Trekking in Sikkim: Trekker's Paradise of Natural Wonders!
Sikkim is a state situated in the Indian Himalayas and is known for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity and its many trekking and hiking options. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in India that has been hidden in the shadows for too long. If you are looking for the best off-beat destinations for trekking and expedition then Sikkim should be right up your alley.
Trekking in Sikkim is a paradise for adventure seekers. From novice to seasoned trekkers and mountaineers, the trekking trails and the mountains in Sikkim offer something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a high-altitude trek or a leisurely walk through the lush green National Parks, or an expedition to climbing peaks, there is something for everyone here.
To name a few, the Goechala Pass Trek, the Green Lake Trek and the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek are three best trekking expedition in Sikkim that offer unparalleled views of the snow-capped mountains and the deep valleys.
While the Maenam Bhaledunga Trek near Ravangla, and the Tinjure Trek around Gangtok are the two best One Day Trekking Expedition in Sikkim.
If you are a climbing enthusiast then the Thinchenkhang Expedition and Frey Peak Expedition in West Sikkim will satisfy your need, as these are the two Best Trekking Expeditions in Sikkim.
The Best Trekking Expedition in Sikkim India: The Hidden Paradise of Sikkim
Sikkim is a hidden paradise for the best trekking expedition that is still relatively unexplored and unknown. With its lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, beautiful monasteries and rich culture, it is definitely worth a try. So, if you are looking for best trekking expedition in India with a unique and peaceful trekking and climbing getaway, then Sikkim should be your top choice.
Sikkim was once a small kingdom ruled by Kings in North Eastern part of Indian Sub Continent. It became a part of the India only in the year 1972. Nestled in the Indian Himalayas, Sikkim is bordered by Nepal to the West, Tibet to the North, Bhutan to the East and Indian State of West Bengal to the South.
Sikkim is noted for it’s rich bio-diversity, an organic state in India and as well for being home to Mount Kanchenjunga, the highest mountain in India, and the third highest mountain in the world. Almost 35% of the total area in Sikkim is covered by the Himalayas, which is made up of the rich forests of the
world heritage Kanchenjunga National Park. All these results in Sikkim being the best place to rejuvenate and relax amidst its tranquil Himalayan surrounding. The best Place in India for for an adventurer looking for the best trekking expedition destination.
Sikkim is renowned for the best trekking routes and the best Himalayan mountain peaks for Expedition in India, high altitude lakes and captivating Himalayan Mountains bear testimony. Since, half of it’s land fall in the Himalayas, Sikkim has the best Trekking routes in India along with the best mountain for expedition.
The Best Trails for Trekking Expedition in India
For instance Goechala Pass Trek, the best route for trekking expedition in Sikkim is ranked sixth strenuous and the best trek route in India. This trek entails a total of eight days of trekking in West Sikkim, and the highlights of Goechala Pass Trek is that the trek route leads you almost to the foot of Mount Kanchenjunga to an altitude of 4990 m.
Similarly Yuksom Dzongri Trek is the best short trekking expedition in Sikkim Himalayas. A four days trek that starts and ends in Yuksom. A total of 41 Km of trekking in Sikkim meant for those who are short
on time, but at the same time would like to get the feel of high altitude trek in the Himalayan mountains.
Singalila Dzongri Goechala Pass Trek is another thirteen days of strenuous trekking in Sikkim. The best route for Trekking Expedition in Sikkim, India that wanders through the most remote part of Sikkim with varied landscape and through small hamlets, dense forest and through crystal clear alpine lakes. A Trek route in Sikkim that provides the hiker with best views of the Himalayas from the Everest to the Kanchenjunga Range.
When is the best time visit Sikkim ? : Sikkim is open for trekking, Expedition and as well for Jeep tours all the year round. But after having said that, the best time for tours and trekking expedition in Sikkim is from March to May when the weather is mild and conducive for trekking and tours.
October to November just after the monsoon rains is another season best suited for trekking expedition and tours in Sikkim. The crystal clear views of the Kanchenjunga Range and the mild weather attracts trekkers, hikers and climbers from across the world to Sikkim during this time.
Is it safe to visit Sikkim ? : It is totally safe to visit Sikkim. Sikkim is one of the few states in India where it is very safe for travelers of all kinds. Whether your a trekking in Sikkim or are here just for a few days of tour, Sikkim is very safe.
Lesser Known Trekking Routes in Sikkim
What is Sikkim Famous For? Sikkim is known for it’s best hiking and trekking trails. Apart from that, the two best expeditions in Sikkim, the Thinchenkhang Expediton and the Frey Peak Expedition is well known. This small state is also known for it’s best destinations for a person who would like to take a tour of the best places in Sikkim. This small state in North East India is also famous for Monasteries and Pilgrim destinations for both Buddhist and Hindus alike.
For example, the Pemayangtse Monastery, Sangacholing Monastery, Dubdi Monastery and the Tashiding Monastery are the holiest monasteries in West Sikkim, a pilgrimage center for Buddhist. While the Enchey Monastery and the Rumtek Monastery around Gangtok are the other Monasteries of great religious value too. Apart from these Monasteries, the Char Dham Temple in Namchi, West Sikkim is equally an important place for Hindu Pilgrims.
Exploring Sikkim’s Culture: Sikkim is home to the Nepali, Lepcha and Bhutia communities and is famous for its culture and traditions. Visiting the many monasteries in Sikkim is a great way to learn about their culture and history. The Rumtek Monastery and the Tashiding Monastery are two of the most popular monasteries in Sikkim to visit, these two monasteries also houses some of the most remarkable religious artifacts in Sikkim.
But modern Sikkim is multilingual and multi-ethnic. English, Hindi, Nepali and Lepcha language are the official languages of Sikkim. Nepali is the local dialect and widely spoken. English is also spoken and understood by all.
Exploring the Natural Beauty of Sikkim: Sikkim is home to a plethora of natural wonders. The Tsomgo Lake and the Gurudongmar Lake close to the Tibetan mainland at an altitude of 17000 feet are the two best destinations for a person seeking the best tour in Sikkim. Add to this a visit to Lanchen, Lachung, Yumthang Valley and Yumesamdong and you get the best of the North Sikkim Tour, some of the most spectacular places to visit in North Sikkim. Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and a wide range of landscapes to wander about.
West Sikkim is also equally famous for it’s touristy destinations. Take for example, Ravangla famous for the Buddha Park and the short one day hikes. The 21 Km hike to Bhaledunga in the Maenam wild life Park and the shorter 10 Km trek to Tendong Hill is the best day trekking route in Sikkim. A visit to Namche and Pelling best best known for the Pemayangtse Monastery and the Mountain views.
Best of Sikkim Tours
Foreign Visitors will require an Inner Line Permit over and above the Indian Visa to Travel and Trek in Sikkim. The Inner Line permit will be issued for a period of thirty days and cannot be renewed. The Inner line Permit is readily available on arrival in India. The Inner Line Permit will be issued at the Sikkim House in Delhi, Kolkata, Siliguri and the inter- state police check post at Rangpo and Melli. Foreign Nationals will have to fill in a form and submit the same with a copy of the Passport, Indian Visa and three Passport photos attached with the same.
Indian Nationals do not need any permits to travel in Sikkim. But if you are travelling to restricted areas than one will need a special permit eg. Tchangu Lake, Nathula and North Sikkim.
Expedition to four of the Peaks in the Kanchenjunga Range in Sikkikm Himalayas was opened to climbers and mountaineers only recently. So, Expedition in Sikkim is at a tender age and very few climbers have set their foot on these four mountains.
