Women’s Web is saying Goodbye! Please make sure you read this important notification.
7 things to do in Sikkim: summer vacation is fast approaching! If you want to visit somewhere cosy and cold, Sikkim is the ideal place!
Summer vacation is fast approaching! If you want to visit somewhere cosy and cold, Sikkim is the ideal place! Here are things to do in Sikkim.
What type of tourist are you?
The adventure seeker? The souvenir shopper? The soul searcher? The nature lover? Whatever type you are, Sikkim, in Northeast India, is sure to please you.
It’s that time of the year when we start planning for summer vacation. Luckily, we are in India where, in just a few hours’ travel, you can experience a totally different culture with people speaking a totally different language. No passport or Visa is required!
The roads are not great, but the scenes are stunning. The lush greens on the hilly terrain with the sound of Teesta River crashing against rocks in the background will instantly lift your spirits.
There are many things to see and cuisines to taste. Be prepared to experience something different. But most importantly, be well-prepared for the cold!
If you are planning to drive up the Nathula pass to see the India-China border, be warned, it can get really chilly. At over 4000 meters above sea level, people often experience breathing difficulties here. Wear a heavy jacket and don’t forget to pack woollen gloves and a cap.
You will need a permit with your Aadhar card and photo, so get help from your travel agent or enquire at your hotel concierge much before your travel date, to avoid disappointments.
If you want to spice up your trip with an adventure, buckle up your life jacket for a wild ride on Teesta River. River rafting has become a popular tourist attraction. Be prepared for the fellow tourist crowd!
Get a splendid view of Kanchenjunga from the Tashi viewpoint. You don’t want to miss the view of Kanchenjunga at all!
Ride on a yak alongside the Tsomgo Lake. The yaks are well-trained and each of them has been given a cute name.
Pose by the Banjhakri waterfalls in a traditional Sikkim costume. Rent the costume from one of the ladies there, who will drape it over you in a flash.
There are several monasteries in Sikkim. Try to squeeze in at least two in your itinerary. Offer your prayers and enjoy the beauty of cleanliness.
Gangtok takes a different avatar in the night, with Casinos and pubs coming to life. Be careful with your money and don’t get addicted to gambling!
The shopping street in the hills is the best. MG Marg, is a lovely place to shop for curios, ponchos, and lovely ceramic tea cups with lids that are so popular in Sikkim. Prayer flags and paintings, carpets, figurines and even Sikkim tea. There’s so much you can buy without creating a hole in your pocket.
Stop at any shack for hot Maggi, it is worth every soupy bite! Don’t shy away from the momos and chai while on a sightseeing trip! Enjoy the local milk tea, and if you are in luck and find butter tea, enjoy the butter tea!
Since travelling can take up almost a whole day, plan so that you get at least 4 nights in Sikkim. Anything lesser could feel like a tiring and rushed vacation.
Image source: avijit baitalik, and viktor gladkov free and edited on CanvaPro
I am a Japanese language trainer with over 10 years of experience in teaching and mentoring students. I have lived in Japan for many years and enjoy sharing insights from my experience in the areas read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Please enter your email address