Sikkim, located in the north-east of India, is known for its amazing natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere and sacred culture. This state is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, beautiful lakes and ancient monasteries. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a major tourist destination, from where one can see the magnificent glimpse of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Places like Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Yuksom, Lachung, Lachen or Naamchi make it a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Adventure sports like trekking, paragliding and river rafting are the major attractions here.
If you are planning a perfect holiday trip, then definitely add the Best places to visit in Sikkim for a perfect holiday trip to your bucket list. The peace and beauty of this place will make your trip unforgettable.
How to reach Sikkim? Ways to travel by air, rail and road
By air: The nearest airport to Sikkim is Pakyong Airport (Gangtok) and Bagdogra Airport (West Bengal). Taxi or helicopter service is available from Bagdogra to Gangtok.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Sikkim is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), from where taxis and buses are easily available to Gangtok.
By road: Regular buses and taxi services are available from Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri to Gangtok.
Choose the right transport for the best places to visit in Sikkim for a perfect holiday trip and make your journey memorable!
Planning the right trip according to the weather of Sikkim
Choosing the right season is very important to enjoy the trip to Sikkim. Here, different seasons offer different experiences of beauty throughout the year.
Summer (March to June): This is the best time to visit Sikkim. During this time the weather is pleasant and the Best places to visit in Sikkim for a perfect holiday trip like Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake and Yumthang Valley bloom in their full beauty.
Monsoon (July to September): During this time there is heavy rainfall, due to which there is a possibility of landslides. If you want to stay away from adventure, then this time is not suitable.
Winter (October to February): This is the best season to enjoy snowfall. Places like Nathula Pass, Lachung and Lachen look very beautiful at this time.
If you want to get the perfect experience of natural beauty and adventure, then plan your trip according to the weather!
Famous tourist places in Sikkim: A confluence of nature and peace
Sikkim is famous for its natural beauty, serene atmosphere and amazing sights. If you are looking for the Best places to visit in Sikkim for a perfect holiday trip, then these places can make your trip memorable.
Gangtok: The capital of Sikkim, from where you get a beautiful glimpse of Kanchenjunga. MG Road, Tashi View Point and Rumtek Monastery are the main attractions here.
Nathula Pass: Located on the Indo-China border, this historical pass is famous for snowy hills and exciting drives.
Yuksom: It was the first capital city of Sikkim and is known for historical sites and trekking.
Tsomgo Lake: Surrounded by snow, this lake looks charming in every season. It is located 40 km from Gangtok.
Lachung and Lachen: These small villages are very famous for the Valley of Flowers Yumthang and Gurudongmar Lake.
Namchi: It is a centre of religious and natural beauty, where you can see the 118 feet high statue of Guru Padmasambhava.
If you are planning a trip to Sikkim, then definitely add these places to your bucket list!
What to do in Sikkim? A perfect blend of adventure and peace
Sikkim is known not only for its natural beauty but also for adventure and spiritual peace. If you are looking for the Best places to visit in Sikkim for a perfect holiday trip, then you will find many great things to do here.
- Trekking
Sikkim is a paradise for trekkers. Options like Goechala Trek, Yuksom Trek and Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek are perfect for adventure lovers.
- River Rafting
River rafting in the Teesta River is one of the most exciting activities in Sikkim. It gives a tremendous experience amidst fast currents and beautiful valleys.
- Paragliding
While enjoying paragliding in Gangtok and Ravangla, you can see the amazing view of snowy mountains and lush green valleys.
- Monastery Visits
One can experience mental peace and spirituality by visiting ancient Buddhist monasteries like Rumtek, Pemayangtse and Tashiding.
- Exploring Local Markets
Gangtok’s MG Road and Namchi’s local market are best for buying traditional Sikkimese handicrafts, woolen clothes and organic products.
Sikkim’s food: A unique confluence of taste and culture
Sikkim is known not only for its beauty but also for its amazing food. The traditional dishes here are influenced by Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese food. If you are planning the Best places to visit in Sikkim for a perfect holiday trip, then do not forget to taste the famous food here.
- Momos
The most famous street food of Sikkim. It is available in both veg and non-veg form and is served with spicy chutney.
- Thukpa
This is a traditional Tibetan noodle soup, in which vegetables, chicken or mutton are added. Eating it in cold weather is a great experience.
- Gundruk
This is a Nepalese dish, which is made by drying mustard and radish leaves. It is especially eaten as pickles or soup.
- Sukuti
This is a traditional Sikkimese dish made of dried meat, prepared in a spicy way.
- Sel Roti
This is a sweet, round and crispy Nepalese-influenced roti made from rice flour and eaten especially during festivals.
A trip to Sikkim is memorable not only for its natural beauty but also for its amazing food.
Unique culture and major festivals of Sikkim
Sikkim is not only famous for its natural beauty, but its rich culture and colorful festivals also give it a special identity. Influenced by Buddhist, Nepali and Lepcha traditions, the festivals of Sikkim reflect the cultural diversity here. If you are planning the Best places to visit in Sikkim for a perfect holiday trip, then definitely experience these festivals.
- Losoong
This is the biggest festival of Sikkim, which is celebrated in December as the Tibetan New Year. During this time traditional dances, games and religious rituals take place.
- Drukpa Tshechi
This festival is celebrated in memory of the first sermon of Lord Buddha. On this day Buddhist followers pray in monasteries and wish for peace and knowledge.
- Panchenh Lhabsol
This festival is celebrated to worship Mount Kanchenjunga. On this day, the people of Sikkim seek blessings of the mountain deity by performing traditional dances and rituals.
- Other major festivals
Festivals like Dasai, Tihar (Diwali), Maghe Sankranti and Buddha Purnima are also celebrated with great pomp in Sikkim.
The atmosphere of Sikkim comes alive during these festivals, making it a unique travel experience
Best options to stay in Sikkim
The real fun of visiting Sikkim comes only when you get the right place to stay. There are all kinds of hotels and resorts available here, from budget to luxury. If you are planning the Best places to visit in Sikkim for a perfect holiday trip, then these are some of the best options.
Budget Hotels
For travelers who want an economical stay, there are many good budget hotels available in Gangtok, Lachung and Namchi. Hotels like Hotel Mount Sinoe, Hotel Royal Phoenix offer good rooms and facilities for ₹1000-₹2500 per night.
Mid-Range Hotels
If you want a little comfort, then hotels like Sincon Residency, Hotel Temi House and Myself Horizon offer excellent facilities for ₹3000-₹6000 per night.
Luxury Hotels & Resorts
For stunning views and premium amenities, Mayfair Spa Resort, Elgin Nor-Khill Hotel and The Norbu Ghang Retreat are the best options, which can cost upwards of ₹8000 per night.
Conclusion:
Sikkim is a state of India which is known for its amazing natural beauty, serene atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. Snow covered mountains, lush green valleys, waterfalls, lakes and Bodhi monasteries make it a perfect destination to visit.
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Sikkim for a perfect holiday trip, then Sikkim will not disappoint you. There are beautiful places like trekking, river rafting and paragliding for adventure lovers, Rumtek and Pemayangtse Monastery for spiritual peace seekers, and Tsomgo Lake, Yumthang Valley and Nathula Pass for nature lovers.
Apart from this, Sikkim’s wonderful food, friendly people and clean environment make it one of the most special tourist destinations in India.
Also Read:- International trips, Summer Travel