Sikkim Travel Guide

Sikkim lies in the north eastern part of India and is perched in the eastern Himalayan region of the subcontinent. This exquisite city is the ' Switzerland of the east' and is surrounded by Nepal to the west, Tibet (China) towards the northern end, Bhutan on the western end and West Bengal to the south. The city is crowned by dense forest housing diverse variety of flora like cherry, oak, chestnut, maple, pine and magnolia, rhododendrons and a trip to Sikkim will definitely free your mind of any sort of frustration or stress. It also houses Mount Khanchendzonga (8534 mts). Numerous monasteries, adventure sports opportunities, and the vibrant lifestyles of the Lepchas, Bhutias are some of the attractions for the visitors to the state.

Getting There

By Air: The town of Bagdogra is located at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok and serves as the closest airport. It serves regular flights to Guwahati, Kolkatta, and Delhi from Bagdogra.

By Road: Gangtok is well connected by a network of roads to the hill stations of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Siliguri

By Rail: The closest railway stations from Gangtok include New Jalpaiguri (125 km) and Siliguri (144 km).

Related Accommodations

Hotels provide all the luxuries to make the stay comfortable. Visitors can have breathtaking view of mountains, varied flora, fauna and the hills from the hotels.

Did You Know?

Sikkim is the least populated state in the entire Indian peninsula.

Sikkim is also the largest producer for the delicious spice cardamom.

Tourist Attractions

Yumthang

Well known for its beauty, this place is located 140 kms away from Gangtok at an altitude of 11,800 ft. It is truly a heaven on earth for nature enthusiasts with a splendid flora and fauna . "TsaChu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is popular for its curative and healing power. It look great in the month of May when whole valley is covered with rhododendron shrubs and trees.

Tendong Hill

This hill is situated near Namtse town and is a flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8530ft. Surrounded by dense forest this place was like a monastery for the buddhist Lamas who did meditation in this silent paradise From sitting atop the Tendong Hill, visitors can see vast landscape, plains of Bengal to the marvelous Himalayan ranges. Trekking can be enjoyed in this hill.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden

The garden is situated at a distance of 24 kms from Gangtok and is sits at an altitude ranging between 1800 mtrs. To 2200 mtrs. It was established in 1987 and comprised of temperate forest. Visitors can see fifty different species of trees here.

Tsomgo Lake

Well known as the 'Source of the Lake', is located 40 kms away from Gangtok. This enchantingly glimmering lake is located at an altitude of 3780 metre and the locals believe this place to be extremely sacred by the local population. Tourists can see different variety of flowers like poppies, primulas etc in the month of May to August giving superb look to the lake. This serene lake remains frozen during the winter months. Visitors can savour sights of the famous Red Panda and varied species of birds here.

Temi Tea Garden

One and the only 'tea estate', is spread out in the hill slope of the Tendong Hill. The tea here enjoys an international repute. Tea here are planted along steep hillsides ranging from 1,200-1,800m, visitors must visit the factory and witness the methods of tea processing.

Must Try Out Shopping

Best buys in Sikkim include carved furniture, Lepcha weave bags, carpets, wooden and bamboo handicrafts, dresses and jewellery. A very popular buy is the 'Dragon designed gold and silver earrings.

Cuisine

In Sikkim, Momo is the mouthwatering dish which is created by stuffing minced meat. GyaThuk or Thukpa (noodle soup consisting of vegetables or meat), Ningro with Churpi (an alpine fern cooked with cheese), Gundruk( leaves of the mustard plant cooked along with onions and tomatos), Sael Roti( Nepali cuisine prepared by grinding a mixture of rice and water) must be relished by the visitors.