Awesome Sikkim Travelogue | ideas Of Exploring Sikkim On Budget & Safety

It is the most scenic in the entire Sikkim region; it shares its border with the Republic of China. The region is divided in two sections; one is known as Chungthang and the other is Mangan.

It is the largest city in Sikkim in terms of area and is home to the most number of residents in Sikkim. The city is known as the cardamom capital in the world.

The journey to explore Magan is surely incomplete without the beautiful seven sister waterfalls, best to visit during the monsoons to view the fall in full bloom. It is en-route to Mangan. The next stop was 8 km from Mangan is RongLungten Lee, which is an exact replica of the famous Lepcha house located in Namprikdang. The artifacts displayed here to reflect and showcase the culture of the Lepchas.

As I moved towards Chunthang the beauty of the place is mesmerizing it is located at the confluence lachung and lachen river, it holds a special religious value. According to the local belief, Guru Padmasambhava visited this place and rock with his footprint can be traced, on which he once rested.

Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. I met an old man near the road curve leading up to the lake. He narrated to me the legend around the lake. According to the legend, and it is named after Guru Padmasambhava. During his visit to the lake, the Guru placed his hand on a small part of the lake, being compassionate to the local people, as they pleaded with him for not having any proper source of water. Consequently, the ice melted and the locals were provided with ample water.  It is a beautiful place to be and is a sheer matter of luck to visit due to weather conditions and terrain.

The valley of flowers of Sikkim is none other than the Yumthang Valley and the ideal season to visit this place is summer, autumn, and spring. A trek to this place, while the flowers are blooming, is truly breathtaking. As I had visited the place during April I just could not take my eyes off the beautiful colors on both sides of the road.

Next on my must-visit list was the Lachung and Lachen monastery both these monasteries are quite popular with the travellers, apart from their religious value they are an example of architectural excellence.

Finally was time to Trek to Zero Point, while in Sikkim in order to experience the scenic awe one must visit Zero point. The snow-clad mountain peaks and the flocks of grazing yaks will surely help refresh your mind and health, after a hectic and tiring trek.

After two beautiful parts of Sikkim, it was time to move to the industrialized part to see the hustle and bustle of an industrial town. South Sikkim has the best roads and is divided into two sections Ravong and Namchi.

Namchi as a place has recently gained popularity as a pilgrimage and a popular tourist spot. There are various activities that one can indulge in. I began my journey by witnessing the majestic statue of Guru Rinpoche , it is the largest statue in the world of the guru while visiting Samdruptse monastery.

The pilgrimage journey did continue as I arrived at Char Dham. It was inaugurated by the Sikkim Government in 2011. It is both a pilgrimage as well as a cultural center. As the name suggests, four of the most revered dhams of the Hindus have been replicated at this center.

After visiting the holy spots it was time to experience some scenic beauty and I headed for the Temi Tea Garden located in a beautiful place called Ravangla, the Temi Tea Garden does attract a lot of tourist attraction. The perks of being in a tea garden are scenic beauty and organic tea at your disposal.

The last part of the region was none other than the Bhaichung Stadium in south Sikkim. It is a highlight of the place as it is built in honor of the famous footballer BhaichungBhutia.

Once I completed the major part of Sikkim it turned for the trekker’s paradise.  West Sikkim is known for the numerous altitude treks and the adrenaline rush one is looking for.  Being full of rhododendron forests, this area of Sikkim amazes travellers with spectacular views. Gyalshing and Sorreng are the two major divisions of South Sikkim, while Yuksom, Pelling, and Geyzing are some of the most prominent cities.

This city is the capital of West Sikkim and since it is connected to Kalimpong and Darjeeling, it is frequently visited by tourists. West Sikkim has a trekking experience to offer for all kinds of trekkers. Trek to Vershey  is appropriate and perfect for beginners. Vershey is a small sanctuary wherein one can view rhododendron and other variety of plants including silver firs, magnolias, hanging mosses, and orchids. Being a solo traveller I felt this trek to be both liberating and scenically pleasing.

Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of West Sikkim and the best time to visit this monastery would be during the Cham Dance Festival, which is held during the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar.

Next up on my list was a base camp of Kanchenjunga that is known for its stunning views of the range and the Himalayas. Various high altitude treks are conducted from here. I listened to my adventurous side and opted to experience the second-highest bridge of Asia and the highest of Sikkim known as Singshore Bridge and what a breathtaking view it was with mountains around, lush green landscapes, and waterfalls

After visiting the bridge I headed for Sangachoeling Monastery which has its own challenges that you need to overcome by following a steep road of 4 km steep road. The monastery does hold a very important stand in the Buddhist circuit.

It was the first capital of Sikkim and invariably this destination has loads to offer. Name it and its palaces, monasteries, and stunning peaks or beautiful waterfalls. It never failed to amaze me, how beautifully balanced this place was.

Norbugang Coronation Throne is an important part of travel plans as historically it has a huge significance as three lamas had coronated PhuntsogNamgyal as the first king of Sikkim. The added perks are the prayer hall, the numerous prayer wheels, and the stupa.

The next place to visit for me was Phamrong Waterfalls, which is the highest waterfall in Sikkim located between Gerethang and Yuksom. The best season to visit any waterfall is during the monsoons. The gushing water and the lush green landscape are all you need.

Well, now that you know about the different parts of Sikkim in detail, you can plan your visit accordingly. But then, for enjoying a hassle-free vacation, you need to be aware of some important information that comes in really handy.

I would recommend you read our best and comprehensive solo travelogue on NorthEast India comprises of Darjeeling and North Sikkim.