Sikkim Travel Information

Sikkim is a state rather than a city, but it has several key towns and cities that are popular among tourists. Here’s a detailed overview of the main cities and towns in Sikkim, including what to see, where to stay, and where to eat:

Gangtok

Enchey Monastery

    • Description: Tibetan Buddhist monastery with a serene ambiance.
    • Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
    • Entry Fee: Free

Rumtek Monastery

  • Description: Major Tibetan Buddhist monastery and seat of the Karmapa.
  • Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: ₹100 per person (foreigners)

Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake)

  • Description: Glacial lake known for its scenic beauty.
  • Timings: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: ₹150 per person (foreigners)
  • Note: Requires a special permit.

  • Banjhakri Falls

    • Description: Beautiful waterfall set in a park with greenery.
    • Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Entry Fee: ₹50 per person

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

  • Description: Museum showcasing Tibetan culture and artifacts.
  • Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
  • Entry Fee: ₹10 per person (Indians), ₹100 per person (foreigners)

Pelling

Pemayangtse Monastery

  • Description: One of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim with exquisite architecture.
  • Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: ₹10 per person (Indians), ₹100 per person (foreigners)

Khecheopalri Lake

  • Description: Sacred lake surrounded by lush forest, known for its peaceful environment.
  • Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: ₹20 per person

Kanchenjunga Falls

  • Description: Stunning waterfall offering beautiful views and photo opportunities.
  • Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: ₹20 per person

Lachung

Yumthang Valley

  • Description: Known as the “Valley of Flowers,” famous for its stunning landscapes and hot springs.
  • Timings: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: ₹100 per person (foreigners)
  • Note: Requires a special permit.

Zero Point

  • Description: The highest point in North Sikkim, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.
  • Timings: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: ₹100 per person (foreigners)
  • Note: Requires a special permit.

Ravangla

Buddha Park

  • Description: Park featuring a giant Buddha statue and landscaped gardens.
  • Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: ₹50 per person

Ralang Monastery

  • Description: Important monastery known for its historical and spiritual significance.
  • Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Entry Fee: Free

Where to Stay in Sikkim

       Gangtok

  • Hotel Tibet: Comfortable mid-range hotel near MG Road.
  • The Elgin Nor-Khill: Luxury heritage hotel with traditional décor.
  • Hotel Golden Star Continental & Suites: Budget-friendly with essential amenities.

       Pelling

  • Hotel Yangthang Heritage: A cozy stay with beautiful views of the Kanchenjunga.
  • The Elgin Mount Pandim: Luxury hotel offering excellent services and amenities.
  • Hotel Hill View: Budget option with a great location.

      Lachung

  • Yarlam Resort: Comfortable accommodation with scenic views.
  • Lachung Monastery Lodge: Basic facilities with proximity to key attractions.

      Ravangla

  • Hotel Buddha Retreat: A good choice for a peaceful stay with views of the Buddha Park.
  • Hotel Shree Ganesh: Budget accommodation with essential facilities.

3. Dining

Where to Eat in sikkim

Gangtok

  • Taste of Tibet: Known for authentic Tibetan cuisine, including momos and thukpa.
  • The Dragon Wok: Serves a range of Chinese dishes, including dumplings and fried rice.
  • Baker’s Café: Offers pastries, cakes, and light snacks.

Pelling

  • The Lounge: Offers a range of Indian and continental dishes.
  • Taste of Tibet: Features Tibetan dishes and local specialties.

Lachung

  • Momo Hut: Known for its local Tibetan momos and thukpa.
  • Lachung Restaurant: Offers a variety of Indian and Tibetan dishes.

Ravangla

  • Buddha Park Café: Serves a range of local and continental dishes.
  • Sikkim Farm Restaurant: Offers traditional Sikkimese food.

Tips for Enjoying Chinese Food in Sikkim

Ask for Recommendations: Some places may offer Indian-Chinese fusion dishes, so if you’re looking for more authentic flavors, ask the staff for recommendations.
Check Reviews: Look up recent reviews online to ensure the quality and authenticity of the food.
Peak Hours: Visit during lunch or dinner hours to enjoy freshly prepared dishes

Adventure Activities for First-Time Foreign Tourists

Trekking

  • Goechala Trek: A popular trek offering panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and diverse flora and fauna. Typically lasts 10-12 days.
  • Dzongri Trek: Shorter than Goechala, providing spectacular views of Kanchenjunga and other peaks. Duration: 7-8 days.
  • Singalila Ridge Trek: Traverses through Singalila National Park, offering stunning views and wildlife sightings. Duration: 6-7 days.

River Rafting

  • Teesta River: Offers thrilling rapids and scenic views. Suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
  • Rangeet River: Another popular spot for white-water rafting, providing exciting rapids and beautiful surroundings.

Paragliding

  • Gangtok: Enjoy paragliding with stunning views of the Himalayas and the lush green valleys below.
  • Pelling: Another excellent spot for paragliding with a scenic backdrop.

Mountain Biking

  • Gangtok to Nathula Pass: Popular routes include biking from Gangtok to Nathula Pass, offering challenging terrains and beautiful scenery.

Tips for First-Time Foreign Tourists

Permits: Some areas like Tsomgo Lake, Yumthang Valley, and Zero Point require special permits, which can be arranged through local travel agencies or your hotel.
Weather: Sikkim’s weather can be unpredictable; carry warm clothing even during the summer months.
Health Precautions: Stick to bottled water and ensure food is well-cooked to avoid stomach issues.

Popular Souvenirs to Buy in Sikkim

Agra is a fantastic place for shopping, especially for those interested in unique souvenirs that reflect the city’s rich Mughal heritage and craftsmanship. Here are some popular souvenirs a foreign tourist can buy in Agra

Tibetan Handicrafts

  • Thangkas: Traditional Tibetan scroll paintings.
  • Prayer Flags: Colorful flags with Buddhist inscriptions.
  • Tibetan Jewelry: Handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, and rings.

Local Textiles

  • Handwoven Shawls: Beautifully crafted shawls in traditional designs.
  • Carpets: Handmade woolen carpets with intricate patterns.

Tea

  • Darjeeling Tea: Renowned for its distinct flavor.
  • Sikkim Tea: Local teas with unique tastes.

Handmade Crafts

  • Pottery: Handcrafted items like mugs and vases.
  • Metal Artifacts: Decorative metal pieces and small statues.

Where to Shop in Sikkim

Pelling Market

    • Description: Local market offering a range of goods including handicrafts and textiles.
    • What to Buy: Handwoven shawls, carpets, local crafts

Lachung Market

    • Description: Small market offering local handicrafts and souvenirs.
    • What to Buy: Tibetan handicrafts, local textiles, traditional items

Ravangla Market

    • Description: Local market with a variety of goods, including handicrafts and textiles.
    • What to Buy: Local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs

Where to Shop in Gangtok

MG Road

Description: The main commercial area with shops selling local crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.

What to Buy: Handicrafts, Tibetan jewelry, local textiles, and souvenirs.

Lal Market

Description: A bustling local market offering fresh produce, spices, and various household items.

What to Buy: Fresh vegetables, fruits, local spices

Tibet Handicrafts

Description: Store specializing in Tibetan handicrafts and artifacts.

What to Buy: Thangkas, prayer flags, Tibetan jewelry

Ranka Monastery Market

Description: Market near Ranka Monastery with local goods and crafts.

What to Buy: Local crafts, Buddhist artifacts, traditional clothing