Sikkim and Darjeeling-Classic Circuits

Darjeeling and Sikkim are jewels in the crown of India. While Darjeeling is a British Developed Hill Resort in West Bengal State, Sikkim used to be an independent and sovereign kingdom until 1975 and now a part of India. Darjeeling and Sikkim lie in the lapse of the Eastern Himalayas that includes Mount Kanchanjunga-the third highest Mountain on earth. The mountain is regarded by Sikkimese as their guardian deity.

Darjeeling and Sikkim are the major tourist attractions in the Indian Himalayas. There are quite a few wonderful cultural circuits and trekking routes. Sikkim is also important for those who have keen interest in Tibetan Buddhism. The principal seat of Karmapa Lama-the head of Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism lies in Rumtek, Sikkim. The world famous Darjeeling Tea comes from the fertile land of Sikkim and Darjeeling.

The thumb-shaped Sikkim borders Nepal in the west, the Chinese administered Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and east, and Bhutan in the southeast. The Indian state of West Bengal borders Sikkim to its south. The official languages are English, Bhutia, Nepali, Lepcha, Limbu, and Hindi. The language of almost all written transactions is English. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism.Gangtok is the capital and largest town.

Despite its tiny size, Sikkim is geographically diverse, owing to its location on the Himalaya. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak, is located in the northwestern part of the state on the boundary with Nepal, and can be seen from most parts of the state. Sikkim is a popular tourist destination for its culture, scenic beauty and biodiversity.