Situated in the bosom of the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is India’s most stunning and serene state. With snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, old monasteries, and rich culture, it’s the ideal place to travel solo, as a couple, with family, or even an adventure enthusiast.
In its compact size, Sikkim packs a surprising variety of experiences — from serene lakes to challenging treks, from spiritual retreats to local markets.
Why Visit Sikkim?
Sikkim is safe, clean, and green. It’s India’s first organic state and boasts natural beauty, Buddhist heritage, and warm hospitality. Depending on whether you travel alone or with company, the state has peace, adventure, and cultural richness second to none.
Top Places to See in Sikkim
- Gangtok – The Capital City
Gangtok combines modern infrastructure and traditional Buddhist culture. It’s a perfect base to see Sikkim.
What to see:
MG Road: Bustling main street with shops, cafés, and street food.
Tashi View Point: Panoramic views of Kanchenjunga.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Discover Sikkim’s Buddhist heritage.
Enchey Monastery: Peaceful 200-year-old monastery.
Ropeway Ride: Scenic views of the valley.
Best for: First-timers, families, and solo travelers.
- Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake)
Approximately 40 km from Gangtok, the glacial lake is circled by snow and mountains.
Activities:
Yak rides
Snow play (particularly in winter)
Hot tea and snacks from lakeside stalls
Note: Special permit required to visit. Can be easily organized through a local travel agent.
- Nathula Pass
Historic mountain pass on the Indo-China border, Nathula is at 14,140 feet and was formerly on the ancient Silk Route.
Why visit:
Feel snowfall
See India-China border
See war memorial
Permit is required. Not open on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Lachung and Yumthang Valley
A 5-6 hour drive from Gangtok, Lachung is a mountain village surrounded by waterfalls and flowers. Nearby Yumthang Valley is known as the Valley of Flowers.
Best time to visit Yumthang: April to June (for rhododendrons)
Activities:
Enjoy hot springs
Play in snow (winter)
Photography and nature walks
- Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake
Lachen is a high-altitude village, and from there, you can also visit Gurudongmar Lake — one of the world’s highest lakes at 17,800 feet.
Why go:
Breathtaking blue lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains
Spiritual and scenic tranquility
Severe peace and quiet
Note: Avoid if suffering from breathing problems due to high altitude.
- Pelling
Pelling is in West Sikkim and is renowned for Kanchenjunga views and monasteries.
Places to visit:
Pemayangtse Monastery
Sky Walk and Chenrezig Statue
Khecheopalri Lake (wish-fulfilling lake)
Rimbi and Kanchenjunga Waterfalls
Great for families and solo travelers looking for tranquility and scenery.
- Ravangla
A quiet town famous for the huge Buddha Park, with mountains all around.
Things to do:
Meditate at Buddha Park
Visit Ralang Monastery
Explore nearby trekking trails
- Zuluk and Silk Route
Zuluk is part of East Sikkim and lesser commercialized but has dramatic scenery with hairpin roads, mountain beauty, and old-world charm.
Best for: Offbeat travelers and adventure enthusiasts
Things to Do in Sikkim
Trekking: Attempt Dzongri, Goechala, or Kanchenjunga Base Camp treks.
River Rafting: In Teesta River (from March to May).
Paragliding: Offered near Gangtok.
Hot Springs: Yumthang and Reshi hot springs are favored.
Local Food: Don’t forget momos, thukpa, gundruk soup, and fermented foods.
Ideal Itinerary: How Many Days Do You Need?
4 Days: Gangtok + Tsomgo Lake + Nathula
7 Days: Gangtok + Lachung/Yumthang + Pelling
10 Days or more: Include Lachen + Gurudongmar + Zuluk or Yuksom
Best Time to Visit Sikkim
Spring (March to May): Rhododendron blooms, clear weather
Summer (June to early July): Mild, good for higher altitude regions
Autumn (September to November): Best for views and treks
Winter (December to February): Snow in North Sikkim (some roads will be closed)
Avoid: Mid-July to August (heavy monsoon, landslides expected)
How to Reach Sikkim
By Air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB) in West Bengal
From Bagdogra, shared taxi or private cab (4–5 hours) to Gangtok
Pakyong Airport near Gangtok is operational but has limited flights
By Train: Nearest station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
Well connected with major Indian cities
4–5 hour drive to Gangtok
By Road: From Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, or nearby areas
Taxis and shared jeeps are available everywhere
Sikkim Traveling Alone
Is it safe?
Yes, Sikkim is one of India’s safest states with low crime rates and polite locals.
Tips:
Book permits in advance
Select centrally located hotels in Gangtok
Take group tours for remote locations like Lachung or Lachen
Carry cash (there are limited ATMs in remote areas)
Watch out for altitude sickness in North Sikkim
Family or Group Travel
Sikkim is great for families, thanks to:
Easy accessibility
Cleanliness and safety
Scenic spots for all age groups
Good hotels and food outlets
Avail a trustworthy cab with a local driver or take a tour package to visit several places in comfort.
Entry Permits You Need
Certain places in Sikkim (particularly East and North Sikkim) necessitate special permits.
ILP (Inner Line Permit) for foreign citizens (available at borders or through agents)
Protected Area Permit (PAP) for destinations such as Nathula, Lachung, Lachen, Zuluk
Given to Indian citizens through registered tour operators
Carry proof of ID (voter card, Aadhaar — passport or PAN not accepted for permit)
Local Culture and Etiquette
Be respectful of monastery rules (no shoes, no noise)
Don’t take pictures of locals without asking
Don’t litter — Sikkim is extremely environmentally aware
Most locals speak Nepali, Hindi, and some English
Try to avoid plastic bottles and use refillable ones
Budget Estimate
Approximate daily cost:
Budget travelers: ₹1500–₹2000 (hostels, local food, shared taxis)
Mid-range: ₹3000–₹5000 (good hotels, taxis, entry fees)
Luxury: ₹6000 and above (resorts, private guides, high-end tours)