Introduction
The kingdom of Sikkim got merged with India in 1975. The state of Sikkim is situated in the Northeastern part of India, and it is separate from the seven Sister states. It is the least populated state and has low GDP compared to other Indian states due it its low industrial base. The economy of Sikkim is mainly agricultural. However, the natural beauty of Sikkim ensures that it is a great tourist spot and the wheels of the economy keep running due to high tourist flow throughout the year.
Sikkim is one of the most suitable destinations for people looking for some real-time adventures. This place offers so much that it can become your favourite adventure spot. Mountain biking, Mountaineering, River rafting, Canoeing, and many other such activities can surely make your trip memorable.
This north-eastern state has many hidden gems to satisfy a globetrotter. From scenic views, natural wonders, and ancient monuments, this cocktail of the diverse spectrum is, without doubt, a guaranteed life cherishing experience. You can visit any reliable tour and travel companies who can guide you on the best places to visit in Sikkim. Usually, they have them in their packages. They have various types of packages such as family packages, couples tour package, cheapest tour packages, etc., to suit all kinds of budgets and itineraries.
If one wants natural beauty, adventure, and history to be rolled into one package, Sikkim is the best bet. If one sees the Sikkim map, one will find it nestled in the Northeast, landlocked between Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and West Bengal.
The Warm Sikkim Culture
It is easy to make friends with the locals of Sikkim. They are warm-hearted and peace-loving people who follow the traditional Tibetan culture, which has the flavour of Buddhism in it. One may come across ancient manuscripts and peculiar cultures also. Suppose one is visiting in May and June. In that case, they can enjoy the local festivals like Losar, Saga Dawa, Tharpu Monsoon festival, and Gangtok Winter festival.
Places To Visit In Sikkim
If one is visiting Sikkim for two to three days, one can go for local sightseeing in Gangtok. One can cover places like Ban Jhakri Falls, Ranka Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Tashi Viewpoint, Shanti View Point, and the Institute of Tibetology. If time permits on the third day, then one can visit the Coronation bridge.
There are some more interesting places to explore if one is looking for a more extended tour of four to five days. Apart from visiting the places already mentioned above, one can take a stroll in M G Road, shop in the local market, or even see a flower show.
On the fourth and fifth days, one can visit the Enchey Monastery, the Tsomgo/Changu Lake and Baba Mandir, and Nathu La Pass. When visiting Pelling from Gangtok, stoppage at the Namchi, Temi Tea Garden, and the Siddeshwar Dham are possible. In Pelling, one can enjoy the local sightseeing of the Darap Village and Rimbi waterfalls.
Gangtok
It is the capital of Sikkim, and it is a great place to start the tour of Sikkim. It has excellent shopping options and vibrant nightlife. Gangtok is the starting point for trekkers from where they head to the hills for hiking. However, there are many exciting places around Gangtok that one can visit, such as Phodong Monastery, babaHarbhajan Singh temple, Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, and the Jhakri Waterfalls.
It is important to factor in the travelling costs before planning a trip to Sikkim. In Gangtok, there is a lack of transport options and the mountainous and hilly terrains. The transport options available here are cabs and trekkers only, and thus travelling can become expensive for budget travellers.
Pelling
It is one of the famous tourist places in Sikkim. The place is known for its great hotels with excellent facilities. It is at the height of 6800 feet and an ideal place for mountain sports and trekking. Some popular places to visit near Pelling are the New Helipad ground, Rimbi waterfalls, Rabdenste ruins, and the Pemayangtse Monastery.
The Tsomgo Lake
It is a holy Buddhist and Hindu lake and a must-visit place in the itinerary. One has to cross the rough and rocky roads to visit this place, and this experience is quite adventurous. This lake is 40 km from Gangtok, and going by cab is the best option. Apart from the holy visit, some fun activities near the lake like Yak and Pony rides are possible.
Another exciting place for trekking is Goechala. This is a fantastic spot for trekking, and the reward for reaching the summit is the stunning view of the Kanchenjunga. The best time to visit Goechala is in October and November, and one should carry warm clothes as the weather is cold. For trekkers going to mount Kanchenjunga, they have to cross Yuksom, a place known for its lush greenery and local culture. The Kanchenjunga falls, GuruDongmar lake and few monasteries are a few places to see.
Nathula Pass
It is an iconic pass at 14140 feet above sea level and connects India and Tibet. This place is known for its sporadic India China skirmishes. A visit to this place requires a permit and the best time is April to June. One can get authentic Tibetan items of clothing and handicrafts at reasonable prices.
Ravangla
It is in western Sikkim and a popular tourist destination. One can have a great outdoor experience with visits to Monasteries and Gompass. The Buddha Park, Tashiding Monastery, Riling Monastery are must-visit places. This location is suitable for hiking, and the views from the hills are amazing.
A variety of activities one can indulge in the above-mentioned popular locations. Activities like Yak rides, cable car rides, River rafting on the river Teesta, Trekking, Mountain biking, Paragliding hiking, and many more. With many places to visit and many things to do, a vacation in Sikkim is full of excitement and not enough even for a week-long holiday.
The Cuisine Of Sikkim
Sikkim has some of the best joints where authentic Nepali, Tibetan, Bhutanese lip-smacking foods are available. The foods are freshly prepared with the lip-smacking Momos, Thupka, Rice, and local beer dominating the local cuisine.
Boarding And Lodging In The Capital Of Sikkim
Gangtok has plenty of options in budget hotels that are not too expensive. Hotels on MG Road and Development area are clean and safe. Resorts in Gangtok and Pelling are available on the hilltop regions. This place is safe for families and honeymooners.
Takeaway
A trip to Sikkim is a must for every Indian. A typical five days trip to Gangtok and surrounding areas cost Rs25,000 to 30,000 per person. Indian tourist does not require any permits while visiting Sikkim except the Nathula Pass, Goechala, Tsomgo Lake, Zuluk, and Dzongri.
One should visit Sikkim once in their lifetime. This place is an eyeopener and transports one to a different space altogether. The enchanting landscapes, majestic mountains, lush green valleys, pristine lakes, and stunning monasteries can take anyone’s breath away. A visit to this paradise land is packed with numerous sightseeing and adventurous activities.
