Sikkim is beautifully nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas that never fails to make visitors glow with wonder. The natives are known to be kind, warm, and hospitable, which makes the experience even more beautiful. The mountainous location and the rich cultural heritage provide travellers with a bunch of activities that are unique to the region. There are numerous things to do in Sikkim, from watching an awesome sunrise to ziplining through valleys, that can make anyone’s heart skip a beat. Here is what should not be missed on a trip to Sikkim.

Trekking

There are limitless possibilities for trekking in Sikkim, as it has a huge chunk of the Himalayas bordering Nepal and Tibet. Some of the high-altitude treks in this area, like the Goechala trek, offer stunning views of the Sleeping Buddha and Lhotse mountain. Anyone seeking a deeper connection with nature can take these less trodden paths to witness the most beautiful views. It is important to be physically and emotionally prepared for the journey, as it isn’t an easy one.

Best time: Spring and autumn
Top treks: Goechala Trek and Dzongri Trek

Yak Safari

Not just walking through the region, but taking in the beauty from the back of a yak is also an unforgettable experience. Taking a yak safari through the rocky path can be an adventure in itself and gives anyone a new perspective on the region. Yak is only found in alpine zones, and people from different lands have a yak ride in their bucket list. Yak safari is available in various parts of Sikkim and can cost about Rs. 300 per person.

Best time: Spring and autumn
Top spots: Tsogmo Lake and Dzongri Lake

Sunset at Tashi Viewpoint

Watching the sunset at Tashi viewpoint is a magical experience that is unequivocally loved by all kinds of tourists. The Sikkim things to do list should definitely have this for the perfect touch to the travel experience. The viewpoint gives amazing views of Himalayan ranges, including Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Pandim, and Mount Siniolchu. Even if it isn’t for the sunset, it is a worthwhile experience visiting the Tashi viewpoint.

Location: Pelling
Best time: Usually 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM

Camping

Camping in the Himalayan region of India is the absolute best. The alpine meadows and rugged terrains are perfect for a campsite that lets people interact with nature and relax without a worry in the world. Stargazing is unbelievable in the high-altitude mountains away from the bustling cities and towns. Camping is a wholesome experience that will let adventurers cherish each and every moment of it.

Best campsites: Tsomgo Lake and Yumthang Valley
Best time: Spring and autumn

Zip Line

Ziplining through valleys, looking at the unparalleled views of snowy mountains, beautiful streams, and lush greenery is priceless. The thrill of passing through these views with heart racing against the chest is something that could never be forgotten. Sikkim is one of the best spots in India to try ziplining. It is crucial to be dressed in layers, especially during winter, to make sure not to freeze or fall sick.

Top spots: Ravangla Zip Line, Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park, and Yangang
Best time: Spring and autumn

Paragliding

Paragliding in Sikkim is the right choice for tourists wanting a bird's-eye view of the mountainous beauty. The incredible backdrop of the state is sure to amaze people again and again with its rare views of the Kanchenjunga range. It ultimately takes a spot in the best things to do in Sikkim, as it offers free flying with simple parachutes. Make sure you check the weather forecast before heading out to have some fun.

Top spots: Nathu La, Gangtok, and Pelling
Best time: Spring and autumn

Gondola Ride

The most relaxed way to witness the most amazing views of the state is to take a gondola ride. The cable car ride is one to be experienced, especially in the Himalayan regions of India. Lucky people get to spot wildlife like snow leopards, Himalayan monals, or other rare animals as they move along the valley. Some of these are more accessible than others and require less effort; tourists needn’t be adventurous to opt for a gondola ride.

Best spots: Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake and Namchi
Best time: Year-round except monsoon

Attend Local Festivals

Sikkimese people are culturally rich and host plenty of festivals that are colourful and bring people together. Natives celebrate the nature and religions they follow, and they make festive delicacies during this time. Taking part in local festivities can give travellers an opportunity to understand the diverse culture of Sikkim. Both Hindu and Buddhist festivals are celebrated with vigour, and local stalls are put up during this time. To gain a cultural experience, mingling with local people during festivals is a great way.

Top festivals: Maghe Sankranti, Dashain, Holi, and Ramnawami
Best time: Autumn

Caving

Exploring the caves and sacred places situated near them is an interesting quest for tourists. Along with the amazing mountains, rivers, and valleys, the caves are also great sightseeing spots to take away unique experiences from the state. This is comparatively unexplored and can be experienced with relatively fewer crowds. Some of these are believed to be a part of the ancient civilisations that need to be preserved, which makes it one of the top things to do in Sikkim.

Top caves: Lal Kothi Caves, Nup-Dechen-Phu Cave, and Lho-Khando-Sangphug
Best time: Spring and autumn

Spend Time at Hot Springs

Sikkim is home to a lot of hot springs, and taking a dip in them is pure bliss. These are warm and mineral-rich pools of water that let people calm down and soak in the beauty of the surroundings. There are popular hot springs that are usually crowded, but there are also ones that you can hike through scenic paths to get to. It is good to take time to look into each of them and add the right ones to the itinerary.

Top hot springs: Borong Hot Spring, Yumthang Hot Spring, and Polok Hot Spring\
Best time: Spring

Sikkim is not just a place for leisure seekers or adventurers; it is also for people who would like to be in the heart of nature and experience the culture of the region. The region is to be felt and experienced in every way possible. No matter what kind of traveller you are, make sure to experience a bit of different things. Sikkim is unsurprisingly a honeymoon destination for its tranquil nature, and all of these activities will add a touch of uniqueness to the occasion. Start planning your vacation in Sikkim, and don’t forget to add these to your itinerary!