Sikkim Travel Guide (Eastern India/India/South Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Sikkim

Sikkim is a state located in Eastern India, nestled between Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal. It is a small state but has immense natural beauty, rich culture, and tradition. Sikkim is known for its snow capped mountains, green forests, lakes, and trekking trails. This state is an important part of the Himalayas and is home to world-famous mountaineering expeditions.

List of Places to Visit in Sikkim

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology - An important research and cultural centre that has a museum and library with valuable literature on Buddhism, Tibet, and the Himalayas.
Rumtek Monastery - One of the largest monasteries in Sikkim and the seat of the Buddhist spiritual leader, the Karmapa.
Pemayangtse Monastery - One of the oldest and most significant Monasteries in Sikkim, founded in the 18th century.
Rabdentse Ruins - The ancient capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim in the 17th century.
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple - A Hindu temple located about 5 km from Legship, which is the hub of activities and pilgrimages in Sikkim.

Natural Attractions of Sikkim: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tsomgo Lake - A pristine and breathtaking lake which remains frozen during winter months. It is located just 40 kilometers from the capital city of Gangtok.
Yumthang Valley - A beautiful valley that is covered with snow during winters and is home to hot springs which are renowned for their healing properties.
Nathula Pass - A high-altitude pass that is the border between India and China. This is a strategic location for the Indian Army, and it offers a great view of the Himalayan range.
Kanchenjunga National Park - A UNESCO heritage site and the third-highest peak in the world. It is home to a variety of bird and animal species.
Goechala Trek - One of the most challenging trekking routes in India, offering impressive views of the Kanchenjunga massif.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sikkim

Yuksom to Dzongri Trek - An 8-day trek that passes through the Khangchendzonga National Park.
Singalila Ridge Trek - A 6-day trek that takes you from Darjeeling to Sandakphu, offering panoramic views of Kanchenjunga along the way.
Mountain Biking in Sikkim - The terrain of Sikkim makes it an ideal place for mountain biking, with several routes available like Gangtok to Ranka Monastery, Ravangla to Solophuk, etc.

Best Things to Do in Sikkim: Activities and Tours

1.Skywalk in Gangtok - A thrilling new attraction in Gangtok that offers a bird’s eye view of the city.

Paragliding in Gangtok - Experience the thrill of paragliding over amazing scenic views of Gangtok.
Yak Safari in Dzongri - A unique experience where you can explore the beautiful Dzongri region on a yak.
River Rafting in Teesta - A thrilling activity in Sikkim where you can explore the river’s rapids.
Tea Tasting Tour in Darjeeling - Explore the tea gardens of Darjeeling and experience their traditional teas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sikkim

| Day | Destination |Activities | | — | —————|————————————————————| | 1 | Gangtok |Skywalk, Rumtek Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology | | 2 | Tsomgo Lake |Pony Ride to Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass Exploration | | 3 | Pelling |Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, and Rabdentse| | 4 | Yuksom |Hiking to Dubdi Monastery | | 5 | Goechala Trek |Trek to Sachen and stay overnight | | 6 | Goechala Trek |Trek to Goechala (4939m) and return to Sachen | | 7 | Darjeeling |Tea Tasting Tour, Sightseeing in Darjeeling |

Food and Drink Scene of Sikkim

Must-Try Dishes

Momos - Sikkim’s most famous dish, it’s a type of steamed dumpling filled with vegetables or meat.
Thukpa - A delicious noodle soup that is filling and nutritious.
Chhurpi - A traditional cheese that is made from Yak milk and eaten as a snack.
Gundruk & Sinki - A type of fermented vegetables, Sinki is made from radish tap roots, and Gundruk is made from mustard leaves.
Sel Roti - A type of rice flour doughnut that is deep-fried and served with vegetables.

Local Beverages

Tongba - A traditional alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented millet.
Chaang - A traditional beer that is made from fermented millet or barley.

Where to Stay in Sikkim: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotel Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino - A five-star hotel with luxury amenities and beautiful views of the mountains.
Zostel Sikkim - A budget-friendly hostel that provides shared and private rooms with modern amenities.
Yangthang Heritage - A boutique hotel with beautiful views of the Himalayas and a restaurant serving traditional Sikkimese cuisine.

What to Buy in Sikkim: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Thangkas - Hand-painted Buddhist scrolls.
Sikkimese Tea - Tea produced on the hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Organic Spices - Sikkim is known for its organic spices like black cardamom, Sikkim pepper, turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon, etc.

Local Culture and Customs of Sikkim

Sikkim is home to a diverse population representing several ethnicities, including Nepalis, Bhutias, and Lepchas. Nepali is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Respect for local customs and culture is important when visiting Sikkim.

Best Time to Visit Sikkim

The best time to visit Sikkim is from September to June, when there is less rainfall and the weather is pleasant. The winter months from December to February are ideal for winter sports, while the monsoon months from July to August are best avoided.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sikkim

Do:

Respect the local culture and customs.
Carry enough cash as ATMs may not be easily available in remote areas.
Take permission before clicking photographs of people.
Carry warm clothes as the weather can be unpredictable.

Don’t:

Smoke in public places.
Litter and pollute the environment.
Disrespect monasteries and other religious places.
Speak in a loud voice in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sikkim

Sikkim is a relatively safe place for tourists. Avoid traveling after sunset, especially in remote areas. Always carry necessary IDs and documents with you. It’s advisable to carry a first-aid kit for emergencies.

Health in Sikkim

Sikkim is a high-altitude state, so altitude sickness is a risk. Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol to stay hydrated. Be cautious of the food and water you consume, stick to hygienic eateries.

Getting to Sikkim: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sikkim

The closest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport, which is approximately 124 km from Gangtok. The airport has daily flights from several Indian cities.

Bus Stations Near Sikkim

Buses from Siliguri leave for Gangtok regularly. Siliguri is the main transit point for people traveling to Sikkim. Private taxis and shared cabs are also popular modes of transport from Siliguri.

Other Options

Sikkim is well-connected to major cities in India via railways. New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) is the nearest railway station from Gangtok and is approximately 126 km away. Taxis and buses run regularly from the station.

How to Get Around in Sikkim

Shared taxis are the most common mode of transport in Sikkim. Private taxis are also available, but they can be expensive. Buses and shared Sumos also operate in the state. Rental bikes are also a popular option for exploring Sikkim.

Where to Go Next from Sikkim: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Darjeeling - Explore the tea gardens and scenic views of Darjeeling.
Kalimpong - A small hill station known for its monasteries and scenic views.
Bhutan - Another Himalayan nation known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture.

Conclusion

Sikkim is truly a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and adventure enthusiasts. From snow-capped mountains to hot springs, Sikkim offers something for everyone. Its vibrant culture and diverse population make it a fascinating and enriching travel experience. So, pack your bags and plan a trip to Sikkim for an unforgettable experience.