Sikkim hailed as one of the world's last utopias by legendary Buddhist guru Padmasambhava, Sikkim is arguably among the loveliest destination in India, and what variety in such a small state: plunging rhododendron clad mountain valleys in the north, West Sikkim's atmospheric Buddhist monasteries, monumental religious statues in South Sikkim, and friendly and cheerful urban centers in the east. A strong preserve of Tibetan Buddhism, Sikkim's public aesthetics are executed in shades of ritualistic vermilion, gold, blue and green, which make it very picturesque. The tiny and beautiful state of Sikkim lies to the south of Tibet, sandwiched between Nepal to the west and Bhutan to the east. Its landscape ranges from sweltering deep valleys just 300m above sea level to lofty snow peaks such as Kanchenjunga which, at 8586m, is the third highest mountain in the world. A small but growing network of tortuous roads penetrates this rugged and beautiful Himalayan wilderness.
Kalimpong a bustling bazaar town sprawled along the saddle shaped mountain ridge overlooking the roaring Teesta River and lorded over by the summit of Khangchendzonga. Kalimpong’s early development as a major Himalayan trading centre focused on the tea trade with Tibet, across the Jelep La Pass. Kalimpong once belonged to the Chogyals of Sikkim, but it fell into the hands of the Bhutanese in the 18th century and later passed to the British, before becoming part of India at Independence. Scottish missionaries, particularly the Jesuits, made great efforts to win over the local Buddhists in the late 19th century and the town remains an important educational centre for the entire eastern Himalaya.
Darjeeling spread in ribbons over a steep mountain ridge, surrounded by emerald-green tea plantations and towered over by the majestic Khangchendzonga (8598m), Darjeeling is the definitive Indian hill station. Dating back to the Raj era it promises some interesting exploration for the curious traveller. Darjeeling gets its name from Dorje (Thunderbolt) and Ling (Place) in Tibetan language. The hill station was popularised from the times of British rule. Every year at the start of summer, the Viceroys of India would move to Darjeeling. Darjeeling was originally a part of the Kingdom of Sikkim. After independence of India in 1947, Darjeeling was merged with the state of West Bengal. When the People's Liberation Army annexed Tibet in 1950, thousands of Tibetan refugees settled across Darjeeling district. Find yourself amid an array of Himalayan faces from Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet, and a good, steaming Darjeeling brew is never far away. (world famous Darjeeling tea)

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Gangtok, the capital and the largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim. Gangtok is located in the eastern Himalayan range, at an elevation of 5,410 ft. Gangtok has different ethnicities such as Nepali, Lepchas and Bhutias. Nestled within higher peaks of the Himalaya and enjoying a year-round mild temperate climate. Gangtok rose to prominence as a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site after the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. In 1894, the ruling Sikkimese Chogyal, Thutob Namgyal, transferred the capital to Gangtok. Today, Gangtok is a centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning, with the presence of several monasteries, religious educational institutions, and centers for Tibetology. Gangtok is at the centre of Sikkim's tourism industry.
Places of interest are Changu Lake is a glacial lake in East Sikkim 40 km. from Gangtok. Located at an elevation of 12,313 ft. the lake remains frozen during the winter season. The lake surface reflects different colours with change of seasons and is held in great reverence by the local Sikkimese people. The lake is the venue for the Guru Purnima festival which is also the Raksha Bandhan festival when the faith healers known as Jhakris of Sikkim assemble at the lake area to derive benefits from the healing qualities of the lake waters, Baba Mandir, Nam Nang view point, Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten (stupa).
Enchey Monastery is approximately 200 years old and is located 3 km northeast of Gangtok. It belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The location was blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo, a renowned exponent of tantric art adept in Buddhism with flying powers. It is believed that initially a small Gompa was established by him after which he flew from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim to this site. The literal meaning of ‘Enchey Monastery’ is The Solitary Temple. The present structure of the monastery was built during the reign of Sidkeong Tulku (1909 1910). Enchey Monastery today is a home to around 90 monks belonging to the Nyingma sect. It houses a number of images of Gods, Goddesses and religious objects. The Buddha, Loketeswara and Guru Padmasambhava are the three important deities worshipped in the monastery. Every year special prayers are held at the monastery, on the18th, 19th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to the dates during January, February each year. January is the time for the vibrant and colorful “Chaam” or religious masked dance held at the Monastery. Bakthang waterfalls, Ropeway, White Hall and Flower Shows held almost at all times of the year.
Kalimpong, which used to be a part of Bhutan is now in West Bengal, India. This hill station boasts of Buddhist monasteries, old churches and popular temples. Kalimpong boasts of ancient Buddhist monasteries, quaint old churches and popular temples. Kalimpong exports exotic flowers all around the world. Situated on the lower ranges of the Himalayas, Kalimpong offers panoramic vistas of the Teesta Rangit Valley.
Places of interest are Forest Museum, Delo Hill, Hanuman mandir, Dr. Graham's Homes Situated in a 500 acre estate on the slopes of Delo Hills, Dr. Graham’s Homes is an educational institution founded as a home and school for orphan children by Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Scottish missionary, in 1900. Started with just six students, the school today has over 1,200 boys and girls and is among the better known public schools of the region. The school is self-sufficient and has its own dairy, poultry and bakery. Every year in the month of May the school organises a May Fair. The original buildings and chapel in the school complex present an interesting sight. Durpin Monastery Built in the mid 1970s, the monastery lies at about 5 km south of the town centre at Durpin Dara Hill. The monastery was consecrated by the Dalai Lama. It houses impressive wall paintings and a rare three dimensional mandala (a Hindu or Buddhist graphic symbol of the universe). From this monastery, one can get a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding areas. Mangal Dham Temple, visit the famed Raja Dorje Bazar best explored on foot, the main market place is a bustling beehive of human activity where vendors vie with each other to sell off their homegrown food produce and handicrafts. The ‘haat bazaar’ typifies the traditional open air market, a venue where villagers from the surrounding area are allowed to set up temporary stalls. Kalimpong has abundance of Nurseries having exotic cactuses and other flowers.
Darjeeling, nestled among rolling mountains, the queen of all hill stations and also the 'Dream-land of the East', famous for its natural beauty, clean fresh air, year round pleasant weather and above all, tea estates and the famous Darjeeling Tea... Some of the most beautiful tea estates are here. The Kanchenjunga peak can be seen from the town.
Places of Attraction are Tiger hill 11 km from the Darjeeling and at an elevation of 2,590 meters lies the famous Tiger Hill. The view of sunrise from the top of hill is an unforgettable scene. At sunrise, the peaks of Kanchenjunga are illuminated before the sun is seen at lower elevations. It also provides a fine view of the mighty Everest. Ghoom Monastery, Peace Memorial, Batasia Loop, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, it was established with an aim to conserve and preserve the varied Himalayan fauna. The zoo houses some rare species including the Siberian tigers, red panda and Tibetan wolf, Himalayan black bears and yaks and has a successful captive breeding program for the snow leopard. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Ropeway, Tenzing Norgay Rock, Tibetian Refugee Self Help Center, Tea Garden & Factory, Natural History Museum, the Museum, contains a comprehensive collection of the fauna of the region. The specimens of all birds' species, reptiles and animals found here are displayed. The butterfly and beetle section merits a special mention. Take a leisurely walk around the famed Darjeeling Mall