Travel to Sikkim
Planning to travel to Sikkim? Are you curious to know about the best things this small Himalayan state of North-East India has to offer? Here is an exclusive travel guide to update you about every small detail you will require on your visit to Sikkim.
Known for its clean towns and fresh mountain air with scenic trekking routes and delicious cuisine, Sikkim is a beautiful mountain state tucked in the Eastern part of India.
Given below is the list of few places for you to explore on your visit to Sikkim.
1. Gangtok
Location - East Sikkim
Timings- All round the year
The beautiful capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is also known as the ‘Land of Monasteries’. With the astonishing view of Mt.
Kanchenjunga to the North giving away the fresh mountain air and picture-perfect scenery, Gangtok is an ideal spot for relaxation and peaceful vacation.
One of the most happening places in Gangtok is MG road which is the shopping hub of this beautiful state. The marketplace stretches to 1km and is no doubt the best place to stroll around or grab some souvenirs. The first thing to notice while on this beautiful market of Sikkim is how clean the area is. There are boards on every nooks and corner staring at the area is free of smoke, litter, and vehicular traffic.
Try the amazing cable car ride to enjoy the magnificent views of the city of Gangtok. This splendid ride is an amazing way to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga range and the Gangtok township itself.
Paragliding is the perfect activity for those stalking down for an exciting and adrenaline-pumping activity in the state. Give a chance to feel the excitement of hopping from a cliff in Gangtok and flying over snow-covered mountains.
Allow yourself to observe the beautiful state of natural beauty from the height of 2200 meters over snow-topped peaks and green hills.
2. Tsomgo Lake
Location- East Sikkim
Timings- January to March
At an altitude of 12,310 feet, the Tsomgo lake (a.k.a Changu Lake) is a glacial lake in Sikkim and is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India. The name literally “Tsomgo” interprets to “Source of Water”. The steep route via Jawaharlal Nehru road leads all the way to Tsomgo which is 40 km from the capital town, Gangtok.
The lake is one kilometer long and is filled with water of melting snow coming from the mountains. The summertime offers a surrounding of beautiful flowers and vegetation whereas the lake gets frozen during the winter.
Spend some time and dive into the serene beauty of the lake. Take a walk along the pathway and try some local oodles and tea to fight the cold!
May be dive into the views by engaging yourself into a yak ride to gain the best experience of your vacation in this beautiful Himalayan state of Sikkim.
This yak safari experience is undoubtedly the must-try for everyone irrespective of the age group and to see the Yaks all decorated in a myriad of colors is a treat to the eyes.
3. Yuksom
Location - West Sikkim
Timings - All round the year
Once the capital of Sikkim, Yuksom is the origin of several heart-throbbing treks to the Himalayas. Located in the western Sikkim, the city is known for its natural beauty and countryside appeal. So if your quest is for a place to spend some quiet moments on the lap of nature away from the bustling city life, Yuksom is the place for you.
Key attractions
Visit Norbugang Park
Dubdi Gompa Monastery
Trek to Goechala
Visit Khangchendzonga National Park
4. Rumtek Monastery
Location - West Sikkim
Timings – March to May and October to December
Also known as the Dharma Chakra center, the Rumtek monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and is counted to be among the largest monasteries in the State.
The architecture of the monastery is one of the finest in the world and bears a resemblance to the original one in Tibet.
This three-storeyed monastery houses some of the rarest Buddhist artworks. In the world in the form of Thanka paintings and miniature.
The monastery is also renowned for Kargyu teaching as well. Just outside the monastery is the Nalanda Institute of Higher Buddhist studies offering Buddhist prayers with a lovely view of the Gangtok township.
5. Singalila Trek
Location - East Sikkim
Timings – March to June
Singalila trek is one of those trails to watch out for and is the longest trek in the area, the trail covers the extensive range of Singalila all the way from Uttarey village where the road ends. The trek begins along the Nepalese side with exciting camping through the night.
6. Ganesh Tok
Location - Gangtok
Timings – Everyday from 6 AM - 7 PM
Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Ganesh Tok is one of the most popular attractions of Gangtok. The temple is located at an altitude of 6500 ft and it offers a spectacular view of the city. Taking you closer to nature, the place offers beautiful surroundings with a pleasing environment.
The temple offers an enclosed viewing lounge with glass panels and balconies for a better view. The top of the temple hill offers a panoramic view of the Gangtok town, rolling hills, and the mighty Kanchenjunga.
7. Sikkim Himalayan Zoological park
Location – Bulbule, East Sikkim
Timings – Every day from 8 AM to 3 PM
Besides scenic natural beauty, the magical valley of Sikkim is proved to be one of the best places or wildlife lovers as well. The Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park leaves every tourist delighted with its natural beauty. The national park has been a home for several flora and fauna species found in the Himalayas.
Located in Bulbule, the park is at 3km from Gangtok. The park beautifully accomplishes the perception of the modern as the animals are kept in their natural habitat with replicated conditions. The park remains an ideal place of visit for nature enthusiasts, allowing them to enjoy a wonderful trekking experience.
8. Namchi
Location – South Sikkim
Timings – March to June
Located about 80 km from Gangtok, Namchi is a tiny settlement at an elevation of 4,314 ft. The name “Namchi” literally means “Top of the sky” and justifying its name the city offers a gorgeous view of the Kanchenjunga range and Darjeeling valley.
Being a house to different monasteries, the city is enriched with a rich cultural background. The stunning sight of snow-capped mountains and the woodland mountain valleys enhances the scenery and makes it an important spot amongst the places to visit in South Sikkim.
Key Attractions
View of the Kanchenjunga range
Visit Sherdup Choeling Monastery
Exploring the beautiful tea gardens.
Visit the famous Namchi rock garden.
9. Rafting in Teesta river
Location – Teesta River
Timings – March to May
One of the best adventurous experiences in Sikkim is the one that involves rafting in the thunderous waters of Teesta. Graded in the international level rapids at I to IV, Teesta River is an extreme joy when it comes to adventure junkies.
The multidimensional rapids provide the rafters the scopes to practice their skills and the breathtaking scenery along the river course makes this experience unforgettable for everyone.
10. Yumthang Valley
Location – North Sikkim
Timings – April to May
Situated at a height of 11800 feet, the Yumthang Valley is popularly known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’. This little paradise for nature lovers is located at a distance of 148 km from Gangtok and is a blend of fascinating flora and fauna with astonishing scenic beauty. The valley is most popular during the spring season when it gets all covered with flowers such as primulas and Rhododendron making the place a hotspot for tourists.
Yumthang valley offers a scenic adventure excursion like hand gliding over this magical state of Sikkim. With entrancing scenes, this is one of the most famous adventure activities in Sikkim you would never want to miss. Getting to experience the dream of flying freely with ensured safety measures is no doubt a perfect experience.
11. Gurudongmar Lake
Location – North Sikkim
Timings – November to June
One of the highest lakes in the world, Gurudongmar Lake is located in a high plateau area of Sikkim. Elevated at an altitude of 17,800 ft, the lake lies to the north of the Kang Chengyao range and is nourished naturally by the glaciers. The lake is considered holy not by one religion, but three, Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists.
Key Attractions:
Exotic Wildlife, flora, and fauna
View of the beautiful snow-covered mountain
12. Goechala
Location – Western Sikkim
Timings – March to June and September to November
If you seek an adventure trip on your Sikkim visit, then Goechala should be on the top of your list. Known to the world as a mountain pass for trekking and hiking, Goelchala is also a base camp for a breathtaking trek to the beautiful Kanchenjunga National Park.
Goelchala visit stands ideal for challenge seekers by offering challenging trek routes and is also suitable for non-trekkers as one can view the magnificent Kanchenjunga from here.
Although being one of the smallest states in India, Sikkim is surely the epitome of the phrase “ Good things come in small packages”. Surrounded by the Himalayas this small state is a land of natural beauty and colorful culture worth visiting.