Things To Do In Sikkim

Sikkim is your antidote from the daily hustle bustle of your routine life. It soothes your arduous nerves with its fresh air, forested valleys and long stretches of snow-clad mountain peaks.

The state encompasses some of the unbeaten treks of the country. Here the trails are seized by the vistas of adjacent forests and snow-capped surroundings. Apart from the fabled treks, the state landlocked between Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet, also offers a range of activities to get your adrenaline fix.

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Sikkim, How to Reach Sikkim & Best Time to Visit in Sikkim

You might also like: Places To Visit in Bhutan & Things To Do in Bhutan

Here is a list of the things to do in Sikkim that will help give your itinerary a skite.

Yak Ride – Changu Lake

Changu Lake, also known as Tsomgo Lake is a pulchritudinous tourist destination. But apart from that it also offers one of the most offbeat experiences you can have in the state of Sikkim. At the lake, you get a chance to ride a Yak. Yes! A Yak, they are very peaceful animals and great for a safari around the lake.

Price: Rs.40/- to Rs.100/-

Things to Remember: Do not forget to take your camera along to click a picture of the Yak Safari.

Suggested Read: Popular Lakes in Sikkim

Helicopter Ride – Gangtok Valley

A bird’s eyes view of the entire valley is something you should not miss out on. The helicopter ride takes you up in the air to give you a mesmerizing view of the entire valley. With the river running below and mountains at a touching distance from your feet, Sikkim looks even more alluring from the sky.

Price: Rs.18, 000/- to Rs.90, 000/-

Things to Remember: Take your camera along to capture Sikkim’s bird’s eye view.

Prayers at Ravangla Buddha Park

Ravangla Park is known to be a spiritual hub and it gathers a number of tourists each year. There are a number of prayers that take place within the complex of the park in which tourists can take part. It is said that it helps devotes attain nirvana and spiritual enlightenment. There are also meditation facilities available within the complex. The surroundings of the park make you feel really close to nature and help with your mediation and prayers.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: It is advisable to wear traditional clothes in the park..

Goechala Trek – Base Camp Yuksom

It is believed that the Goecha La Trek is one trek that will stay as a memory with you forever. This 10 days trek is a challenging one but it is totally worth all the efforts and time.

The trek has many rewards to it starting with the majestic view of the mountains. Apart from that, when you reach the height of 4940 feet at the end of the trek you will be blown away by the sight of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: Do carry a safety kit and wear comfortable shoes.

Suggested Read: Goechala Kasturi Trek & Yuksom Goechala Trek

Gondola Ride – Gangtok

Have you ever been in mid-air hanging from a rope? The Gondola Ride in Gangtok is going to take you up in the air and put you in a cable car. The cable car is one of the most exciting adventures activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

You can sit in a cabin that is hanging from a rope and you can enjoy the view of the entire valley from that height.

Price: Rs.70- to Rs.110/-

Things to Remember: Try and spot a seat near the window to get a better view of the surroundings.

Hand Gliding – Yumthang

One of the many thrilling things to do in Sikkim includes Hand Gliding. The popularity of adventure sports in Sikkim has been on a rise and now the locals are looking for new ways to cater to the adrenaline of the tourists. Hang gliding helps in achieving just that. The fact is that even if you have never done hang gliding before, you can still enjoy the thrill of it with the help of an experienced pilot. This helps every kind of tourist to take part in the adventure activity and make the most of it.

Price: Rs.2, 500/-

Things to Remember: If you take an early morning ride you will be able to view the rising sun.

Leisure Time Amongst Locals of Lachen/Lachung

The locals of Sikkim are known to be very warm-hearted and welcoming. A very interesting thing to do in Sikkim is getting to know the locals a little more and learn about the culture of the place. The locals host you just like a guest of their house and their hospitality is commendable.

You can surely visit some of the locals of Lachen and Lachung and spend some quality time in their adobe. The locals are so friendly that they will also cook some of the local dishes for you to taste, maybe you can learn the traditional recipe too. History enthusiasts, this is perfect for you.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: You can carry some gifts or souvenirs for the locals when you go visit them, as an act of gratitude.

Dzongri Trek – Base Camp Yuksom

The Dzongri trek starts from Yuksom and it is a 50 km long trek. It is said to have the most divine routes. The trek is a 7-day trek and is said to be a path that is often challenging for even experienced trekkers.

The trek is located at an altitude of 4200m and the view from the top is heavenly, which makes the struggle worthwhile. The highlight, of course, is the majestic view of the Himalaya. Apart from that the forests and the open sky add to the beauty of the journey.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: Do carry a safety kit and wear comfortable shoes.

Soak in the views of Kanchenjunga Mountains – Pelling

If adventure is your middle name then the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is designed just for you.

The trek is challenging but the rewards are definitely sweeter. They come in the form of the view of gigantic mountains with snow-capped peaks. Just imagine sipping coffee at the base camp while you look at these mountains standing right in front of you, it is a treat in itself.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: If you want to take part in the trekking activity, make sure you carry comfortable shoes and a trekking kit.

Kichipudi Lake – Wishing Lake

The lake is a sacred lake for the locals and is also known as the Wishing Lake.

The lake is considered to be holy by the Buddhists as well as Hindus. It overlooks a number of devotees from all around the world. In addition to being a holy lake, it is also a popular trekking spot for adventure junkies. The track from Pelling to this lake is known to be fit for amateurs and is considered to be a very beautiful trail. It takes almost 5 hours for you to complete the trek.

Once you reach the lake, you can pleasure yourself by dipping your feet in the water and just relax and unwind.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember

If you are planning to trek to the lake, make sure you carry a trekking kit and wear comfortable clothes.

You can carry an empty bottle along if you wish to drink the holy water of the lake.

Explore Sikkim Culture

In Sikkim, you must visit the monasteries and spend time with the monks. This will help you know in depth about the Sikkimese culture and history of the place.

The monks are very humble and entertain all kinds of questions regarding the state’s culture. Maybe then you can share your first-hand knowledge with your friends and family.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: Make sure you do not mention anything offensively during your conversations with the monks or locals.

Seek spirituality at Char Dham in Namchi, Ravangla

The name Char Dham in Namchi comes from the famous Char Dham Yatra of the Hindu sect. The complex in Namchi is said to be very spiritual and is an enormous compound, which is compared to the Char Dham Yatra. Many tourists visit the complex to seek nirvana and be a part of the aarti and Pooja that take place at the temples within.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: Within the complex, it is advisable to wear traditional clothes.

Zero point Adventures – Yumthang Valley

Known for some fun activities is the Zero Point in the Yumthang Valley. It remains under the cover of snow most of the year and if you are a snow lover then you are in for a treat.

There are some adventure activities at the point that include skiing and snow-boarding. Also, if you are hungry then you can head towards the few stalls at the Zero Point, to fill up your tummy. The local residents run the stalls and offer noodles, soup and some local dishes.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: Zero Point is located at a very high altitude, so there is less oxygen in the air. Tourists who may have heart trouble should take precautions beforehand.

Festival in Gangtok, Gangtok

As we all India is the land of festivals and Gangtok isn’t far behind when it comes to celebrating festivals. From painting the city with a million colours to attract local as well as tourists from all over the world the city of Gangtok celebrates its festivals with the utmost hype.

All you will get to see is happy faces dancing in some traditional music and wearing colourful clothes. So if you are in Gangtok, being a part of their festivals is a must. The locals are very welcoming and they make you feel at home.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: Make sure you carry your camera to shoot some amazing videos and pictures of the festival.

Suggested Read: Popular Fairs & Festivals in Sikkim

Bakthang Waterfalls – Gangtok

If you haven’t visited the Bakthang Waterfalls and had a bath under the falls then your trip to Sikkim stands incomplete. Yes! That is the aura of this place. It overlooks a number of tourists who come here to adore its beauty.

The highlight of the waterfall is its width. The waterfall is so broad that it almost covers a mountain. The flowing water falls over a canopy of green creepers and the flow of the water is enhances the charm of the place.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: Make sure you carry an extra pair of clothes and a towel to dry yourself after bathing under the fall.

Singalila Trek, Darjeeling

Most trekkers say that the trek is a once in a lifetime experience. But the trek is such a challenge that even the most experienced trekkers think twice before taking on this trail. This is because of the length of the trek; it takes almost half a month to complete the journey.

But if you do set out on the trek then you will be able to cross Pelling, Chiwa Bhanjyang, Pare Megu, Tikip Chu, Lamuney and Thangshing. Also, you will witness the beautiful parts of the state of Sikkim.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: If you want to take part in the trekking activity, make sure you carry comfortable shoes and a trekking kit.

Suggested Read: Uttarey Singalila Trek & Yambong Singalila Trek

Mountain Biking Tour

The adventurous mountain biking tour of Sikkim is enormously acclaimed and loved by most tourists. The rugged and dramatic terrain of Himalayas offers some of the most thrilling biking trails. This makes mountain biking in Sikkim, a popular activity.

On your bike ride, one can soak up the beauty of the hills and inhale the majestic views of snow covered peaks.

Price: Rs.100/- to Rs.1000/-

Things to Remember: These are some of the trails you can explore

Gangtok- Phodong- Rangrang- Dikchu Makha- Sirwani- Temi.

Gangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- Temi- Namchi- Jorethang- Melli

Gangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- Temi- Namchi- Namthang- Rangpo

Suggested Read: Mountain Biking in Sikkim

Sandakphu Trek – Base Camp Mane Bhanjang

This place is a wonderland for trekkers, located at an altitude of 11,929ft. It is the highest point in Singalila range as well as in the state of West Bengal.

The trek route to Sandakphu goes all along with the Singalila range. On this trek, you will see four of the five highest peaks of the world including Mt. Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Lhotse. Apart from that you can see the Three Sisters and many other peaks of Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet and Bhutan.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: Make sure you carry comfortable shoes and a trekking kit.

Caving in the North Lha-Ri-Nying Phu

Sikkim is very spiritually inclined and the North Lha-Ri-Nying Phu is a place of utmost importance. It is known to be a place of spiritualism and religion. The cave is a holy destination, which is visited by tourists from around the globe.

But the cave exploration is an adventure that you will thoroughly enjoy because of its challenging terrain and natural beauty. Although the trekking route is quite challenging, the experience is worth every time and energy.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: Make sure you carry comfortable shoes and a trekking kit.

Rafting Activity – Teesta River

Heart-pumping rapids and high adrenaline are what you will experience at the Rafting Activity. The Teesta River is famous for its rapids and hence hosts rafting activities. So all you got to do is keep up with the power paddling and navigate through the wild currents of the river.

While paddling down the river, you’ll be surrounded by deep forests, paddy fields and tiny hamlets. In fact, if you are up for some added adventure you can even pitch a tent and camp on the banks of the river.

Price: Rs.900/- per person

Things to Remember: Carry an extra pair of clothes.

Suggested Read: White Water Rafting in Sikkim

Spend Time at Hot Spring – Yumthang

Not many tourists are aware of the hot springs in Sikkim. Yes! Sikkim has many hot springs, but the Reshi Hot Spring is the most famous.

This is because of its location. In addition to that, it also holds religious significance.

These hot water springs can be compared to that of a natural spa. They have been around since the ancient period and now hold spiritual importance. Pilgrims along with visitors spend weeks or soaking themselves in the springs. They believe it to have medicinal properties.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: Make sure you carry an extra pair of clothing and a towel at the spring.

Paragliding Activity – Gangtok

Sikkim is based on a high altitude and hence it has a hub of adventure sports. Be it paragliding or helicopter rides or ropeway rides. Now, because of the high altitude and beautiful valleys, the state is a great place for paragliding.

There are many tourists who love to indulge in paragliding activities and it overlooks a rise in the number each year.

For paragliding activities, you can visit Pangthang, Bojoghari village, or Tashi View Point. All you have to do is let yourself glide over the green forests and wild rivers and enjoy the breath of fresh air.

Price: Rs.2, 500/- to Rs.4, 500/-

Things to Remember: You have to rent the necessary equipment and gears.

Valley of Flowers – Yumthang

This mountain is always covered with seasonal flowers. Visit it in any season and you will find a valley of different and vibrant coloured flowers in the area, except for the winter season when it stays under the snow. It is said to be one of the most attractive places of Sikkim. The valley is located at an altitude of 11800 feet. In addition to the valley, you can also visit the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary when you are in there.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: Take your camera along to click some beautiful pictures.

Enjoy Sikkimese Night Life

Gangtok doesn’t look like a metro city but it surely has some of the most happening Cafes, which will satisfy your thirst of partying. There are live music clubs and old music clubs in the vicinity as well.

In fact, the music clubs are also designed so well and have large lounge spaces. The interiors have excellent looking bars and impressive graphics on the walls and ceilings. You must go explore the nightlife in Sikkim if you are in the state.

Price: Depends on the tariffs of the clubs/café/bars.

Things to Remember: Do not drink and drive

Bird Watching – Kewzing

Believe it or not, Sikkim is a bird’s paradise. If you are an ornithologist or not, you will still enjoy the bird watching experience here. Kewzing houses a total of 200 species of birds and some of which are indigenous to Sikkim.

Among the commonly found species of birds, the Fire-tailed Myzornis, Sultan Tit, Puff-throated Babbler and Streaked Spider-hunter are a few that take havens in this sanctuary. Apart from Kewzing the areas of Khecheopalri Lake, Yuksom Valley, Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and Dzongri are popular bird watching spots in Sikkim.

Price: Free Entry

Things to Remember: Take your binoculars along and stay as quiet as you can while sighting the birds.

Suggested Read: Bird & Butterfly Watching in Sikkim

So now all you got to do is, pack your bags, book your tickets and make some changes in your itinerary according to the list of things to do mentioned above and head out for your trip to Sikkim.

And, do not forget to keep your cameras charged. Because you do not want to miss out on clicking some fun pictures of the adventurous, spiritual, thrilling and fun things to try out in Sikkim. Bon Voyage!