Grand super-soak valleys, rhododendron timberlands, rich mountain tops, and subtropical forests characterize Sikkim. The grand Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Enchey Monastery, Tashi View Point, Lachung, Yumthang, Rumtek religious community, Lachen, and numerous other sights can be explored on an outing here. Enjoy some wonderful meals such as the aged pork curry, soybean chutney, and local beverages such as the delectable Tongba.
Sikkim is India’s smallest northeastern state, bordered on four sides by Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, and West Bengal. Mt Kangchenjunga, India’s highest mountain peak, is located in Sikkim, which is home to the Himalayan mountain range. Sikkim’s capital city is Gangtok.
Sikkim was first admitted to India in 1975. Apart from it being a base for Tibetans and the British erecting the hamlet of Gangtok as their military base when advancing into Tibet during the 19th century, little is known about its history.
This has left an indelible mark on the city’s culture, appearance, and atmosphere. Tibetan monasteries dot the landscape, as does Tibetan culture. It is a little hill city with the construction that resembles that of Bhutan’s capital, Thimpu. It is an ideal place to unwind and connect with nature. Gangtok is a prominent trekking destination that draws trekkers from all across India and the world. Unlike big cities, Gangtok is devoid of noise, pollution, and congestion, as well as a skyline of tall buildings, yet it is well-equipped to provide visitors with a holistic experience of living in the highlands.
Sikkim is one of the few states that has kept its natural environment intact. Plastics and tobacco are both prohibited in Sikkim. Sikkim has been the only state in India to support organic farming and prohibit the import of non-organic food from other areas of the nation for the past fifteen years.
The local language, Nepali, is widely spoken. Because it is so similar to Hindi, most people can understand it. The official language of the state is English. From a communication aspect, the city is a particularly tourist-friendly location. Other local languages include Tibetan, Bhutia, and Sikkimese.
Yumthang valley is a lovely, attractive grazing pasture surrounded by mountains in Sikkim’s north Sikkim region. It is located at an elevation of 3,564 meters (11,800 feet) above sea level, 150 kilometers from the state capital Gangtok. The ‘Valley of Flowers’ is a well-known nickname. The valley is exceptionally gorgeous, with tree-covered green slopes, a softly flowing river, and lovely Himalayan flowers. A trip to the Valley of Flowers will fascinate you.
The valley is a must-see for nature lovers, as it is home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. The valley’s only permanent dwelling is a forest rest house, and Lachung is the nearest town. The valley is closed owing to snowfall between December and March. The cattle are brought to the valley to graze during the summer season, a practice known as yaylag pastoralism. The valley blooms with poppies, rhododendrons, iris, primulas, and other flowers in the spring. By May, rhododendrons have finished blossoming. During the monsoon, the valley is filled with tiny flowers such as Cobra-lilies, Louseworts, Cinquefoils, and Primroses.
Dzuluk, Zuluk, Jhuluk, or Jaluk is a small hamlet in East Sikkim, India, situated at a height of roughly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) in the rugged terrain of the lower Himalayas (Pincode 737131). In East Sikkim, this is a relatively new and quirky location. It is quickly establishing itself as a new tourist destination. The spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range, including Kanchenjunga, makes it a popular tourist destination.
It was originally a stopover on the ancient Silk Road connecting Tibet and India. The silk road connecting Lhasa (Tibet) and Kalimpong was in use until the Chinese takeover of Tibet a few decades ago.
Zuluk or Dzuluk is a small village in East Sikkim located at a height of roughly 10,100 feet on the steep landscape of the lower Himalayas. It was previously a transit place along the old Silk Route from Tibet to India. In East Sikkim, it is a relatively new and quirky location. The population of this little village is estimated to be around 700 people. Zuluk also contains an Indian Troop base, which has served as a transit camp for army movements to the Chinese border, which is only a few kilometers away. It is the first settlement on the Silk Route circuit to provide tourists with home-stay accommodations.
Dzuluk is surrounded by untamed woodland, part of which is still untouched. It is not uncommon to see deer, wild dogs, Himalayan bears, and red pandas. There have also been reports of tigers in the vicinity.
A variety of birds, including Blood Pheasant, Himalayan monal, Kalij pheasant, Snow Pheasant, and others, can also be spotted.
Thousands of blooming rhododendrons cover the area and adjacent hills during the summer months. The diversity of rhododendron that can be observed in Dzuluk throughout these months creates a riot of color.
Yuksom, a virgin and very enchanting hamlet in West Sikkim, is one of the best places in India for a laid-back occasion. This area, blessed with breathtaking beauty, is an incredible treat. Yuksom, also known as the Gateway to Mt. Kangchendzongha, is noted for its hypnotizing paths. Take a stroll through its charming districts and pay a visit to some of the city’s well-known tourist attractions and destinations. It will enchant you with its old cloisters, verifiable landmarks, quiet falls, and lakes.
Phuntsog Namgya established Yuksom as Sikkim’s main capital in 1642 AD. When Phuntsok Namgyal’s child Tensung Namgyal moved the capital from Yuksom to Rabdentse in 1670, Yuksom was deposed. Yuksom is a historic town in the Geyzing sector of West Sikkim, which is located in the northeast Indian state of Sikkim.
Yuksom is a holy, religious, and social powerhouse. The scene of Demazong valley is also known as the spot where Guru Padmasambhava’s fortunes are hidden.
Yuksom is the starting point for the climb to Mt. Khanchendzonga, which is also quite popular among trekkers. It is situated near the entrance to Kanchenjunga National Park, Sikkim’s largest protected area. Yuksom’s slopes were once known as Ney-Pemathang because of their beautiful scenery. Wide leafed Oak, Birch, Maple, Chestnut, Magnolia, Rhododendron, Silver, Fir, Ash, and Alder make up the forest on these slopes. The regular setting of Yuksom is responsible for much of Sikkim’s designation as a “biodiversity issue area.” Yuksom is also the starting point for the well-known trek to Goechala (via Dzongri).
Yuksom’s residents, like those in other parts of Sikkim, have progressed the eco-tourism business. It is also regarded as a model town for the eco-tourism business. The meeting population of sightseers consistently outnumbers the inhabitant population, as inferred from its location on the trekking route and its prominence as a Buddhist sacred site. The major ethnic groups in Yuksom are the Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalese.
Mother Nature has fashioned Sikkim into a crown, with gems adorning various regions, making it one of the most beautiful places on the earth. Because the largest diamonds are found here, the northern region of Sikkim is unquestionably the most gleaming. Lachung, at a height of approximately 9,600 feet, is a jewel that captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty. Lachung is a little community with a low population that is located on the lap of a steep mountain at the junction of two tributaries of the Teesta. It is a lovely hamlet that remains covered with snow until early March. Lachung’s snow-covered appearance provides ultimate relief to guests after a stressful journey across hazardous roads.
To get the most out of your visit to Lachung, get up early the next morning and go for a walk. If it’s winter, you’ll find yourself in white heaven, with pine and fur branches and leaves that look like a valley of chocolate-vanilla ice cream. Even in the spring, the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, tumbling waterfalls, and apple orchards will enchant you. Lachung is a part of the Yumthang Valley, one of North Sikkim’s most popular tourist destinations, and serves as a gateway to a variety of other attractive sites.
Lachen, located in Sikkim’s northern district, is one of the most picturesque towns and a popular tourist destination noted for its Lachung monastery. It is thought to be one of the most notable and popular sites for Buddhist pilgrims and visitors due to its natural beauty and tranquil nature. Lachen is a picturesque, less-frequented vacation spot that is also known as the gateway to the sacred Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu lakes.
The Nyingma order of Himalayan Buddhism, as well as the Lachen Monastery, Lachen Chu, and the alpine covers are the most prevalent areas in Lachen. The charming town of Sikkim is noted for its lush environment, which consists primarily of meadows and shrubs, as well as apple orchards. From Lachen, the Eastern Himalayas’ pine-covered valleys and black cliffs of snowy-white slopes begin, making it the starting point for several North Sikkim trekking areas, including the famous Green Lake and Kanchenjunga National Park treks. Excursions to the Chopta Valley, Green Lake, Cho-Lamu, Gurudongmar Lake, and Shinghba Rhododendron Sanctuary are available from Lachen.
The Bagdogra air airport in West Bengal is the closest aeroplane terminal to Gangtok for those flying from Kolkata to Sikkim. This airport is around 124 kilometers from the capital city, and shared taxicabs or private vehicles can easily transport you from the airport to the city. The trip from Bagdogra to Gangtok is spectacular, with breathtaking views of the mountains and the Teesta River. In addition, the TSA helicopter can take you from Bagdogra to Gangtok is around 20 minutes.
The New Jalpaiguri station in Siliguri is the closest railroad station for those traveling to Sikkim from Kolkata by train. The station is roughly 148 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital city, and you can easily catch a taxi or taxi from New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok.
If you’re traveling from Kolkata to Sikkim by bus, there are regular buses from Siliguri to Gangtok that take about 4 hours. To get to Sikkim, you can also hire taxicabs or taxis from several towns.
As the year progressed, Sikkim pursued similar climate patterns. Even though there are some differences in temperature and precipitation between the two locations, general climate change occurs in both.
If you’re coming from Kolkata, the spring season is the finest time to visit Sikkim. The spring season (March through April) is a magical period. This is when there will be a definite chill all around, but it will be pleasant for the rest of the day. The sky, in especially, remains clear, allowing for spectacular views of Kanchenjunga and the snow ranges. This is a fantastic time to go on a tour and participate in experiential exercises.
Winter in Sikkim is spectacular (December to February), yet it is often bitterly cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. The average temperature is roughly 4 degrees Celsius.
Even though snowfall in Gangtok is uncommon, the roads leading to high elevation destinations such as Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake are frequently closed due to heavy snowfall. Mist is another difficulty in the winter. White fog blankets the landscape regularly, obstructing views.
You may experience continual rainfall or a gloomy sky during the Monsoon season (July–September). Avalanches can also erupt at this time, blocking off pathways. Regardless, the entire zone becomes lush green and appears to be deserted. The wettest months of the year are July and August. The most memorable celebrations take place during a downpour. During the winter and storms, most visitors avoid Gangtok. Because interest rates are lower during these times, inn and visit rates are also reduced.
Summer (May – June) is also a fantastic time to visit. The average temperature is roughly 22 degrees Celsius. It can get very hot during the day, yet it is still very pleasant in comparison to Kolkata.
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The cheapest way to travel from Kolkata to Sikkim is via night bus or bus, which costs between 1,200 and 1,800 rupees and takes 18 hours and 5 minutes.
Flying from Kolkata to Sikkim takes 4 hours and 8 minutes and costs between ₹5,500 and ₹18,000.
There is no direct bus service between Kolkata and Sikkim station. There are, however, buses that leave from Esplanade Bus Station and arrive at Gangtok SNT Bus Station through Siliguri SNT Bus Terminus. The travel takes about 18 hours and 5 minutes, including transfers.
Without a car, the best method to get from Kolkata to Sikkim is by rail and taxi, which takes 14 hours and 9 minutes and costs between ₹1,600 and ₹3,200.
The journey from Kolkata to Sikkim takes about 4h 8m, including transfers.
Shyamoli Parivahan’s Kolkata to Sikkim bus services depart from the Esplanade Bus Stand station.
The direct flight from Kolkata Airport to Bagdogra Airport takes 1 hour and 5 minutes.