Best Trekking Places In Sikkim For Travelers To Explore

As Mount Khangchendzonga, the presiding deity of Sikkim, graces the state, Sikkim invites mountain lovers across the globe. The best trekking places in Sikkim take to the beautiful Mount Khangchendzonga and other Himalayan Ranges.

Further, trekking in Sikkim is beyond the towering beauty of the mountains. A vast section of mountain ranges here are pristine. Further, the trails are lush green, and its amazing to encounter a slice of wildlife in the forms of red pandas and musk deer.

Moreover, ecotourism is a big thing in Sikkim. So, exploring the nature trails from March to May and October to December is a delightful experience in the cradle of the Himalayas.

Are you ready to hit the trails this spring or fall? Let’s know the trekking routes that await you.

Trekking Places In Sikkim: A Brief Note On The State

Sikkim is one of the biggest open secrets among trekking enthusiasts. It is a tiny state located on the north-eastern side of India. This humble hill station is located at the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and is the gateway to the North Eastern side of India.

Up until 1975, the small state of Sikkim was considered to be an independent state of Sikkim. But that changed post-1975. Presently, Sikkim is one of the states in India. As a result, Sikkim is a politically important state,

Presently, Sikkim is one of the states in India. As a result, Sikkim is a politically important state.

Sikkim is in a very advantageous geopolitical location. This makes it home to several beautiful hiking trails that cannot be found anywhere in the country.

Sikkim is a perfect place where beginners and intermediary hikers can go to enjoy some quaint trailing.

But before I speak of the best trekking places in Sikkim, I need to elucidate some key points, including the best time to visit the trekking places in Sikkim.

Let us dive right in!

Best Time To Visit The Trekking Places In Sikkim

Your trekking experience depends greatly upon the two primary factors. First is the weather, and second is the grade.

The best times to visit Sikkim are between March to May and September to mid-December.

The weather is just perfect during this period. The temperatures mostly remain optimal, along with low humidity. As a result, hikers will not have trouble coping with the weather.

However, hiking during the monsoon or during the months of June, July, and August is perfect for an off-beat experience.

Having said that, you cannot undermine the perils like leeches, slippery terrains and common problems of heavy precipitation.

Things To Carry To Visit The Trekking Places In Sikkim

Trekking places in Sikkim might not be the most difficult hiking places. However, going in prepared can help you to avoid unforeseen problems. Therefore, it is always advisable to come prepared and bring some essential things in order to avoid any mishaps. Here is a detailed list of some of the most essential things that you can bring along with you:

Backpack: You need to come prepared when you are trekking in remote places in Sikkim. Therefore, you need an optimally sized backpack in order to carry all the essentials.

Clothes: Clothes are one of the most obvious things to carry. However, trekking in remote areas demands specialized clothing like hiking pants, base layers, and the whole shazam. Just remember to get clothes that are breathable and insulated.

Accessories: Accessories are very important when it comes to hiking. You can not enjoy a hiking adventure unless you are properly equipped with the right accessories. Therefore, do not forget to carry things like an army knife, sunglasses, a flint lighter, magnesium shavings, flashlights, and some microfibre cloths.

Protection For The Extremities: While hiking, your extremities tend to be affected the most. Therefore, do not forget to carry headwear and gloves. They will help you combat the elements.

Permits You Need To Carry

Permits should be of utmost importance when you are looking for trekking places in Sikkim. Sikkim used to be a separate Buddhist state. However, things changed back in 1975. Sikkim was integrated into the Indian sovereign state. As a result, Sikkim is a politically charged state.

Foreign citizens need to acquire a specific document called the Inner Line Permit or ILP if they are planning to explore trekking places in Sikkim. ILP can be acquired remotely. In fact, you can appeal while you are applying for the tourist visa.

Moreover, you need to acquire a special permission called the Protected Area Permit. This is one of the mainstay permits of most high-altitude treks. Therefore, you will need to acquire this permit if you want to trek anywhere in India.

The final permit you will need is the Kanchenjunga National Park Permit or KNP. KNP cannot be applied remotely. Instead, you have to contact officials and fill out the form manually. Apart from the permits, you also need to bring all your identifications, such as your passport, AADHAR, driving license, etc, for the verification process. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to trek.

Best Trekking Places In Sikkim: Let’s Hit The Trails

Now that I have covered most of the important aspects of hiking in sikkim, I think it is time for me to get into the meat of things. Sikkim is a paradise for all the novice trekkers all across the world. In fact, many professional trekkers actually prefer trekking places in Sikkim in order to practice for more challenging treks.

Dzongri Trek

Dzongri Trek is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level. The trail is picturesque and it begins from Yuksom, which is around a 7-hour drive from the Bagdogra Airport or the NJP Railway Station.

The amazing view of Dzongri La is the highlight of this trek. However, the vistas of Mount Kumbhakarana, Mount Korbu North and Kanchenjunga will also leave you stunned.

Sandakphu Trek

Sandakphu is the highest peak in Bengal, and the train lines stretched through various parts of Sikkim and Nepal. Sandakphu has a total elevation of around 11941 feet.

Sandakphu is located in the Singalila Ridge of Darjeeling district and this peak is considered to be one of the best vantage points in this part of the country.

Aritar Trek

Aritar is known for its beautiful aesthetics. However, it is also famous for its panoramic vistas and some great hiking trails. Aritar is located in the Lungchok Valley of sikkim and is easily one of the most soothing hiking trails in India. This trail will lead you to Lokdara and Chujachen. Throughout the trek, you will encounter some amazing vistas along with rare species of animals and plants.

The spot is also famous for its red panda population. However, do not run up to them and try to pet them. These are wild animals and should not come in contact with humans.

Kasturi Trek

Katuri Trek of Sikkim is one of the most underrated trekking places in Sikkim. This is a round trek where you will go in a circle. The trek begins in Yuksom and goes up to Goecha La Valley. Therefore, you will come across some great aesthetic views of the snowcapped Himalayas. The trek ends at the Goecha La summit. From there, you will be able to see some really amazing vistas like the Talung Glacier or Mount Kanchenjunga. Trust me, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you.

Throughout the trek, you will come across some amazing and varied landscapes, like green meadows and frozen glaciers.

Goecha La Trek

Kasturi Trek is not the only way to explore the Goecha La trek. In fact, Goecha La can explored exclusively as it is one of the best trekking places in Sikkim. Goecha La is a mountain pass located at an elevation of 4,940 m. This trekking spot serves as the base camp for the Kanchenjunga pass. This pass can be exclusively accessed from the Yuksom base camp.

Unlike the Dzongri trek, Goecha La takes eight to seven days to complete. This is a difficult hiking trail. As a result, it can only be accessed after obtaining a proper permit and medical certificates.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Since we are on the topic of Goecha La, it is only fair to look at the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek. As per travelers, Kanchenjunga is one of the most exciting treks of all time. The trail has a height of around 8586 meters. The Kanchenjunga trail is not a joke. It shares boundaries with Tibet, Nepal, and India. As a result, it is one of the most difficult trekking places in India.

The trek starts from Darjeeling and goes on until you reach the summit. On the way, you will cross places like Bakkhim, Yukhsang, Phedang Bikhbari, Dzongri, and Rahtong Glacier.

Singalila National Park Trek

Not many people know this, but Singalila National Park is not just famous for its biodiversity. It is also one of the popular trekking places in Sikkim. While trekking this trail, you will come across unique vegetation and animals. The Singalila Trail is exceptionally popular during the months of March and April. This is the time when rare orchids and rhododendrons bloom.

The government of Sikkim has specifically made a hut in the middle of the park. This hut is meant to provide shelter to travelers who are walking the trail. Therefore, you need not worry about resting.

Varsey Trek

The Varsey Trek is one of the most underrated treks of Sikkim. It is a perfect trekking haven for nature lovers who are looking for something offbeat. In fact, it is easily one of my favorite trekking places in Sikkim.

The Varsey trek is often lauded as a no-sweat trail. In other words, the perfect climate of the trail is an added bonus for the hikers. This trail is perfect for people who do not want to go to high-altitude and low-oxygen environments. Therefore, this should be on your bucket list.

Kasturi Orar Trek

Want to see one of the most aesthetic round hiking trails? Well, Kasturi Orar Trek might be your answer. Kasturi Orar is one of the most picturesque trekking places in Sikkim. This is a round hiking trail where you will come back to your starting point.

The trail is located at an elevation of 4500 meters. Therefore, it will give you some stunning views of the Himalayas and frozen glaciers.

Rhododendron Trek

The Rhododendron trek is one of the most versatile trekking places in Sikkim. This is the only trail that offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayas and its true forms. The trail got its name from the beautiful Rhododendrons that border the hiking trail.

The hiking trail starts at Yuksom and then manages to go higher. It offers a truly unique experience to the hikers. Therefore, it has made it onto our list of some of the best trekking places in Sikkim.

⁕⁕ Dream And Travel Note ⁕⁕

Zumthul Phuk Glacier is emerging as one of the best trekking places in Sikkim. Anindya Mukherjee, a noted explorer and mountaineer from Kolkata, and his team have found this new trek route to a beautiful glacial lake.