Sikkim

Explore Sikkim

The first glimpse of Sikkim tourism excites tourists with a scenic view of chains of mountains and lush greenery. In fact, the state claims dramatic contours that array from dense forests to barren lands and patches of meadows. The northern part of Sikkim is principally known for its high altitude lakes like Gurudongmar, and that of a paddock called Valley of Flowers. The scenery of this part of the state is quite idiosyncratic, and that is why it is mostly chosen by adventurers who relish trekking, camping and mountaineering here. Also, the wildlife lovers enjoy their visit to North Sikkim which houses a larger percentage of famous Khangchendzonga National Park. Apart from the lofty mountains, lakes and alpine meadows, the nature lovers can get enthralled by the overwhelming beauty of the meandering and scintillating rivers like Teesta and Rangit that cut and run through several popular destinations in Sikkim. The enormous cascades/waterfalls such as Seven Sisters also add the splash of surrealness to the state, whereas the alpine mountain passes like Nathu La and Goecha La help in adding more to the character of the heavenly place.

Standing second to the nature’s bountifulness in Sikkim are the vibrant sacred sites. Sikkim, home to a numerous quantities of Buddhist monasteries and a decent sum of Hindu Temples, Churches and Gurudwaras, releases it door wide for pilgrimage tours. The state that has been said to have been sanctified by Guru Padmasambhav himself is dotted with 200 monasteries, each being exclusive in its own way. Amongst the prominent Buddhist places in Sikkim include Samdruptse, where the world’s highest Guru Padmasambhav statue is established. Then there are monasteries like Tashiding, Pemayangtse, Enchey, Phensang, Rumtek, Ralong, Tolung, Phodang, and Labrang Palden Phuntsok that draws the thoughtfulness of the Buddhist pilgrims and tourists alike. The Sai Mandir and the Kiretshwar Mahadev Temple on the banks of River Rangit in Legship are two important religious sites in Sikkim for Hindu pilgrims. In Sikkim, the religious feel is not narrowed to monasteries and temples, the state also is scattered with hotsprings like Borong and Ralong that have healing & therapeutic properties, there are also 4 caves – Jhang Lhari Nyingphug in the North, Lho Kando Sangphug in the South, Sharchog Beyphug in the East and Nub Dechenphug in the West, and lakes like Gurudongmar and Khecheopalri that are reflected as holy destinations in Sikkim.

Adventure is an indispensable part of Sikkim tourism that imitates the uniqueness of this unmatched destinations that never fails to thrill. The state offers outstanding trekking experience to both amateur as well as experienced adventurists with its unspoiled trekking trails that passes through woods of silver fir, rhododendron; hemlock, and magnolia forests, high altitude mountain passes, and lesser explored lakes. Amongst the popular treks in Sikkim include the Green Lake Trek, Goecha La Trek and Barsey Rhododendron Trek. For wildlife adventurists, Sikkim suggests a number of wildlife reserves that are abounding with rare animal and bird species. Apart from the famed Khangchendzonga National Park, the state has Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, a home to Red Panda, and Civet cat, Himalayan Black Bear; Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, which shelters Red Panda and a variety of birds like blood pheasant and black eagle. River Rafting is yet alternative opportunity for adventure in Sikkim, as the state concentrates its Teesta and Rangit Rivers for an adrenaline-charged watersport activity.

What hooks the eyes in Sikkim the most is the rich ethos this Northeast state is endowed with. Peacefully populated by the Bhutias, Nepali and Lepcha people, Sikkim offers a stirring diversity to witness whose inspiration can be seen in the food, culture as well as festivals. It wouldn’t be unfitting to say that each month of the year in the state is a celebration, with fairs & festivals conquering a few days of the locals. In fact, the state now witnesses a number of tourism festivals like World Tourism Day along with religious and agriculture festivals, growing the count of celebrations that one can be part of while touring Sikkim. Amongst the prevalent festivals in Sikkim include Bhumchu, Loosong, Losar, Saga Dawa, and Phang Lhabsol. The harmonic diversity of Sikkim can also be observed in its food habit, contributed by the three different sects of people, the state offers a fascinating blend of dishes that can make any mouth drool. An ideal way to plunge into the lives of Sikkimese people and their culture is by embarking on a village tour. It is true, numerous villages in Sikkim like Dzongu and Kewzing have thrown their doors open to tourism, and even deal in homestay facilities.