Located in the Himalayas, Sikkim is an ideal combination of adventure and culture with its natural beauty. This list of the top 15 Best Things to Do in Sikkim offers a comprehensive guide for both budget and luxury travel.
1. Explore Gangtok – The Vibrant Capital
Start your trip in Gangtok, where bustling markets meet serene monasteries. Stroll along MG Marg, visit Enchey Monastery, or ride the cable car for panoramic views.
Best Time to Visit: March-June for clear skies, or December for Gangtok snowfall sightseeing.
Budget Tip: Shared taxis and local eateries keep your trip to Sikkim cost low.
2. Discover Lachen & Lachung – Alpine Wonderlands
The twin villages of Lachen Lachung Sikkim offer snow-clad peaks and rhododendron valleys. Don’t miss Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley’s hot springs.
Must-Do: Visit in April-May for blooming flowers or January for snow.
Cost: A Sikkim trip budget for 3D/2N starts at ₹8,000 per person.
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3. Trek to Tarey Bhir – Sikkim’s Hidden Cliff
For offbeat lovers, Tarey Bhir Sikkim is a thrilling short trek near Gangtok. The narrow ridge offers dizzying views of Teesta Valley and Darjeeling hills.
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; the path is rocky but rewarding.
Best Time: October-November for crisp weather.
4. Visit Kanchenjunga National Park – A Biodiversity Gem
A UNESCO site, Kanchenjunga National Park in Sikkim shelters rare snow leopards and red pandas. Permits are required, so book through registered agents.
Wildlife Spotting: April-May or October-November.
Budget: Include ₹2,000-₹3,000 for permits in your Sikkim budget tour.
5. Experience Pelling – Majestic Mountain Views
Pelling Sikkim tour highlights include Pemayangtse Monastery and the skywalk at Sky Palace. The sunrise over Kanchenjunga from here is magical.
Unmissable: Combine with a day trip to Ravangla.
Cost: A 2D/1N Pelling tour costs ₹5,000-₹7,000 per person.
6. Relax at Tsomgo Lake – A Glacial Beauty
Just 40 km from Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake dazzles with turquoise waters. Winter visitors can enjoy yak rides on frozen shores.
Permit Needed: Indians require ID proof; foreigners need restricted area permits.
Best Time: March-May or September-December.
7. Walk Among Clouds at Nathula Pass
This India-China border point (14,450 ft) offers thrilling high-altitude views. Bundle up—it’s freezing even in summer!
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Note: Open Wednesday-Sunday; book permits early.
Budget: Day trips from Gangtok cost ₹1,500-₹2,500.
8. Savor Sikkimese Cuisine – A Foodie’s Delight
Try thukpa (noodle soup), phagshapa (pork stew), and chaang (local beer). Gangtok’s Café Culture and Taste of Tibet are top picks. Sikkimese Cuisine is one of the things that makes to the list of 15 best things to do in Sikkim, that you should not miss.
Must-Visit: Local markets for organic spices and teas.
9. Go Offbeat in Ravangla & Namchi
- Ravangla: Buddha Park’s giant statue and serene hikes.
- Namchi: Char Dham replica and tea gardens.
Ideal For: Those extending their Sikkim trip budget beyond 7 days.
10. Adventure Activities – Paragliding, Rafting & More
- Paragliding in Gangtok (₹3,500-₹4,500)
- River Rafting on Teesta (₹800-₹1,200)
- Trekking to Dzongri or Goecha La
Best Season: March-June and September-November.
11. Immerse in Sikkim’s Year-Round Festivals
Sikkim’s soul lies in its vibrant festivals, where Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, and other communities celebrate traditions year-round. Don’t miss:
- Pang Lhab Sol (Gangtok’s warrior festival with masked dances)
- Losar (Tibetan New Year in February/March, marked by butter lamps and thukpa feasts)
- Sakewa (Limboo community’s seed-sowing ritual in May)
- Christmas (Gangtok’s streets light up with carols and sel roti)
Pro Tip: Time your Sikkim budget tour with festivals for free cultural shows! Check state tourism calendars.
Best Festivals by Season:
- Spring (Mar-Apr): Losar, Holi
- Monsoon (Jul-Aug): Tendong Lho Rum Faat (Lepcha thanksgiving)
- Winter (Dec): Christmas, Organic Festivals
12. Experience Rural Sikkim: Travel with Purpose
Yet another one from the list of 15 best things to do in Sikkim, Ruram Tourism is something that you have to experience, while you’re here in Sikkim.
Empower Locals: Your homestay fee directly supports villagers (think organic farm meals or guided forest walks).
Travel Responsibly: Unlike mass tourism, small-scale visits protect Sikkim’s fragile ecosystems.
Get Authentic: Learn to cook kinema (fermented soybeans) with Lepcha families or weave bamboo baskets with Bhutia artisans.
Top Rural Experiences:
- Lachen/Lachung Homestays: Herd yaks with nomadic herders.
- Kewzing Village (South Sikkim): Farm-to-table dining and folklore nights.
- Dzongu (North Sikkim): Lepcha cultural trails with tribal guides.
Why It Matters:
“After hosting travelers, our village built a solar-powered school,” shares Pema from Lachung. Rural tourism fuels grassroots change—one mindful traveler at a time.
Pro Tip: Book through NGOs like Sikkim Rural Tourism for ethical stays. Budget ₹1,500-₹3,000/night including meals.
Budget Breakdown for a 7-Day Sikkim Trip
- Accommodation: ₹800-₹2,500/night
- Food: ₹300-₹600/day
- Transport: Shared cabs (₹200-₹500/day)
- Total Sikkim trip cost: ₹25,000-₹40,000 per person
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