What to Do in Sikkim: 15 Things Beyond the Postcard

Sikkim is a small state with a long menu: monasteries, high lakes, valley treks and the country’s cleanest street food culture. Fifteen things worth your days, east to west to north.

The list

1. MG Marg evenings in Gangtok, the walkable pedestrian spine.
2. Rumtek Monastery, the Karmapa seat, an hour out.
3. Tsomgo Lake at 3,753m, the classic permit day-trip. (Days guide)
4. Nathula Pass, the old silk border, permit permitting.
5. Pelling’s skywalk and the Kanchenjunga face at dawn. (November notes)
6. Khecheopalri Lake, the wish lake, quiet by mid-morning.
7. Yuksom, the first capital, trek-gate to Dzongri-type trails.
8. Ravangla’s Buddha Park, gold against green.
9. Namchi’s Char Dham, kitsch and huge and weirdly worth it.
10. Yumthang Valley, the North Sikkim flower valley, overnight trip.
11. Gurudongmar, one of India’s highest lakes, altitude-respect it. (Foreigner rules apply: permits.)
12. A momo and thukpa crawl in Gangtok’s lanes.
13. Tea at Temi, Sikkim’s own estate.
14. Zuluk’s loops on the old silk route for the road-obsessed.
15. Doing nothing at a Pelling balcony while Kanchenjunga changes colour.

Quick answers

What is Sikkim famous for? Kanchenjunga views, monasteries, Tsomgo and clean, organised travel.

What are the top things to do in Gangtok? MG Marg, Rumtek, Tsomgo, the rope-way, cafe evenings.

North or West Sikkim? Wow versus calm; five days buys both.

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