Sikkim is a beautiful state of north-eastern India nestled within the western part of the Himalayas. Blessed with captivating scenery in the form of snow-white mountain tops, lush green valleys, gushing rivers, and serene lakes, this heavenly destination is one of India's many travel destinations that attract travelers across the globe.
Sikkim and its adjoining regions are the treasure trove of some of the most stunningly beautiful places on earth, like being home to the second-largest glacier in the world, namely Siachen, and for that, the Indian state features in top lists when it comes to travel destinations.
Whether you are looking for a cave camping spot, hiking trails that lead to some of India's highest peaks, or want to experience a jungle safari amidst exotic flora and fauna, Sikkim has a lot to offer you.
Sikkim offers something for everyone from its golden nest. There are treks, skiing, camping, paragliding, water sports like white water rafting, etc for an adventure-seeking traveler. You can book all of these and more using reputed sites like - esikkimtourism.in.
While on the other hand, for a leisure traveler, several sites seeing spots exist that have ancient and cultural value, be it the stunning monasteries, mystical caves, birdwatching in the famous sanctuaries, and exotic view of its flora and fauna.
Having said so, planning your itinerary is an important job that involves booking tickets and creating an itinerary that covers all the important spots in Sikkim.
The best time to visit Sikkim is March-May and October – December. So, let us take you on a seven-day journey to this intriguing tourist state.
Day 1- Reach Gangtok
Plan early mid-day arrival to the nearby railway station, Jalpaiguri or Siliguri in west Bengal or by air to the nearest airport of Bagdogra.
You need to board a cab or a bus to reach Gangtok, the enchanting capital of Sikkim, while enjoying the breathtaking view of the splendid landscapes.
Just take some rest and freshen up to explore M.G. marg, the most happening street of Gangtok, and soak in the local vibe of the place filled with well-lit cafes and eating joints serving the best street food of the region.
Day 2 – Explore Gangtok
There are enough things to do in Gangtok to keep you occupied for an entire day. So that's what you're going to do. After breakfast, go on a full-day Gangtok trip. The tour will begin with a visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, one of Sikkim's most important historical museums. You'll then proceed a little distance ahead to take a rope-way ride for a panoramic view of Gangtok.
There are several colorful and alluring monasteries, gardens, and viewpoints to visit throughout the day. The Rumtek monastery, the Ranka Monastery, the Banjakri waterfall, the Flower Exhibition Center, Hanuman Tok, and Ganesh Tok are some of the most popular places in Gangtok that you should visit.
Day 3 and 4– Reach Lachung
Lachung means small pass is famous for its quiet and attractive villages, pristine waterfalls, and beautiful scenery. One of the most picturesque trips in Sikkim is the 5-hour drive from Gangtok to Lachung.
Just give yourself time to relax and get acclimatized while taking a stroll in the neighborhood and prepare yourself for the next day's travel to the majestic Yumthang valley. To reach the valley, leave early morning to spend the maximum time and relish its beautiful natural view.
You will cross the lachung bridge and drive for 2 hours to reach the valley.
This gorgeous destination is popularly called the valley of flowers and is home to the astonishing rhododendron flowers and other diverse species of flowers paired with hot water springs.
After spending the whole day drive back to Gangtok the same day, which is 125 km from Yumthang.
Day 5 – Tsomgo lake and baba mandir
Today you should leave for the Tsomgo lake which is approx. 40 km and will take you one and half hours to reach.
En route, pay your homage at Baba Harbhajan Singh temple, take blessings, and get to know the legend behind this holy place.
Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim is the most famous lake in Sikkim. The ethereally gorgeous Tsomgo Lake, located 35 km. from Gangtok and at an elevation of 12,000 feet, is a must-see for all tourists.
The lake is encased in ice from the winter season until the spring season due to its location in a rugged and rough mountain landscape. Tsomgo is treasured as a holy lake by the natives of Sikkim and is associated with many folklores.
The lake site also offers a variety of eateries serving refreshments, as well as you can ride on brightly adorned yaks and mules. Snowboots and gumboots are available for rent. The lake is also an excellent setting for a holiday shot.
To access the lake, tourists must obtain a permit from the Sikkim Tourist Information Centre on M.G. Road in Gangtok.
Day 6 – Pelling
It's a beautiful 5-hour drive from Gangtok to Pelling. The town is on every tourist's bucket list in Sikkim because of the grand view of the third highest mountain peak; the Kachanjenga mountains range apart from several fun and exciting activities.
This hilly town in the center of Sikkim is home to the famed Pemayangste monastery, less than a km. away. Pelling also serves as a spot for several thrilling treks in the neighborhood and offers bike riding, mountain climbing, hamlet tours, and meditation opportunities.
Pelling is a year-round attraction with hotels and resorts to suit all budgets. Every year, the Khangchendzonga Festival, named after Sikkim's protective god, is celebrated in Pelling.
Day 7
Prepare to bid your goodbyes to Sikkim on your final day by flying to Bagdogra or taking the rail to Jalpaiguri or Siliguri, passing through Sikkim's scenic valleys and Bengal's stunning tea gardens.
However, there is still much more to see and do in Sikkim, so be prepared to revisit another thrilling adventure and fill your basket of travel memories with fascinating travel tales.
