15 Best Things To Do in Sikkim

Backpackers, lovebirds, families with children, environment enthusiasts, peace seekers, and travel photographers can all enjoy the following activities in Sikkim. So, take a closer look at these things to do in Sikkim and decide which things you will do during your Sikkim visit.

Here is the list of 15 Best Things To Do in Sikkim:

• Cable Car Ride in Gangtok
• Visiting Rumtek Monastery
• Yak Ride
• Horse Ride
• Trekking at Goecha La trek
• River Rafting at Tribeni
• Bird Watching in Kewzing
• Enjoying Sikkimese Nightlife
• Mountain Biking
• Paragliding
• Shopping at MG Road
• Visiting Temi tea Garden
• Visiting Himalayan Zoological Park
• Helicopter Ride
• Hand Gliding at Yumthang

Here are the 15 Best Things To Do in Sikkim

Cable Car Ride in Gangtok

The Cable Car Ride is a Another Unique Things to do in Sikkim ,Gangtok as it will offer you a panoramic view of the valley and the lush green vegetation surrounding Gangtok along with a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga peak. The starting point of the ropeway is from Deorali Bazar and ends at Tashiling Secretariat.

The ropeway ride service is available between 9:30 am till 6 pm. This ropeway can carry around 24 passengers at a time and cover a distance of 2 km. 

Visiting Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek monastery is one of the largest monasteries around Sikkim that is spread over an area of 74 acres. In the year 1961, the construction work for Rumtek monastery began and it took 6 years to complete it. The 16th Karmapa established this place and used this place to practice dharma,

The Rumtek monastery symbolizes the spiritual energy of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism and has also been the seat of Gyalwa Karmapa. The monastery is open to visitors from 6 am till 6 pm with an entry fee of Rs 10 .

Yak Ride

Travelling on the back of a Yak will offer you an unforgettable experience which is one of the best activities to do in Sikkim. Yak safari helps you cover distance while travelling from one place to another. These beasts has been domesticated by the locals since a long period of time. Every age group of people can opt for a Yak ride and enjoy the scenic view.

Around 67 Yaks are registered with the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation under the Sikkim Government. You can enjoy yak ride at Dzongri lake that is situated at an elevation of 4200 meters. The yak ride cost Rs 300 and photo cost Rs 50. You can also experience yak ride in Tsomgo lake, which will cost you the same as that of Dzongri lake.

Horse Ride

Horse riding is being done throughout different places in Sikkim and is a unique means towards exploring Sikkim and witnessing some of the breathtaking scenarios. The best trail for horse ride is considered to be Yumthang valley, also called the valley of flowers.

The best time to visit this valley is between February to June, when the flowers in the valley blooms offering a hue of vibrant colors. Moreover, the Teesta river flowing side by side will elevate your journey with its soothing sound of the gushing water flowing. You can also see grazing yaks on our way. So the horse riding is a must do thing in Sikkim you can’t avoid

Trekking at Goecha La trek

Goecha La trek is a popular trek route of Sikkim that offers you stunning views of the Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Pandim and other mountain ranges. Throughout your trek, you will be surrounded by snow capped mountains, alpine meadows and rocky terrains.

The best time to trek is during spring, which is between March and May, and autumn between September and November. However, one must prepare for uncertainties like rain, as the weather at times may be unpredictable. Most of the treks to Goecha La takes around 7 to 8 days to reach the summit. 

River Rafting at Tribeni

River Rafting at Tribeni is another must have experience in Sikkim that will help you feel lively. You need to visit Triveni River Camp, which is situated near a point named Teesta Tribeni. Tribeni is the confluence point of river Rangeet and river Teesta, that has strong currents flowing in the water, which offers an ultimate outdoor experience.

The boats for rafting can be hired for Rs 5000 to travel 7 km and Rs 4000 for 4 km. Each of the boat can accommodate a space for 6 people. The river rafting may look dangerous, however, you will be guided and supported by professionals.    

Bird Watching in Kewzing

Bird Watching in Maenam Hills, Ravangla, Kewzing is another top attraction in Sikkim that helps you watch a number of different bird species. The most sought bird from Kewzing village is Rusty-bellied Shortwing. There are also other birds that can be captured around Kewzing, such as Black-throated Parrotbill, Yellow-throated Fulvetta and Rufous-throated Wren Babbler.

There are also birds like Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Scaly Laughingthrush and White-napped Yuhina. The best time for bird watching is between dawn and 11 AM, when the birds are most active and especially during early summer and spring.     

Enjoying Sikkimese Nightlife

The nightlife of Sikkim can be enjoyed by both friends and family. as the nightlife in Gangtok offers a unique experience to the travelers. In Gangtok, specifically in MG Marg, you can experience the bustling streets filled with crowds, fine dining restaurants, shops, attractive pubs and delicious food. Both locals an tourists enjoy spending their time out here in the MG Marg.

Some of the places that you can visit during the night time consists of cafe Live Loud, which takes 10 minutes uphill walk from MG Marg and is open from 11 AM till 11:30 PM. There is also X’Cape, which is called the Youngustan of Gangtok that remains 4 PM till midnight, where you can enjoy with the DJ music. There is also a place called after dark which is suitable for travellers travelling in big groups and this place is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 AM till 2 AM.      

Mountain Biking

If you wish to explore the outdoors of Sikkim, then you can consider mountain biking through the rough terrains . The surreal environment while riding through the challenging routes will give you an unforgettable adventure. Different routes will offer different experiences, some will be leisure, some bumpy and some steep, while passing the views of snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and river streams. 

Some of the biking trails are as follows:

Paragliding

Paragliding has occupied a special place among all the other adventure activities in Sikkim . Flying high like a bird above the sky to attain an aerial view of the surrounding valley, alpine forests, serene rivers and town. Accompanied by a professional, you can fly over thick forests and experience an unpolluted route. The best time for paragliding is between the months of March to June and September to November, when the skies stay clear.

There are three places around Sikkim, where you can go for paragliding. Bulbuley Dara is located at a height of 2200 meters above the Resithang village. The price for paragliding is Rs 1200/- person and the timing is between 6 AM till 4:30 PM. Chakung Durpiney Dara that is situated in West Sikkim and is at an elevation of 1700 meters above the sea level.

The price for paragliding is Rs 5200/- person and the timing is between 6 AM till 4:30 PM. Baliman Dara is located in the Resithang region of Sikkim hat is situated at an elevation of 1400 meters above the sea level. The price for paragliding is Rs 1000/- person and the timing is between 6 AM till 4:30 PM    

Shopping at MG Road

Mahatma Gandhi road (MG Marg) is a popular tourist destination in Gangtok that is known for its bustling shop, restaurants, cafe, pubs and food outlets where you can find delectable delicacies. There are a number of shops that will offer you unique handicraft items that will attract your attention. Some of the popular items that you can purchase from MG Marg to purchase and take back with you home.

Tibetan style wall hangings and lanterns are preferred by tourists to be purchased, starting from Rs 100/- . Gangtok is also known for their Buddhist culture and is most of the shops has the figurines of Lord Buddha. Sikkim is well known for its tea that is produced in different regions of Sikkim and Gangtok. You can purchase a number of aromatic tea from the market. Besides, there are also number of other items that can be purchased from the markets of MG road, such as Buddhists prayer flags, Sikkimese teapots and cups, Tibetan carpets, black cardamom, Tibetan alpine cheese, Thangkas, Wooden Buddhists masks and others,      

Visiting Temi tea Garden

Temi tea Garden is located between Temi Bazaar and Damthang and can be seen on the way to Singtam. The tea garden was established back in the year 1969 by the Government of Sikkim and covers a area of 177 hectares of land. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sikkim.

Visiting Himalayan Zoological Park

Himalayan Zoological Park is the only zoo in Sikkim and is located in Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Sungava, Gangtok. The park has been developed to preserve and safeguard the wild animals and offer them a natural habitat. The zoological park is spread in a vast expanse of 205 hectares and situated at an altitude of 1780 meters above the sea level.

This zoological park is maintained by the Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department under the Government of Sikkim. There are a number of species that are found in the park such as Crimson-Horned Pheasant, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Palm Civet, Goral, Snow Leopard Cat, Himalayan Red Panda and Himalayan Monel Pheasant. The best time to visit this park is between September to December and February to May. 

Helicopter Ride

Helicopter ride offers you an enthralling and adventurous experience in Sikkim while witnessing the serene surroundings from bird eye view. The helicopter service is known as Pawan Hans that is operated by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), which is a part of the Sikkim Government. The services are reliable, however, the flight is highly dependent on the weather conditions. 

Th fare for helicopter ride per person is Rs 3500 and the luggage limit is up to 10 kg only and additional luggage’s are not allowed under any conditions. The maximum of five persons can fly in the helicopter, even children who takes place are considered as a person. You can fly from Bagdogra helipad to Burtuk, which is situated near Gangtok. 

Timings: Bagdogra to Gangtok: 2:30 PM (Duration: 35 minutes) 

Gangtok  to Bagdogra: 11 AM (Duration: 35 minutes)

Must Read: 7 Most Beautiful Sikkim View Points

Hand Gliding at Yumthang

Hang gliding is a perfect activity for you to do in Sikkim , if you want to fly free like a bird or soar high like an eagle. The price for hang gliding at Yumthang is Rs 2500 per person, where an instructor will fly with you for ensuring the safety measures. The best time for doing this activity in Yumthang is September to mid-October and May to June.

The hang gliding activity is done at an altitude of 12000 feet that offers one an excellent aerial view of the valley and surrounding vegetation. You will be harnessed to an alloy frame that will be controlled by shifting your body weights, which will help you emulate the flight style of birds. 

Also read: Top 9 Best things to do in Sikkim Trip

Buy Sikkim Tour Packages Here: Sikkim Tour Packages TripFactory

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the trekkers describe the cultural experiences and natural beauty encountered during their trips?

Trekkers often share their experiences of deep cultural enrichment and breathtaking natural beauty during their journeys, particularly highlighting trails like the Goecha La in Sikkim. They describe the trek as a profound journey through diverse ecosystems, surrounded by exotic and vibrant plant life and wildlife. The path leads adventurers through the majestic Kanchenjunga National Park, which presents an opportunity to explore rich biodiversity within a day’s journey.

The natural scenery is said to be spectacular, featuring dark, mysterious valleys, pristine snow-covered peaks, stunning lakes, and charming rivers. The emotional impact of such scenes is profound; many trekkers report being overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and peacefulness of these landscapes. As they navigate through these awe-inspiring settings, visitors not only witness the beauty of Sikkim but also experience a profound connection with nature that stays with them long after their trek concludes.

What are some factors that make the trekking experiences in Sikkim unique compared to other parts of India?

Trekking in Sikkim stands out as a distinct adventure from other trekking experiences across India for several reasons:

Diverse Terrain and Spectacular Views: Sikkim offers trekkers the opportunity to explore the breathtaking Indian Himalayas. The landscapes here are not just varied but dramatically different from much of the terrain you’ll find elsewhere.

Cultural Enrichment: The local culture in Sikkim is vibrant and distinctly different from other parts of India. Trekkers get to immerse themselves in unique traditions and meet people with unique lifestyles, which enriches their experience.

Accessibility: What makes trekking in Sikkim appealing, especially to beginners, is the feasibility of the trails. The treks are designed in a way that even first-timers can undertake them comfortably.

Well-Organized Treks: Sikkim’s trekking routes are meticulously planned and cater to a range of budgets, ensuring a rewarding experience without the worry of logistics.

Each of these factors contributes to making trekking in Sikkim a unique and must-try adventure for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

What is the ideal time to visit North Sikkim for specific attractions?

If you’re planning to explore the distinct attractions of North Sikkim, timing your visit is crucial. For those eager to witness the blooming splendor of Yumthang Valley or to see the iconic frozen lakes of Tsomgo and Gurudongmar, the best months to visit are March and April. These spring months showcase the region in full bloom and capture its picturesque beauty.

On the other hand, if you’re inclined to experience North Sikkim’s serene and frosty winter landscapes, schedule your visit for November. This time of the year highlights the tranquil yet stark beauty of the region, presenting a different aspect of its charm. Each season offers a unique experience, making North Sikkim a versatile destination for nature lovers.

What safety measures and arrangements did TripFactory implement to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for travelers?

TripFactory implemented several robust safety measures and thoughtful arrangements to enhance the traveler’s experience. Upon arrival at various accommodations like tents, camps, and huts situated in remote areas including Tshoka, Samiti Lake, Thangshing, and Dzongrin, guests were greeted with meticulously sanitized living spaces. The staff prioritized cleanliness, ensuring that every corner of the stay was disinfected.

Additionally, the company addressed safety outdoors by provisioning each group with a well-equipped first-aid kit, which was available at all times to address any potential medical needs swiftly. Despite the remote locations, the arrangements for overnight stays were made comfortable and secure.

Moreover, TripFactory took charge of the logistical aspects that often bog down travelers, such as obtaining necessary permits and handling entry fees at various sites. This comprehensive approach allowed travelers to enjoy their adventures without hassle, focusing fully on their experience.