Exploring the unexplored: Sikkim

Sikkim, India’s least populous state surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of the Himalayas, is an ideal destination for travelers seeking to recharge.

In the modern world saturated by information and constant changes, more and more people travel to destinations such as Bali to switch off. But with years, the once empty spots have become overcrowded with tourists, making people consider other alternatives. If you’re not afraid to try something off the beaten track, Sikkim might be just for you.

In this article, we will uncover the best of this offbeat land, including its breathtaking nature and captivating places. We will also provide you with some practical information about how and when to go there.

About Sikkim

Sikkim was long an independent monarchy surrounded by India, Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal. In 1950, it became a protectorate of India and started to form part of the federation in 1975.

The territory has been marked by various religions and cultures. In the eighth century, the Sikkimese animist beliefs were strongly influenced by Buddhism, a religion whose legacy is still visible in a vast part of the land today. The Hindu influence came from Bengal and Nepal, with Hinduism remaining one of the most dominant religions today.

Nowadays, three main communities inhabit the land: the Lepchas, who are believed to be the original inhabitants, the Bhutias, who migrated from Tibet, and the Nepalese.

Apart from its diversity, what makes Sikkim such an enchanting place? There are several reasons, but one of them is its truly captivating nature.

Did you know that Sikkim has the highest peak in India, and the third highest in the world? The Khangchendzonga National Park covers around 35% of the territory, and Mount Khangchendzonga is visible from a number of viewpoints around the land to take pictures to remember.

When to visit Sikkim?

One thing you should be aware of when visiting Sikkim is its unpredictable, often changing climate.

Heavy rains might surprise you if you decide to come anywhere between May and the beginning of October. That’s when the monsoon season takes place. The most convenient time appears to be March and April when the country shines with the bright colors of the spring summer season. If you don’t mind the chilly weather, plan your trip for October, November, or December. The cold will make it up to you with the possibility of visiting The Red Panda Winter Carnival or Temi Tea Autumn Cherry Festival.

How to get to Sikkim?

First of all, when speaking of travelling to Sikkim, tourists must not forget about a so-called Protected Area Permit. Because of the sensitive international proximity, you need to obtain a special document to enter certain places. You’ll normally get it in tourism offices, and it will last 30 days. Bring your visa, photo, and passport, and you are good to go.

You can travel by car, train, or even fly to Sikkim.

If you’re in Delhi or Kolkotta, you can fly to the state’s only airport, Pakyong Airport, located 30 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The second nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, from where it takes around 4 hours by bus or 2 hours by taxi to get to the capital.

Alternatively, you can travel to two big train stations: Saliguri, and New Jalpaiguri. While Saliguri doesn’t offer many options, the latter is located 130 km from Gangtok and is accessible from pretty much anywhere in India. From there, it’s possible to proceed by road. But be careful, and spare some extra time, the roads are extremely bumpy!

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What places to visit?

To start with, there are tons of beautiful places to visit in Sikkim. Even though the state seems small, it’s not well-connected, and it’s impossible to see everything. Here are some tips that can serve you as an inspiration:

You will most likely arrive in the capital, so, why not explore it first? Gangtok is worth visiting for foodies. You can try traditional food such as momo, thukpa, daal bhaat, or more.

Many also take advantage of the attractions in the city’s surroundings. You can explore Buddhist culture by visiting the Enchey and Rumtek Monastery and Do-Drul Chorten stupa or admire the Hindu temple of Ganesh Tok. Alternatively, a two-hour drive from the city is Nathu La Pass, the mountain pass that joins Sikkim and China.

For the fans of trekking and seeking peace, Yuksom will be the place to go. The town abounds with a serene atmosphere, with lakes, waterfalls, historical sites, and monasteries. Also, if you’re interested in entering the Kangchenjunga National Park, the town serves as one of the gateways.

Similar to Yuksom is the little town of Pelling. Covered in fascinating greenery, it is no wonder it is a popular destination for artists and writers seeking inspiration.

Here comes a peculiarity – sightseeing in Pelling is not possible in the order you want, since the sites form a circle. You can only see the next or return to what you already saw.

Interesting facts

Thanks to its sustainable and eco-friendly approach, Sikkim has become the first-ever entirely organic state worldwide. At first glance, it is obvious that the state cares about sanitation, and you are sure to find clean streets everywhere you walk.

On top of that, Sikkim has several environmental protection laws, such as a ban on plastic bottles. So, a reusable bottle is a must. Is it also forbidden to smoke and spit in public places.

Speaking of laws, in 2008, Sikkim became the first Indian state where people can legally play at online casinos. Apart from Sikkim, only two others officially allow online gambling: western states of Goa and Daman.

Finally, the Rhododendron niveum is established as the state tree. If you plan your trip for the spring summer season, you will see the national flower blossoming everywhere you look.

If you love nature, peace, and diversity, you will fall in love with Sikkim. Offering great views, untouched nature, and a big portion of history, this Indian destination will leave you with a desire to come back soon.

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