Sikkim is the smallest state in northeast India and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Bordered by Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the west, West Bengal in the south and Nepal in the east, Sikkim stands as a tiny hamlet of shimmering lights in the looming shadows of the mighty Himalayas. There are many attractions in Sikkim. From the vibrant hustle-bustle of Gangtok to the picturesque beauty of Changu Lake, from the magnificence of Kanchenjungha to the floral kaleidoscope of Yumthang Valley, Sikkim is a favoured haunt for honeymooners and adventure junkies alike. Sikkim tour package operators offer trips that cater to a wide range of interests. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip including the best time to visit northeast India.
Sikkim offers an uninterrupted panorama of scenic beauty. The landscape changes as you move from one part of the state to the next, to open up different and more mesmeric sights. While north Sikkim greets you with a burst of colour at Yumthang Valley, the west beckons with the pristine waters of Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and the spectacular views of Kanchenjungha at Pelling. As you move southwards, the picturesque town of Ravangla stands at the base on Maenam Hill, a great place if you want to trek the Himalayas. South Sikkim is also home to several natural sulphur springs, known for their medicinal qualities. Nathula Pass remains the highlight of east Sikkim. The pass connects India and Tibet and forms part of the historic Silk Route.
Sikkimese culture is a cohesive mix of Nepali, Lepcha and Bhutia traditions. These communities coexist in perfect harmony with one another. They celebrate their original identities while collectively making up the broader tapestry of Sikkimese culture. Examples can be seen in the coexistence of places of worship belonging to different religions- like temples, monasteries, churches and mosques. The same applies to the different festivals, cuisines and languages all found celebrated with equal fervour across the state. Join in the gaiety of Losar, the Tibetan New Year celebrations in the last week of February or the festival of Ram Navami held in honour of Lord Rama in April. There is no one best time to visit northeast India as every month offers new attractions.
Sikkim with its rugged slopes and high altitude mountain passes offers some of the best trekking trails in the country. Most Himalayan trekking companies offer a tour of Sikkim in their travel itineraries. The Green Lake trek to the base of Mount Kanchenjungha is the most sought after trek in Sikkim. The route takes you to Zemu glacier in north Sikkim through a beautiful landscape dotted with exquisite flowers like blue poppies and rhododendrons. It’s important to note that several treks in Sikkim require clearance from New Delhi. The Dzongri- Goecha La trek is another popular route in Sikkim with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a rich population of flora and fauna. If you want to trek the Himalayas, Sikkim is the place for you.
The capital city of Gangtok is a picturesque hill resort that is the chosen base for travellers in Sikkim. The town is the perfect gateway to the mountains with fantastic views of the Kanchenjungha. There are some great places to visit in Gangtok. The highlight of all Gangtok tourism packages is the cable car ride from Deorali to Tashiling Secretariat. The one kilometre stretch on the ropeway provides a bird’s eye view of the town and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Gangtok. MG Marg, is the hub of Gangtok city life with hordes of roadside stalls selling their wares and several cafeterias and restaurants. A few kilometres from Gangtok lies Hanuman Tok, a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. At an altitude of 7200 ft, this is a great spot to get away from the hustle-bustle of city life and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Sikkim is home to several prominent monasteries and temples that bear testimony to the state’s religious and cultural diversity. The Kirateswar Mahadev temples dedicated to Lord Shiva on the banks of the river Rangit is a holy site for Hindu devotees who believe worship here will absolve them of their sins. Similarly, Samdruptse with a 135 ft. statue of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche is a sacred site for Buddhist pilgrimage. Operators of Sikkim tours also include Solopok in their itineraries. With a massive 87 ft. statue of Lord Shiva, the pilgrimage site on Solopok Hill houses replicas of 12 jyotirlingas as well as the four sacred dhams of Hinduism namely- Badrinath, Jagannath, Rameshwar and Dwarka.
Sikkim is a favoured destination for honeymooners. With the snowy slopes of the Kanchenjungha as the backdrop Sikkim is an idyllic paradise of verdant valley, icy lakes, ancient monasteries and exquisite flora. It is the perfect getaway for couples offering some of the most beautiful but unfrequented spots in the country. Whether it’s the beauty of the floral backdrop of Yumthang or the thrill of walking on a bridge over a 70 ft. waterfall at Bhankari, Sikkim provides the perfect setting for a romantic holiday. Our Sikkim tour package operators have several tours designed exclusively for honeymooners. So come to Sikkim and create some special memories that will last a lifetime.