One of the most sough after Himalayan destinations, Sikkim
The State of Sikkim though a part of North Eastern India, is easily accessible from its gateway Siliguri. After reaching Siliguri in the morning one can go to Gangtok, the State capital, same day afternoon, stay for a day and then go on to further beautiful scenic destinations all over Sikkim. Or, one can take a cab to reach main desired Sikkim destination directly from Siliguri.
Siliguri to Gangtok distance is about 120 kms and it should take not more than 4 hours by road. No rail service is available for Sikkim.
Historically, for air passengers headed towards Sikkim, either airports at Bagdogra near Siliguri or Paro in Bhutan were the choices from where it would have to be a road journey. But history is about to change with the imminent launch of the only airport in Sikkim near Gangtok at Paykong, a small village. Opening of the airport is scheduled in the first quarter of 2018.
Sikkim has borders with Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal and is wholly composed of Himalayan mountains and valleys. The highest Himalayan snow peak in India and the third highest snow peak in the world, Kangchenjunga, is in Sikkim. Many vantage points in Sikkim offer grand views of Sunrise over Kangchenjunga group of peaks.
People in Sikkim are mild-mannered and not overly aggressive regarding tourism charges. Travelling in Sikkim is soothing.
Sikkim mountains are not steep and rugged like Garhwal Himalayas. Like its people, Sikkim hillsides are green covered and gently rising.
In North of Sikkim, towards Tibet border, lie the major high altitude Sikkim destinations, Tsomgo Lake (or Chhangu lake at over 12000 ft altitude), Nathu La Pass, Shingbha wildlife and Rhododendron Sanctuary, Gurudongmar Lake (at over 17000 ft altitude), Chopta Valley (at over 13000 ft altitude), Thangu and breathtaking Yumthang (at over 11000 ft altitude).
Comparatively West Sikkim is tranquil. Though Pelling, Geyzing, Pemaiyangtse monastery, Kangchenjunga National park are better known popular destinations, there are many beautiful spots such as Kaluk and Rinchenpong with great scenic views spread all over West Sikkim with nearby Kangchenjunga creating its magic.
South Sikkim has its own charming places in Namchi, Ravangla and world famous Temi tea garden while the famous Sikkim Silk Route passes through the East Sikkim. Capital Gangtok falls on this route.
Considering its variety of high altitude glacial destinations, grand Kangchenjunga views, alpine meadows, bird’s perch Monasteries, numerous waterfalls all around the hills and thousands of varieties of wildflowers, we consider Sikkim as one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world for enjoying Himalayan grandeur.
Our travel stories are on Kaluk, Yumthang, and Gurudongmar.
Links
Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation