Are you planning to explore the gem of Northeast India Sikkim? But do you know what are the best things to do in Sikkim? We at ASAPHolidays come up with a detailed guide to the best things to do in Sikkim with family and friends, as well as solo.
Sikkim is India’s most underrated travel destination, located in the Northeast region of India in the eastern Himalayan ranges. Sikkim shares its borders with Tibet Autonomous Region of China, Bhutan, Nepal, and West Bengal. Sikkim is best known for its rich biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates. It is also home to India’s highest mountain peak Kanchenjunga. Among trekkers and mountaineers, Sikkim is quite a famous travel destination due to its high-altitude Himalayan treks.
Apart from trekking and nature exploration, Sikkim offers countless things to enjoy. Here in this blog, we will discuss all the top things that you can do in Sikkim during your Sikkim trip.
Top 10 things to do in Sikkim
Sikkim is one of the hidden gems of India that is still untouched and unexplored. The natural beauty of this place is unreal. If you’re visiting this lovely Northeast Indian state, you have countless options to do in Sikkim during your fun vacation. We have compiled a list of the 10 best things to do in Sikkim. Have a look at this and make your trip according to the given information.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Kanchenjunga is India’s highest mountain peak and the world’s third-highest mountain peak located in the eastern Himalayas. If you love adventure and thrill, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the top things to do in Sikkim. It is a high-altitude trek which is covered by snow throughout the year. This 90km long trek is challenging and takes almost 10 days to complete. Yuksom is the starting point of this trek. When you trek up to Bakkhim, you will enjoy the magnificent views of the Himalayan ranges throughout the journey.
- Best time: Mid September to October and Mid March to June
- Price: Approx INR 15,000 per person
Visit Gurudongmar Lake
For adventurous souls, Sikkim is no less than heaven. If you love admiring nature and natural creations, a visit to Gurudongmar Lake is among the top things to do in Sikkim. At a height of 17,100 ft, it is one of the highest lakes in the world. During the winter season, the entire lake freezes, and the temperature reaches somewhere between -5 to -8 degrees Celsius. Due to its high altitude, the oxygen level is low here so you are advised to first accumulate for 1 day at least to allow your body to adapt to the change.
- Location: 121 km from Gangtok, on route to Lachen
- Best Time: Summer and Autumn
Goecha La Trek
Goecha La Trek is one of the best places in Sikkim. If you love trekking, Goecha La Trek would be ideal. This 10-day long trek offers a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga. Goecha La Trek is at a height of 4940 feet. It is a moderate to difficult level trek and one needs to be physically and mentally fit.
- Location: Zuluk Sikkim
- Best Time: October to November
River Rafting in Teesta River
Teesta River is the most important river and the lifeline of Sikkim. The exciting flow of the Teesta River creates an ideal opportunity for river rafting for all thrill seekers. You will find various operators who provide decent packages for river rafting in Teesta. You can also add this activity to your Sikkim tour packages. This is one of the most thrilling activities that you can do with your friends and even as a solo traveler.
- Location: Created from Lhamo Lake, and flows through the entire Sikkim.
- Best Time: March to May
Paragliding in Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and has become a hub of thrilling activities. If you want to fly like a bird and enjoy the bird’s eye view of Gangtok Valley, you must try paragliding. You will find many paragliding service providers in Gangtok for paragliding such as Pangthang Bojoghari Village or Tashi View Point.
- Location: Multiple locations (Pangthang Bojoghari Village or Tashi View Point)
- Best Time: May to October
Ropeway Ride in Gangtok
Ropeway Ride is one of the best things to do in Sikkim and Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is the perfect location for this unique experience. A cable car ride or a ropeway ride in Gangtok is a must-do in Sikkim. If you experience this, your Sikkim trip is totally worth it. From the window seat, you will get a phenomenal view of Gangtok city along with mountains and valleys.
- Location: Deorali in Gangtok is the lowest point to ride the cable car
- Best time: Throughout the year
Visit Buddha Park in Ravangla
Buddha Park in Ravangla is the iconic landmark of Sikkim. The park consists of huge statues of Lord Buddha. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Sikkim. The 130 ft high Buddha statue attracts millions of tourists worldwide. The park is surrounded by lush green forests and mountains. It is also known as Tathagata Tsal. Do you know the statue of Buddha in Buddha Park was built of 60 tonnes of copper?
- Location: 8977+P8R, Ravangla, Sikkim 737139
- Best Time: Open 365 days (9 am to 6 pm every day)
Drive to Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is one of the best places to visit in India. It is a high-altitude motorable trek covered with snow throughout the year. At a height of 4,310m, Nathula Pass is a mountain pass on the Indo-Tibetan border. It is located on the Old Silk Route, Nathula Pass connects Sikkim to Tibet, The Autonomous Region of China. It is also an important religious site in Hinduism and Buddhism. People who have high altitude sickness or respiratory diseases like Asthma, COPD, or Lung Cancer should avoid visiting Nathula Pass as it has low Oxygen levels.
- Location: Nathu La Pass, Sikkim
- Best Time: March to June
Visit Kanchenjunga National Park
Kanchenjunga National Park is one of the popular tourist destinations in Sikkim. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sakyong, Sikkim. It is a national park and a biosphere reserve. Kanchenjunga National Park is home to nearly half of India’s bird diversity, wild trees, orchids and rhododendrons, and 1/3rd of the country’s flowering plants.
- Location: M88F+VRV, Sakkyong, Sikkim
- Best Time: Throughout the year
Chardham Temple or Siddheshwar Dham
Siddheshwar Dham Temple is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. This temple is dedicated to India’s most sacred Char Dham such as Badrinath, Dwarkadhish, Jagarnath Puri, and Rameshwaram. You can see all the Char Dham of India in a single place and due to this, this temple has become a popular tourist attraction in Sikkim.
- Location: 582V+JHR, Namchi – Namthang Rd, Agam Gram, Namchi, Rhenock, Sikkim 737126
- Best Time: Throughout the year
Conclusion
Sikkim, with its serene landscapes, vibrant culture, and unparalleled natural beauty, is truly a gem of the northeastern Himalayas. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a spiritual traveler, Sikkim offers a perfect blend of experiences that cater to all. From the pristine lakes and soaring mountains to its rich Buddhist heritage and warm local hospitality, every corner of Sikkim has something unique to offer. Make sure to immerse yourself in the local customs, explore the offbeat paths, and take back memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the enchanting charm of Sikkim on your next adventure!
FAQ
March to May and October to December are the best times to visit Sikkim. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the beauty of the region is at its peak with blooming flowers in spring and clear skies in autumn.
Sikkim has various places to see such as:
- Gangtok
- Tsomgo Lake
- Nathula Pass
- Yumthang Valley
- Pelling
- Lachen
- Lachung
- Zuluk
- Ravangla
- Gurudongmar Lake
If you’re coming to Sikkim with your family and friends, you can do several things such as:
- Explore MG Marg in Gangtok for shopping and dining
- Visit the serene Tsomgo Lake and take a yak ride
- Trek to the picturesque Yumthang Valley
- Enjoy the scenic drive to Nathula Pass
- Take a cable car ride in Gangtok for panoramic views
- Visit the Rumtek Monastery for a cultural experience
- Explore Pelling’s Rabdentse Ruins and SkyWalk
- Go river rafting in the Teesta River
- Relax in the hot springs of Yume Samdong
- Take a day trip to Gurudongmar Lake for its breathtaking beauty
Flight is the cheapest and the fastest way to reach Sikkim. From all major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, you can get direct flights to Sikkim.
Yes, Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit certain protected areas like Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, and North Sikkim. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit these regions.
A trip of 7 to 10 days is ideal to explore Sikkim’s major attractions and also indulge in activities like trekking, sightseeing, and visiting monasteries at a comfortable pace.
