Sikkim - Home to the Kanchenjunga

The smallest state in India is Sikkim, which is situated in the country’s northeast. The remarkable shaping of the landscape as one crosses this Himalayan state—from dense trees to vibrant meadows to a few barren places to wide views of the snow-capped mountains—is especially striking. Sikkim is undoubtedly a place that people fall in love with. It is inhabited by kindhearted people who provide some of the best hospitality and boasts amazing treks, snow activities, and picturesque landscapes.

Kanchenjunga, the state’s crown jewel and the third-highest mountain in the world, can be seen from practically anywhere. The state welcomes many visitors all year round and is known for its chilly winters and cool summers. The recently opened Pakyong airport near Gangtok, which is primarily accessible by road from neighboring states, is a prime example of the government’s efforts to improve connectivity.

Sikkim operated as a sovereign country with its own monarchy up until 1975, when it was integrated with India. Since then, it has developed into a vital part of India, with a particular culture that now has several features. Numerous monasteries and Hindu shrines may be found nearby as a result of the harmonious cohabitation of the dominant Nepalese community with the indigenous Bhutias and the immigrant Lepchas.

Explore Sikkim

Sikkim is situated in the Eastern Himalayas. Its northern boundary is shared with Tibet, while its western, eastern, and southern borders are with Nepal, Bhutan, and West Bengal. On the boundary between Nepal and Sikkim stands Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. The largest river in Sikkim is the Tista, while Rangeet is another significant river in the region.

The state is highly forested in around one-third of its area. The northern, eastern, and western borders of Sikkim are bordered by the Himalayan mountains. Find yourself surrounded by beautiful scenery of snow-covered mountains in the winter and mountains covered in lush vegetation in the summer. In addition, Sikkim has hot springs known for their therapeutic benefits. The state’s capital is Gangtok, the largest city in the region.

Lepchas, Limbus, and Magars were the first people to live in Sikkim, according to the state’s history. Buddhist Saint Guru Rinpoche is credited with bringing Buddhism to the region during his passage through in the ninth century. Four hundred years later, when three Tibetan monks moved to Yuksom in western Sikkim in protest against the development of the reformist Gelupas, Buddhism assumed its distinctive Sikkimese form. The British, the Nepalese, and the Bhutanese all gained control of the region over the years. Sikkim remained a sovereign nation after gaining independence from British rule in 1947. Then, on April 26, 1975, it joined India and became the 22nd state in the union.

Adventure Activities to do in Sikkim

You may experience a wide range of exhilarating adventures in Sikkim. Goechala Trek is the greatest for those who enjoy hiking. Enjoy the beautiful hills and the bubbling stream of waters as you stroll through the deep woodlands and gorgeous meadows. Another adventure that is sure to make you feel the surge of adrenaline is river rafting in the Teesta river. Also thrilling is a yak ride close to Tsomgo Lake. Bells and ribbons are hung around the yaks’ necks, and they are dressed in colorful wool clothing.

You should also include the Gangtok cable car trip on your list of things to do. From the city’s highest point, you may enjoy breathtaking views. Another thing you must try in Sikkim is mountain riding on the region’s untamed and stunning terrains. The longest mountain bike path in the nation, according to some, runs from Gangtok to Rangpo. While admiring the splendor of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains, you can also engage in paragliding and mountaineering.

Best time to visit Sikkim

March through June and September through December are the best months to visit Sikkim because of the pleasant weather. Sikkim experiences snowfall in the months of January and February, and it is best to avoid traveling during the monsoon season (July to August) because there is a chance of landslides. Summers are consistently warm. In the winter months, snowfall is common (Late December to February).

F.A.Q.

How to Reach Sikkim

How to Reach Sikkim by Flight

The closest airport to Sikkim is in Bagdogra, which is around 124 kilometers from Gangtok, the state’s capital. Both public and private transportation options are available at Bagdogra Airport for further trips. The local taxi stand, located 50 meters from the terminal, offers both shared and private jeeps for destinations like Darjeeling, Siliguri, Gangtok, etc. Public buses and shared vehicles are readily available further down, at a distance of 700–800 km from the taxi stand.

How to Reach Sikkim by Train

New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is roughly 6-7 kilometers from Siliguri and 130 km from Gangtok, is the closest significant railway station. Siliguri, which is about 114 kilometers from Gangtok, has very few direct trains that go through it. Road travel is an option from Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri railway stations.

How to Reach Sikkim by Road

The primary entry point to Sikkim is Siliguri. Gangtok and Siliguri are connected via National Highway 31A. The drive is pleasant because of the beautiful, lush forests along the Teesta River’s banks on one side and the Eastern Himalayan range on the other. There are regularly scheduled public transportation options from Siliguri to Gangtok, Kalimpong, Kurseong, etc., including buses, shared jeeps, and auto-rickshaws. From Siliguri, one may choose to take a private taxi to their destination.

Sikkim Helicopter Service

It just takes 20 minutes to go from Bagdogra to Gangtok using the daily helicopter service provided by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation. The five-seater helicopter not only makes getting to Sikkim simpler, but it also offers an amazing opportunity to experience the magnificent state like never before. The Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation presents a Certificate of Participation to the passengers aboard this chopper.

Timings:

Gangtok to Bagdogra – 11:00 AM
Bagdogra to Gangtok – 2:30 PM
Flight Duration: 35 minutes
Cost: INR 3500 per person

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Reviews

 4.9/5

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is popularly known as Toy Train. The highest hill railway in India is one of the primary attractions for tourists from around the world.

Batasia Loop

Reviews

 4.9/5

An engineering marvel is the Batasia Loop. A magnificent technical achievement is located 5 km from Darjeeling.

Tiger Hill

Reviews

 4.9/5

This location, 13 kilometers from the town and at an elevation of 2590 meters, is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking sunrise views of “Kanchenjunga”

Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway

Reviews

 4.9/5

The Darjeeling Ropeway is a rope-way in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The 5 km long rope-way is a tourist destination in the town.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Reviews

 4.9/5

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was established in Darjeeling, India on 4 November 1954 to encourage mountaineering as an organized sport in India.

Shrubbery Nightingale Park

Reviews

 4.9/5

Located in the mesmerizing hill station of Darjeeling, the Nightingale Park is a public park area frequented by the tourists to relish gorgeous views of the Kanchenjunga ranges.