Informative

A Travel Guide to Sikkim

Neeti Singhal

Last updated: 28-09-2023

History called it the Garden of Indra, Lepcha people who are the original inhabitants of Sikkim call it Paradise, the Bhutias call it The Hidden Valley of Rice and the Limbu word for Sikkim translates to New Palace. These names together list out all that defines Sikkim and truly bring out the personality of the state. 

Sikkim is the only brother state of the Seven Sisters that make up Northeast India. Attached securely to mainland India, it is also the only northeastern state that lies on the other side of the 22 km long Chicken’s Neck that connects the other seven states from mainland India. This state that houses a wide range of distinctive beauty characteristic of the Northeastern landscape, shares its borders with West Bengal in the south, Nepal in the west, China in the north and Bhutan in the east. It is a melting pot of cultures and religions which the state proudly showcases in its mural-filled walls and architectural design.

(Read, Nine Places to Visit in Northeast India in Summers)

 

With over 500 species of birds including some which are declared endangered, over 1400 species of butterflies and a large variety of mammals and reptiles such as Himalayan crestless porcupine, pangolin and the Burmese python, Sikkim supports a rich and unique ecosystem. The lower reaches of the state are thick with orchids, apple orchards, cardamom, ginger, orange groves and massive stretches of paddy fields. The upper reaches of the state are rich in countless colours of rhododendrons and a distinctive alpine terrain full with high mountain walls, dense forests and glacial lakes.

 

A Travel Guide to Sikkim

 

Although the second smallest state in India, Sikkim houses a world of experiences within its limited boundaries. From scorching valleys with not too much elevation to some of the highest mountains in the world, Sikkim has it all. Home to the third highest peak in the world, Kanchenjunga (8,586M), Sikkim has so much beauty in the form of its high rise mountains, lush green forests, its rich flora and fauna, the rivers that run amuck all throughout the state, the many medicinal hot springs and of course its people. A growing circuit of roads penetrate the many corners of this mountainous state – and where the roads end, you can always find some remarkable trekking routes to take you deeper into the state.

Here is all you need to know to plan your trip to this beautiful mountain state.

 

Why Should You Travel to Sikkim: Five Interesting Facts About The State

1. Sikkim became part of India in 1975 before which it was an independent mountain kingdom. It was added to the North Eastern Council (NEC) as recently as December of 2002. The state retains its distinctive personality and the remembrances of its many titles through its diversity in traditions and religions. The state has over TWO HUNDRED monasteries. The most famous ones are Rumtek Monastery and Phodong Monastery, both of which are easily accessible from the capital city of Gangtok.

 

2. In 2016, Sikkim became the first organic state in the world. An agrarian economy for the most part, Sikkim banned chemical fertilizers and pesticides. They implemented 100% organic farming as early as 2003. The state was also cited to be a crime-free state with the best governance. The government had a major role to play in turning the massive 138,000 hectares of cropped area into organic land by providing resources, subsidies, awareness drives and recognition for behavior change and monitoring through imposing heavy fines. The state is now bearing fruit of these hard labours in the form of increased production of crops, a healthy environment and healthy people. 

(Read, Interesting Facts about Northeast India)

 

3. Sikkim is the second largest producer of cardamom worldwide. It is also famous for producing the hottest chilli in the world, Dalle Khorsani. Remember to try some with your food when you pay this lovely state a visit – don’t forget to keep a bottle of water next to you, because you will definitely need it!

 

4. Over 45% of the geographical landmass of Sikkim is covered in forests. The total forested area is divided between at least 6 National Parks, one of which, the Kangchenjunga National Park, is a UNESCO site. The state also has one of the highest numbers of high-altitude glacial lakes some of which are Gurudongmar Lake (5,150M) and Tso Lhamo (5,100M).

 

A Travel Guide to Sikkim

 

Teesta river, which is one of the largest tributaries of the Brahmaputra River originates in Sikkim. The Zemu glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in Northeastern Himalayas, is the birthplace of Teesta which nourishes the entire state of Sikkim.  

 

How to Get to Sikkim

By Air

The newly inaugurated airport in Sikkim, Pakyong, which is 32 kms from the capital city Gangtok, receives flights from Delhi and Kolkata. These, however, may be expensive and infrequent. Another way to get into Sikkim is to fly to Bagdogra, in West Bengal. Bagdogra receives frequent flights from all major cities in India. Gangtok is 125 kms away from Bagdogra. There are shared and private cabs available right outside the airport to bring you to Gangtok. Sikkim Tourism Board also operates helicopter services between Bagdogra and Gangtok.

 

By Rail

The closest railway station to Sikkim is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal. It is 125 kms from Gangtok. Shared and private cabs are easily available from here to get to Gangtok. 

 

By Road

The Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) bus service connects Gangtok to all the neighbouring states like Kalimpong, Darjelling and Siliguri. 

 

Permits And Documentation Required to Travel to Sikkim

While a special permit is not required by nationals to enter the borders of the state, foreigners need an Inner Line Permit to get into Sikkim. The validity of the permits is time bound. Certain areas are restricted to foreigners and domestic travelers need official permits to visit these areas like Nathula Pass, as well. Trekking trails require permits too. But these are usually taken care of by the agency you go through. Single foreign nationals are not allowed on some of the trekking trails in Sikkim. They get a permit only if there are two or more foreign travelers in a group. Since Sikkim falls along the border with China, the Indian Army has control over a large part of the state, as it is a sensitive border area. Information about which areas are accessible to foreigners and areas requiring a PAP/ILP can be found here

 

Understanding The Map Of Sikkim

Sikkim is broadly divided in 4 districts. Each district boasts of highlights of its own.

 

A Travel Guide to Sikkim

 

East Sikkim

The bustling cosmopolitan city of Gangtok, which is the capital of Sikkim, sits on one edge of East Sikkim. At an elevation of 1,650M, the city overlooks the Ranikhola River which meanders in the valley below. Some interesting places to visit in East Sikkim are Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass

 

North Sikkim

As the largest area in Sikkim but also the least populous, the district boasts of immense and untouched natural beauty. It is an area with the maximum green cover found anywhere in Sikkim and a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is literally a naturalist’s paradise. The district exudes the strong Himalayan vibe Northeastern states are most famous for. Phodong Monastery, Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang are some of the most sought after places in North Sikkim. 

 

South Sikkim

South Sikkim has not gained as much popularity as North Sikkim which automatically means that it has sparser crowds. It, hence, is the best place to travel to if you are looking for some solitude. Home to the only tea gardens in the state, the Temi Tea Gardens, South Sikkim is a peaceful district where numerous trekking trails bring you to the many quiet villages and different vantage points, each of which introduces you to a unique face of the district. Maeman Wildlife Sanctuary, Tendong Hills, Ravangla and Namchi are some of the places that are worth a visit.

 

West Sikkim

Home to the UNESCO site and one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in India, Kanchenjunga National Park, West Sikkim is a rich ecological zone with striking altitudinal variations. It has everything from temperate to alpine terrain. West Sikkim is the best place to be if you are looking for some stunning trekking trails rich in all that is unique about the Northeastern landscape. Some of the most well-known trekking trails like the Goechala Trek, Dzongri Trek and the like are part of West Sikkim. Yuksam, which is a trekking hub and the starting point of most treks in Sikkim lies in this district. Other places like the Hilley – Bersay Rhododendron Sanctuary are best visited in spring when the forests thick with rhododendrons are in full bloom. Pelling is another interesting town worth a visit.

 

A Travel Guide to Sikkim

 

Five Things You Absolutely Must Do In Sikkim

1. Visit the countless monasteries stationed in the most peculiar places all across the state

2. Backpack through the many glorious trekking trails in Sikkim

3. Visit the Kanchenjunga National Park and other biosphere hubs in the state

4. Get a slice of history at Nathula Pass and top it up by visiting the sacred Gurudongmar Lake 

5. Immerse yourself in the culture of this lively state and definitely try their distinctive local cuisine

 

Five Best Places In Sikkim For An Adventure Lover

1. Goechala Trek 

This is probably one of the most popular treks in the Northeastern region and rightly so. The beauty of the Kanchenjunga National Park is truly one of a kind and very characteristic of the beauty of this entire region. 

Burrowed deep within the leafy jungles of the Kanchenjunga National Park, the coveted Goechala trek takes you disarmingly close to the third highest mountain range in the world. What fascinates us most about this trek is how up-close and life size some of the celebrated peaks of the Himalayas appear on this trail. 

There is a lot that is special about this trail and what’s even better is the way it changes its character in different seasons giving you a whole different experience each time.

 

A Travel Guide to Sikkim

 

2. Danphebir La Pass Trek 

While Goechala trek invites a fair number of trekkers on its trail each year, the Danphebir La Pass trek is a bit shyer in comparison. 

Trailing right alongside the border, this off-beat trek in West Sikkim blurs the boundaries between Nepal and India. In the already less explored state of Sikkim, the trail to Danphebir La, the high mountain pass called the Pass of the Pheasant sitting at an elevation of 4,530M, remains fully untouched.

 

A Travel Guide to Sikkim

 

3. Nathu La Pass

Traditionally stated to mean ‘the whistling pass’, Nathu La at 4,310M is a high-mountain pass in East Sikkim which connects Kalimpong and Gangtok to the villages of lower Chumbi Valley. Strong winds and heavy snow fall for 7-8 months of a year in the region makes the pass hard to access. Summers are the best shot one has of actually making it there. The area is rich in a wide variety of flora and fauna; it is a safe home to some endangered species like Tibetan wolf, snow leopard, Tibetan gazelle, ruddy shelduck, the golden eagle, lammergeyer and many more. It is a literal paradise for bird lovers. Species like the laughing thrush, redstarts, forktails, warblers, kestrels, monals and many more are very easy to spot since they thrive here in large numbers. Since it is right at the border with just a barbed wire separating the two nations, the pass of high military significance. Only Indian nationals are allowed to visit the pass on specific days of the week after obtaining a special permit from Gangtok. The pass is only 70 kms and a two hour drive away from Gangtok.

 

A Travel Guide to Sikkim

 

4. Valley of Flowers in Yumthang

Situated 150 kms from Gangtok to the North of Sikkim, Yumthang is a tiny ecosystem all on its own with rivers, hot springs, grazing yaks, rolling meadows and an infinite stretch of stunning flowers that cover the entire valley. Somehow this pretty amazing spread of beauty gets even more spellbinding when placed against the hard texture of the Eastern Himalayan peaks standing thousands of meters tall in the background.

The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in Yumthang is home to over 35 different species of rhododendrons. Besides that, miles on end are filled with delightful flora such as the iris, cobra lilies, poppies, louseworts and primulas. For its fill of the flowers across all its valleys, no wonder rhododendrons are the state flower of Sikkim!

 

A Travel Guide to Sikkim

 

The flowering season is late February to mid-June which means this is the perfect place to be on your summer visit to the northeast. 

Point to remember: Because it is right by the border with China, you need a special permit to get here. You can get the permit made in Gangtok. The 100 kms between Gangtok and Lachung – the nearest village with accommodation, can be covered in about a 4 hour drive.

 

5. Kishong Lake 

This offbeat trek in North Sikkim brings you to a largely untouched landscape. This unexplored region greets you to herds of yak grazing under the towering snow-capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga range of mountains. From the beautifully forested valleys to the higher alpine regions to the land of the high mountains, the route for this minimally explored trek greets you with surprises on every turn to eventually bring you to the high-altitude lake. Of the over 200 lakes in the mountainous state of Sikkim, Kishong Lake is one of the holiest. It holds great significance for the Lepcha tribe, believed to be one of the oldest tribes to live, to this day. They believe this lake at the altitude of 4,500M marks the way to heaven and also that this is where their people originated from.

 

Neeti Singhal

A psychologist, a developmental researcher, and a constant seeker of stories, Neeti is usually found Read more

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