How to cover Sikkim in 5 Days?
Sikkim is the smallest state in India situated in the North-eastern part of the Himalayas. It is also bordered by Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, wildflowers, and Beautiful Buddhist Monasteries. It also has one of the 3rd Highest Mountains in the world which is mountain Kanchenjunga. Sikkim has everything to offer for a tourist, a leisure destination, a honeymoon destination, a family destination, or an Adventure destination. Sikkim would never disappoint.
Sikkim is a beautiful state and its beauty is spread over in every region and it takes time to explore the beauty of each region. It is not possible to cover Sikkim in just 5 days. But some parts of it can be covered which will make your journey unforgettable and will fill it with lots of beautiful memories.
Day 1- Starting with the entry point which can be Bagdogra Airport or the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). The time duration from Bagdogra airport to enter Gangtok takes around 4hrs and from NJP railway station it takes about 5hrs. you have to take private transfers or you can choose to use public transfers based on your choice and budget. Private transfers usually take around 3000-3500. You can bargain the rates. With the vehicle owner.
After reaching Gangtok for the 5hrs journey. Check-in into the hotel have some rest and, in the evening, go and explore the local market of Gangtok which is MG Marg where you can shop for clothes, shoes their famous local street foods and restaurants MG Marg is always Crowded and filled with happiness you can also try local cuisine of Sikkimese there are also clubs and cafes you can explore. And enjoy the beautiful evening at MG Marg.
North Sikkim
One of the main highlights of Sikkim is the Northern Part of Sikkim which makes people believe that heaven truly exists. The beauty of white snow-covered mountains, the valley of flowers, and the zero point where the civilization ends. The part which is bordered by China. It is something to witness rather than just surfing the internet. The north Sikkim is divided into 2parts which is Lachen and Lachung which offers beautiful and mesmerizing beauty.
Day 2 - Next day after early breakfast you can check out from the hotel and move your journey towards Lachen North Sikkim. It takes around 5-6 hours to reach Lachen. But do not worry the journey is way more beautiful than a destination…you may come across various waterfalls with lush green mountains. Where you can stop by your car take a break for lunch, tea, or coffee, and enjoy the environment and its beauty. In the evening after reaching the hotel make sure to sleep as early as possible. Because the next day you have to wake up at 4 in the morning to reach the attraction.
Day 3 - Waking up early morning around 4 and start your journey towards one of the highest lakes in India and the 3rd largest in the world. Gurudongmar Lake is situated at an altitude of 17,00ft. This lake is frozen completely in the winter season so the best time to visit is in summer when you can witness a half-frozen and half-unfrozen lake which is another level of beauty. It takes around 4-5 hours to reach the Lake. Indian tourists can visit but there are some permits which must be taken prior. And foreigners are not allowed here. Then on the way to the next attraction which is Kala Pathar the beautiful black mountains half covered with snow look like Black Forest cake. Where you can enjoy your time having fun in the snow. Make sure to wear warm clothes and carry medicines with you because of the high altitude the oxygen level is low and you might fall sick. Then head back towards the hotel lachen check -out And then on the way to Lachung. And spend your night at Lachung.
Day 4 – Waking up early in the morning and heading towards Yumthang Valley. Also known as Valley of Flowers. Its uniqueness is when you visit in summer all you get is flowers of different species but when you visit in winter it is all covered with snow. So it makes tourist visit at least 2 times a year so that they can witness the beauty of nature that changes through the season It’s a beautiful valley make sure to click pictures and videos as many as you want. Then heading towards the next attraction which is Zero Point which is usually covered with Snow and is also the end of the civilization at an altitude of 15,000ft. it takes around 1.5 hours to reach zero point from Yumthang Valley. It is considered one of the best places to visit for snow. There is also a small café which is run by an Army where you can sit and have your snack also there is a hot spring while going towards Yumthang Valley so if you want you can take a stop there or continue to head back to the hotel grab a lunch pack your bags check – out from the hotel and back to Gangtok. You will reach by night have dinner and get a good sleep.
Day 5 – After breakfast complete your check–out formalities and on the way back to Airport or Railway station. End of your beautiful and memorable journey.
So, when are you planning to visit Sikkim??? put it on your Bucketlist and make sure to visit this small and beautiful state.
- By Divya Pawar