“British authour James Hilton in his novel, ‘LOST HORIZON’ introduces the concept of “SHANGRI-LA”,a mystical, harmonious valley, guided from a monastery. It has now become synonymous with an earthly paradise, particularly a mythical HImalayan Utopia—a permanently happy land, isolated from the outside world.”
Sikkim is a jewel-like mountain state of ethereal beauty, cradled deep within the splendours of the snow-clad Himalayas. Wrapped in mists and clouds, bursting with an incredible variety of rhododendrons, wild orchids and other flowers. Small and spectaculer, Sikkim is in the eastern Himalayas, spread below Mount Khanchendzonga/Kanchenjunga (8,534 metres), the third highest mountain in the world, and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. With 7,300 sq km, measuring 114 km from the north to south and 64 km from east to west, the elevation ranges from 300 metres to over 8,540 metres above sea level.
Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers and hills, Sikkim offers visitors a rare and singular experience. Within hours one traverses the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold and rugged mountain slopes that reach up to perpetual snow. With an excellent climate, natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage, Sikkim is a jewel amongst the Eastern Himalayas.
Sikkim, became the 22nd state of India in April, 1975. Sikkim has been divided into four districts and each district is bifurcated into two sub-divisions. Sikkim state is a part of inner mountain ranges of Himalayas, and has a varied elevation ranging 300 to 8540 meters. Habitable areas are only up to altitude of 2100 mtrs, constituting only 20% of the total area of the state.
Festival: Saga Dawa : Saga Dawa – very auspicious day for the Mahayana Buddhists. On this day people go to monasteries to offer butter lamps and worship. A huge procession of monks goes around Gangtok with holy scriptures. Phang Lhabsol : Phang Lhabsol is a festival unique to Sikkim. It is celebrated to offer thanks to Mount Kanchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu the supreme commander. Kagyat Dance : Kagyat dance is performed every 28th and 29th day of the Tibetan calendar. The solemn nature of the dances is interspersed with comic relief provided by the jesters.
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