Sikkim
Sikkim is the top
most tours & travel destination in India. It is one of the most politically
stable and peaceful place in India. This landlocked state is blessed with some
of the most spectacular landscapes, flora and fauna making it a haven for
adventure enthusiasts and naturalists. Lying at an elevation of 8,586 meters,
the state's highest point is the summit of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak
of the world. Sikkim tourism has lots to offer a discerning traveler.
Foreigners here can visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong, Pemayangtse and the Yuksom
-Zongri trekking route on the basis of restricted area permits which can be
obtained. There are numerous Lakes and Monasteries which make the hill station
vibrant and lively.
- Best time to visit :
As suggested
by Sikkim Tourism, the best time to visit Sikkim is
either between March and May or October and mid-December. If you want to
witness the blooming natural beauty in Gangtok best season to visit would
be in spring, from March to May. Autumn, on the other hand, brings the clear
view of Himalayan Range. If you want to capture the picturesque
view of Himalayan Range, then October to December is the best season to visit
Sikkim. During this time you can be part of various festivals like the Maniram
Bhanjyang Tourism Festival where you can enjoy local home stays among
many other things. You can also be a part of the Cherry Tea Festival as well as
Red Panda Winter Festival. These festivals showcase a different side of Sikkim. Sikkim
is the beautiful state and every season of this state has something different
to offer its tourist. In winters you will witness Sikkim roads and Himalayan
peaks covered with thick snow.
- How to reach :
Sikkim is one of
the seven states in North East India. Snuggled in the lap of Himalayas, the
state is an unexplored beauty because of its remote location and the hassles to
getting there. The state has fair transportation facilities in most of its
region. When you are planning
a trip to Sikkim, here are the best option available to reach Sikkim by
road. You can travel by air (Flight) and train as well; information regarding
the same has been provided below.
- By Flight
The Gangtok
Airport, known as Pakyong Airport makes it possible for travelling to Sikkim by
flight. From the air terminal reach the cities by road. Bagdogra Airport is
well-connected to major cities in India, providing easy connectivity in North
East India, at a distance of 124 km. Airline companies like Indian Airlines,
Spice Jet, and Go Air etc. are functional here with frequent services.
You can further
reach Gangtok by availing helicopter service, which is subjected to weather
conditions. You can hire a taxi, Approximately 4 hours’ drive drive from
Bagdogra.
2. By Train
Travel to Sikkim
by train is possible by getting to major railway heads near Gangtok- New
Jalpaiguri (188 km) and Siliguri (145 km). These railway stations are well
connected with major cities and towns of India. Frequent trains connect the
railway stations. You can further board a bus or hire a taxi to reach Sikkim.
3. By Road
If you are
confused with how to reach Sikkim, then by road is the most convenient option.
There are frequent public and private bus services connecting Sikkim with other
neighboring towns and cities. You can also get easy access to taxis and jeeps
for inter and intra state travelling.
National Highway
31A is the most functional national highway in Sikkim. Major neighboring towns
from Sikkim are Darjeeling, Kalimpong, New Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra, etc. Hire a
private taxi to make the most of your holiday with comfortable travel in Sikkim
and even North East India.
- Top Things to do :
1. Gaze at One of the World's Tallest Mountains
Gangtok, Sikkim's capital, is situated on a cloudy ridge 5,500 feet above sea level. When the clouds clear, it's possible to see all the way to Khangchendzonga's soaring peaks—at 28,169 feet (8,586 meters), it's the world's third-highest mountain. Khangchendzonga National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016. The city is refreshingly clean and well organized, and most tourists spend a couple of days there to make travel arrangements and see the sights. It's a popular base for those heading off on treks.
2. Check out the Chinese Border
Nathu La—a mountain pass in the East Sikkim district three hours east of Gangtok—was a major passageway on the Old Silk Route between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962. The pass connects Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The border consists of a lone barbed wire fence, and you'll get the strange thrill of seeing the Chinese soldiers on the other side. Unfortunately, only Indian citizens are allowed to travel to the pass, and only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. A special permit is also required, which can be obtained through a registered travel agency in Gangtok.
3. Visit Flora and Fauna Sanctuaries
Sikkim is renowned for its astounding variety of animals—including nearly 550 species of birds and 700 species of butterflies. The state also boasts 600 varieties of orchids and 30 species of rhododendron. Check with the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department regarding tours, or explore gorgeous landscapes, flowers, and wildlife on your own at any of the many sanctuaries. For breathtaking mountain views and to see numerous birds and other animals, check out Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in the Singalila Range in the southwest corner of West Sikkim, during late spring. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary near Ravangla in South Sikkim and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary by Lachung—with colorful flowers and mountain views galore—are also highlights.
4. Discover Mount Khangchendzonga at Sunrise
Pelling, a 4-5 hour drive west of Gangtok, may be a charmless small town, but it's the place to go for unparalleled views of Mount Khangchendzonga at dawn. Monasteries are the other main attraction, along with the ruins of Rabdentse, the royal capital of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814. Its location on a ridge provides a wonderful viewpoint.
5. Meditate at a Monastery
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