Nestled in the Himalayas
Sikkim is a small Himalayan state nestled between Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan - one of India's most breathtaking and culturally rich regions. This is where the Taraloka story unfolds.
2740 sq. miles
Total Area
Smaller than Connecticut
28,169 feet
Kangchenjunga Peak
World's 3rd highest mountain
11
Official Languages
Nepali, Lepcha, Sikkimese + more
610,577
Population
One of India's smallest states
1974
Year of Statehood
Former independent kingdom
5,500 feet
Gangtok Elevation
Capital city altitude
A Kingdom at the Roof of the World
Sikkim is a small Himalayan state in northeastern India, bordered by Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Though one of India’s smallest states, it is remarkably diverse ecologically and culturally.
Once an independent kingdom until 1974, Sikkim has a distinct identity shaped by Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia, and Tibetan communities.
Independent kingdom → Indian state in 1974 after a referendum. The only former monarchy in South Asia to join a democracy through popular vote.
Gangtok - Where Education Begins
Sikkim Happiness Home is in Gangtok, Sikkim’s vibrant Himalayan capital. For the girls in our care, the city offers nearby schools, local universities, and a supportive peer community—opportunities their home villages often cannot provide to help them learn, grow, and thrive.
Quality private schools within walking distance of the Home
Multiple universities for bachelor's and graduate degrees
Access to healthcare, markets, and civic infrastructure
A cosmopolitan mountain city of 100,000+ residents
2740 sq. miles
Total Area
Smaller than Connecticut
28,169 feet
Kangchenjunga Peak
World's 3rd highest mountain
11
Official Languages
Nepali, Lepcha, Sikkimese + more
610,577
Population
One of India's smallest states
1974
Year of Statehood
Former independent kingdom
5,500 feet
Gangtok Elevation
Capital city altitude
A Kingdom at the Roof of the World
Sikkim is a small Himalayan state in northeastern India, bordered by Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Though one of India’s smallest states, it is remarkably diverse ecologically and culturally.
Once an independent kingdom until 1974, Sikkim has a distinct identity shaped by Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia, and Tibetan communities.
Independent kingdom → Indian state in 1974 after a referendum. The only former monarchy in South Asia to join a democracy through popular vote.
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From Remote Mountain Villages to Gangtok
Most of our girls come from remote mountain villages in Sikkim, where schools are distant and higher education is out of reach. At Sikkim Happiness Home, that changes: each morning, they simply walk to school—turning the impossible into everyday possibility.
"The support I received not only helped me continue my studies but also gave me the confidence to dream bigger and work towards a brighter future."
— Christina, Graduate
Lepcha (Rong)
Population
The Lepchas, Sikkim’s original inhabitants, have a distinct language, animist traditions, and a deep bond with the Himalayan natural world.
Nepali / Gorkhali
-70%
Sikkim’s largest ethnic group descends from 18th–19th century Nepali migrants, is mainly Hindu, and preserves Nepali language and folk traditions.
Tibetan Communities
Refugees & Diaspora
After 1959, Tibetan refugees settled in Sikkim, enriching the state through Buddhist monasteries, traditional crafts, & cultural practices.
Bhutia / Sikkimese
-20%
The Tibetan-origin Bhutia people were closely tied to Tibetan Buddhism and founded the Chogyal monarchy, which ruled Sikkim for centuries.
A Kingdom at the Roof of the World
Sikkim is a small Himalayan state in northeastern India, bordered by Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Though one of India’s smallest states, it is remarkably diverse ecologically and culturally.
Once an independent kingdom until 1974, Sikkim has a distinct identity shaped by Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia, and Tibetan communities.
Primary & Middle School
Girls attend private English-medium schools in Gangtok near the Home, where small classes and qualified teachers provide strong academic support.
Walking distance from the Happiness Home
High School & Examinations
Taraloka supports girls during board exam years through school fees, tutoring, and mentorship that builds confidence and belief in their potential.
100% of our girls complete high school
University & College
Gangtok offers colleges, including Sikkim University, where our young women pursue degrees in supportive connection with the Home and one another.
Degrees earned close to home in Gangtok
Shaping Her Future
Sustaining gifts make providing education, safe refuge, and lifelong mentorship possible.
$300
per month
Covers our monthly grocery bill!
$100
MOST POPULAR
per month
Covers the monthly salary for our cook or tutor.
$25
per month
Provides clean water for the Sikkim Happiness Home for one month.