Sikkim: For many years Sikkim was regarded
as one of the last Himalayan ‘Shangri-las’ because of its remoteness
spectacular mountain terrain varied flora and fauna and ancient
Buddhist gompas (monasteries).
Kanchenjunga the third highest mountain in the world dominates the
skyline of eastern Sikkim. Renowned for its rich ecological unit as
for it’s ethnically varied population Sikkim’s original inhabitants
the Lepchas call the region Nye-mae-el (‘Paradise’). To the later
Bhutias it is Beymul Denjong (‘The Hidden Valley of Rice’). The name
Sikkim itself is commonly attributed to the Tsong word Su-khim
meaning New or Happy House.
With 660 species of orchids some found at altitudes as high as 3,000
mts Sikkim is an orchid-lovers paradise. Tourism is still in its
infancy with the monastries of Rumtek and Pemayangtse just two of
the fascinating centres of Buddhism in the state which are
attracting growing numbers of visitors. Sikkim is beginning to
attract ramblers and trekkers too.
The best time for white-water rafting is March to late May and
mid-October to mid-December; wildflowers are at their most beautiful
in March and April (orchids in late September). The ideal time for
high-level trekking is October and November while March and April
are also fine at lower levels.
