Sikkim

Sikkim is an Indian state nestled in the Himalayan mountains. It borders Nepal to the west, Tibet to the north and east, Bhutan to the southeast, and the Indian state of West Bengal to the south. With around 600,000 inhabitants, Sikkim is the least populous state in India and the second-smallest after Goa in total area, covering approximately 7,096 km2 (2,740 sq mi). Sikkim is nonetheless geographically diverse due to its location in the Himalayas. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Kangchenjunga, India's highest and the world's third-highest peak, is located on Sikkim's border with Nepal. Sikkim is a popular tourist destination, owing to its culture, scenery and biodiversity. It also has the only open border between India and China. Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok. Sikkim was an autonomous kingdom until 1975, when the people voted in a referendum to join India.

Tathang

The village of Tathang is located in the south-west of Sikkim at an altitude of approx. 2,400 metres. The village itself is a cluster of about 20 homes on one side of the road to Khetcheopalri Lake, a site sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. In addition to the school, other public amenities include a small shop and a football pitch. The nearest town is Pelling, about 15 kilometres away.