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Pelling
The picturesque valley located at an elevation of 2,150m, Pelling allures its tourists with mesmerizing beauty and with the most beautiful views of the Himalayas. The place is known for being home to a 7200-foot-tall glass skywalk and the iconic Khecheopalri Lake which is considered a sacred place for Buddhists. Apart from this, the place is popular among Buddhist people housing numerous monasteries including Pemayangtse Monastery, the oldest monastery in the state. Perched in between lush valleys and green mountains, this is the best place to connect with nature away from chaotic city life.
Ravangla
Perched in southern Sikkim, Ravangla is a popular tourist spot known for its iconic 130 ft tall Buddha Park placed near Rabong Gompa with age dating back to more than 100 years. Ralong is another major attraction point of this location that is known for its hot water springs. According to studies it has been found out that these hot springs are known to have medicinal and healing properties to heal and cure various forms of diseases related to the skin. Surrounded by misty hills and splendid sunrise views, the valley of Ravangla is the best place for people with an interest towards spirituality or who want peace in the serene valleys.
Gangtok
The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is one of the most beautiful regions known for its vibrant lifestyle, scenic natural beauty and mesmerizing landscapes that are sure to amaze you. Located in the southern part of the state, Gangtok experiences sub-tropical climatic conditions that are ideal for tourism throughout the year. From experiencing a gondola ride in the Deorali station to relishing the authentic flavours of Sikkim, Gangtok is home to numerous attractions sites located a few kilometres away from the city making it the best place to visit in Sikkim. Nathula Pass, Tsongmo Lake and Banjhakri Falls are some of the popular tourist attractions of the city.
Gurudongmar Lake
The iconic lake and the most popular destination among tourists of North Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake is a sacred situated amidst snow-capped mountains and peaky hills of the Himalayas. With an altitude of 17,000 ft above sea level, this is the highest lake in the country and the second-highest lake in the world. The lake falls under the protected regions of the Indo-China border and needs a permit for visiting. Due to its massive elevation tourists suffering from high altitude sickness is a common case and therefore proper medication is required to visit this place. It is believed that that lake was blessed by Guru Rinpoche due to which some part of the lake never freezes even during harsh winter seasons. With offering a scenic view and having rich legend tales related to the lake, this is a must-visit place in North Sikkim.
Zuluk
Once used to be the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, Zuluk is a paradise for adventure seekers and bike riders, where people visit from all over the world. With an altitude of over 10,000 ft above sea level, Zuluk is known for its 32 hairpin bends that add new thrill to the adventure. On a clear day, the top of the Zuluk offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas along with glimpses of the world's highest peak Mt. Everest. The valley is also known for dense village life that highly depends on agriculture and tourism for their livelihood. Tourists can also savour the authentic style of food that shares similarities with Tibetan and Sikkimese cuisine made from homegrown food ingredients. They experience harsh weather therefore carrying proper clothing is necessary.
Yumthang Valley
Popularly known as the 'Valley of Flowers', the Yumthang Valley is a gem located in the northern valleys of Sikkim. Steeped with lush blossoms of more than 24 species of Rhododendron flowers, the valley feels like heaven on earth. A backdrop of blooming flowers, snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and a rich forest of alpine and Gir trees offers a picturesque view of the valley. Tourists can also indulge in trekking and hiking activities along these valleys while witnessing rare and endangered animals and Himalayan bird species.
Spread across 7,096 sq km of land the state of Sikkim is recognized as the second smallest state of India after Goa. The state is steeped with natural beauty where you can find verdant alpine meadows and misty hills in every part. Although Sikkim is ideal for tourism throughout the year, the climate and altitudes are something that needs to be taken care of when planning a visit. Ranging from 280m in the south all the way to 8,585 m in the north, the state offers diverse climatic conditions that change with changes in altitudes. Some people might face high altitude sickness in the glacial regions due to low oxygen levels therefore proper mediations are required.
With a population of around 7 lakhs Sikkim is home to diverse communities that live together happily with great zeal and happiness making it the least populated state of the country. Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali are the dominant communities of this region and account for the majority of the population. Buddhism is the major religion of the state followed by Hindu and Christianity. The people of Sikkim follow their own identical traditions that resemble the traditions of Nepal and Bhutan. Music and dance are an integral part of their traditional life and are mostly observed during festivals and social celebrations.
River Rafting
River Rafting has been a common interest among tourists in recent years. Rafting along the high tides of river and navigating through the peaky mountains offers the experience of a lifetime.
Bike Riding
Sikkim is well known for its strongly built roads and beautiful terrains that attract the bike community from all over the country. Zuluk is one of the most visited sites that welcome tourists all over the year due to its panoramic views and beautiful roads.
Ropeway Ride
Gondola Ride or Ropeway is also one of the most popular things to try out in Gangtok. The ride allows you to travel from one valley to another with a bird-eye view of the city along with glimpses of the Himalayan peaks.
Yak Ride
Riding on the back of a Yak and travelling along the Tsongmo Lake offers a unique experience that is a must-do activity in Sikkim.
Visiting Lake
Sikkim is filled with glacial lakes that are located in the northern part of the state. Gurudongmar is the most popular lake considered to be the highest lake in the country. There are many other lakes located in different parts of Sikkim.
Trekking
With numerous forest trails and the Rocky Mountains, trekking is the most popular activity to do in the hills of Sikkim. There are numerous groups that offer guided treks in various parts of the state.
Unique culture and customs are what make Sikkim different from its neighbouring states and festivals are the best time to witness those cultures. With a backdrop of religious flags fluttering in the monasteries and temples along with dancing people with great energy and offering delectable cuisines, the festivals create a vibrant atmosphere that needs to be visited once a year. The state follows old age cultures and traditions that have been passed on by generations and the people ensure to preserve their culture with the help of these festivals and cultural events. Here are the top festivals that are must-visit during a trip to Sikkim.
Apart from natural beauty and rich history, the state of Sikkim is also popular for offering a delectable range of food dishes. Meat is the most common ingredient and is incorporated in the majority of food dishes with rice and soup being the staple diet of the people of Sikkim. The majority of the food dishes share similarities with the cuisines of Nepal and Bhutan therefore offering tourists a wide array of food dishes to choose from. From relishing steamy momo in the street shops to savouring delicious BBQ pork ribs in expensive restaurants, the state of Sikkim is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its foods. Following are some of the popular food dishes of Sikkim that cannot be missed during your visit.
Air: One of the fastest ways to reach Sikkim is via airways. Pakyong Airport is the only airport in the state that offers easy travelling domestic flights. However, Bagdogra is the major international airport that operates both domestic as well as international flights.
Train: To date, Sikkim does not have any rail routes however tourists can board the train to the nearest NJP railway station located at a distance of 133km from the state.
Road: One of the best ways to travel to Sikkim is via roadways. The state comes under the National Highway 31A which connects Sikkim and West Bengal. However, there are various other routes that can be used to travel to Sikkim based on your choice and travelling needs.