Sikkim an erstwhile Himalayan Kingdom, has been a State of India since it merger in 1975. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, it is wedged between the Kingdoms of Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east. With an area of 7,096 sq. kms it has a rectangular shape measuring about 114 kms from north to south and 64 kms from east to west. The elevation varies between 300mtrs to 8500 mtrs.

The greater Himalayas form a natural boundary with Tibet and the Singalila range with Mt. Khangchendzonga (8545 mtrs), the third highest peak in the world , runs north to south separating Sikkim from Nepal. On the eastern front the Chola range borders with Tibet and the Pangola range further down separate Sikkim from Bhutan. Finally, the vast plains of Bengal open out in the south to form a horseshoe picture of the high ranges bordering Sikkim.

A spectacular bird‘s eye view of Sikkim with its mountains ranges can be seen from Menam peak (3200mtrs) and Tendong peak (2580 mtrs) in south Sikkim. These peaks are accessible from Ravangla for two/three day‘s trek.

The two major rivers, Teesta and Rangit, flow from north to south creating deep gorges which divide Sikkim into three longitudinal strips. The valleys in the north are wider at Yumthang (3600 mtrs) and Lachung (2700 mtrs) which are easily accessible by road. These Rhododendron areas deep in the northern mountains are inhabited by Lachungpas, who have preserved and maintained their unique culture and a society governed by a traditional village council- "Dzomsa".

The Teesta and Rangit rivers also offer the thrill of riding the wild water and angling for some local variety of fish.

CLIMATE
Due to sharp variance in the topography and the fact that the State is closer to the tropics, the climatic conditions also vary from tropical to the alpine.

Mid June to September is generally considered as summer/monsoon when the precipitation is maximum between 130 cm-430 cm. The maximum temperature ranges between 21ºC-37ºC and the minimum between 13ºC - 23ºC.

October and November loosely form the autumn season with clear blue skies and lush green hillsides after a long monsoon.

The winter stretches from December to February with the minimum temperature falling between 0ºC - 9ºC and maximum from 13ºC - 28ºC.

March to May is the spring season with warm days and cool nights. All seasons except the summer / monsoon season is good times to visit Sikkim.