SIKKIM/DARJEELING

NEW DESTINATION TO EXPLORE FROM KATHMANDU

Sikkim, an erstwhile Himalayan Kingdom, has been a state of India since it's merger in 1975. Located in the Himalayas, It is wedged in between the Kingdom of Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east. With an area of 7,096 sq. Kms, It has a rectangular shape measuring about 114 Kms from the north to South and 64 Kms from east to west. The elevation varies between 300 Mts to 8500 Mts.

The greater Himalayas from a natural boundary with Tibet and the Singalila range, with Mt. Kanchendzonga (8545m), the third highest peak in the world runs north to south separating Sikkim from Nepal. On the eastern front the Chola range borders with Tibet and the Pangola range further down separates Sikkim from Bhuntan. Finally, the vast plains of Bengal opens out in the south to from a horse shoe picture of the ranges bordering Sikkim.

A spectacular bird's eye view of Sikkim with its mountain ranges can be seen from Maenam Peak (3200m) and Tendong Peak (2580m) in south Sikkim. These peaks are accessible from Ravangala for two/three days trek.

The two major rivers, Teesta and Rangeet, flow from north to south creating deep gorges which divide Sikkim into three longitude strips. The valleys in north are wider like Yumthang (3600m) and Lachung (2700m) valleys, which are easily accessible by road. These Rhododendron laden are areas deep in the mountains are inhabited by lachungpas, who have preserved and maintained till now a unique culture and society governed by a village council-"Dzomsa"

The Teesta and Rangeet rivers also offers the thrill of riding the wild waters and angling for some variety of fish.