Sikkim situated in the Eastern Himalayas spread below the world's third highest mountain Kangchenjunga (8585m) revered by the Sikkimese as their protective deity. Sikkim 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 .
Though measuring just 65 Km by 115 Km- the size of Switzerland it ranges from sweltering deep valleys a mere three hundred meters above sea level to lofty snow peaks such as Kangchendzonga .
On its west side is the massive 31 Km long Zemu glacier. 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 truely impressive. The varities of bords 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 varities, sprays of cardamom fruit orchards and terraced rice paddies. To the Lepchas- this was "Nye-mae-el" ( Paradise ), to the Bhutias it is "Beymul Denzong" (The hidden valley of Rice ). Sikkim is commonly attributed to the Tsong's word "Sukhim" meaning (New or Happy Home) .
The people of Sikkim are warm, simple and friendly with a natural gaeity. The custom and rituals of sikkimese are as diverse as the ethnic groups that inhabit the land. they have an impressive repertoire of folk songs and dances. People of Sikkim love to celebrated with a gay abandon and their way of life is inextricably bound up with nature.Just as Mt. Kangchenjunga is an indisputable part of the consciousness of the Sikkimese people, so too the rivers Tista and Rangitt with deep ravines and their valleys allowing monsoon to penetrate in the northernmost parts which nourishes this "Garden of the Himalayas".