Small but beautiful, Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas. It is spread below Mount Khanchenjunga (8534m), the third highest mountain in the world and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. For many years, it was regarded as one of the last Himalayan 'Shangri-las' because of its remoteness, spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is separated by the Singalila range from Nepal in the west, Chola range from Tibet in the northeast and Bhutan in the southeast. Rangit and Rangpo rivers form the borders with the Indian State of West Bengal in the south. On its west is also the massive 31km long Zemu glacier. It ranges from sweltering deep valleys a mere 300m above sea level to lofty snow peaks such as the Khanchenjunga at 8000m. Various explorers and mountaineers have claimed to have seen Yeti or its foot prints in the vicinity of the mountain and its glacier- "The abominable snowman" has its place in folklore.

Sikkim's botanical and zoological affluence is truly impressive. The varieties of birds and butterflies in Sikkim is matched only by incredible diversity in the animal and botanical world, nourished by unique and dramatic geographical features. The lower altitudes are sub-tropical and abound in some of Sikkim's more than six hundred orchid varieties, sprays of cardamom fruit orchards and terraced rice paddies. Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers and hills, Sikkim offers her visitors a rare and singular experience. Within a matter of hours one can move from the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the area of perpetual snow. Wrapped in mists and clouds, a garden state with an incredible variety of rhododendrons and a host of other flowers

Sikkim was inhabited in pre-historic times by three tribes namely Naong, Chang and the Mon. The Lepchas who entered Sikkim around the 13th century absorbed them completely. The Lepchas are a tribal people thought to have migrated from the hills of Assam or possible even from South-East Asia. They were in fact the children of nature, and worshipped nature spirits. They still constitute about 18% of the population. Tibetans began immigrating into Sikkim during the 15th century to escape religious strife between various Buddhist orders. The Nyingmapa order was introduced in Sikkim by three Tibetan Lamas and it was these men who consecrated the first chogyal or king. In the face of the waves of Tibetan Immigrants, known as Bhutias, the Lepchas retreated to remote areas.

In 1835, the British, seeking a hill station as a rest and recreation centre for their troops and officials, persuaded the chogyal to cede the Darjeeling area in return for an annual stipend. Further British interference in the affairs of this area lead to the declaration of a protectorate over Sikkim in 1861 and delineation of its borders. Keen to develop Sikkim, the British encouraged emigration from Nepal. The British treaties with Sikkim passed to India in 1947 after Independence. But Sikkim remained an independent kingdom until 1975, albeit under a treaty which allowed the Indian government to control Sikkim's foreign affairs and defence. However, following a period of political crises and riots in the capital Gangtok, the last chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal was eventually forced to ask India to take over the country's administration and Sikkim became the 22nd Indian State.

Communities, cultures, religions and customs of different hues intermingle freely here to constitute a homogeneous blend. Ethnically Sikkim has three main communities: Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. In urban areas many plainsmen have also settled and they are mostly engaged in business and government service. Because of the development activities in the state, like the construction of roads, bridges and buildings a small part of the population consists of migrant labourers from the plains and Nepal.