SIKKIM:A TRAVELLER'S GUIDE

On the eastern border of India, sandwiched between Bhutan and Nepal and on the ancient trade route to Tibet, lies one of the last wonderlands of myth and legend. This is the world over which towers Kangchendzonga- probably the most spectacular of Himalayan peaks. Tropical orchids and alpine snow leopards inhabit this region. The hum of Buddhist prayer wheels, tribal gongs, Hindu chants and church bells harmonise to produce a wonderfully hybrid culture. Sikkim has always lured travellers- whether pilgrims, trekkers, botanists, or just people who want a serene break from routine. But access to this hill state was restricted for many years. Only in recent times have all tourists including foreigners, been given permission to visit. Photographer Sujoy Das, who fell early under the spell of Sikkim, has been documenting the land over the last two decades and provides rare pictures of its people, mountains and barren plateaus. Arundhati Ray covers all that a visitor needs to know in order to travel here. In a wonderfully story-telling style, peppered with anecdotes and folk tales, she provides the essential information. Together with Das's evocative and perceptive essays about his many journeys in Sikkim, these make the book more than just a guide: it offers a complete travel experience.

Highlights:

How to get there, what to expect once you get there

Detailed information on physical geography, history, races and religions, flowers and animals, culture and festivals

Stunning photographs

The right season, routes and distances, the right kit, places to stay, shopping, sightseeing and good food