Gangtok, Sikkim Tourism, How to reach, 5 Must visit lake in Sikkim, Best Monastery in Sikkim

Gangtok, Sikkim is the most beautiful and popular tourism destination of North-East, India with a number of Buddhist Monastery, water falls, ice covered lake, rope ways and much more that invites travelers around the glob to enjoy the heaven. Sikkim is the place for every type of traveler because it has so bundle of activity in its adventure land. I will provide answer of few questions for the help of the travelers. So, let’s get started....

When to Visit: Almost through out the year you can visit Gangtok, sikkim depending on your interest. The best time to visit Sikkim is from March to June  if you want to enjoy the clear view of the mountain in summer season and the best to walk around the Sikkim and in this time perfect for trekking and paragliding. Between March to June the beauty of the nature can be catch in your camera because there is no snow fall in this season and every travel spot can be reach visible because of the weather.

In September to December with the arrival of autumn, the skies get cleared and offer an invitation to visit the awesome land of Sikkim. Between December last to February Sikkim receives heavy snow fall and extremely cold out there in Sikkim. In this season roads and mountains are covered with snow and looking perfectly white because of the snow and suitable for the snow fall lovers.

How to Reach: Sikkim is a small state of the North-East, India location in the hills of Himalayan. From the past few year Sikkim is the most tourist favorite destination.

Sikkim has connected via airways in 2018 September and the first airport is inaugurated in Pakyong town near Gangtok. Commercial flight started its operation in October. But due to the extreme whether condition most of the time airport faces problems and able to run few flights during the snowy season. Another nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal, 124 K.M far from the Gangtok that is the heart of the Sikkim. There are helicopter service available from Bagdogra airport to Sikkim but traveler has to come through certain formalities to avail that service.

Sikkim doesn’t have its own railway station but the nearest station is New Jolpaiguri Station. From new Jolpaiguri station tourist has to take taxi or sumo to reach Gangtok, Sikkim. In shared sumo it will cost around 300 and 600 depending on the time of travel. Private car is also available if you willing to pay some extra. It will prefer to hire a private car if you are traveling in groups of 3 to 4 person.  
Where to Stay: Accommodation in Sikkim is not a problem. There are lots of Hotels, guest house and hostels available for tourist to safe stay. People can choose any hotels or guest house according to their Budget and comfort level. But in peak season it becomes little harder to get a perfect stay. So, it is recommended to book online hotels or guest house in advance before visiting Sikkim. And tourist may get extra discount on their online booking of hotels some time.

Why Sikkim:  Sikkim is a land perfect for nature lovers and adventure lovers where people can see its beautiful natural charm, snow covered mountain, monasteries, zoological parks and here people can enjoy trekking, paragliding, river rafting, rope-ways and lots more. All together Sikkim is full of remarkable tourist attractions that are worth visiting.

Which Monastery to visit in Sikkim: The monasteries in Sikkim can soothe one's soul with every bit of spirituality. Some of the famous monasteries in Sikkim are Pemayangtse Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Phensang Monastery, Phodang Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, Sanga Chelling Monastery, etc. As per the latest report, there are more than 200 monasteries in Sikkim and most them pass under the judgement of the Nyingma and Kagyu which not only influences cultural heritage but lifestyle of the people as well. It also demonstrates about the ancient rituals and rules which are in vogue.

Which Lakes to visit in Sikkim: Sikkim has many beautiful lakes dotting its landscape. Most of the lakes in Sikkim are considered sacred and are revered by the people. The North Sikkim plateau adjoining Tibet has a number of mountain lakes of which Gurudongmar and Chho Lamo are the most famous. Chho Lamo is the source of the Teesta River. The Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim is the most popular with tourists while Khecheopalri in West Sikkim is one of the most beautiful and sacred. 

1.TsomgLake:
Located at an altitude of 12,00ft, this ethereal lake is one of the Sikkimese offerings that you cannot miss out at any cost! Locally called the ‘Changu Lake’, it is nestled amidst lofty peaks and enchanting glaciers. Translated into the local Bhutia language, it means the ‘source of the lakes’. Around 40km from the capital city of Sikkim, this oval shaped lake spreads around 1km and is 15m deep. While the winter freezes down this water reservoir, the spring makes it a colorful affair with many varieties of flowers. Also, a paradise for the bird-watchers, this Sikkim lake attracts a diverse range of migratory birds; the Brahmini Duck is one of the native species.

2. Menmecho Lake:

Moving 20km ahead from the Tsomgo Lake, you will find another charming lake of Sikkim known as the Menmecho Lake. Tucked away at an enthralling height of 12,500ft, it is located just below the Jelep La Pass and is the known source of Rangpo-chu River flowing through the state. 

3. Khecheopalri Lake:

Besides being a major tourist attraction in Sikkim, the Khecheopalri Lake in Sikkim is also considered as one of the holiest lakes in the state. Worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists, it is located at a towering height of 38,710ft and is cossetted by groovy patches of forests. 

4. Green Lake:

Located at the base of the Mt Khangchendzonga, the Green Lake is one of the mysterious lakes in Sikkim; according to some, the lake once disappeared and is now just a lake basin. However, the route to the Green Lake is one of the most popular trekking routes in Sikkim and on a clear morning, one can enjoy the reflecting of the Khangchendzonga peak on the surface of this lake.

5. Tso Lhamu Lake:

The water in the Tso Lhamu Lake in Sikkim holds a heavenly charm that can hardly be resisted by anyone. Source of the Teesta River, this lake also attracts a large of migratory birds from various corners of the world. On a clear sunny day, the water in the lake reflects the images of the nearby peaks and glaciers in the most befitting way!

Which Adventure Activities to Take in Sikkim:

1.  Paragliding:

If you ever had a dream of spreading out your wings and fly like a bird, Chakung in Sikkim is the destination for you! Located around 3 hours from Gangtok and in the western part of Sikkim, this quaint destination is an ideal paragliding destination. Since most of the flights conducted here are tandem, everyone can participate and enjoy their dream flight in Chakung. Fly Sikkim adventure is a certified paragliding operator in Sikkim.

2. River Rafting:

The alluring Teesta and Rangit rivers that makes their way through the ravines of Sikkim entices the river rafting enthusiasts like any other destinations in the country. With easy to challenging rapids, rafting in Teesta River usually starts from Makha and continues till Rangpo with Sirwani on its way. On the other hand, the Rangit River offers challenging rapids from Sikip to Nayabazar and continues to Melli.

3. Mountain Biking:

For an adventure devotee, a trip to Sikkim is never complete without indulging into an enthralling mountain biking expedition! The towering height, rugged terrains, hilly ridges and the uneven trails through the forests make Sikkim an ideal mountain biking destination in the country. Most of these expeditions originates from Gangtok and takes the bikers to destinations like Rumtek, Temi, Namchi, Sirwani, Jorethang, Melli and several others.

4. Mountaineering:

The lofty peaks around Sikkim also make it an idealistic mountaineering destination. Whether you are a beginner or an expert mountaineer, you can always find your dose of adrenaline in Sikkim. Also, it is in this part of the country, you can find several popular institutes that teaches and art and skill of mountaineering to the newbies.

5. Hang Gliding:

Though newly introduced in Sikkim, hang gliding is gaining mush attention and popularity in the state and is now counted as one of the most adventurous things to do in Sikkim. Flying high above the snow-covered peaks, lush greeneries and pristine lakes and rivers has a unique and unmatched charm in itself!

6. Yak Safari:

Yak safaris in Sikkim might not sound adventurous to some, but it is indeed one of them! Riding over these gigantic mammals and discovering the enchanting beauty of Sikkim at a slow pace has its own charm and appeal and cannot be replaced by others. Most of these safaris are conducted from Gangtok and they takes the visitors to the scenic Tsomgo Lake.

7. Rope way:

If you are at Gangtok you must experience ropeways or cable cars located at Deorali market. This cable car journey is not included in local tour packages and this place can be easily reached by taking a local cab from any hotel. This rope way of about less than 1 km long has three entry points or stops. The lowest point is at Deorali market and the highest point is at Tashiling (below the state secretariat). There is a midpoint stop at Nam-Nang. One can enter from any point and return to same point after touching other two points. Cable car journey provides spectacular view of Gangtok market, valley and State Assembly hall of the state of Sikkim on its 15 to 20 minutes journey. The ticket fee for adult is Rs 50 and Rs 30 for kids below 6 years. One can carry a video camera by paying a fee of Rs 50. No extra charge for noramal camera to take desire picture.

Where to Enjoy Wildlife :

Sikkim's Kingdom Animalia has a large selection of animals and birds. The dense forests of Sikkim provide a comfortable habitat to the fauna in the state. Sikkim also allows snow leopard, wild ass, leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer and flying squirrel to roam in its area. In the alpine zones, the yaks are quite prominent and residents have also kept them to get milk, meat, wool and other useful items from the animal. The musk deer is a part of endangered species and it can be found in the upper temperate zones.

The barking deer is a common animal in Sikkim. On the treetops at altitudes between 6,000 and 12,000 ft, you can see Red Panda that really looks cute. You must have read about Snow leopard in stories, but Sikkim comprises this animal in real. Although, the animal hardly comes across the sight, up to now, only two zoologists have captured its photographs. Amongst others, Blue sheep, flying squirrels, binturong, tahrs, marmots and mush deer are some more populace of the region.

The avifauna of Sikkim comprises 30% of the total birds, found in the whole Indian subcontinent. Sikkim encompasses more than 650 species of butterflies that are traceable at different altitudes. Not concluding the bird fauna, Sikkim also has more than 600 species of birds including Impeyan Pheasant, Crimson Horned Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Snow Cock, Lammergeyer, Griffon Vultures, Golden Eagles, Quail, Plovers, Woodcock, Sandpipers, Pigeons, Old World Flycatchers, Babblers and Robins.

The extensive flora & fauna of Sikkim made Government to convert the densely animal-populated regions into wildlife sanctuaries. The main cause for this conversion was to protect the wildlife from the poachers. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary, Khangchendzonga National Park, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary and Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary are the places, where both animals and plants reside in complete harmony with each other.

So, I hope my this article will help the travelers to know about sikkim by my eyes. 

Thank You and keep reading.