Best things to do in Sikkim are many that captivates and grips the tourist from afar to quarry and explore the undiscovered and adventurous places. If you have the ardent desire to relish and enjoy the natural vicinity and ambiance of the place in entirety, Sikkim is definitely the best place to visit. One of the top most travel and tour destination spots in India, Sikkim is a polemically tranquil and stable places in India. Blessed with some of the most gripping landscapes like the fauna and flora makes the place a haven for the adventurist, naturalists and enthusiasts. Located at a height of about eight thousand five hundred and eighty six metres, the state’s highest pinnacle is the vertex of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest pinnacle of the globe. Tourism in Sikkim has a lot to offer to the cultured and refined tourist. Here at this place in Sikkim, the foreigners can travel to places like Phodong, Pemayangtse, Rumtek and Gangtok. Sikkim proves to be one of the best tour package in india.
The tourist can also explore through places like Yuksom and Dzongri trekking routes. The licence to explore the trekking routes must be obtained because these routes also comprise of areas which are restricted. To explore and experience the entire radiance and rejuvenation, Sikkim is an ideal place that must be visited by the travellers during the holiday time. Sikkim offers distinct traditions and cultures attracting the tourist the endeavour this place and explore it. The majority of the people residing in Sikkim are of Nepali ethnic origin. The people of Sikkim include the Bhutias who had previously migrated from the district of Kham located in Tibet in the fourteenth century era. While the Lepchas residing in Sikkim are believed to have drifted from the Far East. The Tibetans in this place reside in the eastern and northern part of the state. The migrant and variant origin of the people residing in this place endeavours this place with versatility in tradition and culture. The Best things to do in Sikkim calls to be a major reason for attracting the tourist to witness the diverse tradition and culture in entirety.
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Goecha La is a high mountain pass in the Himalayan range. The trek starts at the sleepy little town of Yuksom in West Sikkim. The town is very pretty with lush green surroundings and a salubrious weather to go with it. You can shop for all supplies at Yuksom before beginning the trek as this is the only place where you will get to buy all your necessary items.
Furthermore, before trekking the Goecha La, you will have to do two things, first make an entry at the local police station and second pay the permit fees at the forest check post. Usually the agencies take care of all these hassles and you will not have to bother about them.
Enjoy the stunning 12,400 feet above sea level location of Tsomgo Lake as you lose yourself in its otherworldly beauty. Behold this treasure, commonly known as Changu Lake, as you drive the Gangtok-Nathu La highway. Encircled by majestic alpine forests and soaring snow-capped peaks, its charm is undeniably alluring.
Nathula Pass, perched at 14,140 feet in the Himalayas, connects Sikkim with Tibet. This historic pass was once a bustling segment of the Silk Route. It now offers visitors stunning views of snow-capped mountains and lush valleys. Open for trade and tourism, it embodies a mix of natural beauty and geopolitical significance.
Famous with the title of "Soldier Saint", Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is dedicated to the brave warrior of the Indian Army, who sacrificed his life serving the nation. The shrine is located in the peaceful trails of the Sikkim mountains and attracts tourists from all over the world who want to experience this distinctive fusion of spirituality and military history. The sacred ground of the temple lets you enjoy breathtaking views with mystical tales and stories related to the brave hero. What makes this temple a must-visit place is the way soldiers honor the bravery of this legend and locals respect his legacy.
Yet another of the least explored places to visit in Lachung, the mesmerizing Green Lake rests at the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga, at an altitude of 1,437 m. Towered by Mt. Kanchenjunga along with several other peaks, and its trail movies past beautiful thick forests and meadows carpeted by rhododendrons, blue poppies, and primulas.
The expeditions to Mt. Everest before the war were done through this part of North Sikkim, the post which, the trail seems to have been forgotten. It remains shaded from the majority of tourists, saves an adventurous few. Time your visit to the lake anytime between March to May for pleasant weather and clear views of the mountain ranges that cast a lovely reflection in the turquoise green waters of the lake.
Location: North Sikkim, Sikkim
Take in the stunning views of Gurudongmar Lake, which is tucked away in Sikkim at an astounding height of 17,800 feet. This holy lake, which bears the name of Guru Padmasambhava, attracts with its pure charm. Experience the raw beauty of this undiscovered treasure as you travel through untamed landscapes dotted with rhododendrons and alpine pastures.
Buddha Park, or Tathagata Tsal, in Ravangla, ranks as one of the famous spiritual sites in Sikkim, the Land of Peace. Known for its 130-foot Buddha statue set against the stunning backdrop of the Eastern Himalayas and built to commemorate the 2550th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, it features lush, beautiful gardens and peaceful prayer halls. Many travelers include Buddha Park in their Sikkim tour packages for a serene break amid nature and culture. Whether you're someone who loves capturing scenic views of the surroundings or simply wishes to meditate in a quiet space, the place offers it all.
Bhim Nala Falls, also called Bhim Nala Waterfall or Amitabh Bachchan Falls, is one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in Sikkim. Located near Karchung village in North Sikkim, about 13 km from Lachung, this majestic cascade plunges dramatically from steep rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush alpine greenery. The thunderous sound of water crashing down, the misty air, and the pristine surroundings make it a must-stop spot on the way to Yumthang Valley.
A small viewing deck lets travellers capture panoramic shots, and there are tea stalls nearby for a warm break. It’s a peaceful and picturesque site that adds beauty to the already stunning North Sikkim route.
Yumesamdong, otherwise known as Zero Point, is one of the most frequented tourist's places in Lachung. It is located about 15 km away from Yumthang and sits at a mind-numbing altitude of 4,724 meters. Zero point marks the edge of civilization, and the road comes to a dead end here.
The vicuna China border is just beyond Zero points, though no tourists are allowed there. Despite the treacherous roads, Yumesamdong brings you exceptional rewards! Treat your eyes to the confluence of three magnificent rivers, flanked on either side by enormous, snow-clad peaks.
While yaks often graze here, the land is nearly competent devoid of vegetation. The place sits beneath thick, powdery snow, and brings extremely cold weather conditions. But there’s a great respite in the form of Hot Springs by the river Sebu Chhu!
Location: Sikkim 737120
Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: Approx. 50 km
Located at a distance of 10 km from Yuksom and 30.4 km from Pelling is the spectacular Kanchenjunga Waterfalls. It is a perennial waterfall whose pristine water is believed to have originated high up from the glaciers of the mighty Mount Kanchenjunga. The waterfall is surrounded by dense thick forest and is known for its grandeur and beauty.
Mount Katao is also known as the “Switzerland of Sikkim”, as it is always adorned with snow throughout the year. The peak lies about 28 kilometres from Lachung, North Sikkim, and rises to roughly 15,000 feet, giving visitors a sweeping view of glaciers, craggy ridgelines, and bright alpine flowers that pop up in spring. When fresh snow blankets the ground, the valley falls quiet, providing a perfect backdrop for snowball fights, short treks, and peaceful moments.
Mount Katao is heaven for adventure people as it provides a mix of high-altitude thrill, unpolished solitude, and jaw-dropping scenery. This is one of the best places to visit in North Sikkim with your friends and family.
Visit the Yumthang Valley also called the Sikkim Valley of Flowers, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Here, you can marvel at the valley’s verdant meadows, clear rivers, and hot springs. Only 150 km from Gangtok, this nature sanctuary, at 3,564 metres above sea level, offers you an enchanted hideaway.
Lachung Monastery (Samten Cheoling Gompa) is a Nyingma sanctuary that was built in 1880 and is located at the intersection of the Lachen and Lachung Rivers at 3,000 m. It is surrounded by apple orchards and pine-covered hills.
Two floors of wooden halls are beautifully decorated with murals of the life of Buddha, the Wheel of Life, and Tibetan gods and goddesses. In the middle of the halls is a statue of Guru Padmasambhava, which has immense importance to the locals. Visitors walk along the porch, which has two metal dragon designs, and spins heavy prayer wheels before going inside, which is calm and sacred.
On the 28th and 29th days of the Tibetan calendar in December, monks perform the colourful Cham masked dance, which is a religious and meditative ritual. The monastery is also a good place to start trips to Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and Shingba Sanctuary.
Paha Khola Bridge is situated along the famous Goechala Trek route, approximately 8 kilometres from the town of Yuksom. This sturdy suspension bridge crosses over the rushing Paha Khola stream and serves as the official entrance to Kanchenjunga National Park. The bridge is surrounded by thick forest where you can hear birds singing and water flowing beneath the bridge. Many trekkers stop here to take photos and catch their breath before continuing deeper into the mountains.
The area around the bridge is peaceful and lush, with tall trees providing natural shade and the calming sound of flowing water creating a calm and fresh atmosphere.
Perched at around 3,650 meters on the Goecha La trail, Phedang Village is a tranquil alpine meadow cradled by rhododendron forests, pine-covered ridges. Trekkers stop here for packed lunches next to a simple shelter in the middle of the day. They can see mountains all around them while yaks graze nearby.
The air smells like pine, moss, and yak dung, and you can hear birds calling as you walk along trails that go from thick forest to alpine meadows. Frost settles in the clear, starry skies at night, and friends gather around warm tea and bonfires. This peaceful village-cum-campsite serves as both a place to get acclimatised to the altitude. It also provides a spiritual threshold, where trekkers can slow down, introspect, and get their bodies and minds ready for the climb to Dzongri and beyond.
The Lachen River, located in the picturesque region of North Sikkim, India, is a pristine waterway that originates from the snow-clad mountains near Lachen village. It flows through breathtaking landscapes, merging with the Lachung River to form the Teesta River, a lifeline for the region's ecosystems and communities.
Hot Springs Yumthang is one of the famous hot springs, located a few kilometres far from Yumthang Village, North Sikkim. The place is at a height of more than 11,800 feet above sea level. The local people also refer to this hot spring as Yumthang Tsachu. The water is rich in sulphur, and the average temperature of this hot spring water is around 50 degrees Celsius.
Kupup is a tiny village close to the Indo-China border, nestled high in the East Sikkim mountains. Located at an elevation of more than 13,000 ft, the village is considered one of the highest inhabited ones in the country. What makes it unique is its significance along the Old Silk Route and how closely it is located to the Jelep La. With only a few houses located in the village, it lets visitors take a glimpse at the rural life of Sikkim closely. Since it is a strategically important place and lets you enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas, the village is one of the major attractions people include in their Sikkim tour packages.
Kokchurang Village is about 3,750 meters above sea level and is next to the roaring Prek Chu River. It is a peaceful, mystical place to escape to in the Himalayas on the Goecha La route. There is a clearing in the middle of the oak and rhododendron forests, where a single wooden rest hut stands. Inside, it is warm, the air smells like pine, and the sound of the river can be heard through the mist.
As dusk falls, local legends speak of unseen presences that lend an eerie mystique to the moss-covered chestnut trunks and hushed forest paths. This adds a layer of intrigue to the atmosphere and stillness of the woods. Trekkers stop here for chai, to laugh with each other, and to rest their tired legs before moving on to higher alpine camps like Thansing. Kokchurang is quiet in the winter, when the snow covers everything, and bright in the summer, when the sun shines on the ground. Kokchurang feels like stepping into a timeless, off-the-grid Himalayan village, whether you're there to learn about its folklore or just enjoy the peace of the mountains. It's a small gateway between forested footpaths and soaring peaks.
Sikkim constitutes to be the major foundation of all adventurous activities clambering and endeavoring a splendid base to the alpine meadows, glaciers, varieties of fauna and flora housing a lot of zealous adventures. In Sikkim, you might expect the unexpected while you decide to partake in water sports or in various other sports. Dream of a splash from the River Teesta to completely replenish you or a major cycling trek to offer you with few amazing sights to gaze through as you paddle your way – You can expect all of these in Sikkim. Explore through the great majestic pinnacles of the mountains and witness paragliding adventures accompanied with rock climbing activities to check your potential and capability. This is not enough, Sikkim has a lot more to offer than just this.
The best adventure activities to do in Sikkim are as follows:
• Paragliding
• Yak Safari
• Mountaineering
• Mountain biking
• River Rafting
Checkout for Best Offers: 5 Days Sikkim Tour
The best things to do in Sikkim are as follows:
• Shopping in MG Road
• Try Being Religious by visiting the old Buddhist Gompa
• Paragliding in Sikkim
• Try Going Organic by purchasing complete organic products from the Sikkim Market
• Attend Distinct Festivals in Sikkim like Tharpu Monsoon Festival, Losar Festival, and Gangtok Winter Festival
• Cuddle Local Lifestyle by staying near to nature
• Understand Tibetology
• Leisure Walk in Rinchenpong
• Caving in the North Lha-ri-nying phu
• Try Sikkimese Tongba
• Eat out in 9’INE Native Cuisine and relish the delicious food
• Relish the Sikkimese Nightlife
• Enjoy Mountain Biking between Gangtok and Rangpo
• Flower Exhibition at White Hall
• Visit Rumtek Monastery
• Enjoy the Yak Ride near Tsomgo Lake
• Enjoy Bird Watching in Kewzing
• Splendid River rafting on the Teesta
• Trekking in Goecha La Trek
• View the beautiful Kanchendzonga waterfalls
• Witness the alluringly captivating Khecheopalri Lake
• Visit the Ganesh Tok Temple
• Visit the exuberant Sikkim Zoo
• Explore the Temi Tea Garden
• Relish Mountain Biking in Sikkim
• Relish the happening Sikkimese Nightlife
• Enjoy Bird Watching in Kewzing
• Explore and experience the wonderful River Rafting along the Teesta River
The best places for water sports in Sikkim are as follows:
• Rivers Teesta
• Guru Padmasambhava
• The Mystic Himalayas
The best destinations for a wildlife safari in Sikkim are as follows:
• Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
• Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
• Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
• The Khangchendzonga National Park
• Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary
• Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
The best places to go trekking in Sikkim are as follows:
• Green Lake Trek
• Singalila Trek
• Kasturi Orar Round Trek
• Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
• Varsey Trek
• Sandakphu Trek
• Dzongri Trek
• Rhododendron Trek
• Goecha La Trek
The luxury train experience in Sikkim are as follows:
• Palace on Wheels
• Heritage on Wheels
• The Golden Chariot
• Deccan Odyssey – A Captivating Luxury Train Tour
Rock Climbing in Sikkim is considered to be challenging adventure sports that garner huge traction from the travelers and the tourist who colossally love adventures. Rock climbing in Sikkim involves clambering up a natural rock that may be naturally or artificially formed with a target or definite goal of reaching the peak or the summit of the pre-defined aim. Generally, it is differentiated on the basis of the need of the climber that he or she is competent enough to hold his or her weight so as to balance the sport in entirety. A mentally and physically demanding sport, Rock Climbing is characterized to be a sport that tests a person’s mental and physical strength.
The best places for rock climbing in Sikkim are as follows:
• Mt. Khangchendzonga
• Nakul Giri or Sikkim Mountaineering Association
• Satish Bardewa or TAAS
The best places for an art and culture experience in Sikkim are as follows:
• Zuluk
• Teesta River Rafting
• Namchi
• Ravangla
• Pelling
• Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang Valley
• Yuksom and the Dzongri Trail
• Flora and Fauna Sanctuaries
• festival in December/January
• Nathu La and Tsomgo Lake
• Monasteries like Rumtek, Pemayangtse, and Tashiding. Other monasteries of this place are worth visiting include the Karma Kagyu
From a smooth riding or experience to an amazing mountain landscape to the most thundering and happening rapids that only the most experienced adventurist can navigate and witness. River Rafting in the midst of River Teesta can definitely bring about adrenaline rush pumping up your adventure and excitement to a whole new tangent or level. Meandering down the rough or rugged way that brings about a great deal of adventure. The riverbanks of River Teesta have deep woods, terraced cultivation, and little hamlets, making the place worthwhile for camping as well as for rafting.Sikkim offers great activities with affordable tour packages.
The best locations for rafting in Sikkim along with the charges are as follows:
• Malli to Kali Jhora is about a distance of about twenty-four kilometers which takes around three hours to complete.
• Tarkhola to Malli is about a distance of about twenty kilometers which takes around two hours to complete.
• Tarkhola to 29th Mile is about a distance of about thirty-three kilometers that takes around three hours to complete.
• Rongpo to 29th Mile is about a distance twenty-eight kilometers that take around three hours to complete.
• Tarkhola to Kali Jhora is about a distance of thirty-seven kilometers that takes around five hours to complete.
• Malli to 29th Mile is about a distance of about eleven kilometers that takes about an hour to complete.
• Malli to Rayang is about a distance of about thirteen kilometers and takes about two hours to complete.
• 29th Mile to Kalijhora is about a distance of about eighteen kilometers and takes about two hours to complete.
Riverside Rafting and Camping involves the following costs:
• Rs. 2000 per pax above 20
• Rs. 2300 per pax above 11 to 20
• Rs. 3200 per pax above 6 to 10
The place where you can go for bungee jumping in Sikkim is as follows:
• Singshore Bridge: If you wish to push the art of bungee jumping to an extremely different level then you must try bungee jumping at the Singshore Bridge. This is an ideal sport that entertains the tourist to the extremes.
The places where you can enjoy paragliding in Sikkim are as follows:
• Paragliding Sikkim - This is located in Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
• Fly Sikkim Adventure – This is located in Lower Sichey Near the bhankari waterfalls by the Ranka Road at Gangtok in Sikkim 737101.
• Sikkim Paragliding - This is located in Sikkim Paragliding Adventure Sports Co-Operative Society Ltd at Gangtok in Sikkim 737103
The best pilgrimage site which you must visit in Sikkim are as follows:
• Buddha Park Ravangla
• Guru Padmasambhava Samdruptse
• Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
• Solophok Chardham
• Samdruptse
• Phensang Monastery
• Tashiding Monastery
• Enchey Monastery
• Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
• Pemayangtse Monastery
The best places to go on a honeymoon in Sikkim are as follows:
• Visit beautiful places like Zuluk, Tsomgo Lake, Pelling, Ravangla, and Gangtok.
• Visit splendid resorts like Summit Norling Resort & Spa (Gangtok), Ghonday Village Resort (Kaluk), Yarlam Resort (Lachung), The Elgin Mount Pandim (Pelling) and Magpie Chestnut Retreat (Pelling).
• Try sports activities like Paragliding, Yak Safari, Mountaineering, Mountain biking and River Rafting.
• Try delectable cuisines in splendid restaurants like 9ine Native Cuisine, Y.O.L.O Lounge & Bar, Jungle Café, Hotlix, Desi Bites, Yummy Tummy, Mu Kimchi, Thakali, Dynasty Wine and Dine, Food Court, Roll House, Snow Lion Restaurant, Shuffle Momos, Cafe Live & Loud, The Coffee Shop, Hotel Sher-E-Punjab, Taste Of Tibet, Parivar Restaurant, Chopstick, The-Cube, Wangdi Restaurant, Orchid Restaurant, Big Bowl Restaurant, Kafal Restaurant, South Indian Restaurant, Flavours Inn Bar And Restaurant, Taste of Ravangla Restaurant, Bailey The Restaurant, Apna Dhaba, Yalamber Bar and Restaurant, Tashi Tagey Hotel, Adonai Family Restaurant, Chingthang Hotel and Restaurant, Kookay Restaurant, Melting Point, Thoendel, Hotel Pomra, Wild Flower Retreat and Bamboo Retreat Hotel.
• Worth visiting historic places to visit in Sikkim are Budang Gari Fort, Dubdi Monastery, Sanga Chilling Monastery, Phensang Monastery, Dodrul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Ralong Monastery, Tusk-La-Khang Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, and Rumtek Monastery.
The must-try aerial activities in Sikkim are as follows:
Along with activities like Canoeing, Hang gliding, Mountain biking, Trekking, Mountaineering and Rafting, other aerial activities in Sikkim are Yak Safari, Mountain biking, kayaking, and Paragliding.
Some of the best cycling trails in Sikkim are as follows:
• The trail between Gangtok to Bagdogra
• The trail between Kabi to Gangtok covers about one thousand five hundred and forty-seven meters or twenty kilometers.
• The trail between Rangrang and Kabi covers about one thousand five hundred meters or thirty-two kilometers.
• The trail between Chungthang and Rangrang covers about one thousand meters or thirty-eight kilometers.
• The trail between Lanchen and Chungthang is a twenty-seven kilometers long downhill cycling trail
• The trail between Choptag Valley and Kalapather and finally a visit to the Lanchen
• The trail between Lanchen and Thangu covers about three thousand and twenty meters or thirty-two kilometers.
• The trail between Chungthang and Lachen covers about twenty-seven kilometers or two thousand seven hundred and twenty-eight meters.
• The trail between Yumthang and Chungthang is a forty-five kilometers long downhill cycling tour
• The trail between Lachung and Yumthang covers around three thousand six hundred meters or twenty-four kilometers.
• The trail between Chungthang and Lachung covers around two thousand six hundred and twenty-four meters or twenty-one kilometers.
• The trail between Singhik and Chungthang covers around one thousand sixty-one meters or twenty-six kilometers.
• The trail between Phedang and Singhik covers around one thousand six hundred meters or thirty-three kilometers.
• The trail between Gangtok and Phedang covers around six hundred meters or thirty-one kilometers.
• The trail between Bagdogra and Gangtok
The places where you can relish the nightlife in Sikkim are as follows:
• Denzong Cinema
• Cafe Live & Loud
• Chowrasta Stores Wines
• MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino, Gangtok
• Joey's Pub
• Golden Orchid-The Lodge
• MPH (Multipurpose Hall) NIT Sikkim
• Gatty's Café
• Aroma Bar cum Restaurant
• Cafe Live & Loud
• Officers Club, Zym, Type IV Quarters
• Roadways Karaoke N Bar
• Basement lounge & bistro
• The Circle
• F.L.Liquor Shop
• Basement Lounge & Bistro (Delam)
• Dai-Chi Bar and Restaurant
• Lenora Restaurant And Bar
• Lees Retro Bar & Lounge
• Bishal Pub
• Purple Restaurant & lounge bar
• FatMom Local Bar
• Tiyaaz Bar and Foods
• Desme office
• B.k. Pradhan F.l. Shop
• Resto Lounge Bar
• Merge Bar and Restaurant
• Hotel Orchid
• Garden Hotel
• Hotel Nana
• Thakali
• Vyanjan bar N Restaurant
• BBQ Restobar
• Mulukay Kingfisher Beer Factory
• Escape DISCO
• Lounge 31a
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