Sikkim - Playing Peek-a-boo with the Himalayas

This erstwhile mountain kingdom of the long gone era still retains a distinctive magnetism. With its misty Himalayan peaks, a labyrinth of plunging valleys, lush woodlands, dense rhododendron forests and a beautiful blend of Buddhist & Nepalese culture; Sikkim is not a place to see but an experience to soak in!  Clean, green & organic environ and super friendly people welcome you to this mountain state.  

Major Destinations

Gangtok- Enchanting & Exhilarating

Towering mountain passes, crystal glacial lakes, plunging green valleys, adventurous trekking trails, and graceful monasteries in the clouds – the capital city of Gangtok invites you for an exhilarating experience.

Major Attractions

• Tsomgo Lake
• Do Drul Chorten- Buddhist Shrine
• Rumtek Monastery
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
• Hanuman Tok
• Tashi View Point
• Nathula Pass
• Seven Sister Waterfalls
• Enchey Monastery

Pelling- A Mountain Chimera

This west Sikkim scenic hill town with its lush mountains, exhilarating waterfalls, beautiful monasteries, timeless ruins, fascinating trekking trails and a host of adventure activities; is truly a traveler’s paradise!

Major Attractions

• Pemayangtse Monastery
• Khangchendzonga Waterfall
• Khecheopalri Lake
• Rabdentse Ruins
• Sewaro Rock Garden
• Adventure activities like trekking, skiing, white-water rafting, kayaking and mountain biking.

Yuksom- Picture-Perfect

Perched at an elevation of 1780m, Yuksom is often known as the gateway to Kanchenjunga. This fairy-tale village nestled in the lap of Himalayas, with its awesome views and pristine beauty is a postcard destination.

Major Attractions

• Tashiding Monastery
• Khangchendzonga National Park
• Coronation Throne of Norbugang
• Kartok Monastery
• Tashi Tenka- Ruins of the royal palace.

Namchi- Up Away in the Clouds!

This small town in south Sikkim, Namchi, literally translating into “top of the sky”, offers unparalleled views of majestic Kanchanjunga and Rangit Valley. Its beautiful temples and tranquil monasteries set the spiritual vibe of the city.

Major Attractions

• Ngadak Monastery
• Samdruptse Hill
• Tendong Hill
• Doling Gompa
• Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Solophok Chardham

Other Destinations

Some of the other beautiful destinations in Sikkim include Aritar, Lachung, Lachen, Legship, and Geyzing.

Fairs & Festival in Sikkim

• Losar Festival
• International Flower Festival
• Tendong Lho Rum Faat
• Lhabab Duchen

Shopping in Sikkim

Exquisite Sikkimese porcelain cups, bamboo & cane handicrafts, Tibetan prayer bells & flags, Thangkas and other Tibetan relics, woolen carpets, traditional dresses and Sikkim tea- take a slice of Sikkim along!

Food in Sikkim

Food in Sikkim is a rich combination of native Sikkamese, Tibetan and Nepali cuisine. Momos (dumplings), Thupka, (rich noodle soup), Phagshapa (tangy pork dish), Sha Phaley
(ground beef snack), Gundruk (a vegetarian Nepali dish), Sinki( a fermented dish of radish roots) are some of the dishes that you must try.

Best Time to Visit

Though Sikkim may be visited all-year round but the peak season is in summers from March to June and in winters from October to December.

How to Reach

By Air- The closest airport is around 124kms in Bagdogra, in the neighboring state of West Bengal.
By Rail- The nearest railhead located in New Jalpaiguri, around 117 km away from Gangtok, is connected to major Indian cities.
By Road- Sikkim is connected with major cities in the area through a network of roads & highways.