With entry into this area almost impossible until about 10 years ago, Sikkim has gradually opened its doors and travellers can now visit a few closely defined areas. Vast rhododendron forests cover most of the slopes between 3300-4000 metres and the Himalayan Cypress is widely found near the tree line. The cardamom spice is a cash crop that grows wild extensively around Yuksum and Phodang. Other ethnic groups are the Magars renowned as warriors, the Bhotias , who came to Sikkim from the Kham area of Tibet in the 13th century and who form the core of the monastic system. With the defeat of the Nepali army by the British in 1817, southern Sikkim was given back to the Chogyal in exchange for the hill that later became known as Darjeeling.
Rice is grown in summer with maize, barley and wheat grown in winter.
Potatoes, oranges and cardamom are other important cash earners. Sheep and yak are herded in high pastures up to 4200 mtrs. Dense mixed and coniferous forests cover the southern half of Sikkim thinning to alpine vegetation towards the higher northern areas. Altitude 1547 mtrs. Daytime March and October temperatures are 18-22C and 12C at night.