Secreted away in the eastern Indian Himalayas in the shadow of the imposing Mount Kanchendzonga is Sikkim, the smallest state in the Indian republic. Sikkim is a melting pot of 4 centuries with a healthy mixture of the Bhutia, Lepacha and Tibetian races. A British protectorate during their rule in India, this tiny kingdom merged with India in 1975. With a stunning variety of Natural resources that include over 4000 plant species with 600 varieties of orchids of all hues and colours, the flora and fauna of this land is surprisingly diverse. Its fauna includes the elusive Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red panda, Musk Deer and Blue Sheep. An abundant birdlife includes over 500 varieties of pheasants, Vultures, eagles etc.

If the flora and fauna is not impressive enough the treks of Sikkim is something that would thrill the heart of any outdoorsman. With a wide variety of options to choose from, trekking in Sikkim is about a brilliant diversity that casts a spell on you. Hiking through thick green forests, interlaced with many a meandering streams that make the journey seem full of a wholesome freshness. Rhododendrons blooming, carpets of wild flowers to greet you on the way to your destination provide for colourful experiences.

Trails leading to the peaks of Kabru, Talung, Siniolchu, Goeche La and not to mention the towering Kanchendzonga are something that the people of this little kingdom have been treading on for many centuries. Their popularity among the outdoor enthusiasts is relatively recent and hence the trails tend to be uncrowded and pristine. Their stories steeped in Buddhist lore and tradition that have gone into the making of the innumerable monasteries that dot the land, the most famous being the Pemayangtse Monastery, situated in West Sikkim commands an impressive view of Mount khanchendzonga. This monastery belongs to the Nyingma order and all other Nyingma monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it. Also of interest is the Tashiding nestling on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong river and the Rangit river and is surrounded by a profusion of Prayer flags that flutter in the air creating a great sense of harmony.

The terrain in Sikkim is from the Tropical to the Alpine and unique owing to that fact that such diversity is seldom found in such a small area. The oft repeated adage “Small is beautiful”, truly applies to Sikkim, a journey that has a beginning that hopefully ends in Shangrila.