Lanchenpas and Lanchungpas These communities live in some of the inner dry valleys ofnorthern Sikkim, mainly in the Lanchung and Lachen chu valleys.The conditions are extremely severe and these valleys areseparated from each other by almost impassable high mountains.The main settlement is at Lanchung and the principal summerpastures are Mome Samdong and Yumthang.

Buddhist Mask Credit: Discover India

The people are nomadic shepherds who migrate from one place toanother with their animals. The main sources of livelihood forthese communities are animal husbandry and trade.

The largest settlement in Sikkim is Gangtok, with a populationof over 30,000. Other large settlements are Singtam, Rongphu,Jorthang, Nayabazar, Mangan, Gyalshin, and Namchi.