Sikkim was an independent country ruled by the Chogyal monarchs until it was merged with India as an independent state in 1975. Even today people from outside the state do not have rights to purchase land in this state. Sikkim today is a peaceful, sprucely populated. The total area of the state is about 7100 square km. The elevation varies from 300 meter to 8500 meter. Some of the highest mountains of the world are located in the state. Kanchenjunga, the third largest peak in the world is located in West Sikkim. Nepalese, English, Bhutia, Lepcha and Limbu languages are commonly used in the state. Gangtok is the state capital. The Nepalese constitute about 80 per cent of the total population of the state.

The places of tourist attraction in Sikkim include Gangtok, Pelling, Ravangla, Tsongo lake and North Sikkim. A number of new destinations are coming up in the state.

Gangtok – is the state capital and the most important tourist destination. It is a modern town about a hundred thousand population. The state secretariat and all the important government offices are located in Gangtok. The Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road) is located at the centre of the town and most tourist activity is centered around MG Road. Most of the important hotels are also located around MG Road and its adjacent Tibet Road. This area also has several shops and travel offices including the office of the Sikkim Tourism. The bus and taxi stand is located nearby. Around Gangtok there is a number of places of tourist attraction including the Rumtek Monastery, Tashi View point, Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology(SRIT), Do Drul Chorten, Saramsa Garden, Memencho lake, Tsongo lake and Nathula Pass. Most of the sight seeing can be covered in a single day.

Tsongo Lake – This is a sacred lake on the eastern most part of the state. The lake is also pronounced Tsomgo lake or Changu lake. The lake is about 40 km from Gangtok and situated at an altitude of 12210 ft. It takes about 2 hours drive to reach the lake from Gangtok. The lake remains frozen during the winter. Every day a large number of tourist vehicles ferry tourists to the lake on a half day sight seeing tour. Migratory birds coming to the plains of Bengal from Tibet during the winter months, are known to stop over at the tsongo lake. There are a few shops and Yak owners around the lake providing for tourist support. There is no overnight accommodation at the place.

Nathula Pass – 14 km further from Tsongo is the location of Nathula Pass. The Indo-Chinese boarder here was used for trade between Tibet and India till the war of 1965. Since then the boarder remained heavily guarded and closed. During 2006 the boarder has been reopened and trade between the two countries has restarted. Nathula can be visited only by the Indian national on specific days of the week.

Pelling – This is a hills station in West Sikkim. The small village of the early 90s has turned into a major tourist destination in the recent past. The place now houses a large number of hotels and resorts. The main attraction of Pelling is the great views of mount Kanchenjunga and its surrounding mountains. There are several waterfalls attracting tourists here. The original capital of Sikkim was also at Pelling, the ruin of the erstwhile kingdom and the Pemayangtse monastery also are of tourist interest.

Yuksom – This is the starting point for treks to Dzongri Goechala. Yuksom is a small village with a couple of decent tourist accommodations.

Ravangla – A small town in South district of Sikkim. The views of Mt. Narsing and surrounding hills are very attractive from here. The only Tea garden of Sikkim, the Temi Tea Garden is situated nearby. There are also a couple of beautiful short trails for the more adventurous tourists.

North Sikkim – The North District of Sikkim is naturally most endowed in Sikkim. Tourism in this area is highly restricted due to its vulnerable nature. China only recently accepted North Sikkim as part of India leading to excessive control of the Indian army. North Sikkim can visited by the tourists only though some recognized travel agent. The most common destinations for  North Sikkim are Yumthang and Gurudongma lake. The road from Gangtok bifurcates at Chungthang (95 km). The road to the right reaches Lachung and the road to the left reaches Lachen. Lachung is the overnight stay point for tourists visiting Yumthang valley Katao and Yungmasamdong. From Lachen one can visit Gurudongmar lake and Chopta valley. The typical north Sikkim tours vary from 1 to 3 nights duration.