Sikkim, a small but beautiful land lies almost hidden in the Eastern Himalayas. Nestled between Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Darjeeling, Sikkim is a paradise of natural beauty.
Religion forms an integral part of the daily lives of the Sikkimese. With nearly 200 monasteries scattered all over the land, the influence of Buddhism is all pervasive. Even in the remotest hamlet, the fluttering of prayer flags constantly reminds one of the teachings of Buddha. Till recently, Sikkim was a kingdom ruled by the Chogyal (King) whose history dated back to the sixteenth century. A popular movement abolished monarchy and Sikkim became a state of the Indian Union in 1975. Sikkim, once a restricted area, has now opened its doors to welcome travelers to share its rich heritage and natural bounty.