Sikkim is a small state located in the North East Himalayas. It is surrounded by vast stretches of Tibetan plateau in the north, Chubi valley of Tibet and the Kingdom of Bhutan in the east, Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council in the south and Kingdom of Nepal in the west. The total area of Sikkim is 7096 sq km with a population of 4,06,457 (as per 1991 Census).
Sikkim is divided into four districts – North, South, East and West. Eastern district that includes the capital Gangtok is the most populated followed by Southern and Western districts. The Northern district is sparsely populated in view of inclement weather and steep ridges. Sikkim is known for its scenic beauty, historic past, religion and sublime monasteries. It is a place of tourist attraction. The maximum distance from North to South of Sikkim is about 112 km whereas the maximum distance from East to West is about 90 km. The altitude above MSL varies from EL 213m in the south to about EL 8600m in the north. Mount Kanchenjanga, the third highest peak in the world, with its snow-covered peak at an El 8600 m is located in the northwestern part.
Sikkim comprises very high mountains and nearly two thirds of its area covered with snow from major glaciers like Zemu, Chamsang, Lhonak and Talung apart from several other minor glaciers that descend into the State. It is observed that the project area of Dikchu H.E.P has a nominal contribution from snow melt of glaciers and that too only in the upper reaches.
Sikkim is drained by number of perennial rivers out of which Teesta and Rangit are the main rivers. Rangit joins Teesta near the border of Sikkim and West Bengal at Meli.
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