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Area of Sikkim : 7,096 sq. kms.
Altitude (Gangtok) :
1.547m
Population of Sikkim :
500.000
Commonly spoken languages :
Sikkimese, Nepali, Hindi and English
Sikkim an erstwhile Himalayan Kingdom, has been
a state of India since it's merger in 1975. It
is wedged in between the Kingdoms of Nepal in
the west and Bhutan in the east. With an area of
7,096 sq kms, it has a |
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rectangular shape measuring about 114 km. from
the north to South and 64 km. from east to west.
The topography and location of Sikkim manifests
in a diverse range of flora, which is tropical
in the low-lying areas and alpine in the high
reaches of the mountains. The human population
throughout history has been very low, which has
helped this place to maintain a high percentage
of forest cover, evident even now. `A journey to
Sikkim necessarily involves awakening the senses
and discovering the pristine and mystic beauty
of the land. Sikkim is a dreamland that one can
realize and enjoy, now that the area is open to
all.
The state offers a wide range of adventure
sports opportunities as well including
mountaineering in the Himalayas. For trekking,
one can follow any of the four trek routes: the
Monastic Trek, Rhododendron Trek, Kanchenjunga
Trek and Coronation Trek. River rafting is
possible in the rough waters of the Teesta and
the Rangit. Kayaking is arranged on the Teesta
only for special groups. Yak safari is arranged
from Dzongri onwards. In north and west Sikkim,
mountain biking is very popular these days.
Jorethang, in west Sikkim, and certain parts of
north Sikkim are popular locales for gliding. As
per regulations foreigners should be in a group
of 4 persons or more for trekking in Sikkim.
Sikkim is bounded by Tibet (China) in the north,
West Bengal in the south, Tibet and Bhutan in
the east and Nepal in the west. The state is
spread below Mount Kanchenjunga (8,534 m), the
third highest peak in the world. The locals
worship the mountain as a protective deity. The
elevation of the state ranges from 300m to over
8,540m above sea level. The nearest airport is
Bagdora (120 km. far away from Gangtok, the
capital). There are regular flights connected to
Calcutta, Delhi and Guwahati. There are also
regular train services to other parts of county |
