Sikkim is one of those Indian states that is flecked with distinctively beautiful traits in blatant bounty, and it would not be a misrepresentation to say that it is one of the most prosperous. Sikkim is unquestionably one of India’s most beautiful states. This is where you may see unobstructed views of a beautiful sunrise and find peace and tranquillity. Sikkim provides a few options for those who enjoy exploring lesser-known and “untouristy” locations. It’s a lofty objective for adventurers who enjoy exploring less-travelled streets. In Sikkim, you may find Sumbuk, Gyalshing, Kaluk, and Dzuluk to satiate your craving for something new.

Places To Visit In Sikkim

Gangtok

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

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.

Zuluk

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

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.

Lachung

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

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.

How to Reach Sikkim from Njp/Bagdogra

From NJP, there are several shared and reserved cabs available outside of the station, and the fee for the journey is negotiated, since they may charge you more if you are new and are unaware of the charges. There is also the option of taking a bus from Siliguri Junction to Gangtok, which is the cheapest mode of transportation but can be congested and uncomfortable at times for such a lengthy journey. And if I had to recommend a convenient mode of transportation, I would choose WIZZRIDE, which offers you a luxury shared cab (Innova) that only carries 5 people at a time and even serves refreshments in the cab.

By Air:

If you don’t mind splashing out, a helicopter flight from Bagdogra costs Rs 3500 (₹53) per person one way. If you fly both directions by helicopter, you will save over 8 hours. That’s a save of nearly one night’s hotel stay…..just another way to look at it:-)

By Rail:

If you prefer to travel by rail, there are several options between NJP and Dibrugarh.

Guwahati Express (12509 UP and 12515 UP), Kamrup Express (15959 UP), Kanchanjunga Express (15657 UP), Saraighat Express (12345 UP), and others.

By Surface/Road:

If you are choosing this mode, there are 3 options to choose from:

• Bus
• Drive
• Taxi

If you want to savour the splendour of the twisting winding Himalayan roads, take a rented cab from New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok, which costs between Rs 3500 and Rs 5000 for a four-passenger cab depending on the season.

1)     Taxis (small and large)

This is the most comfortable mode of transportation.

Price Range : Rs 2500/—to Rs 5000/— ( Can go up to Rs 9000/— during rainy season due to harsh weather).

Time required: 4 to 4.5 hours in typical conditions (It may take longer if there is a landslide or if the weather is bad.)

Booking Procedure: These taxis are available for hiring outside NJP station. You may also reserve them at counters. Web booking is also available through several online portals.

Ideal for: Families

Category: Luxurious

2)     Shared Taxis / Jeep

This is one of the most cost-effective modes of transportation.

Price range: Rs 200/— to Rs 400/— Per Person ( prices can go up during the rainy season due to bad weather).

Time required: 4 to 4.5 hours in typical conditions (It may take longer if there is a landslide or if the weather is bad.)

Booking Method: These Shared Taxis may be hired outside of the NJP station. You may also reserve them at counters. Web booking is also available through several online portals.

Ideal for:  Couples, Solo Travelers, and Small Families.

Category: Economical

3)     Bus

This is one of the least expensive modes of transportation.

Price Range: Rs 150/— — Rs 220/— Per Person (A/C/Deluxe buses available)

Time required: 4 to 6 hours in typical conditions (It may take longer if there is a landslide or if the weather is bad.)

Method of Reservation: Private and government buses (SNT) are available at the SNT bus terminus. The bus stop is about a 10-minute walk from NJP. Toto(s)/Autos are readily accessible for Rs 10/— — Rs 20/— per person. From there, you may simply reserve a seat on the bus. The bus times for SNT buses are predetermined. The first bus departs at around 6:30 a.m., and the final bus departs at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Suitable for: Everyone

Category: Low-cost

Best Time To Book Sikkim Tour Package From Njp/Bagdogra

If you want to purchase a Sikkim travel package from NJP, we recommend the autumn season. As autumn approaches, Sikkim takes on a variety of hues.

Autumn in Sikkim

Sikkim has five seasons as well, however, the best time to come is between October and November. If you want to see Sikkim’s snowy season, you should come during the winter. Also, if you like to play near the rivers, plan a Sikkim vacation package during the monsoon season.

Sikkim in the summer

The months of March to June are the busiest. From June through the end of May, Tsomgo Lake will be covered with snow.

Sikkim’s winter

The winter season, from October to February, is the second-best time to visit Sikkim from NJP. The sky is clear. There are fewer adventurers. Storm plausibility is insignificant. You gain a rational perspective on the Himalayas and the gorgeous skies. Sikkim in the winter.