Sikkim is one the least explored Himalaya regions. Now a state of India, Sikkim used to be a separate kingdom until recently. Still, even Indians need special permission to visit most areas of Sikkim, a provision to preserve its unique identity. Sikkim shares its borders with Nepal in the west, Tibet to the north and east, Bhutan in the south-east, the Indian state of West Bengal in the south. Darjeeling, with the 8,586 meter Mount Kangchendzonga looming over the northern horizon, is hemmed in by Sikkim in the north, Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east. The town is known as the "Queen of the Hills" and gives its name to the celebrated Darjeeling Tea. Enjoy a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, recognized as a World Heritage Railway by the UNESCO.  Similarly, Kalimpong has historically served as an important trading point between Tibet and India, however these days, it's just a popular resort town nearby Darjeeling.  

Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong are the three famous Himalaya regions in north-east India. From Darjeeling it takes about it takes about 4 hours to reach Gangtok of Sikkim. The drive from Darjeeling to Sikkim is on a winding up-hill mountain road with the views of scenic hills. There are also some famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Darjeeling and Sikkim, Sikkim also being famous for its monasteries and Buddhist lifestyle. The region is covered with lush green forests including rhododendrons, oak, chestnut, maple, alder, birch, and magnolia. The highlands of Sikkim show the characteristics of alpine tundra vegetation with many hot springs.