Sikkim is the brother state of the seven sisters. It is situated in Northeast India. It is a paradise land that has magnetic views of the great Himalayas. If you have not visited or not thought of visiting this state then you are truly missing something really beautiful.
Sikkim is like a pocket of wonders with bewitching meadows, snow-capped and sky-piercing Himalayas, and the mesmeric charm of its vibrant culture. You can visit this paradise either by air or by train, or in your vehicle by hitting the road.
A quote says that โWonders do come in small packages.โ Sikkim is one such place that perfectly suits the quote. This state is a perfect picturesque state in India. Tucked away in the majestic and enchanting Himalayas.
After Goa, Sikkim is the second smallest state in India. Though it is the second smallest state in India, its prismatic beauty and mesmeric charm will make you wonder about this place.
The entrance to India’s North-Eastern Corridor lies in Sikkim. It is not only a place of beauty but also offers an engrossing list of things to do and places to visit.
Sikkimโs improved connectivity with the rest of the country even being landlocked with other sister states in the Northeast has made many tourists attracted to this place every year. This place is excellent and the people of Sikkim are nicer.
If you visit this state you can get to explore some impressive hospitality from this place. Below mentioned are some places to visit in Sikkim that give you an idea to plan a trip to Sikkim. This article may give you an idea to plan a beautiful and perfect trip to Sikkim.
Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim. The beauty of this city makes it the most prominent city in the state. It is incredibly beautiful, high-spirited, and garlanded with clouds all over. Sikkim is blessed with a kind of cultural and historical significance.
Because of its incredible nature and culture, Gangtok became the pride of Sikkim. You can see the majestic glimpses of the mightiest peak Mt. Kanchenjunga. The best time to visit this place is in the months of March to Mid-May when you can feel the fragrance of Rhododendrons that spread throughout the city.
Among the hill stations in India, Gangtok is considered one of the most beautiful hill stations. This city is a perfect mixture of culture, scenic beauty, and modernization. The beautiful monasteries you can visit in Gangtok are Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Do Drul Chorten Rumtek Monastery, etc. Also, you can see the best aerial beauty at Ganesh Tok and Tashi viewpoints, etc.
MG Marg in Gangtok is Indiaโs first spit and litter-free zone. Every May, Gangtok hosts the International Flower Festival which displays a wide variety of roses, orchids, alpine creepers, and seasonal flowers.
Also, Read – Explore the Hidden Gems/Best Places to Visit in NorthEast India
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake is located 40 km away from the main city of Gangtok. It is a big glacier lake and is one of the top tourist destinations of Sikkim. The meaning of Tsomgo is โSource of Water.โ It is one of the highest-altitude lakes in India which make Sikkim more beautiful.
The interesting fact about this Tsomgo lake is that it remains frozen during the winter. The summer season brings a magical charm and appeals to Tsomgo. During this season, the lake’s turquoise waters reflect the amazing views of the nearby peaks and the azure sky above!
Tsomgo lake reflects the gigantic views of snow-clad mountains around it and this makes your Sikkim trip more memorable. Flora and fauna at this place include Primulas, yellow and blue poppies, Irish, Yaks, Ponies, and migratory ducks โ Brahmini. If you planned to visit this lake, visit in the early hours because it gets dark and the roads are not laid out properly.
The best time to see snow at Tsomgo lake is from January to May, and for Rhododendrons and Orchids from April to May. This Tsomgo lake is also known as Changu lake. It is at an elevation of 3,753 meters. This lake is considered sacred by the local people and the water here is believed to have medicinal value. This lake is like an aurora australis which means you can see different colors in different seasons, which makes it more alluring.
Pelling
Pelling is Sikkim’s second most popular tourist destination after Gangtok.. Pelling attracts travelers or tourists from all over the world. It is a place where people can enjoy nature in their lap and the gigantic views surrounding them. For trekkers and peace lovers, this town is a paradise.
Pelling is located at a height of 7,200ft above sea level. This scenic town is bestowed with several waterfalls, breathtaking views, natural beauty, and adventure options like rafting, kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, and many more.
Always visit Pelling between December and May to experience its beauty. During this season you can have a beautiful view of Pelling. You can enjoy every season if you come to this enticing town. Also, the food in Pelling is lip-smacking and the best of North-Eastern food.
It is located in the Himalayan belt and has the best views of the Himalayas and the Kanchenjunga Peak. The best time to visit Pelling is during the summer months i.e., between May and July. Pelling has some of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. It also receives snowfall during the winter months.
The must-visit places in Pelling are Pemayangtse Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Rabdentse Ruins, Sanga Choeling Monastery, and Kanchenjunga Falls.
Watch Video – Must Visit Temples in Sikkim
Lachung
Lachung is one of the most beautiful villages in Sikkim. It is soaked in Sikkimโs culture surely hit your list of places to visit in Sikkim. This village is the home to Tibetan nomadic tribes during winter. It is a gateway to two beautiful lakes called Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu. Luchang is perfect to relish snow and you can catch the beauty of the flower valley of Sikkim.
The Lachung Chu River, which is of exquisite beauty, adorns this highland settlement. It is also known as the Lachung Gompa. It has an alluring charm that can hardly be found in any other destination. This place cannot accessible during the monsoon season because of heavy rainfall. It is also inaccessible in the winter season because of heavy snowfall.
Lachung is known as the โmost picturesque village of Sikkim.โ It has innumerable fruit orchids and glacial rivers that add to its already existing charm. Because of the heavy rainfall and snowfall, Lachung became the most unexplored place in Sikkim. The main highlight of Luchang is its tall dark mountains, gushing waterfalls, meandering glacial rivers, and striking fruit orchids.
Zuluk
One of Sikkim’s most unique sites is Zuluk. It holds the power to mesmerize its visitors with its enthralling views of the mountains around it. A pristine temple known as Nag Temple dedicated to Nag Devta or Snake God is located in Zuluk. The main idol in this temple is King Cobra. The temple is like a cave and entering this cave makes you feel like entering a snake hole.
Some other main attractions of Zuluk are the magnetic views of snow-clad Mt. Kanchenjunga and Thambi View Point. These two are the most visited places by travelers who came to Zuluk. On your trip to Sikkim make sure you visit this place because it has the most beautiful and scenic places.
Zuluk is situated at a height of 10,000ft from sea level. It is one of the least discovered destinations in Sikkim. Zuluk is located on the ancient โSilk Route,โ which takes pride in being a vintage point to enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Zuluk is not only a natural beauty but is also a most adventurous place. It has 32 hairpin bends. The best time to visit Zuluk is between August to September to experience a flowery summer. Between the months of January and April experience freezing snow.
The drive to Zuluk is considered one of the best Himalayan drives in India. The Thambi View Point situated at a height of 11,200 feet offers a panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjunga. The Kupup Lake or Elephant Lake in Zuluk is one of the serene lakes in Sikkim. It is also considered one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim.
In the end, I am just listed a few places in Sikkim, which give you an idea or glimpse to plan a trip to Sikkim. There are many more places to visit in Sikkim such as natural beauties like lakes, waterfalls, beautiful gardens, monasteries, temples, etc. Before planning a trip make the best list of places to visit in the season in which you are visiting.
Also, it is best to get a travel guide there because there are a few places in Sikkim where you must take visiting pass from the officials to visit that place. Also, there are some places with uneven and clumsy roads to avoid or to go carefully. I am hoping that the information mentioned above will give you an idea about the trip to Sikkim and the places to visit there.
Which is the best month to go to Sikkim?
The best time to visit Sikkim depends on the type of activities you’re interested in and the type of climate you prefer. Here are the best months to visit Sikkim based on different factors:
For sightseeing and trekking: March to June and September to November are the best months for trekking and visiting tourist destinations in Sikkim. Clear skies and comfortable temperatures characterize the weather during these months.
For flower blooms: During the months of March to May, the valley of flowers in Sikkim is in full bloom and is a treat for nature lovers.
For snow: If you’re interested in skiing or other winter sports, December to February is the best time to visit, when the higher altitudes in Sikkim receive snowfall.
For festivals: If you’re interested in experiencing the local culture, you can plan your trip around the major festivals in Sikkim, such as the Losar festival in February, the Saga Dawa festival in May/June, and the Chopta Parva festival in December.
How many days are enough for Sikkim?
The number of days required for a trip to Sikkim depends on your travel itinerary and interests. Here are some recommendations based on different travel styles:
Quick Overview: If you’re looking for a quick overview of Sikkim and its main tourist attractions, 4-5 days should be enough. You can visit the capital city of Gangtok, the Rumtek Monastery, the Nathula Pass, and other popular destinations in the region.
Scenic Road Trip: If you want to take a scenic road trip and explore the scenic beauty of Sikkim, 7-10 days would be ideal. During this time, you can visit places like Lachung, Yumthang Valley, and Tsomgo Lake, among others.
Trekking Adventure: If you’re interested in trekking and exploring the remote regions of Sikkim, 10-15 days would be ideal. During this time, you can embark on treks such as the Dzongri Trek, the Goechala Trek, and the Green Lake Trek, among others.
Cultural Immersion: If you’re interested in experiencing the local culture and customs of Sikkim, 7-10 days would be sufficient. During this time, you can visit traditional villages, participate in local festivals, and sample local cuisine.
What is the cost of the Sikkim trip?
The cost of a trip to Sikkim can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the time of year, your travel style, and the length of your trip. Here is a rough estimate of the expenses you may incur during a trip to Sikkim:
Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in Sikkim ranges from INR 500-5000 per night, depending on the type of room and location. You can find budget-friendly options in cities like Gangtok, as well as luxury resorts in scenic locations.
Food: The cost of food in Sikkim can range from INR 100-500 per meal, depending on the type of cuisine and location. Local restaurants serve traditional dishes like momos and thukpa, while more upscale restaurants serve a range of international and Indian cuisine.
Transportation: The cost of transportation in Sikkim can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Taxis and private cars are readily available, and you can also rent a bike or scooter. A taxi ride within Gangtok can cost around INR 400-500, while a full-day taxi tour of popular destinations can cost around INR 2000-3000.
Activities: The cost of activities in Sikkim can vary greatly depending on the type of activity you choose. For example, entry to popular tourist destinations like Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake may cost around INR 500-1000, while a trekking tour can cost anywhere from INR 3000-10,000.
Miscellaneous expenses: Miscellaneous expenses such as souvenirs travel insurance, and personal expenses can add up quickly, so it’s a good idea to budget for these in advance.
The total cost of a trip to Sikkim can range from INR 20,000 to 50,000 or more, depending on your travel style and the length of your trip. Keep in mind that these estimates are rough and that actual costs can vary based on individual circumstances.
Which month is snowfall in Sikkim?
Sikkim experiences snowfall during the winter months, typically from December to February. During these months, the higher altitudes in Sikkim receive significant snowfall, making it an ideal time for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The exact timing and amount of snowfall can vary from year to year, but it is generally heaviest in January and February. If you’re interested in visiting Sikkim during the winter months, it’s important to be prepared for cold temperatures and possible road closures due to snow and ice.
Which is better Sikkim or Darjeeling?
It depends on what you’re looking for in a destination. Both Sikkim and Darjeeling have their own unique attractions and appeal to different types of travelers. Here’s a comparison between the two:
Sikkim:
Known for its scenic beauty, including snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, and lush forests.
Home to a rich cultural heritage, including traditional villages, festivals, and indigenous cuisine.
Offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including trekking, skiing, and mountain biking.
Darjeeling:
Known for its tea plantations and stunning views of the Himalayas.
Rich in colonial history and architecture, with a thriving heritage tourism industry.
Offers a vibrant cultural experience, including bustling markets, street food, and local festivals.
The ideal location for you ultimately depends on your unique interests and travel preferences. If you’re interested in outdoor activities and scenic beauty, Sikkim may be the better option. If you’re more interested in history, culture, and heritage, Darjeeling may be the better choice.