Sikkim

What You Should Know More About Sikkim

• About the Destination

  If you are planning to chill-out this summer, book your tickets to Sikkim. This North-eastern state will surely give you Goosebumps not only with its biting cold temperature, but also with its natural beauty.  

  The tiny state of Sikkim is situated in the Himalayan region. The third highest peak in the world Kanchenjunga is situated at the Sikkim-Nepal border. The famous Indo-China border Nathu La Pass is there in Sikkim.  

  Sikkim is basically a Buddhist state with beautiful Buddhist monasteries. You will also find some famous Hindu temples in Sikkim, namely the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple. The famous Zero Point, where you will get to see snow throughout the year, is situated in North Sikkim district.

  Apart from these, there are a lot of tourist spots in Sikkim such as the Yumthang Valley, Tsomgo Lake, Pelling, etc. The Dubdi Monastery is a great example of excellent architecture. You can see many hot springs too, in the chilling temperature of Sikkim.

  Sikkim is a lovely state, rich in flora and fauna. You will get to see a lot of colourful and lively flowerers like orchids, blue poppies, etc., throughout the state. If you have never seen a Red Panda yet, pack your bags to the lovely state of Sikkim.

  
  

• Travel Advice

  • Sikkim has a chilling weather. Pack heavy woollens to enjoy the beauty of Sikkim.

  • Sikkim is a peaceful and politically stable state. Not many cases of crimes are heard about. Still you need to be careful about your luggage and purse.

  • Being a small state, Sikkim does not have big pharmacies. Carry your medications accordingly.

  • Know the local laws thoroughly to avoid any issue.

  • Hire a taxi from any well-known agency. The roads out there are not smooth as plains. Special training is provided to the drivers to avoid road accidents.

  • If you wish to stay in a five star hotel room, hard luck, you won’t find any five star hotels in Sikkim. The small hotels and lodges are pretty comfortable.

  • Sikkim is a sparsely populated, calm & quiet state. Respect their culture.

  • You are not allowed to smoke in public there. Maintain this law to avoid legal issues.

  • Don’t visit Sikkim you want to party around. Visit Sikkim if you are looking forward to a peaceful vacation.

• Drinking Laws

  Drinking is not allowed under the age of 21. If you are younger, avoid drinking in Sikkim. Smoking is also not permitted below 21 and in public.

  
  

• Our Recommendations- Things you can’t afford to miss?

  Tsomgo Lake

  Popularly known as the Changu Lake, it is located at a height of around 3800 m. The view of the lake is divine. On the banks of the lake you will get hot momos served with a tangy sauce which will help you to warm up in the chilling cold weather.   You will also get tea and coffee to enjoy the numbing cool breeze. It is one of the most visited places in Sikkim. The other beautiful lakes worth visiting are Lampokari lake, Manmecho lake, Khecheopalri lake and Gurudongmar lake.

  Teesta River

  This beautiful river starts in Sikkim and flows to our neighbour Bangladesh. You must have heard controversies between India and Bangladesh regarding the water of Teesta River. It originates in the Himalayas and runs down through Rangpo, Sikkim. This river offers a great rafting opportunity for the adventure seekers. At some places, the river calms down and at some places it turns wild giving the rafters an unmatched experience.

  Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple

  This temple is also known as Shiv Mandir. Situated on the banks of river Rangit, it is as beautiful Hindu Temple which can be reached by crossing a hanging foot-over bridge. Watch your steps.

  The four caves

  In Sikkim, you can visit the four holy caves which face the four directions. These caves are one of the five dhams of Sikkim.

  Pelling

  Pelling is a small and beautiful town. The places to visit in Pelling include beautiful monasteries, rock garden, Rimbi river waterfalls, the holy Khecheopalri lake, Dzongri, Rinchenpong and Hee Burmiok.

  Gangtok

  Gangtok is the capital town of Sikkim. It is a lovely small town with the maximum visiting places in Sikkim. The places of attraction are Nathula Pass, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Tashi View Point,  and Himalayan Zoological Park. MG Marg, the market for buying really interesting stuffs, is there in Gangtok.

  Hot springs

  Sikkim owns many hot springs. Few examples of hot springs you must pay a visit are Yume Samdong Hot Spring, Reshi Hot Spring, Yumthang Hot Spring, Borong Hot Spring and Ralong Hot Spring.

  Monasteries

  There are around 200 monasteries in Sikkim. You must visit few of them to achieve inner peace as the monasteries are calm and quiet. The ones you should visit are Rumtek, Phodang, Tashiding, Phesang, and Dubdi.

• What you will like there?

  Culture: one of the main revenues in Sikkim comes from the tourism industry, which makes a very tourist friendly culture out there. The locals are simple and helpful. There are a lot of travel agencies to help you out to enjoy your trip completely.

  Nature: Sikkim is truly blessed with the best of nature. From mountains to lakes and rivers, Sikkim has it all. You won’t regret over your trip ever after visiting Sikkim.

  Flora and fauna: if you are fond of wildlife, Sikkim is your paradise. You will get to see red pandas in Sikkim. The breath-taking flowers in Sikkim will surely be a treat for your eyes. Orchids, mognolia, blue poppy, camellias, gladioli and so much more. Among the birds, the national bird of Sikkim, the Blood Pheasant is a must watch. The big bird is truly interesting to watch. You will also notice blue sheep in the national parks.

  Napali food: Nepali cuisine is delicious and full of distinct flavours. The flavours are totally different from Indian masalas. You will get a hint of black pepper in all their dishes. Don’t miss out steaming hot momos at the road-sides, which are small dumplings with meat or vegetable stuffed inside. You must have Sikkim’s speciality, Temi tea.

  Climate: Sikkim is your perfect destination during hot Indian summers. At the zero point in north Sikkim, the temperature is always below the freezing point. The monsoons receive heavy rainfall. You will witness heavy fog throughout the year.

  Locals: The locals of Sikkim are very simple, clear-hearted and shy. They live a really simple life close to nature. They are really friendly and helpful. There are basically three communities among the people of Sikkim, namely, the nepalis, the lepchas and the bhutias.

  Shopping: The markets of Sikkim are really fancy and colourful. You will get good quality woollen clothes and handlooms brought from Bhutan. The prime market area in Gangtok is the MG Marg. You must get your sikkimese cups from there. Make sure to bargain hard.

  
  

• Recommended reads for Destination:

  Websites :

  Sikkim Govt Tourism