Sikkim was the independent kingdom until the seventies. Now it is one of the state of India tucked in the Himalayas across Nepal's eastern frontier. It is crammed in between Tibet (China) to the north, Bhutan to the east and the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council to the south. Sikkim a Land of mystic splendor offers the magical feel of a Himalayan fairytale land. It is an amazing place of hidden valleys, mystical monasteries, snow-fed lakes and a mountain setting covered with flowers and forests. This former kingdom is home to three major population groups (Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepalese) providing a colorful composite of cultures. Mr. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world at 8,586 m, dominates the landscape and is revered as Sikkim's guardian deity. Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and it population 50,000 and elevation 1,780 m. It is a charming, laid-back town straddling a ridge with houses spilling down the hillside.