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The pristine beauty of North Sikkim is unparalleled and though it needs permission from the authorities to visit these parts, it is worth all the effort. North Sikkim shelters some of the overwhelming naturally beautiful corners such as Crows Lake, Zero Point, Yumthang Valley, Lachung Monastery and visiting these parts is a heavenly experience for any Sikkim tourist. And while you are basking in the glory of nature in this part of the lush forested and high altitude valleys and hills, keep Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Lachen, Cholamu Lake, Thangu Valley in your itinerary. Do not miss the Khangchendzonga National Park. Let your senses melt in the captivating beauty of the ethereal glaciers along and stay alert and keep a lookout for the fascinating creatures of Himalayan slopes, including the endangered wildlife species like the Snow Leopard, Musk Deer and Himalayan Tahr.
If Sikkim exploration is on your mind, make sure to review our tailor-made Sikkim Tour Packages.
The moderate adventure lovers who are enthusiastic in getting some exercise close to nature and breathe some fresh air can enjoy Sikkim’s lush and opulent beauty by taking short walks, hikes and treks across the picturesque landscapes of captivating beauty and splendours of the state. The trails lead to some mesmerising solitary avenues where you can feast your senses on the vegetation and wildlife. The trail from Yuksom to Khecheopalri Lake is exceptionally enjoyable and popular among the hikers and trekkers. You can also be a part of the various nature walks conducted in and around the cities such as Gangtok, Lachung and Lachen.
Also Read: Places to visit in Sikkim & Things to do in Sikkim
Rumtek Monastery is the seat of the sixteenth Gyawala Karmapa. He is considered the chief of the Karma Kagyu among the Tibetan Buddhist and is intensely revered. The Rumtek Monastery being located only about 24 km from Gangtok is a very favourite tourist spot for Sikkim visitors. Its towering altitude of 5,000ft, and the stature of being the largest monastery in the state, it attracts a lot of crowd. It is popular yet it has an enveloping calmness, serenity and a certain harmony with the nature around that will leave you at peace with yourself. Gaze in wonder at its Buddhist architecture, and be relaxed from your tension and anxiety of a hurried, modern life.
Suggested Read: Best Time to visit Sikkim & How to reach Sikkim
Create your own love story with the blue skies of Sikkim during the cooler months of October and November. The crystal clear skies along with the gleeful, pleasant breezes will make you admire and acknowledge the alluring charm of Sikkim. Chakung is a hub of paragliding in Sikkim. It takes about 3 hours to reach there from Gangtok. The aerial views of the mountains below will make your Sikkim vacation memorable. You can also participate in the ‘Sikkim Paragliding Festival’ in case you are over-enthusiastic about paragliding and have enough zeal.
The Temi Tea Garden in Ravangla attracts ardent tea lovers who also get flattered by the captivating destination filled with endless tranquillity amidst layers of beautiful tea plantations. The Temi Tea Garden is known for growing organic tea through farming practices that do not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This retains the purity and natural flavours of the tea leaves. Get informed by taking a guided tour of the estate learning about the tea-making process, right from plucking of the leaves to processing and packaging. Taste the tea samples and purchase the different varieties of tea produced at the garden to carry home as memories and souvenirs. ‘Temi Tea’ is very popular all across the world now and is exported to almost all the corners of the world.
Also Read: Places to visit in Ravangla & Things to do in Ravangla
If you are the spiritual kind or revel in theology, Buddhism shall definitely teach you the superior ways of life. The right way of living as taught by Buddhism is one of the most serene, divine and spiritual ways of life. Imbibing its essence will free your mind and soul from artificial and materialistic allures of life and teach you the purity of thoughts and actions. With all its brilliant monasteries, Sikkim has been the centre for study and preservation of Tibetan culture and Buddhism, religion, history, and language. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology established in 1958, which is located in Gangtok, is a prominent institution dealing with the study of Tibetan culture and Buddhism. It houses a museum that is open to the public and showcases ancient Buddhist scriptures, paintings, relics and murals while providing insights into Tibetan Buddhism, rituals, and spiritual practices.
The Teesta River offers abundant opportunities for adventure sports and contributes to the natural beauty and tourism potential of the areas through which it flows. It meanders its ways, spectacularly circling hills and mountains, across almost the entire length and breadth of Sikkim. The river rises from the confluence of several glacial streams on the eastern side of Mount Kanchenjunga, which is the fabled third-highest peak in the world. The stupendous gorges that the river creates gives rise to several sparkling rapids that attract the river rafting enthusiasts from across the globe. The rafting route of about 11 km starting from Makha town and continuing to Sirwani and Rangpo is one of the best circuits to enjoy a rafting adventure in Teesta. The adrenaline pumping junkies will be thrilled to traverse along the grade I – IV rapids.
No trip to Sikkim can be complete without Gangtok sightseeing. Gangtok is breathless and has a perfect blend of earthly comfort and natural beauty. The entire state has numerous attractive tourist destinations to meet all kinds of tastes and moods. Ganesh Tok or Tashi View Point for surreal beauty, Rumtek Monastery and Enchey Monastery for prayer, peace and meditation, Bustling MG Marg for shops, cafes, and local cuisines, Tsomgo Lake for pilgrimage and alpine forests, Do Drul Chorten for Buddhist relics and scriptures, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology for Tibetan artifacts, religious art, manuscripts, and rare books — are some of the appealing sights of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
Suggested Read: Places to visit in Gangtok & Things to do in Gangtok
Get out of the daily humdrum of sedentary, hectic lifestyle into the purity and serenity of the lap of the mountains of Sikkim. Detoxify yourself from the routine-bound daily life and the comfort food or junk food culture. Seek and reclaim the natural balance of your body with an extended Sikkim trip. Choose a quiet and picturesque homestay to unwind and relax and relish the taste of organic food in a state which is known for being the first organic state in India. An ideal destination to catch up with your health and mental peace.
While being on a Gangtok trip, you would inevitably spend most of your daylight hours among the beauty and serenity of the vast mountain expanse of the Himalayas and its wild, untamed beauty. But there is a scintillating brilliance about the night-time Gangtok too. To experience the setting sun casting its magic leaving the blue mountains to dominate the landscape with their huge dark shadows is a thrill. The starlit sky will smile at you from above, an ethereal night environment where crickets will lull you to sleep, step out in the evening from your resting abode to visit the mountain bustle of a busy MG Marg or Mahatma Gandhi Marg of Gangtok. Here you will find innumerable shops, cafes, souvenir stalls and places to experiment your culinary ventures of local dishes. The road is thronged by thousands of locals, vendors and visitors by this time. Stir up a mood of some quick shopping, souvenir collection and drench your craving for some of the best of Sikkimese delicacies along this stunning road.
Suggested Read: Best Time to visit Gangtok & How to Reach Gangtok
The locals of Sikkim are known far and wide, nationally and internationally for their superior hospitality. Home is where your heart lies. While on a Sikkim tour, never for a moment shall you be made to feel an outsider. You shall be treated with utmost respect and your wish will be the command of the people at your service to give you the best of Sikkim tourism experience. The smiling, honest, soft-spoken and caring locals are a delight to be with. You can chat with them to know more about the Sikkim culture and tradition. No matter which place of the world you belong to, you will always feel at home and comfortable while on a trip to Sikkim. Life for the locals is never easy, but you will always find them smiling and sporting a friendly face during your interactions. Strike a friendship to discover more hidden jewels in the folds of these vast and mythical mountains of Sikkim.
The Tsongmo Lake is situated at about 12,400 ft and its location itself makes it a sight to wonder and visit. This is one of the best tourist attractions that you must not miss on a Sikkim tour. It is at a distance of about 40 km from Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital city. This alluring lake is surrounded by scenic mountains and evergreen trees, and has a mythical association. It is considered holy and is worshipped with utter devotion on the eve of ‘Guru Purnima’. In winters it is a mesmerizing frozen wonderland and in summer During the banks of the lake come alive with colourful flowers and vibrant flora.
Sikkim like any other state of India has a platter full of regional delicacies. The Sikkimese cuisine is quite famous and draws a large number of foodies with its lure. Sikkim is a paradise for the food lovers. The most commonly consumed delicacies by the Sikkim travellers are ‘Gyathuk’ or the ‘Thukpa’ which is a delicious type of noodle soup and also one of the most delightful and savoured dishes in this part and Gundruk and Sinki which are fermented leafy greens. ‘Momos’ or the traditional dumplings are quite famous. Sikkim has a lot of more options for the non-vegetarians, such as ‘Phagshapa’ or pork fats stewed with aromatic touches of radish and chillies. Do not forget to try Chhurpi which is a traditional Sikkimese cheese made from cow’s or yak’s milk and Sel Roti which are those sweet, ring-shaped bread made from fermented rice batter.
The Goech La Trek starting from Yuksom with the highest point at Goech La Pass, located at an elevation of approximately 4,940 meters (16,200 feet) this is indeed one of the must-attempt Sikkim experiences for all brave hearts. The adventure enthusiast will get a chance to visit some of the hidden treasures of Sikkim that include Sachen, Tshokha, Dzongri Top, Phedang, Thansing, Lamuney and finally to Goecha La. This 11-day trek in Sikkim will also provide an opportunity to pass through the Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity.
Located just 76 km from Gangtok, the forests of Kewzing is a hidden hamlet covered by dense forests of coniferous trees like pine, oak, and rhododendron, which shelters more than two hundred species of birds. You can find Satyr Tragopan, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Red-Faced Liochichla, Scarlet Finch, Cutia, Black-headed Shrike Babbler, Sultan Tit, Puff-throated Babbler along with exotic birds like the Scaly Laughingthrush, Rusty Cheeked Scimitar Babbler, and Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler here. Birdwatchers have a chance to wander through the forest trails and catch these colorful birds in their natural habitat.
Sikkim shows the beauty of Himalayas that can’t be viewed from any other state of India. The state of Sikkim is very sparsely populated and hence not crowded or commercialized. So, there is peace in synergy with the natural beauty of Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung, Lachen, Ravangla — the list is endless.
The tourist places of Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Yuksom, Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang Valley, Teesta River, Ravangla, Pelling, Zuluk, Namchi, Khangchendzonga National Park, Rumtek Monastery are some tourism spots that should be visited during your Sikkim trip.
The valley of flowers at Yumthang is breathlessly beautiful. It is located at 3500 meters above sea level, at an altitude which is beyond the tree line, and where no trees grow.
Sikkim Tourism is at its peak between March. One best time to visit Sikkim would be May or October and mid-December. The best season to visit and watch mountain flowers blooming would be in spring, from March to May. The autumn season is best for a clear view of the Himalayan Range.
Fixed-rate buses ply across various routes operated by the Sikkim government. Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) from its bus terminal at Siliguri runs between Siliguri and Gangtok. There are buses from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Gangtok. Many tourists go by trains till New Jalpaiguri to further reach Gangtok by road.
Sikkim is famous for Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. Natural beauty is predominant, Sikkim is never crowded, tourists can see beautiful hills, lakes, monasteries, waterfalls, forest and wildlife. The Himalayan Zoological Park, where you can also see the endangered species of leopard is a special attraction.
Sikkim receives snowfall in winters approximately from the month of October to March. The very high altitudes above the snow line are perpetually covered with snow throughout the year.
1. Plan a trip to Sikkim when there is no rainfall.
2. Packing essentials such as hiking boots and light or heavy woollens.
3. Get some idea about what kind of food you get beforehand, especially if you are a vegetarian.
4. Carry less cash and make cashless payment.
5. Check and procure Border Permits in advance.
6. Plan a practical itinerary keeping in mind the mountainous terrains.
7. Keep all travel documents handy.
8. Have and carry respect for Sikkim culture.
Land in Gangtok and do sightseeing the first day: Enchey Monastery and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and evening stroll along MG Marg. Second day, travel to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir Excursion, return to Gangtok for overnight stay. Third day, visit Rumtek Monastery and departure.
Yes, you can drive your own car in Sikkim. In areas where permit is required you can avail them from various locations such as Gangtok, Rongli in East Sikkim and Mangan in North Sikkim.
Gangtok would be the perfect choice for visiting East Sikkim and North Sikkim. Ravangla is the choice for West Sikkim. For trekking experience in the Kanchenjunga national park, Pelling is best.
Gangtok to Lachung taxi fare is approx. ₹2500 for a good sedan car like Etios, Dzire and is approx. ₹3000 for SUV car. For best deals and various car rental options, please enter trip details or talk to our customer representative.
Sikkim is quite a safe place for travelling. There are protected areas because of Sikkim sharing borders with outside countries.
Sikkim would be a bit more expensive compared to Darjeeling. If the average price for a couple for three days and two nights in Darjeeling is INR 15,826 per person, the same would be about INR 22,743 per person for Sikkim.
Sikkim offers a wide range of nature and adventure activities to travelers, such as River Rafting, Paragliding, Cable Car Ride, Trekking, Yak Ride, Monastery visits, Mountain Biking, jungle trails, culinary delights and more.
Some of the divinely beautiful places that you should visit in Sikkim are Gangtok, Lachung, Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Tsongmo Lake and Nathula Pass.
Some of the renowned places for pilgrimage are: Siddheswar Dham, a replica of Char Dham Nam; Gurudongmar Lake, sacred place for Sikhs and Buddhist; monasteries such as Tashiding, Rumtek and Pemayangtse, Do-Drul Chorten Stupa.
Major travel cost for Sikkim, Gangtok, would be:
