Sikkim, long isolated from the outside world, Sikkim was settled by Tibetans in the 16th century and became a British protectorate in 1890. Sikkim passed to India in 1949 and became a state of that country in 1975.Sikkim's people are predominantly of Nepalese extraction; the minority Bhotias (Tibetan in origin) and aboriginal Lepchas are mainly pastoral nomads. Although the Nepalese practice Hinduism, Buddhism was professed by the former chogyal (“king under the religious laws”) and the official class, and Sikkim is noted for its Buddhist monasteries. Tibeto-Burmese languages and dialects are spoken widely.
Sikkim is India's smallest state in terms of population and second smallest in area after Goa. It is the shrine of the third highest mountain in the world i.e. Mt. Kanchendzonga (28,208 Ft asl). The main source of revenue has been tourism for this small land locked on all sides. It shares its border with Bhutan to the east, Nepal to its west, Tibet (China) to the north and Indian mainland to its south.
Rich physical features like forests, rivers and mountains that define the boundaries of the state. Most of the peaks above 6100 meters (20000ft) lie towards the western border of State including Kanchenjunga. On the eastern border the most imposing peak is Paunhri, at an altitude of about 6700 meters (22000ft). Most of the peaks of Sikkim have remained unscaled because the Sikkimese consider them sacred and feel that they will lose their sanctity if climbed.
On the way between Gangtok to Nathula, 35 Kilometers from Gangtok lies the serene Changu (Tsomgo) Lake at an altitude of about 3693 meters (12310 ft). Two other lakes nearby are the Bidang cho and the Mememcho. Kecheopalri lake is another well-known lake that lies on the route between Gyalshing and Yoksum. The highest concentration of lakes is on the western border north of Chiwabhanjang towards the Base Camp. Laxmipokhari, Lampokhari, Majurpokhari, twin lakes of Ram-Laxman are a few of the lakes in this area. Dud Phokhari and Samiti Lake are two other lakes situated in this area. Gurudogmar, which is the largest lakes is in north Sikkim.
Sikkim has many hot springs known for medicinal and therapeutic values. The most important hot springs are at Phurchachu (Reshi), Yumthang, Borang, Ralang, Taram-chu and Yumey Samdong. All these hot springs have high sulphur content and are located near the riverbanks. The average temperature of the water in these hot springs is 50°C.
