Sikkim, which is one of the smallest states in India, is famous for Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world at 8586 meters. Historically a Buddhist kingdom, Sikkim has close links with Tibet. It's the home of over 250 monasteries of mostly the Nyingma-pa sect. Sikkim is also rich in flora and fauna. About 450 varieties of orchids, over 600 species of butterflies, 500 species of birds along with red pandas, snow leopards and other animals are found here. The largest collection can be seen at the Kanchenjunga National Park.
