Tourist Cities in Sikkim

Sikkim is divided into four districts which are North, South, West and East district. Sikkim’s greatest tourist attraction is simply staring at Khangchendzonga, white magnificent peak from Pemayangtse. Most visitors then add excursions to nearby waterfalls and monasteries, and some lovely one-day hikes start from the charming village of Yuksom. That’s also the trailhead for serious multiday group-trek expeditions to Dzongri (group trekking permits required). Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is located in the East District. There are various places in Sikkim which offers more than natural beauty. Mountains, lush green forests, gurgling streams and the rich flora and fauna are all there in Sikkim. Gangtok is a cosmopolitan and capital city of Sikkim, situated on a ridge. Gangtok has undergone rapid modernization in the last two decades and contains all modern facilities. The biggest attractions in North Sikkim are the idyllic Yumthang and Tsopta Valleys. Reaching them and anywhere north of Singhik currently requires a special permit but that’s easy to obtain, unless you are traveling alone. It’s perfectly possible to visit Phodong and Mangan or Singhik independently using public jeeps. However, they can be

Monasteries

In testament to the fact that Sikkim is a marvelous place for meditation, almost 200 monasteries dot the devine hilltops. The most visited monasteries in Sikkim are Rumtek (on the other side of the valley from Gangtok), Pemayangtse (near Pelling in West Sikkim), and Tashiding (also in West Sikkim). Other monasteries that are worth visiting include the Karma Kagyu monastery with its 200 year old murals (in Phodong in North Sikkim), the Enchey monastery (in Gangtok), and the old Sanga-Choeling monastey (only accessible on foot from Pelling).

The monasteries hold many festivals, particularly around Losar in February/March. Tse Chu, in July, features Buddhist dancing at Rumtek. Enchey also hosts a Chaarm festvial in December/January.

Yuksom and the Dzongri Trail

Sikkim is a trekker's paradise. The trek from Yuksom to Dzongri Peak, and further on to Goecha Peak if you're up for the challenge, is the most popular trek in Sikkim. It passes through the unspoiled forests, magnificent rhododendron gardens, and powerful rivers of Kachenjunga National Park. Additional trekking permits are mandatory for foreigners. These are available at Tourism offices in Gangtok, or else contact Sikkim House in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

Teesta River Rafting

River rafting is the latest adventure activity to arrive in Sikkim, and the Teesta River offers some world class opportunities. The major route is Makha-Sirwani-Bardang-Rongpo. Grade 2 to 4 rapids are interspersed with placid patches to float along, and plenty of white sandy beaches exist for overnight camping. High cliffs and gorges, along with bolder-strewn river beds, add to the thrill. The Rangeet River, with its more turbulent waters, also offers advanced rafting opportunities from Sikip-Jorethang-Majitar-Melli. The best time for rafting in Sikkim is from March to May and October to December.

Flora and Fauna Sanctuaries

Sikkim is renowned for its astounding variety of birds, animals, and flowers -- over 450 species of birds, 400 species of butterflies, 450 varieties of orchids, and 40 species of rhododendron. Two of the best places to see them are the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary in south Gangtok (visit from March to early May and the end of September to early December), and Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary around an hour from Gangtok on the way to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La (vist from June until October).