Sikkim is a small state of India nestled between Nepal, and Bhutan. It’s the perfect escape from the intense heat and hustle of the big cities in India.
Sikkim is known for its glory mountains, quaint villages, pristine scenery, lakes, and vibrant monasteries.
It is a place to be discovered by curious tourists who wish to visit places that make an offbeat destination than the others.
So what makes Sikkim, as one of the most important tourist destinations and what to see?
1. Gangtok
The capital of the state of Sikkim, Gangtok reflects a unique ambiance that derives from its happy blend of tradition and modernity.
Gangtok also bustles like any other thriving town. So what to eat? Spend your days in Gangtok sampling local food such as thukpas, momos and sipping on a cup of local black tea as you watch the locals go about their lives.
Yuksom is known as the gateway to Khangchendzongha.
It’s a small town known for its beautiful landscapes and snow-capped mountains.
Yuksom is, hence a hotspot and the base camp for some of the most adventurous treks in Sikkim. Khecheopalri Lake is one of the most important highlights of Yuksom-Pelling Trek.
Image by Wikipedia
This lake is popularly considered as a wish-fulfilling lake and many people visit it from all across the world in the hope of getting their wishes fulfilled.
3. Goecha La
Image by Thrillophilia
The Goecha La trek is unarguably one of the best treks which takes you through the stunning and diverse Kanchenjunga National Park in the heart of Sikkim.
Goechala Trek is endless. For an explorer, it is a journey full of adventures where one can enjoy the adrenaline rush with its steep trails and bask in the beauty of nature.
Image by Himalyan Destination
It is one of those experiences with maximum splendid scenic extravaganza and thrilling adventurous hike that can leave the heart pumping, but filled with pleasure. The trek is not at all easy.
4. Lachen Village
Image by Lonely Planet
A perfect place to break your journey between Gangtok and Gurudongmar Lake. The drive to Lachen is laden by nature’s marvels – stop for scenic Instagram pictures with waterfalls, marvel at meandering brooks, or just sip on a cup of tea at a small eatery that offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains.
Image by nomadicweekendscom
Look out for old wooden homes on sturdy stone bases and decorated with colorful Tibetan-style window frames. Logs are stacked everywhere for winter fuel. Mornings and evenings are best for exploring rustic life.
5. Gurudongmar Lake
Image by Travel+Leisure
The journey takes about 5 hours from Lachen. You will doing off-roading for the majority of this time as a lot of the ‘roads’ in the area are just big gravels and pebbles.
Snowy mountains, valley of flowers, highest lakes of India, with countless waterfalls and people always willing to serve and help you with a smile, that is what a visit to Gurudongmar Lake offers.
Bagdogra is the nearest airport and the new Jalpaiguri Junction is the nearest railway station. You can get shared cabs or rentals from NJP or Siliguri to Gangtok. The major towns and villages are connected by shared vehicles, but the vehicles are fewer in number and you have to check the timings of the shared jeeps. You can even visit Sikkim in December and January
Smoking in public is banned in Sikkim. And so is plastic. They take cleanliness quite seriously. So while in Sikkim, do not throw the wrappers anywhere on road, you might just get penalized for it.
As I navigate through the realms of remote work, the concept of a workation has become more than just a buzzword—it's a lifestyle choice that blends productivity with the joy of exploration....
As I embarked on my journey to Ladakh, I couldn't help but reflect on the bygone era Rigzin Namgyal fondly spoke of, a time when only the most curious and adventurous souls...
India is a land of diversity, not only in terms of culture, language, and food but also when it comes to adventure sports. The country offers a wide range of adventure activities...