For all of you who have been planning to visit Sikkim, one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Northeast, here are the set of post-pandemic guidelines to travel with ease and enjoy your hassle-free vacation :
> First and foremost, you need to apply for a Travel card on the official website of Sikkim tourism and to be shown at the entry point at RENGPO/MELLI and carry it throughout your stay in case you are asked for it by officials.
> If you are fully vaccinated, then you are not required to carry a negative RT-PCR report to enter Sikkim.
> The tourist who are partially vaccinated or below 18 years of age, need to carry the negative RT-PCR test report.
To ensure your trip to Sikkim is hassle free, contact reputed Sikkim Tourism operators like https://www.esikkimtourism.in who will take the planning headaches off your hands. Once you are all set to go, here are some top attractions to include in your Sikkim itinerary -
Lush greens Sanctuaries and Parks
Sikkim, the second smallest and least populated state of India with its lush green and dense landscape is aboard to many wildlife animals and birds. Let’s have a look at the ones that you can visit during your stay :
Khangchendzonga National Park: Less explored due to its demographical location, this park is a treat for nature lovers.
Best time to visit: March-May and September-Mid- Dec.
Timings- 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Fambhong Lo Sanctuary: Located about 20 km from Gangtok, this sanctuary is home to Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Civet Cat and other rare species of birds and butterflies
Best time to Visit : April - July
Timings: 8 A.M. to 3 P.M.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary: This sanctuary belongs to the beautiful and serene Himalayan landscape and is situated near the Tsomgo(Changu) lake along the Nathula road. You can have a glimpse of the national tree of Sikkim that goes by the name of Rhododendron niveum apart from relishing the rich flora and fauna.
Best time to visit: April -August and October -November
Timings: 8 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary: A paradise for nature lovers and trekkers, there is something for everyone in one of the most popular tourist destinations of Sikkim. It also offers a stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga and the Teesta river.
Best time to visit : Morning Hours are recommended
Timings: 6 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Holy Caves to Rejoice Your Holy Spirit
Marked as Paanch Dham, the visit to these caves should be on your travel list for its rich history and sanctity. For Sikkim Buddhists, these four caves are like the Char Dham of Hindus.
North (Jhang Lhari Nyingphug) - Also Known as “Heart of Gods Cave” and considered as the holiest of all the caves comprising seven small caves representing seven different deities.
How to Reach: It’s a moderate 3 days trek starting from Labdang village.
South (Lho Kando Sangphug) - Popularly known as the “Secret cave of Dakinis” and surrounded by other tourist spots like Longevity Vase, Hot Springs, Witches Bridge, Witch Stone, Lhakhang Temple.
How To Reach: 7 km away from Leg ship Bazar and 20 km from the road to the Cave.
>East (Sharchog Beyphug) – The mystery cave with an old fable that says it holds the clues to the secret treasure and that is why addressed as the “Secret Cave of The East”
How to Reach: Just a 6 km drive from Rabangla followed by a 20 min. walk.
>West (Nub Dechenphug) – Cave of great happiness that blesses its visitors with longevity.
How To Reach: It’s a moderate 3 days uphill trek starting from Nambu Village.
For All the Adrenaline Junkies
What should we call a cluster of 28 mountain peaks, 80 plus glaciers, 5 beautiful hot springs, and 100 plus rivers and streams, that is Sikkim for you?
Owing to its demography,it invites lots of adventure travelers every year who comes here to quench their thirst for thrill and excitement while challenging themselves to explore the wilderness. So, let me take you through the buffet of activities that you can opt for while visiting the state -
Trekking – For all of you Here is the list of treks for you to choose from :
*Sandakphu
*Goecha La
*Kanchenjunga Base Camp
*Dzongri
*Tholung
*Versay *Tosar and Green Lake
River Rafting – Want to take on the river and experience its roaring while making your way through its rapids and turns, then wear your rafting gear and meet Teesta (The longest and largest river of Sikkim) and Rangit (A tributary of Teesta).
Best time to visit: March-May
Difficulty Level – Beginner- Intermediate -Advanced
Yak Safari- Yak is a majestic animal found in the hills and you can enjoy a ride at Tsomgo Lake, a 40 km drive from Gangtok, and can also go on a 2 to 5 days Yak safari while enjoying the panoramic view from Dzongri lake .
Para Gliding – Who said we can’t fly without wings? All you need is a parachute, an adventurous streak to jump and you see yourself soaring the sky. You don’t need any training apart from few jumping and landing instructions and it's safe with a trained paraglider accompanying you while flying.
Best Places for Paragliding - Tashi Viewpoint, Pangthang, Bojoghari village
Best Time - September – November
The above list is not exhaustive and if you still want more than there are others fun and adventure activities like Camping, Mountain Biking, Zip Lining, Mountaineering, and Bike Rides to satiate your appetite for thrill and excitement.
Nathula Pass
Open only to Indian Nationals due to its proximity to China, it’s a high altitude ethereally beautiful mountain pass with a breath-taking, scenic view, which is among the favorite tourist destination of travelers.
There are several amazing tourist spots in the vicinity that you can visit –
>Tsomgo Lake
>Baba Mandir
>War Memorial and Exhibition Centre
>Menmecho Lake
Best Time To Visit – May- October
So , What are you waiting for just pack your bags and jet set to Sikkim.
-This article is written by Rahul Chadha
Disclaimer: No Deccan Chronicle journalist was involved in creating this content. The group also takes no responsibility for this content.
