Who doesn’t want to head to “The Home to the Kangchenjunga?” (Also spelled as Kanchenjunga). Did you know Kangchenjunga is the 3rd highest peak in the world at almost 8600 meters from the sea level? It is Sikkim that has been attracting people from all other parts of India and even from outside India. This North-Eastern state is an epitome of beauty that you fancy. Summers and winters are both pleasant and call for the excellent temperature. It is not surprising that it is one of the best places to visit in India. If you stay around this hill station, you must make it a point to visit Sikkim as a mandate state to be seen around. If you are Gangtok, Sikkim, you will be able to view the third highest peak that is Kanchenjunga from any part of the city. It is an ideal place for a family trip. Also, due to a number of snow activities available, it can be termed as a city ideal for adventure trip too.
The snowcapped mountains will leave a mark in your life to an extent that you will want to visit this place, not just one other time, but over and over again. The city is not just less polluted but full of places that are worth visiting. The beauty is such that it makes one fall in love with the place.
Things to Visit in Sikkim
1. Gangtok
Being the capital city, you can’t ignore visiting this place. The capital is located at an altitude of 1800 meters and makes for an excellent holiday destination with friends and family. There is no doubt it is one of the best hill stations in India. Covered with thick cloud and beautiful mountains, Gangtok is a perfect combination of city life with a pinch of modern lifestyle.
2. North Sikkim
This part of Sikkim attracts more people than the other part. This part also has the borders of China as well as Nepal. If you love hiking and trekking and are on an adventure trip, you must visit Mangan, the headquarter of North Sikkim. This less explored city of Sikkim is a favorite of many adventure lovers owing to the pristine charisma. Gurudongmar Lake is a place that is not just beautiful, but a place visited by many for its history as well as view. This lake which sits at the height of over 5,400 meters is one of the highest situated lakes in the world.
3. South Sikkim
Love Nature? Sikkim’s southern part is where you would want to be for the best experience. The headquarter of South Sikkim is Namchi and it is at an altitude of over 4,300 feet. The distance from the main Gangtok is just less than 100 kilometers. Although it appears to be close, the time taken to reach there is immense for the ups and downs you get on your way, however these ups and downs the mountains are also why people taking the drive…. The views are just so much mesmerizing.
4. Gurudongmar Lake
A place that is serene, majestic and truly surreal is this lake. Regarded as one of the highest lakes, it is located at an altitude of 17,800 feet above the sea level. It is also true that this lake’s water is considered to be extremely holy with healing power. Do you believe in spirituality and religion? This lake may just add more to your belief. It is best to go on this trip with friends.
5. Lachen
Pilgrims, as well as tourists, like to visit this place for the beauty this place carries. The town is extremely beautiful with loads of Buddhist pilgrims flocking here for the popular Lachung Monastery. Although fewer people in the area, it is worth visiting this town. People on family trips like to be a part of this small town.
6. Lachung
A mountain village which is situated in North Sikkim, the place is popular for waterfalls that call people even from the remotest areas of the country. The mountains covered in snow is also a terrific site that one can’t ignore when passing through the city. Yumthang Valley, a popular landmark of Sikkim is also located here. Do visit this valley when you are in Lachung.
7. Kanchenjunga National Park
A name that has got recent addition in UNESCO’s world heritage site is Kanchenjunga National Park. The park is at an elevation of 8586 meters, trekkers find it amusing being here when on an adventure trip. It is located in North Sikkim and calls trekkers and hikers from all over the world.
8. Treks in Sikkim
When in Sikkim, you can’t miss out on the trekking expeditions. Plan to visit Barsey Rhododendron Trek, Dzongri Trek, Kasturi Trek and more. Of course, you need to plan it in advance for better packages within your limit. The experience of trekking in Sikkim is extraordinary for the visual that one gets from the top.
Sikkim has more natural beauties to attend to. You just can’t plan two days trip and visit all the beautiful places around. Other places that might interest you are Biksthang, Yuksom, Cholamu Lake, Nathu La Pass, Rumtek Monastery, etc.
Budget
Sikkim is quite expensive when it comes to local transportation. It is therefore important that you have a budget of at least Rs 6000 if it is a two to three days trip to the state. The maximum will depend on your habit of spending and the luxury you choose.
Distance
Sikkim is at a distance of only 71 kilometers from Siliguri in case you are willing to have a weekend getaway. The distance between Darbhanga to Sikkim is 298 kilometers, from Kathmandu, Nepal, it is 329 kilometers and from Delhi, it is 1603 kilometers.
How to Reach Sikkim
If you are planning to choose the roadways, the distance from Shiliguri and nearby towns can be covered in 3 to 4 hours.
If you wish to travel by train, the nearest railway station is Jalpaiguri or NJP (New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway Station). From here, you take local transport and reach Sikkim.
If you plan to fly, the nearest airport is Bagdogra. From Bagdogra airport, the distance is only 155 kilometers; however, the time that you may need to reach the city will be 4 to 5 hours approximately. Also, you can take a flight to Pakyong Airport, Gangtok, which is one of the 5 highest situated airports in India at the height of over 4,600 feet.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to experience the cool breeze of Sikkim is either from March to June or during September to November/December. It is advisable that you avoid snowfall and the rainy season which happens from July to August. The reason is landslides and inconvenience while traveling. We say November/December because during December you can expect snowfall which, for many people, would not be much enjoyable.
