The Complete Guide To Visit Sikkim
Is Sikkim on your travel itinerary? Do you want to know how to visit Sikkim? This article provides an in-depth guide to Sikkim’s best sights, activities, cuisine, and shopping. If you’re seeking a spot to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life or if you want to visit somewhere unusual, Sikkim is a great option.
Top Tourist Attractions
Tsomgo Lake
Nathu La passengers often stop at the picturesque lake on their way to or from the Sikkim pass. The frozen lake takes on a beautiful appearance throughout the winter months.
Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim is a popular tourist spot since it is one of the highest lakes in the world. Sacred to the people of Sikkim, this lake is surrounded by towering mountains blanketed in snow.
Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse Monastery, located in west Sikkim, is not only one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in all of Sikkim but also the most well-known.
The Temple of Rumtek
The Kargyu Buddhist sect, of which Rumtek Monastery is a member, emerged in Tibet in the 12th century. It is a spiritual refuge and one of Sikkim’s biggest and most significant monasteries.
The Flower-Filled Valley of Yumthang
The beautiful Yumthang Valley of Flowers is a national park. Rivers, hot springs, yaks, and grazing pastures may be found in the rolling hills that encircle the Himalayan Mountains.
The Dodrul Chorten
The most significant stupa in Gangtok is Dodrul Chorten, constructed in 1945 by a Tibetan Buddhist monk named Trulshik Rinpoche. The stupa is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels, each with a Tibetan mantra.
Khangchendzonga National Park
Named after the third-highest mountain in the world, Khangchendzonga National Park is home to rare species and breathtaking scenery.
Lachung
Sikkim is home to several popular tourist spots, including the picturesque alpine hamlet of Lachung, between India and Tibet.
Top Activities To Try In Sikkim
Popular tourist activities in Sikkim include:
Trekking:
The Dzongri Trek, Goecha La Trek, and Green Lake Trek are well-known hiking trails in Sikkim. These hikes are great for experienced people just starting because of the breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
Rafting:
White water rafting on the Teesta River in Sikkim is among India’s best. Rafting excursions may be arranged at Rangpo and Melli.
Paragliding:
Paragliding tours may be booked in Gangtok, allowing travelers to glide over Sikkim’s stunning scenery.
Where to stay?
Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital, has various hotels, from simple inns to luxurious retreats. The stunning scenery of Gangtok will blow away tourists.
Located in western Sikkim, Pelling is well-known for its stunning panoramas of the Himalayas and many historic monasteries and temples. Pelling has several reasonably priced lodging options, including hotels and homestays.
The Sikkimese climate
Temperatures in Sikkim vary widely based on elevation. The climate in the lower regions of Sikkim is subtropical, with hot summers and moderate winters. In addition, the Himalayan peaks and other high cliffs in Sikkim enjoy a chilly and snowy environment. The months of September through June are ideal for a trip to Sikkim. Landslides and other obstacles to travel are expected during the rainy season.
Religion and Culture
The neighboring Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal cultures have all left their mark on Sikkim. The state has a significant number of Buddhist temples and monasteries. A sizable number of people also practice the indigenous Bon faith and Hinduism in this state. People worldwide visit Sikkim to experience the region’s famously warm hospitality and exciting festivities, such as Losar and Saga Dawa.
Wildlife
Several national parks and other protected sites may be within the state’s borders. It consists of the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kanchenjunga National Park, and the Khangchendzonga National Park. Many different kinds of animals call these preserves home. The snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, and Himalayan black bear are all found there.
Action-Packed Excursions
Travelers seeking excitement often go to Sikkim, India. The Green Lake Trek, the Goecha La Trek, and the Dzongri Trek are all part of it. These hikes are great for experienced and inexperienced hikers alike, and they all have breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. White water rafting on the Teesta River in Sikkim is among India’s most significant. Visitors to Gangtok may book paragliding tours to fly over the stunning Sikkimese countryside.
Where to eat?
Sikkim’s traditional cuisine draws inspiration from neighboring Nepal and West Bengal but has some uniquely indigenous ingredients. Try the momos (a dumpling filled with minced vegetables or meat) and the thunk (a noodle-based soup). There is a wide variety of foods to taste, such as Phagshapas (a pig stew with chilies), Sha Phaley (bread packed with meat and cabbage), Sisnoo (string beans), and Gundruk ka Jhol (a pickled leafy vegetable preparation).
How to visit Sikkim?
Sikkim is hilly, yet the roads there are excellent. Traveling to Gangtok itself, with its many quaint towns and villages and beautiful Himalayan scenery, will surely be a highlight of the trip. Bhutan, Nepal, and the northernmost section of West Bengal form Sikkim’s boundaries. Here are the most reliable routes into the state:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is the nearest airport to Sikkim, and it offers regular flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and other major cities. The city of Gangtok is only 120 kilometers away, and taxis should be readily available. If you’re very fortunate, you could use the helicopter services provided by the Sikkim tourist department! These services can transport you to various areas in Sikkim at a reasonable cost.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri are around 120 kilometers from Gangtok, so you have a choice. Taxis to Gangtok are readily available from here.
By Car: The National Highway 31 links Sikkim to the city of Siliguri. Along this path, you may choose from a variety of transportation modes. Take a taxi, use the bus, or utilize a service like Uber to get where you need to go. Sikkim is hilly, yet the roads there are excellent. Traveling to Gangtok itself, with its many quaint towns and villages and beautiful Himalayan scenery, will surely be a highlight of the trip. Bhutan, Nepal, and the northernmost section of West Bengal form Sikkim’s boundaries. Here are the most reliable routes into the state:
Conclusion
Since many people dream of visiting this northeastern state, it’s important to know when is the best time to go. Sikkim is sheltered by Mount Khangchendzonga and is hence known for its unparalleled natural beauty. You shouldn’t miss out on anything because of the weather. The best periods to visit the state of Sikkim, as recommended by the Sikkim Tourism Board, are between the months of March and June, or between the months of November and February. But the beauty that comes with each season plays a role in the tourist industry year-round. You may find both historic inns and cutting-edge hotels in this area, where monasteries and high-rises coexist.
