The Indian State of Sikkim, and the adjoining mountains of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, together forms a homogenous mountain mass astride the valleys of the Teesta and Rangit Rivers.
Wedged between the Himalayan Kingdoms of Nepal, Bhutan, and the Tibetan uplands, this region has the most magnificent range of snow clad mountains in the world, comprising of two enormous spurs of the Great Himalayas – the Singalila and Chola Ranges, which rise to a maximum elevation of 8859 Meters.
The Himalayan barriers of this arc enclose three sides of a gigantic amphitheater; hewn as it were out of the Himalayas, and sloping down on its Southern side towards the plains of North Bengal In this small area of less than 10000 sq. kms, there is an unbelievable richness of culture, customs heritage, flora and fauna.
Because of the altitudes that vary from near sea level to over 8000 Meters, the flora varies from subtropical to arctic. This region, boasts of an awe- inspiring botanical richness, found nowhere else in the world, in such a compact region. There are 4000 species of plants.
Terraced cultivation growing rice, maize, barley, and millet, can be seen upto 3000 Meters elevation. Cash crops comprising cardamom, oranges, potatoes, and ginger are also grown. Plantains, tree ferns, bamboo’s, walnut, and sal abound. In the Temperate Zone, can be seen oak, cherry, chestnut, maple and birch.
Orchids and Rhododendrons, are the pride of Sikkim. There are 600 species of orchids in the lower regions, and over 30 species of Rhododendrons in the Alpine region.
The population comprises of a blend of Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali people, bonded together through inter-marriages into a happy and tolerant society. The common language is Nepali. Throughout the tour, we will see the rich Buddhist heritage, of this region. We will be visiting prominent monasteries at Kalimpong, Pamayangtse, and Tashiding. Rumtek. There are super photo opportunities and exotic shopping at the bazaars at Kalimpong, Gangtok and Darjeeling.
Overall we promise to give you almost everything that this region offers, up to altitudes of 2000 m -. Breath-taking, snow views, bio-diverse flora, river valleys, holy lakes, rural hamlets, Buddhist Monasteries, colonial bungalows, exotic bazaars, and a fascinating blend of beautiful ethnic people.
