Sikkim is characterised by wholly mountainous terrain. Almost the entire state is hilly, with the elevation ranging from 280 to 8,585 metres. The summit of the Kanchenjunga is the highest point. For the most part, the land is unfit for agriculture because of the precipitous and rocky slopes. Numerous snow-fed streams in Sikkim have carved out river valleys in the west and south of the state. The Teesta, described as the "lifeline of Sikkim", flows through the state from north to south.
Photo credit: AmarChandra