Sikkim – A Paradise for Holiday

Sikkim (/ˈsɪkɪm/) is a state in northeastern India. It borders Tibet in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south. Sikkim is also located close to India’s Siliguri Corridor near Bangladesh. Sikkim is the least populous and second smallest among the Indian states. A part of the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Sikkim’s capital and largest city is Gangtok. Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park. The Kingdom of Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century. It was ruled by a Buddhist priest-king known as the Chogyal. It became a princely state of British India in 1890. After 1947, Sikkim continued its protectorate status with the Republic of India. It enjoyed the highest literacy rate and per capita income among Himalayan states. In 1973, anti-royalist riots took place in front of the Chogyal’s palace. In 1975, the monarchy was deposed by the people. A referendum in 1975 led to Sikkim joining India as its 22nd state. Modern Sikkim is a multiethnic and multilingual Indian state. The official languages of the state are English, Nepali, Sikkimese and Lepcha. Additional official languages include Gurung, Limbu, Magar, Mukhia, Newari, Rai, Sherpa and Tamang for the purpose of preservation of culture and tradition in the state. English is taught in schools and used in government documents. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Sikkim’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture and tourism, and as of 2014 the state had the third-smallest GDP among Indian states, although it is also among the fastest-growing.

Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and the beauty of this city justify it being one of the prominent cities in the state. Incredibly beautiful, exuberant, and garlanded with clouds all over. Sikkim is blessed with the kind of cultural and historical significance Gangtok adds to the pride of this state. To catch majestic glimpses of mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga, you must land to Gangtok whilst exploring Sikkim. If you are coming to Gangtok in the months of March to Mid-May then you’ll be received with the fragrance of Rhododendrons spread throughout the city. Gangtok is considered as one of the beautiful hill stations in India. This city is a perfect amalgamation of cultural, scenic beauty and modernization. If you want to visit some religious sites, you must visit Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Do Drul Chorten Rumtek Monastery, etc. If looking for a place to catch an aerial view of the city, visit Ganeshtok and Tashi viewpoint, etc.

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake is nestled around 40 km away from the main city of Gangtok. This immensely beautiful glacier lake is one of the top tourist destinations of Sikkim. Tsogmo literally means ‘Source of Water’. This mesmerizing lake is one of India’s highest altitude lakes which make Sikkim even more beautiful. Tsomgo Lake reflects the gigantic views of snow-clad mountains around it, making your journey to Sikkim even more memorable. The flora and fauna family found at this location include Primulas, yellow and blue poppies, Irish, Yaks and Ponies, and migratory ducks – Brahmini. It is advised to plan your trip to Tsogmo Lake in early hours as it gets dark and roads are not laid out properly. The best time to see snow is Jan to Mar and for Rhododendrons and Orchids is April to May. It is just 2 hours away from the Gangtok so that you can enjoy an exciting experience around the lake.

Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass is around 53 km away from the main city of Gangtok. This place apart from being one of the best tourist places in Sikkim and is a politically very important point of Sikkim. Nathula Pass connects India to Tibet which creates an amalgamation of Indian and Tibetan culture around this place. There is a famous border trade market called – Sherathang from where you can buy a sovereign for yourself and friends. You can even shop for Tibetan items from this vibrant market. There is a place called Kupup nearby to Nathula Pass which is always under the cloud and visiting it might be a unique experience for your trip to Sikkim.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp

Traveling is the aptest way of cultural exchange. The way it teaches you about the new culture, it can’t be taught by any book, video, or any other way. Kanchenjunga Base Camp is one of the ways to relish the trues essence of Sikkim culture. It is like experience the entire state through a journey that will lead you to around a height of 14,000 ft. above sea level. Kanchenjunga is the world’s third-highest peak and going on a camp to the base of this mighty mountain can surely give you a thing to brag about. The trek to Kanchenjunga starts from Dzongri which is the last road lay around this peak. Adventure lovers will surely enjoy their experience at this thrilling base camp which is nestled so close to India-China Borders.

Lachen, Lachung and Yumthang Valley

These three immensely beautiful villages soaked in Sikkim’s culture surely hit your list of places to visit in India. You must go and explore Lachen which is a really small village in North Sikkim. This village is the home of Tibetan nomadic tribes during winters. However, Lachen is not as popular as other tourist destinations in Sikkim but this place is worth a shot. It is a gateway to two really beautiful lakes named Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu Lakes. Lachen, Lachung, and Yumthang Valley are three peaceful and perfect destinations in Sikkim which you must not miss on your visit to Sikkim. Lachen will give you the best experience of peaceful time, Lachung is perfect to relish snow and Yumthang is the place you must go to catch on the beauty of the flower valley of Sikkim.

Pelling

Pelling is the second most favorite spot in Sikkim after Gangtok. It coaxes thousands of travelers who seek peace in the lap of nature and to be surrounded by gigantic views. This town is the paradise of trekkers and peace lovers. You can easily reach Pelling from other main attractions in Sikkim like Gangtok and Darjeeling as it is around 131 km and 73 km from them respectively. Whenever you plan to visit Pelling, always choose to come here between December and May as it is the best time to visit Pelling. You can enjoy winter, spring, and summer if you come to this enticing town during this time. Never miss the chance to enjoy lip-smacking North-Eastern food in Pelling.

Zuluk

Zuluk is one of the best offbeat locations in Sikkim which holds the power to mesmerize its visitor with enthralling views of mountains all around it. There is a pristine and unique temple named Nag Temple which is dedicated to Nag Devta (Snake God). It has an idol of King Cobra and is shaped like a den or cave which feels like entering into a snake hole. Other major attractions of Zuluk are magnetic views of snow-clad Mt. Kanchenjunga and Thambi View Point which are visited by most travelers landing in Zuluk. Make sure this really beautiful and scenic town comes on your list of places to visit in Sikkim while coming to this bewildering state.

Teesta River

Teesta River is like a magical delight for its visitors who get mesmerized by its shiny wilderness with which it flows tirelessly. You can come to visit the Teesta River in winter when the river appears in the frozen state and enhance the beauty of the season with its view or you can visit the Teesta River in summer to relish the blooming flowers and shiny water of this river. River rafting and kayaking are some most loved activities in Teesta River by its visitors. You can catch the glimpse of the Sangam of Teesta River along with its tributary the Rangeet River whenever you travel to the majestic place. Another major attraction of Teesta River is Dikchu Bridge which you can check out on your way to Lachung.

Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake looks much similar to Pangong Tso Lake which is located in Leh. The bright turquoise tint of this tranquil lake along with the vibrant culture of North-East around it makes it one of the best places in Sikkim to visit. This alluring lake is situated at an altitude of 17,800 ft above sea level. The most attractive specialty of Gurudongmar Lake is that it is considered holy not just by one religion but three- Hindu, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Yaks and Blue Sheeps are some rare fauna that can be found in this particular place of Sikkim.

Goechala

We saved the best for last so that you cannot take the chance to miss this place even after reading about the rest of the places to visit in Sikkim. Goechala is a mountain pass that is forever a favorite place for adventure lovers and trekkers. This is famous for hiking and skiing which satisfies the soul of a traveler who lands in Sikkim for some adrenaline rush experiences. If you are not many fans of trekking and hiking, you can still count on this enticing place as you can relish the majestic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Khecheopalri Lake

Khecheopalri Lake, originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri (meaning the heaven of Padmasambhava), is a lake located near Khecheopalri village, 147 kilometres (91 mi) west of Gangtok in the West Sikkim district of the Northeastern Indian state of Sikkim.

Located 34 kilometres (21 mi) to the northwest of Pelling town, the lake is sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus, and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake. The local name for the lake is Sho Dzo Sho, which means “Oh Lady, Sit Here”.

According to folklore legend related to Sikkim topography, the Khecheopalri is said to represent one of the four plexus of the human body namely, the thorax; the other three plexes are said to be represented by Yuksom (the third eye), Tashiding (head) and Pemayangtse (the heart).

The formation of the lake is estimated to be 3500 years old. The lake is situated amidst pristine forest at an altitude of 1,700 metres (5,600 ft) near Tsozo village. The lake drains a catchment area of the Ramam watershed (Ramam mountain gives its name to the valley) and has a drainage area of 12 square kilometres (4.6 sq mi) (including area of bog of 70,100 square metres (755,000 sq ft). The periphery of lake has the shape of a foot.

Rabdentse Ruins

Rabdentse was the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814. The capital city was destroyed by the invading Gurkha army and only the ruins of the palace and the chortens are seen here now. However, the ruins of this city are seen close to Pelling and in West Sikkim district in the Northeastern Indian state of present-day Sikkim; Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim which is close to the ruins.

Mt. Brumkhangse

Positioned at the imposing and surreal location of North Sikkim, Brumkhangse Peak has been opened for expedition since 2005. It is a moderate grade of trek that is isolated from other major peaks of Sikkim. The excursion passes through the exquisite valley of Lachung.

Mt. Jupono

Mount Jopuno is situated in the western part of Sikkim at a soaring elevation of 5603 meters. This imposing peak lies under the Kanchenjunga National Park. While trekking towards the Goecha La Pass, this spectacular peak is clearly visible from the Okhlathang valley.

Mt. Thinchenkhan

This peak is significantly recognized by the Government of Sikkim for trekking and climbing. This destination is like a window to the divine lakes, snow-capped mountains, divine lakes, and spectacular beauty. Mt. Tenchenkhang has been appreciated by many climbers for offering an adrenaline climb.

Frey Peak

This peak is significantly recognized by the Government of Sikkim for trekking and climbing. This destination is like a window to the divine lakes, snow-capped mountains, divine lakes, and spectacular beauty.