Nestled amongst the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim, a delightful land, is a state of India in the northeast known for its unpolluted and fresh nature, snow-covered mountains, green valleys, and the lovely culture. Surrounded by Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal, Sikkim is one of the smallest states in India, with a population of less than six lakhs, but it is loaded with natural and cultural riches. The towering Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, is the most impressive feature on its horizon and is worshipped by the people as the supreme guardian. Sikkim has an extremely diverse terrain that spans from subtropical forests in the south to alpine meadows and glaciers in the north, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and extreme sports enthusiasts. The state boasts of innumerable waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes like Tsomgo Lake and Gurudongmar Lake and attractive hill towns such as Gangtok, Pelling, and Lachung. Its fauna and flora are impressive to the extent that its Khangchendzonga National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides its natural grandeur, Sikkim is distinguished by the harmonious coexistence of different cultures. The Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalis are the three major ethnic groups that dwell in the state, and they share the wealth of the traditions, colourful festivals, and good hospitality of the state. Buddhism is the major spiritual component in Sikkim, with monasteries like Rumtek, Pemayangtse, and Tashiding being the centres of peace and devotion. Furthermore, Sikkim is the first fully organic state in India, thus setting a laudable example of eco-friendly living and eco-tourism. The state has become one of the cleanest and most eco-friendly destinations in the country due to the government's efforts to preserve the environment and promote green practices. Sikkim caters to the needs of every traveller yearning for peace and adventure in equal measure through activities like trekking in the Himalayas, meditation in ancient monasteries, or just enjoying nature's serene beauty.Best 5 Things to Do in Sikkim:1. Yak Ride – Changu LakeBy yak at Tsomgo Lake would definitely be one of the most unforgettable experiences while witnessing the enchanting nature of Sikkim. At about 12,400 ft (approximately 40 km from Gangtok), Changu Lake is a glacial lake marked with its location by snow-covered mountains and alpine forests. The lake is a very important spiritual and cultural monument for the locals and is considered to be a holy place by the Sikkimese. In the winter season, the whole lake turns into a frozen block, while in the warm months, it mirrors the nearby hills and the sky as a mirror would. Among the several attractions of Changu Lake, one can name the yak riding, which is a unique and traditional experience that lets tourists go through the tough Himalayan lands in the most real manner. Yaks are strong yet gentle animals and have been close to the Sikkimese people for ages. So these beautiful animals do have bright woollen scarves, bells, and ribbons on to dress themselves up, which gives the place a lovely and festive aroma. To ride a yak is not only fun, it is a way of realising local culture in the high-altitude regions.The yak rides at Changu Lake generally take the tourists to the beautiful rounds of the lake, thus allowing them to have a broad look at the encircling hills, the snow-covered valleys, and the ice-cold lake. On the back of the yak, you gradually go through the path, the mountain air is fresh, you see the prayer flags waving, and the quietness of the Himalayas is very soothing, which together form a very peaceful experience. For a large number of tourists, it becomes their yak ride to be the memorable moment of their Sikkim trip, thus they get an in-depth connection with the natural and cultural essence of the region. Yak-riding locals are usually good-natured and hospitable, and they are quite willing to share their traditions, beliefs, and their connection to these stunning animals. Riding a yak also offers a clean way to see the area, as these animals are naturally adapted to high altitudes and cause minimal disturbance to the fragile ecosystem. The best time for a yak ride is between April and June, plus October and December, when the temperature is comfortable and the view is at its best. If one is there during the cold season, the entire region of the lake is converted into a snow-covered paradise, and accordingly, the yak ride is more enchanting. The vision of these yaks elegantly going on snow-filled trails and being decorated with colourful items and making jingling sounds with their bells is one of those that comes to your mind to be a postcard. If you are an adventure enthusiast or a leisure traveller, the yak ride at Changu Lake will be a perfect combination of Thrill, Calm, and Cultural richness. The essence of the story is not just about the ride itself, but to connect with the spirit of the Himalayas, to accept the plainness of the mountain life, and to build a memory that sticks with you for a long time, even after you have descended from the high altitudes of Sikkim.2. Helicopter Ride – Gangtok ValleyOne of the most amazing things to do to view the lifetime creativity of Mother Nature is a helicopter ride over Gangtok Valley. Located in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a place where you can view the green valleys, the blue rivers, the colored hills, and the white snow-capped peaks. However, when you are up in the air, the pretty landscapes reach out to you in a way that no one on the ground can see. A scenic flight on a helicopter, the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, operated, is indeed a spectacular avenue that provides a bird’s-eye view of the region’s diverse topography and stunning nature. It all starts at the Sikkim Helicopter Services base next to the Gangtok helipad. The visual feast is unveiled instantaneously as the helicopter takes off from the wide-reaching city of Gangtok with its multihued lofts set on craggy inclines, serpentine roads, and the Teesta River shining at the bottom. Within a short time, the valleys, which are green forever, and the Himalayan peaks, which are mighty, surround you. The point of this flight is, without a doubt, the great Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, that stands majestically afar. The view of Kanchenjunga’s icy summit gleaming in the sun is incredibly captivating when the sky is clear. Basically, the helicopter ride over Gangtok Valley is between 15 to 30 minutes long, the time depends on the package you choose.During the aerial journey, travellers get the chance for a close look at Rumtek Monastery, Tashi View Point, and the calm nature around the capital. Some of the extended itineraries may also include areas such as Tsomgo Lake and North Sikkim, providing a chance to look down on the ice-clad lakes, high-altitude meadows, and secret valleys from the sky. With every turn, there is a new angle, rivers sourced from glaciers flowing through valleys, clouds resting beneath you, and terraced fields resembling patchwork quilts on the mountainsides. How the helicopter ride extra special is its mixture of excitement and peace. The rotor’s soft buzz is in harmony with the stillness of the Himalayas; thus, a surreal world is created. The trip is not simply to see the sights but to sense the size and peace of the mountains that hold Sikkim. It is safe and comfortable, the pilots are skilled, and they give interesting information about the landscapes, history, and culture of the region. Photographers will find this trip a dream come true, with endless possibilities to snap brilliant shots. Amazing postcards can be created at every moment with views from the air of the hilly terrain of Gangtok, winding rivers, and snow-capped peaks. Whether one is shooting the gold sunrise over Kanchenjunga or the mist rising from the valleys, every moment in the air is pure magic. A helicopter trip over Gangtok Valley is best during October to May when the skies remain clear and visibility is good. The mountains and valleys will be at the viewer’s disposal for the most beautiful and unobstructed spectacles during those days.3. Prayers at Ravangla Buddha ParkOffering Prayers at Ravangla Buddha Park, or Tathagata Tsal, is a spiritual and peaceful experience filled with inner reflection. The Ravangla Park, located in the quiet little town of Ravangla, South Sikkim, is a gorgeous holy place that is set at an elevation of roughly 7,000 feet and is surrounded by the peaceful Himalayan ranges. The park is the home of a huge, 130-foot statue of Lord Buddha, which is the highlight of the area with its divine presence. The statue and the park together signify peace, love, and the very strong Buddhist belief that has been at the core of Sikkim’s spiritual identity for ages, as they were built to honour the 2550th birth anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha. Once you get into the park, peace grips your soul right away. The flagging of prayer flags, the monotonous chanting of monks, and the slightly scented incense in the air are the factors that make the environment go beyond worldly concerns. The huge statue of Lord Buddha that is meditating is very peaceful and lovely. At the bottom of the statue, there is a nicely designed meditation hall where people of faith and visitors congregate to offer prayers and take moments of quiet reflection. The hall is decorated with detailed paintings and lifelike portrayals of Buddha’s path to enlightenment, which is very inspiring to the visitors to practice mindfulness and be compassionate in their own lives. During the prayer session, the sound of Buddhist hymns and mantras occurs.This is the voice that penetrates the valley and mixes well with the nature sounds. The monks from nearby monasteries, such as Ralang Monastery, are the ones who come the most to the park for the performance of rituals and prayers. The scene of monks wearing maroon cloaks and taking their steps slowly and elegantly with the snow-covered mountains as their background is both bringing down the pride and attracting the attention of the onlookers. Visitors may pay by lighting butter lamps, a symbol of the removal of the darkness and the ignorance from one’s life, whereas some others sit quietly and let the energy of such a sacred place. The park’s layout is a perfect model for the Buddhist philosophy- every road, art, and building has its importance in terms of spirit. The areas around the statue are beautiful, being cared for with great attention, and it has well-kept gardens, lawns, and stone paths that lead the visitors to different viewpoints from where the Kanchenjunga range can be seen in its full extent. The setting sun that is throwing its golden rays on both the Buddha statue and the mountains further and creating a spectacular view, which is a lesser-known world of almost neither this nor that, is the highlight of the day. Praying at Ravangla Buddha Park is a feast for the spiritual senses only, not just for religious devotees, though. People from all walks of life and of different faiths come here to seek calmness and solace.4. Goechala Trek – Base Camp YuksomOne of the most scenic and eco-friendly treks of the Sikkim Himalayas, the Goechala Trek is going to be from Yuksom, the first capital of the state. At approximately 5,600 feet, Yuksom becomes the base camp for this jaw-dropping Himalayan expedition that takes mountaineers to the heart of the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey to the Goechala Trek not only fascinates those who are on the trek with the view of the third-highest peak in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga, but also it is a wonderful delight to the lovers of nature who can plunge into several other high Himalayan peaks. Yuksom, which literally means "the meeting place of three lamas", is not only historically but also the most religiously significant area in Sikkim. The town has been recognised as the site where the first Chogyal (king) of Sikkim was crowned in 1642; thus, it became the starting point of the Buddhist heritage in the state. Nowadays, the town is similar to a looking glass into the past and is still encircled with woods, fluttering prayer flags in the middle of the icy mountain air, and typical houses that mirror the serene way of life of Sikkim. Mountaineers, before their adventure, also happen to bless their journey at Dubdi Monastery. The trek from Yuksom to Goechala is truly a visual delight as nature unfolds her different aspects - at one time, you are walking through rhododendron forests that appear to be directly taken from a fantasy book, and at the next, you are treading on snow-clad high altitude meadows. At first, the path from Yuksom via Sachen, Bakhim, and Tshoka features the ascent of a forest of oak, pine, and magnolia trees. When the climb continues, the air gets even colder and more rejuvenating and the intermittent but continuous sound of waterfalls and birdsongs keeps the trekkers company on the route.Also, the next part of the path does wonders for the view. After Tshoka, the trek takes you to the area of foggy ridges, rhododendron valleys, and open grounds. The camp areas like Dzongri and Thansing provide eye-catching views of the Kanchenjunga range, where the sunrises and sunsets can be witnessed, lighting up the peaks in golden and pink colours. The final leg to the Goechala Pass is not only discomforting but also splendid. The steep way and less oxygen in the mountains make the trekkers exert a lot of energy, but at the same time, the stunning sight of Mount Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Kabru, and Simvo commend their patience and hard work. Along with the majesty of nature, the amazing cultural and environmental riches being revealed on the way are yet another reason behind the trek's popularity. Yuksom and the villages on the trail are not only full of loving and caring locals who are followers of traditional Buddhism and live with nature in a very harmonious way, but also they are the most stunning biodiversity hotspots in Sikkim, packed with the rare red panda, Himalayan monal, and blue sheep. Completing the Goechala Trek is really an amazing experience, and it definitely leaves the trekkers full of wonder and gratitude. The serene base camp at Yuksom is where this journey to the almighty Goechala Pass is not only an energetic one, but a spiritual and emotional one as well an intense and memorable encounter with the rugged, wild Himalayas and the everlasting silence of Sikkim.5. Gondola Ride - GangtokA Gondola Ride in Gangtok is also famously known as the Gangtok Ropeway and is definitely one of the most amazing and beautiful things to do in the capital city of Sikkim. Such a cable car ride overhead the city offers an absolutely different view of Gangtok's life, which is really a colourful and lovely mix of green hills and multicolored houses built up on very steep slopes, and also of very distant towering snow-covered peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. The Gangtok Ropeway situated basically in the very center of the city is not only highly frequented by tourists but also stands for the city's love, the thrill of the city, and its unspoiled nature. The Gangtok Cable Car started functioning in 2003 and, since then, it has become one of the quasi activities of travelers in Sikkim without which no trip to Sikkim is complete. The ropeway lifts off at Deorali that is close to the Institute of Tibetology, and it ascends in two stages with stops at Nam Nang and Tashiling next to the Secretariat. The length over which the cable car covers the overhead of the city is almost one kilometre. It glides smoothly along with the Gangtok's bustling streets, the green valleys, and the shining Teesta River that meanders through the mountains, all are laid open to the sight of the travelers. The mighty Kanchenjunga Range if spotted on a clear day is like the icing on the cake of the whole adventure. Approximately, 20 people can travel together in a single cable car cabin which thus allows each one the freedom to have an unobstructed view through the glass windows. As the cable car slowly goes up the valley underneath is totally changed from the crowded markets and vividly colored rooftops of Deorali to the calm monasteries and tree-covered hills further up. And, the greater is the height reached the more quiet and grander the sceneries are which means this trip is the best for people with cameras and who love Mother Nature.The 15 to 20 minutes time duration is enough for the whole journey to be done by the gondola but that is not the case with the memories, which stay forever. Generally, to get the most out of the trip in the cabin, people should opt for the periods of the early morning or late afternoon as the sightline then is at its best, and the sunlight is at its warmest and most welcoming. Rides with the sunset as a backdrop are very good to romance and wonderful to photograph as the color of the sky is turning to gold and the lights of the city are getting on and twinkling beneath you. Besides the glorious views, Gangtok Gondola Ride is also a very exciting and fun-wise adventure of the kind that would be enjoyed by people from any age category. What the experience offers is a complete change of feeling as the cable car is moving gently and there are no visual obstacles while being enclosed is not bumpy and you are not scared at all. The experience of the same shows delight to families, the couple and the lone travelers as well, each of them the different side of it be it the euphoria essay feeling under feet of stunt above in the mountain or the serenity enjoying Gangtok watching life below. Moreover, at the hill or upper station is a place for looking out over the valley which delights a tourist not only with the incredible photo but also with ample opportunity to imbibe the awe-inspiring scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains. When the weather is misty the clouds envelop the gondola which gives the riders the surreal experience of being 'in the air'. A Gondola Ride in Gangtok going up, very well expresses the Sikkimness qualities of unity the adventure was with the peace and the beauty came from a different level. A gondola ride over the Gangtok valleys is, in fact, an experience, that lifts your Himalayas travel to a new level, whether you are the first-time visitor or the returning one.Why Book with escape2exploreWhen exploring the Top 5 Things to Do in Sikkim and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you to always be in safe hands.Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions. Whether camping out beneath the stars or exploring a hidden beach cove, we present to you the other side of Coorg that not many get to encounter.
