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This tiny Himalayan state is a wonderland by all accounts. Overlooked
by Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak, Sikkim is
attractive equally for the sightseer, the adventure sports enthusiast
and those interested in Buddhism and Tibetology. A hospitable population that's predominantly Buddhist, many fine old monasteries rich with frescoes, religious paintings on silk and statues of the Buddha’s various incarnations make it a soothing place to be in. Gangtok, the capital, abounds with pagoda like roofs of many buildings and the presence of crimson robed monks in the bazaars.
The Institute of Tibetology, the only one of its kind in the world, was set up by the erstwhile ruler to promote research on Mahayana Buddhism, and on the language and traditions of Tibet. Lower down the hill is the famed orchid sanctuary where 500 species of orchids indigenous to Sikkim are cultivated. Sikkim offers several treks that lead through pine forests, through picturesque valleys, monasteries and to mountain lakes. It is also the base for mountaineering expeditions and the rivers Teesta and Rangeet offer excellent river rafting. A number of good hotels and lodging houses exist in Gangtok.
Rumtek,
is the seat of the Karmapa Lama who heads the Kagyupa Sect of Buddhism.
Tankhas (also spelt as Thangkas) and frescoes decorate the walls of this
ancient monastery, now renovated. His holiness Gyalwa Karmapa was the
16th reincarnate. The style of the monastery, strictly traditional has
been patterned on the lines of the Lamas series of Tibet.
