Sikkim

Sikkim is a state in northeast India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, the area has a dramatic landscape that includes India's highest mountain, 8,586m Kangchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. Steep paths lead to hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse, which dates to the early 1700s.

This Himalayan paradise offers unparalleled opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography. From snow-capped peaks to rhododendron forests, from ancient monasteries to rare wildlife like red pandas and snow leopards, Sikkim is a photographer's dream destination. The state's commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism makes it an ideal location for responsible wildlife photography.

Sikkim is renowned for its biodiversity, hosting red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, clouded leopards, blue sheep, and musk deer. The state is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 550 species including blood pheasants, satyr tragopans, and various species of eagles and vultures. The Khangchendzonga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many rare and endangered species.

Sikkim has varied climate zones from subtropical to alpine. South Sikkim is warm and humid, North Sikkim is cold and alpine, East Sikkim has moderate climate, and West Sikkim receives heavy rainfall. The best weather is typically from March to May and October to December. Monsoons (June-September) bring heavy rain, while winters (December-February) see snowfall in higher elevations.