Sikkim is the third smallest state located in the Northeastern region of India. It is surrounded by Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Sikkim is known as the gateway to the Himalayas. Being one of the most popular hill stations in the country, there is a plethora of natural beauty like clear crystal lakes, high mountain passes, lush green meadows and surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Sikkim has the number of viewpoints from where you can see the third highest peak of the world Kanchenjunga Peak. Therefore, Sikkim is quite popular among adventure seekers. Being a part of the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim has amazing biodiversity along with the alpine and subtropical climate.
Apart from natural beauty, the culture of Sikkim has its own charm as it is a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. Due to the influence of Buddhism there you can visit some of the famous monasteries in the country like Rumtek Monastery, Dubdi monastery, Kartok monastery and many more. Therefore, Sikkim is also known as the Land Of Monasteries.
During summer when the rest of the country is burning down then this mountainous resort becomes a wonderful getaway to beat the heat and enjoy the natural beauty.
From trekking into the Himalayas to river rafting in Teesta & Rangit rivers, Sikkim is the go-to destination for adventure enthusiasts. The surrounding snow-clad mountains, high mountain passes and Kanchenjunga National Park would excite any adventure lovers.
During winter Sikkim becomes heaven for snow lovers when places like Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and Nathula pass get covered in the white blanket of snow. From December to March, Sikkim gets heavy snowfall that attracts snow lovers from all around the country.
No matter what you’re looking for in your next holiday whether it’s adventure or peace, escape from the summer or experience the snowfall, Sikkim has everything inside it.
- Capital – Gangtok
- Language Spoken – Nepali, Bhutia (Sikkimese), English, Hindi, Majhi, Tibetan and Yakha.
Best Sikkim Tour Packages
How to reach Sikkim
By Flight
The only airport of Sikkim named Pakyoung Airport is situated 27 KM from Gangtok. There are daily flights from Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati to Pakyoung airport.
The other closest airport is situated in Bagdogra 124 KM away from Gangtok. It is well connected by daily flights from most of the Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore and many more. Airline companies like IndiGo, Air India, Jet Airways, GoAir, Vistara, and Spicejet operate daily flights to Bagdogra airport. After reaching the airport you’ll see the number of taxis lined up for Gangtok. It will take around 5 hours of drive to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra Airport.
By Train
New Jalpaiguri (125 Km away) and Siliguri (114 KM away) are the two nearest major railway stations to Gangtok located in West Bengal. Both stations are well connected to most of the railheads in the country. Buses and taxis are regularly plying from Gangtok to Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. Usually, it will take around 5 hours to reach Gangtok from Siliguri and 6 hours from Jalpaiguri.
By Road
National Highway 31A which is also known as Lifeline of Sikkim connects Gangtok with Siliguri. The route is very picturesque as it is surrounded by the Teesta river on one side and the high mountain range of the Himalayas on another side. This scenic ride will take you through the amazing natural beauty. From Siliguri either you can take a bus or hire a rental car or bike.
If you’re on a tight budget then the bus would be the best option for you. Regular buses are plying from Siliguri, Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri and Kolkata to Gangtok.
For road trip lovers a car or bike would be the better option as it will let you enjoy the spectacular beauty of this hill station. If you don’t have a vehicle then there are number of options for rental car or bike to Gangtok. Riding a bike through the high mountain peaks of the Himalayas would be an experience for a lifetime.
Best Places To Visit Sikkim
Gangtok
The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is famous to get the fantastic views of Kanchenjunga. This city is a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance and cultural diversity. There are lots of monasteries that give it a religious touch.
Tsomgo Lake
Just 40 KM away from Gangtok, Tsomgo lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Tsomgo means “the source of water”. This glacier lake is so alpine that you can even catch the perfect reflection of surrounding snow-capped mountains. And the rich flora & fauna around the lake add charm to this place.
Pelling
After Gangtok, Pelling is the second most famous tourist attraction in Sikkim. This city is the perfect mixture of peace and adventure. Pelling is home to India’s first skywalk that allows you to enjoy Chenrezig’s marvelous beauty.
Lachen, Lachunga and Yumthang Valley
These are three off-beat destinations situated in North Sikkim. Lachen is the gateway to 2 marvelous lakes of Sikkim – Gurudongmar Lake and Tso Lhamu lakes. If you want to experience the raw beauty of Sikkim then you shouldn’t miss these villages. Lachen gives you inner peace, Lachung is perfect to experience the snow and Yumnthang Valley is best for enjoying the flowered beauty of Sikkim.
Zuluk
Zuluk is another offbeat destination in Sikkim. It is home to the unique temple Nag Temple which is dedicated to God of Snake or Nag Devta. Interestingly, this temple is shaped like a snake or cave which feels like entering into the mouth of a Snake. Zuluk is also famous for its zig-zag road that is surely not for the fainthearted.
Ravangla
Ravangla is home to some of the most famous treks in Sikkim. Also, it is a paradise for bird lovers as there you can sight some of the rarest birds in the world. Ravangla is also famous for its gigantic golden Buddha.
FAQ’s
What is the best month to visit Sikkim?
- To enjoy the blooming natural beauty – March to May are the best months to visit Sikkim
- To get clear views of the Himalayas – October to Mid December is the best time to visit Sikkim
- To experience snowfall – December to February is the ideal time to visit Sikkim.
What is Sikkim famous for?
Sikkim is famous for its rich biodiversity, amazing culture, blooming natural beauty, snow-capped Himalayan mountain ranges, Kanchenjunga peak, hidden villages, historic monasteries, alpine lakes, and high mountain passes and pleasant climate. Being a Himalayan town Sikkim is best for trekking lovers.
How many days are enough for Sikkim?
It depends on what you’re expecting to do in Sikkim. A normal trip of 7 to 10 days with family would be enough to explore the Sikkim. And if you’re going with friends then add 5 more days for treks, adventure activities, and to explore hidden places.