Top 10 Incredible Things to do in Sikkim in 2020
From surreal treks to alluring monastery trips, we pick the incredible things to do in Sikkim.
10 Things to do in Sikkim
1. Trek Mt. Kanchenjunga
Mt. Kanchenjunga is undoubtedly one of Sikkim’s most awe-inspiring sights. Standing at 8,586 metres, it is the third highest mountain in the world. The Kanchenjunga region spans across Sikkim, Nepal’s Taplejung district, and Tibet. In Tibetan, ‘Kanchenjunga’ means ‘the five treasure houses of snow’ — true to its name, its five peaks are covered in snow even in the summer!
As the trail from Yuksom is known to be wild and strenuous, go only if you’re well-prepared and accompanied by professional guides. Paths are rugged, and there’s also a high chance of encountering Himalayan black bears, Assamese macaques, and snow leopards on your journey.
2. Yumthang: Immerse Yourself In Flower-Filled Valleys
Owing to the fact that its home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Yumthang is sometimes popularly known as the Valley of Flowers. A kaleidoscope of colours, the valley houses over twenty four different species of rhododendron, the state flower. Trekking to the Valley of Flowers in Yumthang to witness this stunning paradise is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Sikkim. With its breathtaking blend of flora and fauna apart from unmatched scenic beauty, the place is an ideal retreat for all nature lovers and photographers.
3. Temi Tea Gardens: Visit The Lush Plantations
The only tea estate in Sikkim, the picturesque Temi Tea Garden is set in along the West Sikkim highway with the snow-covered Mt Kanchendzonga in the backdrop. The road to these uniform fields of green are lined with cherry blossom trees. Walking through these trees makes one feel like walking through a pink forest when these flowers are in full bloom. Spread across an area of 453 acres at an altitude of 1,200 to 1,800 meters, Temi Tea Garden produces about 100 metric tonnes of organic tea annually and conducts regular Tea Factory tours for tourists. So the next time you sit down to sip on some fresh organic tea, youll know where it originated!
4. Enjoy scenic views from Thambi View Point
If going all the way to Mt. Kanchenjunga’s base camp is too daunting for you, why not admire this natural wonder from afar? Take the opportunity to enjoy other scenic routes and sites like Thambi View Point. Alternatively, you may drive along the renowned zigzag road (part of the historic Silk Road), located about 14 kilometres from Zuluk in east Sikkim. Here, you can get sweeping views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, too!
5. Goecha La: Embark On The Trek
The Goecha La trek is the one true love of every trekker visiting Sikkim. Tucked away in the magnificent Kanchenjunga National Park amidst the most colourful flora and fauna, Goecha La at an elevation of 16,000 ft is one hell of a destination with utmost beauty and astounding scenery. The trek commences from Yuksom before taking hikers through breathtaking landscapes filled with meadows and jungles of rare, exotic flowers.
6. Enjoy the Lively Festivals during your Vacation in Sikkim 2020
The festivals in Sikkim are just another reason for an array of foreigners and native people consider visiting the heavenly place. One of the seven sister states, Sikkim is the place to be for enjoying the best vacation experience. The interesting place would spoil you for the choice of options and the Sikkim festival 2020.
Read more here: Festivals in Sikkim
7. Witness the wonders of Yumthang Valley and Zero Point
To see more of Sikkim’s natural beauty, head to Yumthang Valley or the ‘Valley of Flowers’. It sits at 3,597 metres above sea level and is filled with lovely rhododendrons, woody plants known for their colourful flowers and stunning foliage. To experience the flowers in full bloom, it is best to visit between March and May. At the entrance to the valley, you will find the Yumthang Hot Springs, famous for its healing properties. From Yumthang, Yume Samdong or Zero Point is a 1.5-hour drive away. Civilians are not allowed to drive through the road, as it is near the border shared with China. Still, the three converging rivers and snow-clad mountains in the distance remain an incredible sight to behold.
8. Do Drul Chorten: Seek Buddha’s Blessings
The pearl white stupa of Dro Dul Chorten sits snugly atop a hillock in Gangtok, minutes away from the Research Institute of Tibetology. One is required to climb the steep uphill pathway from the stupas base in order to reach the main shrine. The stupa was built in 1946 by the celebrated lama Trulshik Rinpoche in order to drive away evil spirits. The stupa draws travelers from around the world with the ancient Buddhist relics that it houses and a shimmering golden top dome that is visible from different corners of Gangtok. Its remarkably divine and spiritual aura is the reason visiting this place is one of the most fulfilling things to do in Sikkim for seekers of peace and enlightenment.
9. Immerse in the locals’ way of life at Changu Lake
Changu Lake is not just one of Sikkim’s most stunning attractions — it’s an interesting place to learn about the locals’ religious practices, too! During ancient times, Buddhist priests would observe the colour of the lake to make predictions about the future. Considered sacred to the Sikkimese, it’s also a site where religious healers come to pray.
10. Shopping: Buy Handicrafts From Thriving Markets
Other than adventure seekers and nature lovers, Sikkim is also the heaven of all shopaholics. The prominent markets of Sikkim, like MG Road in Gangtok, is flooded with Sikkimese handicrafts and Tibetan goods like Chinese Feng Shui items, idols of Laughing Buddha and Dragons, New Year lamps, traditional dresses worn during Tibetan festivals, Tibetan cups, handwoven blankets, carpets, wooden and bamboo items, and more.
To sum it up, Sikkim is one of India’s most picturesque mountain states, with its magnificent landscape views and mountain trails, as well as captivating ancient temples and monasteries. So, on your next visit to India, don’t just skim over Sikkim — take the time to marvel at all its beautiful wonders!
