How To Reach?

Previously, Sikkim was mostly accessible via roads from the neighboring states. Even now, the easiest & best possible way is to fly to Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal or take a train to NJP Station and get a cab from there, to any of the hill towns in Sikkim. The roads are butter-smooth, and the drive is impeccable, offering splendid views throughout.

Where To Go?

While planning your trip to Sikkim, you should decide on which part of the state you wish to explore.

The capital city, Gangtok, lies in East Sikkim and it’s one of the most visited places. Other than the bustling local markets and Insta-worthy cafes, you’d also find casinos in Gangtok! From here, you can head off to explore other places in East Sikkim, covering Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, etc. The famous Old Silk Route also winds through the very heart of East Sikkim.

Spending a couple of days in Gangtok, you can plan to head off to North Sikkim, exploring the gorgeous valleys around Lachung and Lachen, before driving uphill to Guru Dongmar Lake, sitting at an altitude of 17,800 ft. On the way, you’ll also get to stop by the postcard-perfect destinations like Yumesamdong and Yumthang Valley.

Located at the foothills of Mt. Kanchenjunga, West Sikkim offers one of the best views of the Southeast face of this peak. Some of the popular high-altitude treks, including Goecha La, begin from the quaint town of Yuksom. The beautiful amalgamation of nature, religion, and history makes West Sikkim a popular destination among tourists. Hike through the dense forests to visit the Khecheopalri Lake, considered to be a holy water body by the Buddhists. Soak in the serenity at Pelling and enjoy the tranquility encircling the age-old monasteries like Sangachoeling and Pemayansgtse.

Surrounded by beautiful forests and majestic hills, South Sikkim is the perfect vacation spot for those who are looking for a retreat, away from chaos and cacophony. Spend your days exploring the Rangit Valley, walk through the hidden trails of Namchi, adore the grandeur of the Buddha Park at Ravangla, and enjoy your days living with a local family at Borong.

It’s literally impossible to cover the whole of Sikkim in one go, until and unless you plan to stay there for a month or more!

Where To Stay?

Sikkim offers a diverse range of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious properties to budget hotels, from backpacker hostels to affordable homestays.

In Gangtok, you can stay at the Sinclairs – offering a mountain-facing infinity pool, or at the Mayfair Hotel where you can try your luck at the casino! Other than that, there are several hotels in and around MG Marg, the most popular part of the town. There are hostels like Tagalong Backpackers and Zostel, which are preferred by solo travelers and trekkers.

Pelling also has some unique luxury properties, Hotel Elgin being one of them, offering the views of Mt. Pandim from every room! In other smaller towns like Lachung, Lachen, and Yumthang – mostly homestay options are available, where the host would welcome you with warmth and treat you like a family! If you’re looking for an out-of-the-box experience, you can choose to spend a night at the local monasteries, where rooms are occasionally available.

What To Eat?

The cuisine in Sikkim is tremendously influenced by Nepali and Tibetan delicacies, and you’d find momos, thenthuk, and thukpa almost everywhere in this state! But there’s a lot more to try beyond that as well.

When in Gangtok, head to Thakali and try the authentic Nepali Thali – it’s a must! While stopping by the local eateries, try Phagshapa – which is a strip of pork fat, stewed with dry chilies and radish. It’s usually served with Chaang, a local alcoholic beverage made with fermented millet and warm water.

Another popular dish is sael roti, which resembles a pretzel and is usually served along with potato curry. Don’t forget to try Churpi – the local cheese made from yak milk, and hardened to make it like a toffee.

5 Bucketlist Experiences In Sikkim That You Can’t Afford To Miss!

1. Soak in the peaceful vibes while witnessing the beauty of the monasteries

You’d be surprised to know that this tiny Himalayan state is home to more than 200 monasteries, or Gompas as they are locally called! These monasteries not only influence the cultural heritage but have a deeper impact on the lifestyle of the people as well.

Your trip to Sikkim would be incomplete if you don’t visit some of these monasteries, many of which date back to the 14th Century and are full of wall paintings, murals, and scriptures that are placed orderly inside the main sanctum.

Some of the popular monasteries are – Rumtek Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Phensang Monastery, Phodang Monastery, etc. There are various festivals where masked dancers perform within the monastery premises, and they’re absolutely worth attending!

2. Driving down the challenging roads of Zuluk Loops, at 11,000 ft

For centuries, this route served the traders traveling from West to East and grew as a hub for commercial & cultural exchange. It’ll surely be one of the most fascinating drives of your life, crossing the Zuluk Loops with thirty-two hairpin bends!

The locals of Zuluk offer friendly homestay accommodation options for travelers, that’ll give you an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Silk Route, as well as about the culture and lifestyle of the people living in this faraway region.

3. Witness the beauty of the frozen Guru Dongmar Lake at 17,800 ft

The sheer beauty of the lake and the ruggedness of the majestic mountains will surely leave you awestruck! One of the highest glacial lakes in the world, Guru Dongmar stands under the shadow of the sacred peak of Khangchen Gyao and is considered to be extremely holy by the Buddhists.

There are numerous folklore about this lake, and the most popular one states that Guru Padmasambhava had stopped here to drink water, while he was traveling from Tibet to India. Located at a distance of merely five kilometers from the Tibetan border, the road to this lake is only accessible during the summer months.

4. Explore the ‘Valley of Flowers’ at Yumthang

Often termed as the ‘most pic­turesque village in Sikkim’, Yumthang Valley is a paradise for nature lovers as it houses the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary which has over 24 species of Rhododendron flowers blooming from late February to mid-June.

Apart from the cosmic green meadows with yaks grazing all day long, you’d also find some rare hot springs here, which are often visited by tourists as they are believed to have miraculous healing power!

5. Hike through the Kanchenjunga National Park

Named after the third highest mountain peak in the world and nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Kanchenjunga National Park is considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sprawling across a vast area of 850 sq km and home to most endemic and rare species of flora and fauna including the Snow Leopard and Himalayan Tahr, this national park adjoins Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet. Several trek routes run through this park, including the one leading to Goecha La – considered to be the most romantic trek in India!

How Many Days Do You Need To Plan A Trip to Sikkim?

You can spend about 8 to 10 days in Sikkim, covering certain parts of the state, and make sure to prepare an itinerary that’ll cover all that you wish to tick off your travel bucket list. No matter how much time you spend here, the memories will be etched on your heart, and you’ll surely long for more in the days to come!

7 Days in Sikkim: A Detailed Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip

This detailed 7-day itinerary will help you plan an epic trip to Sikkim, covering its major attractions and hidden gems.

Day 1: Arrival in Gangtok

On your first day, arrive at Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. From here, take a pre-arranged taxi to Gangtok, a drive that takes approximately 4-5 hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to rest and freshen up. In the afternoon, head to MG Marg, the main shopping street in Gangtok, which is pedestrian-only and filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. This is a great place to get a feel for the city, do some shopping, and try local Sikkimese cuisine. For dinner, consider dining at one of the popular restaurants like Taste of Tibet or 9ine Native Cuisine, both of which offer delicious local dishes.

Day 2: Changu Lake and Nathu La Pass

Start your second day early with a trip to Changu Lake, also known as Tsomgo Lake, a stunning glacial lake situated at an altitude of 12,400 feet. The drive to the lake takes about 2-3 hours. At Changu Lake, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery, take a yak ride, and capture some incredible photographs. Afterward, visit Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a shrine dedicated to an Indian Army soldier. If you have the necessary permits, proceed to Nathu La Pass on the Indo-China border, where you can witness the boundary and interact with Indian Army personnel. Return to Gangtok in the evening and relax at your hotel, or head out to explore another restaurant in town for dinner.

Day 3: Gangtok to Ravangla

On the third day, embark on a scenic drive to Ravangla, a town known for its tranquility and natural beauty, which takes about 2-3 hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Buddha Park, which features a large statue of Lord Buddha and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, explore the Ralang Monastery, one of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim, known for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant.

Day 4: Ravangla to Pelling

After breakfast, drive to Pelling, a journey of about 2-3 hours through scenic landscapes. Check into your hotel upon arrival and freshen up. In the afternoon, visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Then, explore the Rabdentse Ruins, the remains of the former capital of Sikkim, which offer a glimpse into the region’s history and fantastic views. End your day with a visit to the Kanchenjunga Falls, a beautiful waterfall located nearby. Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Pelling Sightseeing

Start your day with a visit to the Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred lake for both Buddhists and Hindus, surrounded by lush forests. Then, head to the Sangachoeling Monastery, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the afternoon, explore the Singshore Bridge, one of the highest suspension bridges in Asia, offering spectacular views of the gorge below. Spend the evening at your leisure, either relaxing at your hotel or exploring the local markets. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or your hotel.

Day 6: Pelling to Yuksom

On the sixth day, drive to Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim and the starting point for many treks. The drive takes about 2-3 hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel or homestay. Visit the Dubdi Monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim, located on a hilltop. Then, explore the Coronation Throne of Norbugang, where the first Chogyal (king) of Sikkim was crowned. In the evening, take a walk around the quaint village of Yuksom and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Have dinner at your accommodation or a local eatery.

Day 7: Yuksom to Gangtok and Departure

On your final day, drive back to Gangtok, a journey of about 4-5 hours. Depending on your departure time, visit any missed attractions in Gangtok, such as the Flower Exhibition Centre or Do Drul Chorten Stupa. If you have time, take a cable car ride for a panoramic view of the city. Afterward, check out from your hotel and take a taxi to Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your trip to Sikkim.

Tips for a Smooth Trip:

• Permits: Ensure you have all necessary permits, especially for visiting places like Changu Lake, Nathu La Pass, and Yuksom.
• Weather: Pack appropriate clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly, especially in high-altitude areas.
• Health: Stay hydrated and be prepared for altitude sickness, particularly when visiting high-altitude locations.
• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes such as momos, thukpa, and gundruk.

By following this detailed itinerary, you’ll be able to experience the best that Sikkim has to offer, from its natural wonders to its cultural treasures, ensuring a memorable and enriching trip. And if you’ve been to Sikkim and explored any hidden gem, let me know about it in the comments below.