Things to do in

Sikkim

A well-maintained botanical exhibition and adjacent public park located close to MG Marg (Ridge) in Gangtok. The Flower Exhibition Centre showcases a wide variety of alpine and subtropical flowers — especially orchids, rhododendrons and seasonal displays — while Ridge Park offers panoramic viewpoints, walking paths, and landscaped lawns ideal for short strolls and photography.

Gangtok Ropeway offers a short scenic cable car ride above the city of Gangtok, giving visitors panoramic views of the urban landscape, surrounding hills and (on clear days) the snow-capped Himalayan peaks including Kanchenjunga. The ride is ideal for families, photographers and travelers who want a quick high-altitude perspective of East Sikkim without a long trek.

A relaxed walking food tour along MG Marg (Mahendra Gurung Marg) in Gangtok that combines cafe-hopping, sampling local Sikkimese and Tibetan-influenced dishes, and short stops at bakeries and street food stalls. Ideal for foodies who want a low-effort, high-flavor experience in the heart of Gangtok, with views of the surrounding hills on clear days.

Visit the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom in Gangtok to shop authentic Sikkimese handicrafts and handloom products. This government-run emporium showcases a curated collection of traditional Tibetan-Bhutanese-Sikkimese textiles, woolen shawls, handwoven carpets, bamboo and cane products, traditional jewelry, prayer flags, traditional masks, and locally made soaps and teas. It’s ideal for travelers wanting genuine, ethically produced souvenirs and the opportunity to learn about local weaving and craft techniques from artisans or staff demonstrations.

Experience exciting white-water rafting on the Teesta and Rangeet Rivers near Melli and Teesta Bazaar in South and East Sikkim. These river stretches offer a mix of scenic calm sections and adrenaline-pumping rapids (typically Class II–IV), set against steep Himalayan gorges, lush riverbanks and views of terraced villages. Options are available for beginners, families and experienced rafters, with trained guides, safety gear and a range of river stretches from easy floats to challenging rapids.

A tandem paragliding experience offering bird's-eye views of Gangtok town, surrounding Himalayan ridges, and the lush Teesta River valley. Flights are operated by certified pilots and typically launch from a nearby high ridge above Gangtok, giving panoramic vistas of the East Sikkim landscape and, on clear days, distant snow-capped peaks.

Goecha La is a classic high‑altitude trek in West Sikkim that approaches the southern face of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m). The route begins at Yuksom and passes through dense rhododendron forests, alpine meadows and high mountain passes, offering spectacular close-up views of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Kabru and Siniolchu. This trek combines cultural contact with the Bhutia–Lepcha communities and true Himalayan wilderness camping.

Dzongri Trek is a popular high-altitude trek in West Sikkim that offers a shorter, accessible viewpoint of the majestic Kanchenjunga range. Starting from Yuksom, the trail moves through rhododendron forests, pristine alpine meadows and traditional Sikkimese hamlets to reach the Dzongri meadows and viewpoints that provide panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Jopuno and other Himalayan peaks. This route is ideal for trekkers who want the Kanchenjunga experience without committing to the full Goecha La circuit.

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West Sikkim is a seasonal high-altitude sanctuary famous for its spectacular spring display of rhododendrons and alpine meadows. The trek offers sweeping views of the Kanchenjunga range, rich birdlife and a chance to walk through dense rhododendron forests at their peak bloom (typically March to May). It is ideal for nature lovers, photographers and moderate-level trekkers.

Kitam Bird Sanctuary in South Sikkim is a compact but rich birding spot set in mixed montane forest and rhododendron stands. It's ideal for early-morning birdwatching and short guided walks, offering chances to see a variety of Himalayan and submontane species in a peaceful forested setting. The trails are accessible from nearby towns and are suitable for beginners and experienced birders alike.

Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in East Sikkim (Zuluk–Lingtam belt) is a high‑altitude mosaic of temperate broadleaf and coniferous forests, rhododendron‑strewn slopes and alpine meadows. It is one of Sikkim's premier birding destinations, offering opportunities to see pheasants, high‑altitude flycatchers, warblers, and raptors against a backdrop of the historic Old Silk Route landscape. Ideal for both serious birders and naturalists, the area combines accessible roadside birding (Zuluk–Lingtam) with quieter forest trails inside the sanctuary.

Quick summary: prime birding altitudinal range ~1,800–3,800 m; key habitats: oak‑rhododendron temperate forests, fir/spruce stands, subalpine meadows and riparian gullies; access via Zuluk–Lingtam old Silk Route or from Rhenock/Rongli.

Homestay and cultural immersion in Dzongu offers travellers the chance to stay with Lepcha families in the protected Dzongu Lepcha Reserve, experiencing daily village life, traditional food, language, crafts and rituals. Stays range from simple village homes with shared facilities to more comfortable family-run homestays. Activities emphasize respectful cultural exchange: shared meals and storytelling, hands-on cooking and farming, participation in festivals (seasonal), guided nature walks and visits to sacred sites.

Important: Dzongu is a protected Lepcha reserve. Local permits and host approvals are required — check with Sikkim Tourism or your host before travel. Foreign nationals often need special permissions; Indian visitors may also require documentation. Respect local customs, dress modestly and ask before photographing people or sacred objects.

Yumthang Hot Springs are natural geothermal springs located near Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, the springs are prized for their warm, mineral-rich waters and reputed therapeutic benefits. The experience typically combines a short soak with exploration of the Yumthang Valley and nearby sights.

Borong Hot Springs is a natural thermal spring located in the tranquil village of Borong in South Sikkim. Surrounded by mixed broadleaf forests and gentle hill slopes, the springs are valued locally for their warm, mineral-rich waters that are believed to have therapeutic benefits. This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful soak away from crowded tourist spots, combined with short nature walks and a chance to observe rural Sikkimese life.

Yak ride at Tsomgo Lake (also called Changu Lake) — a short, scenic animal-ride experience on the high-altitude glacial lake near Gangtok, East Sikkim. Located at an altitude of around 3,750–3,800 m (≈12,300 ft), the ride offers panoramic views of snow‑capped peaks, the emerald-blue lake, nearby meadows and local culture. The ride is usually brief (10–20 minutes) and combined with a visit to the lake, nearby stalls, and the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir.

A high-altitude mountain-biking experience along the historic Old Silk Route near Zuluk (Dzuluk) in East Sikkim. Riders follow the zig-zagged ridge roads and the winding 'Old Silk Road' stretches that once linked India to Tibet, passing high-altitude meadows, rhododendron forests and dramatic vistas of the Kanchenjunga range. The trail mixes packed dirt, gravel and rocky stretches with several steep climbs and fast descents, offering both technical riding and unforgettable scenery. Typical altitudes range from ~2,800–3,600 m (9,200–11,800 ft), so acclimatisation is important.

Camping at Lamuney is a high-altitude tented experience on the Goecha La trekking route inside Kanchenjunga National Park (KNP), West Sikkim. Lamuney is an alpine campsite offering close, dramatic views of Kanchenjunga and neighboring peaks, brilliant sunrises, and quiet nights under a clear Himalayan sky. The campsite is typically used as a rest/acclimatisation stop and base for early-morning approaches toward Goecha La or nearby viewpoints. Expect open meadows, rhododendron scrub at lower approaches, and stark rocky terrain closer to the pass.

Scenic day hikes around Kanchenjunga National Park in West Sikkim offer a mix of alpine views, rhododendron forests, sacred lakes and cultural stops. These are typically half-day to full-day walks suitable for moderately fit travelers who want panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga massif without a multi-day trek. Trails start from gateway towns such as Yuksom, Pelling/Pemayangtse, and Tashiding.

A short, accessible viewpoint at the town’s helipad offering panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range at sunrise. Popular with photographers and early-morning sightseers, the flat open space provides unobstructed eastern views and is easily reachable from central Pelling.

Overview: A gentle, scenic stroll through the only large-scale tea estate in Sikkim, the Temi Tea Garden. The walk takes you among neatly pruned tea bushes, rolling terraces, and offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills and, on clear days, the Kanchenjunga range. Visitors can observe plucking, learn about tea processing, taste fresh brews, and enjoy birdwatching and photography.