Sikkim, situated in the north-eastern part of India, is a small state with a big heart. Traveling through this state of the Himalayas is especially emphasized
by the spectacular contouring of landscapes from dense woodlands to vivid meadows and a few desolate patches to breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. Occupied by warm-hearted people offering some of the finest hospitality and exquisite treks, snow sports, and scenic views, Sikkim is truly a popular destination. The third highest peak in the world and the gem of the state, Kanchenjunga, is observable from almost anywhere you stand. Characterized by cold winters and mild summers, the state has hosted a huge number of visitors all year long. Until 1975, when it united with India, Sikkim operated as an independent kingdom with its own monarchy. Since then, this has become an integral part of India with a characteristic society that has developed into a multidimensional one.
Impacted by the friendly coexistence of the ruling Nepalese culture with the native Bhutias and the immigrant Lepchas, many monasteries and Hindu shrines are close to each other. The best season to visit Sikkim is from March to June and from September to December when the weather is good. During the months of January and February, Sikkim gets heavy snow and during the months of the monsoon (July to August), it is best to postpone a visit because there is a chance of avalanches. In the summers, the air is always a bit chilly. Snowfall is observed during the winter month (late December to February). Sikkimese cuisine, fresh and tasty, is not spicy. The food here is inspired by Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet and follows the same trend in its tastes, ingredients, styles, and components. It takes influence from everything that is around it and from the various religions and cultures it fosters.
Tops spots that should not be skipped include Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Yamthang Valley, Zuluk, Pelling, Rumtek Monastery, Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake, Yuksom and many more. Incredibly attractive, beautifully woody, and gloomy, Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. Lying at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level, the town provides stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga on its brilliant sunshine days. Gangtok is a platform for outdoor tourists, including climbers and backpackers in the Himalayan mountain ranges. During the period from March to mid-May, wild Rhododendrons blossoming turn the surrounding areas into large fields of colorful carpets. Crouched between both the mountains at a dizzying height of 12400 feet above sea level, Tsomgo Lake is among the few high-altitude lakes in India on the Gangtok-Nathu La Highway. Also commonly known as Changu Lake, it's part of any tourist's ledger, and for a valid reason-the breathtaking scenic elegance. Surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and resting between a vivid green blanket of alpine trees, the stunning elegance of Tsogmo Lake is bound to leave you in wonder. The mesmerizing scenic charm of the lake coupled with its iconic importance to the locals makes it a must-see destination for Sikkim. Nathula, another of the largest motorized roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks which connects Sikkim and China. Located at the Indo-Tibetan border 14450 ft. above sea level, Nathu La is among the country's major Himalayan passes. Nathula is among the three open border trade points between India and China and is renowned for its picturesque scenery and scenic surroundings.
The famous Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim is situated 140 kilometers north of Gangtok. Popular as the "Valley of Flowers," this is a native and unusual spot with hot springs, ponds, yaks, and lush green rolling hills. Located at an altitude of 3564 meters, this beautiful valley is a heaven for nature lovers as it is home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which has more than 24 varieties of Rhododendron flowers flowering from late February to mid-June. Crouched at a height of 10,000 feet above the mean sea level, Zuluk (also called Dzuluk or Jhuluk or Juluk) is a lovely hamlet lying in the lap of the eastern Himalayas in Sikkim. The area is provided with panoramic views of the ice-covered mountains, vast gorges, thick forests, and shimmering streams.
Pelling, a stunning town in the western district of Sikkim, became the second largest tourist destination in Sikkim after Gangtok. Located 10 km from Geyzing and 130 km from Gangtok, the biggest attraction of the location is the spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga and the surrounding peaks. Pelling also has places for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, yoga, besides serving as a base for a variety of treks in the area. The beautiful town of Pelling is the ideal holiday destination for nature lovers and specialization. The Monastery of Rumtek is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Sikkim, situated on a hill 23 km from Gangtok. Actually named the Dharma Chakra Core, it belongs to the Kargyu Buddhist sect, which originated in Tibet in the 12th century. The design of this striking monastery is one of the best in the world. Located in the northern district of Sikkim, Lachen is among the most beautiful towns and a tourist destination well renowned for its Lachung monastery. Its natural scenery and peaceful foliage are to be commended, and it is claimed to be among the most noteworthy and prominent locations for Buddhist pilgrims and visitors. Lachen is a less-populated holiday destination, also popular as the gateway to the holy Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu lakes. Located at an altitude of 17,100 feet above sea level, Gurudongmar Lake, located in Sikkim, is one of the 15 highest lakes in the country this is also the second-highest lake in Sikkim, after Cholamu Lake at an altitude of 18,000 feet. The majestic and scenic beauty of the place is stunning and draws visitors from all over the world. Yuksom is a scenic location situated in the western part of Sikkim, and the village is well famous for its beautiful beauty. Located near Kanchenjunga National Park, the village of Yuksom is surrounded by lush green foliage in the core of the mountains. The village gives entry to the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga. Yuksom is therefore also an enticing tourist hotspot and the home base for some of the most adventurous treks in Sikkim. The closest railway stations to Sikkim are Jalpaiguri (187 km) and Siliguri (146 km), which are well linked to major cities such as Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, and Mumbai. There are few trains running from Kolkata to Jalpaiguri, which is 593 km away. The easiest way to get to Sikkim is, of course, the airway. You could reach Sikkim by airway by booking a plane to Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal.
