30 Things To Do in Sikkim
Beautiful valleys, snow-clad mountains, partially frozen lakes, amazing Buddhist temples and mesmerizing landscapes – this is what Sikkim holds in store for any tourist looking forward to visit the mystic land of Sikkim. From trekking to river rafting, shopping to bird watching there are plethora of activities for visitors. Here is a list of must to-do things on your trip to Sikkim that will captivate you.
1. Go Paragliding at Ani Gumpa
Experience the adventure of jumping of a steep cliff and flying over snow covered mountain. Paragliding is a must activity for those who want to feel the adrenaline rush. Those who love sports and want to push themselves for further exploration must try it out. View the beauty of compelling meadows, high mountain peaks from a height of above 2,200 meters.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Ani Gumpa | INR 3000-5000 | Around 30 Minutes |
2. Try River Rafting in Teesta
Teetsa is among the most noteworthy rivers in Sikkim. Get hold of yourself and overcome all your fears by rafting the thundering currents of river Teesta. Get ready to embrace nature and have a worthy voyage. This breath-taking activity is for novice as well as experience holders. All you need is trustworthy rafting service provider and then there is nothing better than this adventure ride.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
From Lhamo Lake to Entire Sikkim | INR 900-1000 | March till May |
3. Travel Ropeway to Gangtok in a Cable Car
People of all ages can enjoy the cable car ride. In case you want to have a fulfilling experience of your ropeway then you must start from Deorali which is the lowest station and then complete the ride. If you get a seat adjacent to a window then you can relish the bounty of natural scenes and valleys.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
From Deorali | Around Rs.100 per adult, 75 for Children below 6 years and free for Kids less than 3 years. | 09:00 am – 05:00 p.m |
4. Trekking at Goecha La
This trek offers a lifetime memory for tourists. It requires a 10 day trek and holds average challenge. It is an ideal trek for travellers as it more rewarding than tiring. Once you make up your mind and reach a height of 4940 feet the picturesque sight of snow-covered Kanchenjunga welcomes you with all its beauty.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Near Himalayan Range | INR 1,500 – 1,800 | November is the best time to visit. |
5. Enjoy a Yak Safari
Near the Tsomgo lake in Sikkim, which is not just a tourist spot, you can have a unique experience of riding a yak. Yaks are harmless, friendly and very serene animals. They are decorated with traditional woolen knitwear and bells. As the yaks tread slowly the slopes of Sikkim you are likely to fall in love with them.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Nearly 40 km from Gangtok. | INR 500 -800 per head | Ideally Winters |
6. Trek at Dzongri
One of the most famous treks in Sikkim is the Dzongri trek which is nearly 50km long. Bask in the beauty of Sikkim and experience a rejuvenating break away from the chaos of the urban life. The unique thing about this trek is the astonishing sight of the top of Kanchenjunga and the clear Blue sky.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Towards West Sikkim | Approximately INR 25,000 Per person. | The ideal time is March -June and September -November |
7. Try Bungee Jumping at the Singshore Bridge
This suspension bridge is nearly 200 meter long. You can engage in the thrilling activity of Bungee jumping here at Singshore Bridge. This activity is surely for the “Dare-devils” . This activity is done under the guidance and supervision by the professionals and trainers. All you need is strong headedness.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
In Uttarey village near Pelling. | INR 500 | 06:00 a.m to 06:00 p.m throughout the year |
8. Base Camp Trekking at Kanchenjunga
If you are an adventure junkie, this trek will fulfill all your desires. The trek is nearly 90 km long and needs approximately 10 days to complete. It’s is so magical that it seems like a fairyland trek with heart capturing view of mountains and meadows.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Gangtok | Nearly INR 15,000 Per person | Middle of March to June, & September to October |
9. Trek at Singalia
Even if you are an adventure buff, you need to think twice before taking up this trekking activity, the reason being the sheer long length of the trek. In order to complete the trek it requires more than a fortnight. But the efforts are worth the struggle and it pays off to see the Sikkim beauty beyond words.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Uttarey | 42000 per person | Winters |
10. Silk Route Cycling
It is best choice to opt for, when you are looking for both fun and adventure in Sikkim. You have to join a cycling expedition to the Silk Route . The journey from Gangtok to Zuluk makes you travel the ancient Sikkim with beautiful mountains and chilling breeze. It nearly needs 7 days to finish.
Transportation: 4 Kms from Jaipur Junction railway station and 7 kms from Jaipur Airport
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
East Sikkim | INR 20,500-30,000 | May and October |
11. Visit National Park at Singhalia
A home to huge wildlife with a pleasing scenic beauty is the National Park at Singhalia. The topmost summit of the park is situated 12000 feet above ground level. This National Park is located amidst Sandak phu to Phalut.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
In Darjeeling | Entry fee INR 100 & Car Safari INR 100 per Person | March-May & October-December |
12. Trekking at Green Lake
Although this lake is not very popular it is one of the best treks with varied terrain and steep hills. The Green Lake trek is for adventure lovers at heart. Situated at a height of 16180 feet, this trek adds charm to the adventure filled journey of Sikkim.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Towards North Sikkim | INR 65,000 | April and October |
13. Visit Tsomgo Lake
The topmost visited location in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is the Tsomgo Lake. The alias name for this lake is Changu and it is composed out of glacier water. It is also a sacred place where mystics of Sikkim gather at Guru Purnima to offer prayer.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Nearly 30 km from Gangtok | INR 3,000 per person | Ideal time is from January to March |
14. Experience Hang Gliding
Hang gliding is one of the most amazing things to do in Sikkim. With the increasing popularity of adventure activities in Sikkim, people are more open to try out challenge their limits. Hang gliding allows you to soar high in the sky like a free bird and eyewitness the splendid landscapes.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Yumthang Valley | INR 2000-2500 | Mid May to October |
15. Visit Namgyal Institute of tibetology
Visit to this institute is educational as well as enjoyable experience. If you desire to study the Tibetan culture and arts you must go to this institute. The rich history of Sikkim is preserved here in a Library and a Museum situated in a beautiful building.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Deorali, Gangtok | INR 10 per person | 10:00 a.m-04:00 p.m except Sundays |
16. Tour the Pemayangtse Monastery
Among the plethora of options that exist to explore Sikkim, visit to the Pemayangtse Monastery is surely one of the best. Every year thousands of tourists and locals visit this monastery. This monastery is a witness of the rich culture and heritage of Sikkim.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
South West Sikkim | INR 20-25 per head | 9:00 a.m to 06:00 p.m |
17. Visit Rumtek Monastery
Visit to this monastery is enjoyable owing to its spectacular grandness. It is situated at a distance of 23 km from Gangtok and is accessible via car. It is a place of religious importance. Spiritual people from all over the globe come to visit this monastery.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Dharma Chakra Center, Sikkim | INR 10 per person | 06:00 a.m -06:00 p.m |
18. Visit Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
This garden is one of the top appeals with its eye-captivating landscape and is named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. It has plenty of rare plants and situated adjacent to the Rumtek Monastery. There is a small recreational center for the tourist to adore the beauty of the place.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Gangtok | INR 10 per head | March to May and October to December |
19. Go Caving in the North Lha-Ri-Nying Phu
When considering the spiritual and religion perspective, this place is of prime importance. People all over the globe come and visit this cave as a holy place. The eye pleasing beauty of the Himalayan interiors can be experienced through a 3 day trek activity.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
North of Tashiding | Nearly INR 5000 per person | The best time to visit is during Autumn |
20. Take a Helicopter Ride
The best way to have a bird’s eye view of the majestic Sikkim land is through a helicopter ride. Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) offers a helicopter service known as Pawan Hans to eye-witness the beauty of rivers and mountains from the sky.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Gangtok Valley | From INR 20,000 to 90,000 , (depending upon duration ) | 07:00 a.m to 09:00 p.m all round the year |
21. Enjoy a Steaming Dip at the Yumthang Hot Spring
Situated in North Sikkim, in the town of Yumthang, it is the most popular hot spring. The native people call it the “Yumthang Tsachu” in the local language. It stands tall at a height of above 12,000 feet over the level of ocean. This spring can be easily reached at a 5 minute distance on feet from the Yumthang town.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
North Sikkim | 11:00 am to 06:00 pm |
22. Visit the Buddha Park
A place of religious importance and a must see tourist attraction is the Buddha Park. The lush green garden offers a soothing view to the soul. The scenic beauty of this park gives a lifelong memory to cherish. There is also a museum and a mediation center in the vicinity of the garden.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Ravangla | INR 50 | Monday to Friday 05:00 a.m to 08:00 p.m. |
23. Travel around Ranka Monastery
Known for its beauty, this Monastery is also called ‘Lingdum Monastery’ . This monastery is known to attract various bollywood directors due to its scenic splendor. This place is known for it’s calm and serene aura. It is ideal place for meditation or to do photography.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
East Sikkim | Free Entry | Any time throughout the year |
24. Have a Meal at 9’INE Native Cuisine
You can relish the mouthwatering dishes of Sikkim at this restaurant. Foodie travellers, here , you can eat beyond the point of satiation . You can experience the taste of authentic food and treat your taste buds. A wide variety of flavors from bland to hot and spicy to minty are served over here.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
MG Marg, Gangtok | INR 300 for two | Everyday 09:00am – 11:00pm |
25. Experiment with Sikkimese Tongba
You cannot say that your Sikkim tour is complete till you taste this beverage. This fermented alcoholic drink has its roots in Nepal. The real name for this drink is “Jaand” . So while you have a gala time in Sikkim, don’t forget to try out Sikkimese Tongba.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Any local street Restaurant |
26. Explore Temi Tea Gardens
Temi tea gardens are ranked among top gardens in this world and are located in the area near mountain valleys surrounded by cherry blossoms. They are known for their delightful tea. The tea cultivated in these gardens is sold at premium price all over the globe and has high brand value.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
On the way to Singtam | Free Entry | Best during November and December |
27. Go on a Shopping Spree on MG Road
This place is a must go for every shopaholic. Beautiful and traditional tea cups from Tibet to Sikkim are available for sale here. There is a special ‘person on foot’ i.e. pedestrian area on these roads which are free from honking vehicles to add to the experience of joyful shopping for tourists.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
28. Watch Birds in Kewzing
An impeccable beauty of watching rare species of birds in the Himalayas is offered at Kewzing which is located near Pelling. It is heaven on earth for keen bird watchers.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
West Sikkim | From March to May |
29. Watch Kanchendzonga Waterfalls
This place was not known for a long time till a tourist accidentally discovered it. It has a nice and serene location for the picnic with family and friends. The captivating beauty of these waterfalls is a memory to cherish the entire lifetime.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
Pelling | INR 3000-5000 | Throughout the year |
30. Watch Flower Show at White House
Sikkim is famous for its flora and one of the must do’s on your tour to Sikkim is to go and watch the flower show at White House. This flower show comprises of more than 500 variety of orchids, 200 plus kinds of trees and ferns and various other flowers.
LOCATION | COST | TIMINGS |
From March to June |