The northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, wedged in between Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal, has often been called the most vertical place on the planet. There is very little level ground within its entire 7,100 square kilometers. Sikkim's appeal lies in the fact that the kingdom is restricted, making it a little-known destination, combined with a great experience to do medical/dental work in remote settings. Sikkim is India's smallest state not much bigger than the United States' Rhode Island. It was an independent Buddhist Kingdom and for centuries, this ancient kingdom was locked up and cut off from the rest of the world. It became a part of India in 1975. Even after joining India, Sikkim remained a prime target of travelers seeking the far corners of the planet. Travel was restricted until 1999 and special permits were issued for a period of 2-3 days only. This period has now been extended to a maximum of 15 days.

Our team flies in from New Delhi to Bagdogra located in West Bengal and close to the Sikkimese border. We travel 110 kms by road to Kalimpong (4,100 ft,) our first clinic site. After an 8-day clinic in remote villages around Kalimpong, we drive to the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok (5,400 ft.) Gangtok is famous for its scenic beauty and spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. After a days rest, we drive 108 kms west, to our clinic site at Yuksom (5,800 ft.) We set up clinic in Yuksom with field camps to cover two remote villages. Total work period in Yuksom will be six days. After providing care to our patients, we take a day trek.

The name ‘Yuksom’ means the meeting place of three Lamas. Yuksom is a starting point for mountaineering expeditions and treks to higher Kanchenjunga ranges for trekkers going towards the Kanchenjunga base camp or the Dzongri - Goechala region. Yuksom is where it all starts.

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