Sikkim
The most dominant feature of Sikkim is Mount Khangchendzonga - the Guardian deity of Sikkim - being the third highest mountain in the world, soaring to the height of 28,168 feet. Khangchendzonga means the 'Five Treasures of the Great Snows'. According to Sikkimese belief it is the repository of minerals, grain, salt, weapons and Holy Scriptures. Khangchendzonga is considered to be the protective deity- the Mother Goddess.
Sikkim is a fascinating mixture of mountains, rivers, brilliantly flowering trees, gorgeous alpine blossoms, of great glaciers and deep remote valleys, people with a great variety of cultures and religions. These are all the elements of Eco-tourism and adventure that provides the perfect setting for an ultimate adventure playground. Mystic Himalayan strives to do just that.
The tiny appendix of India, Sikkim, the mountain state, insinuates itself into the Eastern Himalayas between Nepal in the West, Tibet (People's Republic of China) in the North and East, Bhutan in the South-East and West Bengal in the South.
Although only 112 kms length from north to south and 64 kms width from east to west, the elevation ranges from 244 meters to over 8540 meters above sea level. Sikkim has an area of 70962kms. On the world map it is just a speck with approximate latitude of 27 North and longitude of 88 East.
Sikkim encompasses the upper valley of the Teesta river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. The watershed forms the border with Tibet and Nepal. The Rangit and Rangpo rivers form the border with West Bengal. Teesta and Rangit forms the main channel of drainage and their chief tributaries are generally not less than 5000 ft in depth, which is the main reason for all the monasteries and principal villages to be situated at an elevation ranging from 4000 to 6000 fts. The Singalila Range separates Sikkim from Nepal to the West and the Dongkya Range forms the border in the North and Northeast. In the East the Chumbi valley lies between Sikkim and Bhutan. On its Western side is the massive 31 km long Zemu glacier.
Some of the other important and venerable peaks are Tendong (8675 ft) Siniolchu, Mainam (10637 ft), Simvo, Goechala (16500 ft), Narsing, Donkiari (20250 ft), Kabru, Pandim (22020 ft), Pyramid Peak and Nepal Peak. Most of the peaks of Sikkim have remained un scaled as the Sikkimese consider them sacred and feel that they will lose their sanctity if climbed. Besides these peaks, there are various passes namely, Bhutanla (13000 ft), Jelepla (14390 ft) and Nathula (14400 ft) in the east, Chiwabhangjyang (10300 ft) and Kangla in the West, Kongrala in the north and Donkiala (18100 ft).
