Darjeeling and Sikkim

The towering, dignified Himalayas, home to the planet's highest peaks, stretch in a glorious snowy arc across 2,400 km (1,491 mi), and six countries right from Pakistan to Bhutan. At its eastern end, where it begins to taper in width, it slices right past the district of Darjeeling and through the wee state of Sikkim, lending its wintery magnificence to their peaceful landscape. Mountains have always been symbols of calm and inspired awe, and those living in a land of mountains—especially mountains that command as much respect as the Himalayas—are considered blessed. It takes just a day to realize on a journey through Sikkim or Darjeeling that you are traveling in an earthly paradise—a Shambhala. Beauty in the form of hills, peaks, valleys, and waterfalls surrounds you and without a doubt this little region in a far corner of India is one of the prettiest in the world.