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Sikkim

Sikkim - though it is perched between the north-eastern states, has its own distinctive personality. The Buddhist monasteries co-exist with Hindu shrines of the Nepali communities, and come together to form an enriching multicultural state. Travellers are bound to fall in love with this state. The super steep valleys, blanketed with subtropical woodlands and rhododendron groves rising on top to portray white-top peaks of the eastern Himalayas. Sikkim offers the thrill every adventure enthusiast looks for. Be it bungee jumping into a valley from one of the highest bridges to trekking in challenging landscapes, it is limitless. Yak safaris, rafting, paragliding and skiing are just some of the other exciting things. The mesmerising views more than make up for the efforts of trekking on the rugged terrain.

Best Activities in Sikkim
Geography and Climate

Sikkim is surrounded on three sides by precipitous mountain walls. The Singalila Range separates Sikkim from Nepal. Over two-third of Sikkim is covered by snow-covered mountains, dominated by the Kanchenjunga massif. There is a little lowland and variations in reliefs are extreme. Several rivers flow through the state which originate in its glaciers. Spring blossoms with clear skies during April and May. This is the peak season and most of the tourists flock to Sikkim then. The state receives heavy monsoon, so it is difficult to travel then. Mid October to December is when you will get the clearest views of the mountains dotting the skyline. However, as you move up the altitude, it gets extremely chilly.

Things to do:

Gangtok: Gangtok is layered on steep tiers with viewpoints of plunging green valleys all through the town. There are a lot of things to explore in this town, including monasteries, Himalayan Zoological Park, Enchey Gompa and viewpoints to get a glimpse of Khangchendzonga. Gangtok is a must stop for everyone seeking adventure activities. It has a lot of activities to offer. 

Beginners can try a zipline at Barkthang falls, a roadside fall situated 10-15 mins from Gangtok. 

There are several high rope challenges courses which are organized in Gangtok for both kids and adults. 

If you wish to try something unique, then go for a Yak safari at Tsongmo Lake, sapphire coloured located amidst mountains and hills. To witness the valleys where Gangtok sits perched in, go for a paragliding ride, which starts Baliman Dara. 

Sikkim’s airport Pakyong has flights to Kolkata and Guwahati. Most travellers still prefer to arrive at Bagdogra and drive to Gangtok.

Yuksom: Yuksom is the entry point for longer treks towards Khangchendzonga. The village itself provides stupendous views of the mountains. There are several short walks which can be

undertaken by beginner level trekkers. A trek to Goecha La is the ultimate adventure. It offers views of not one, but 14 other peaks. The snowy peaks shine in the blue horizons, and sometimes also extend to form white sheets on land. The real thrill is during the winters when it takes double the effort to walk on snow patches, along with dealing with dropping temperatures. 

The highest pit-stop is Lamune at 14,000 feet. If you wish to opt for a shorter span, then you can return back from Dzongri, that will leave you speechless with its views too. Waterfalls, hanging bridges and camping amidst splendid views are just some of the experiences the trek promises. 

A trek to Frey peak, which starts from Yuksom, offers an adrenaline climb and is a fairly difficult trek. 

The quickest way to reach Yuksom is by taking a flight to Bagdogra airport or a train to New Jalpaiguri. Or else, regular buses and taxis ply from Gangtok, Siliguri and Kolkata. 

Kuluk: Kuluk is a tiny settlement atop a ridge and faces north to a gaping valley and Himalayan peaks. This view is much better than the ones you will see in any other town.  

A drive from Kuluk is the Singshore bridge, the second highest bridge in Asia. As you walk on the vibrating extension, it is definitely going to send chills down your spine. If that is not enough, then bungee jump into the deep valley as cold winds caress your face. This is one of the most thrilling experiences in Sikkim. 

In Kuluk, you can also enjoy boating in Teesta river and a yak safari in the woodlands.  

The town is accessible from Bagdogra airport and New Jalpaiguri railway station, from where you can hire a cab till Kuluk. 

Ravangla: One of Sikkim’s most iconic sites is the giant golden Buddha, sitting amidst a stunning backdrop of the Himalayas and misty skies. The village is called Rabongla or Ravangla and is a crossroad of bazaars and narrow streets. The Ralang monasteries are a must visit and are home to around 300 monks. Surrounding the monasteries are wooden houses and colourful prayer flags that wave with the wind. 

A strenuous one day trek up Maenem hill will take you through woods, blooming rhododendrons and magnolias. Enroute is the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located on a ridge that almost bisects Sikkim longitudinally. The trek to Maenem peak and then further to Bhaledunga through the mist-covered alpine forests offers excellent views of the Khangchendzonga peaks and the Teesta river. 

Ravangla is easily accessible from Gangtok and Pelling. The closest however is Bagdogra in Siliguri. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, from where you can hire private cabs till Ravangla. 

Bike ride from Siliguri to Gangtok: It is said that the best way to explore the destination is by road, and an exploration on bike makes it even more exciting. Start the ride from Siliguri and head towards Lachung, where you can awe over the K2 peak. Enroute, you can also tour the Zero point, the last outpost of civilization on the Indo-China border. Visit the Gurudongmar lake, one of the highest altitude lakes in the world. 

By the time you reach Gangtok, you would have witnessed the changing landscapes and the altering temperatures with altitude. It is an enduring adventure. You will cross through bazaars, 

monasteries, get to interact with local cultures and zig zag through various hair-pin belts. This adventure is a memory that you will cherish for a lifetime. 

https://www.sikkimtourism.gov.in/Public/ThingsToDo/BikRideSikkim

Unforgettable thrills:

  1. Yak safari at Tsongmo Lake
  2. Paragliding at Baliman Dara.
  3. Trek to Dzongri or even further to Goecha La
  4. Trek to Frey peak
  5. Bungee jumping at Singshore bridge
  6. Boating in Teesta River
  7. Trek up Maenem Hill
  8. Bike ride from Siliguri to Gangtok

 

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