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Tour in Sikkim
 A
paradise of natural beauty, Sikkim lies nestled -
and almost hidden - between Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and
Darjeeling in the Eastern Himalayas. This small but
beautiful land is dominated by Mount Kanchenjunga,
the third highest mountain in the world. Religion
forms an integral part of the daily lives of the Sikkimese,
and Kanchenjunga is revered as their protective deity.
With 200 Buddhist monasteries dotted across the tiny
land, the influence of Buddhism is everywhere. Even
in the remotest hamlet, the fluttering of prayer flags
are a constant reminder of the teachings of Lord Buddha.
Until 1975, Sikkim was an independent kingdom ruled
by
Chogyals (kings). The history of
Sikkim's Chogyals dates back to the sixteenth century,
when the first Chogyal was consecrated by three holy
men at Yoksom, in West Sikkim. In 1975, following
a popular movement to abolish the monarchy, Sikkim
became the 22nd state of the Indian Union.
Long a restricted area, Sikkim now
welcomes a few visitors from around the world to share
its rich heritage and natural bounty.
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