones throw away from Nepal's Eastern border. Darjeeling was acquired by the British from the Raja of Sikkim as a gift around a hundred and fifty years ago, it was developed into a rest and recreational center for British troops. Today the town retains many of the legacies of the British Government.
Treks in the Darjeeling region are generally moderate and mainly based in the Singalila range of hills which provide some splendid views of the Himalayas including Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, High pasture dominates in an area bequeathed with Rhododendrons and a vast assortment of plants and wildlife especially in Springtime, making this an ideal time for nature lovers to explore the area. Over six hundred species of orchids and about two hundred types of rhododendron |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
