SIKKIM

Sikkim has been given many names. The Lepchas, original inhabitants of the land called it Nye-mae-el ‘paradise’. The Limbus named it Su Khim or ‘new house’ while to the Bhutias it was Beymul Demazong ‘the hidden valley of rice’. Legend has it that the Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche visited Sikkim in the 9 th century, introduced Buddhism and foretold the era if the monarchy. Accordingly, the Namgyal dynasty was established in 1642. Over the next 150 years, the kingdom witnessed frequent raids and territorial losses to Nepal. It allied itself with the British but was soon annexed by them. Later, Sikkim became British protectorate and was merged with India following a referendum in 1975. Sikkim shares its border with Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east, with the Tibetan plateau rising from its northern border. Today, travellers embarking on a journey of Sikkim discover a mystical wonderland of spectacular natural beauty. The panoramic perfection of the snow-capped Himalayas, the heady scent of wildflower meadows, the vibrant culture and festivals, the infinite variety of its flora and fauna makes it a perfect destination. This small state has the entire climatic range, from tropical to temperate to alpine, bestowing on the land an intense natural heritage. Plunging mountain valleys are lushly forested, interspersed occasionally with rice terraces and groves of flowering rhododendrons. Tibetan-style Buddhist monasteries (gompas) add splashes of vermilion to the green ridgetops and are approached through atmospheric avenues of colourful prayer flags.
Best time to visit: Sikkim experiences snowfall in winter between late December to February. It is best to visit either in summer between March till June when it is ideal for exploring or trekking or between October and mid- December. It is advisable to avoid the state during the monsoon months between July to August since there is a risk of landslides.