Sikkim, once a Buddhist kingdom, is one of the less explored mountainous regions in India. It borders Tibet to the north and is wedged between the Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan. This beautiful lush state is home to the world's third highest mountain, Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga) which stands 8,586 meters above sea level. Till recently, large parts of Sikkim were restricted and required special entry permits. The benefit of this is that the state has retained much of its original Buddhist charm and its pristine environment. The Teesta river traverses the whole state from north to south and the landscape is mountainous and heavily forested.

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Unique flora and fauna
What makes Sikkim's mountains unique is that tropical plants - including over 600 species of orchids - of different climatic regions mix together as nowhere else in the Himalayas. And the same can be said about the state's wildlife.

Popular routes
The trekking season in Sikkim ranges from March to December depending on the treks you choose. Popular trekking routes are Pemayangtse, Khechopalri, Yuksam, Tsokha, Dzongri, Thangshing, Zemathang, Chaurigang, Tashiding, Varsey, Yangang, Rabongla, Sang and Sikip. These routes have huts for trekkers along the way, which makes camping and staying easier. While many treks are easy, treks in western Sikkim are more challenging and for more experienced trekkers.

Kanchenjunga trek
Among the best treks is the one to Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga). The trekking route is Yuksam - Bakhim - Tsokha - Dzongri - Thangshing/Bikbari - Zemathang/Chaurigang - Goecha La/Rathong Glacier and back.
Here you can trek along the base of the majestic Kanchenunga through verdant tropical and alpine forests. The actual trekking starts at Yuksam and one has to walk till Tsokha at a height of (3048 M). The 14 km stretch is usually covered in 5 hours. The next day trek uphill to Dzongri which is a 9 km trek that can be done in 3 to 4 hours. The following day trek downhill from Dzongri to Thangsing a three-hour walk. The next day walk up to lake Samiti, and the following day trek up to Goecha La at a height of (5000 M). A 5 km uphill trek offers some of the most splendid views of mountains. Once back at Thangsing, one can also trek to Bakhim, an easy 10 km walk that can be covered in 3 to 4 hours.

Damthang - Tendong trek
Another interesting trek in the region is from Damthang - Tendong. The trek is a one and a half day walk through the Tendong forest sanctuary that goes till Tendong, a dormant volcano. Located at an altitude of 8,500 ft, Tendong is situated on a small plateau on top of the mountain ranges. On the east side is the Chola Range, on the west the Singelila range and the towering Kanchenjenga, and in the north-east is the Gurudogmar peak with other mountains. One can also enjoy a spectacular view of the rolling plains of Siliguri. Both sunrise and sunset are breathtaking from Tendong.The Rabongla - Meenam day trek is also a great way to enjoy the abundant beauty of Sikkim. A 3 km trek leads to the Maenam hilltop through the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary which is teeming with magnolia, rhododendron, small bamboo and abundant flowers, moss, ferns and creepers. En route is a small hermitage containing the image of Guru Padmasambhava. The view from the Maenam summit is picturesque and stretches all the way to the rolling plains of West Bengal. On the west is the spectacular Khanchendzonga. One can also see the Teesta snaking its way like a giant python through the valley.

Tolung Monastery trek
Among the treks that require special permits is Tolung Monastery trek that starts at Linzey. The Tolung monastery was first built in the reign of Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal in the early eighteenth century. It contains rare and valuable scriptures and artifacts of other monasteries that were brought here for safety during the invasion of Sikkim by the Nepalese during late seventeenth and early nineteenth century. Tolung is located at an altitude of 8,000 ft in the sparsely Lepcha-populated Dzongu areas of North Sikkim. Even Indian nationals require Inner Line Permits. A day trek, it is a 20 km walk and takes approximately five hours along the fierce Tolung river as it passes through dense forests and cardamom groves.