The Teesta catchment, Khangchendzonga and the mountain passes of Sikkim

Background

The Government of Sikkim describes the State as the main catchment area for the beautiful river Teesta, which has its main source from Chho Lhamo lake in the north. It is further strengthened by many streams and rivers of which Tholung, Lachung, Great Rangeet and Rangpo are important drainers. It also has about 180 perennial lakes, among which Khachoedpalri, Gurudongmar, Chho Lhamo and Men Moi Tso are some of the most scenic. Sikkim, in the west is bound by the north-south spur of the Great Himalayan Range which includes Khangchendzonga, and down to its south is Singalila ridge. In the north it is bound by Dongkia range and also partly includes the Tibetan Plateau; in the east it is bound by the Chola range. Known to outside world as Kanchenjunga, it is the third highest peak in the world. The most important passes are Jelep-la, Nathu-la, Cho-la and Thanka-la in the east; Donkiua, Kongralamu and Naku in the north and Kanglanangma and Chia Bhanjyang in the west. Bounded by foreign nations on three sides, it shares its boundary with the sister state of West Bengal, and is like a stupendous stairway leading from the western border of the Tibetan plateau down to the plains of West Bengal, with a fall of about 5,215 metres in 240 kms.