Phone Number
+918743000333
Email Address
info@culturalindiatours.com
Search Destination
Main Menu

Sikkim

  • Home
  • |
  • Destinations

Sikkim Best Visit Time

Best Time to Visit:

Summer:

Winter:

Monsoon:

Introduction
Sikkim, a Himalayan wonderland, is nestled in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, and nature has bestowed its beauty on this state. Sikkim is India's smallest state, located in the north eastern region of the country Sikkim is bordered by Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, so there are plenty of tourist attractions in the state.
 
It's the place where you'll really believe in nature's and humanity's goodness. Relive your enthralling dreams in the middle of magnificent mountains, stunning views, and freezing cold temperatures. The state has a greater variety of vegetation and undisturbed valleys, five climatic zones, full sanitation, a pleasant climate, hospitable and humble people, and a rich cultural heritage – all of which are unique to the state.
 
Sikkim is a land of monasteries, which can be found in every corner of the state. With its clean and green paths, valleys, mountain tops, and meadows, it would be difficult not to fall in love with this country. The eastern Himalayan state is home to rhododendron groves and dense woodlands, as well as orange and apple orchards, and its calm environment is felt by those who visit.
 
Sikkim was once a remote mountain kingdom ruled by Chogyals (Kings) until 1975; today, Sikkim is emerging as an enchanting new world of friendly, socialite people, exotic flora and fauna, breathtaking vistas, and serene monastic settlements. This mountain kingdom has its own personality, as demonstrated by the coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism, which has resulted in a unique culture.
 
09 Nights / 10 Days

North Bengal and Sikkim Birding Tour

05 Nights / 06 Days

Exclusive Sikkim with Darjeeling and Kalimpong

08 Nights / 09 Days

TREASURES OF SIKKIM

05 Nights / 06 Days

Sikkim with Darjeeling and Kalimpong

05 Nights / 06 Days

Exclusive Sikkim with Darjeeling and Kalimpong

05 Nights / 06 Days

Mesmerizing Sikkim Tour

07 Nights / 08 Days

Explore Sikkim

05 Nights / 06 Days

Exclusive Sikkim with Darjeeling and Kalimpong

08 Nights / 09 Days

Enchanting Sikkim Tour

08 Nights / 09 Days

Splendid Sikkim

Traditions and Culture
Sikkim is a stunning area where people of various tribes and races coexist. In addition to their distinct dance styles, festivals, languages, cultures, and craft forms, each of these diverse tribes and societies has its own distinct characteristics. Sikkim is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, religions, and languages.
 
Sikkim is the country's least populous territory. Nepalis account for 75% of the population, Lepchas 20%, and Bhutias and Limbus have smaller populations. The Rong, or Lepchas, were the main clan to settle in the region. The Bhutias from Tibet's Kham area arrived in the thirteenth century, bringing the Mahayana Buddhist order with them. A large number of Hindus and Vajrayana Buddhists can be found here. In which Hinduism is practised by 57.8% of the population. Vajrayana Buddhism is the second-largest religion in the state, with 27.3 percent of the population following it. All Christians in this area are descendants of the Lepcha dynasty, who were forced to convert to Christianity by the British. There are a few Muslims and Jains who live here, but they make up less than 1% of the total population.
 
Nepali, which is also the official language, is spoken by a significant portion of the population. In some parts of this north-east province, Lepcha and Sikkimese (Bhutia) are also spoken. The English language is taught in all schools, and it is also used in all official documents. Kafle, Limbu, Majhwar, Yakha, Tamang, Tibetan, and Sherpa are some of the other languages spoken.
 
Sikkim's three main tribes, the Bhutia, Lepcha, and Nepali, each have their own traditional clothes. The Bhutia tribe is Tibetan in origin, and the females of this tribe wear Bakhu, a full-sleeved blouse called Hanju, and a multi-colored designed woollen cloth called Pangden. They wear a kushen jacket over it. The men of the Bhutia tribe wear jya jya waistcoats, Yenthatse shirts, and Kera cloth belts. They are seen wearing a Shambo hat, which is a traditional cap.
 
The Lepcha tribe is said to have established their own dynasty, King, Priests, and languages, as well as their own dress. Females wear Dumvam, a loose-fitting blouse called Tago, and a belt called Nyamrek, as well as a Taro hat. They wear a Gorey scarf to cover their face. This tribe's men wear Yenthatse, a Lepcha-style shirt with white pyjamas and an embroidered scarf. Shambo, Dumpra is the coloured cloth they wear on their shoulders, and Thyaktuk is the ceremonial headgear.
 
Females from Nepali tribes wear Choubandi, a traditional cotton blouse worn with a sari. Men wear the Daura, a traditional version of the Kurta, and the Sural, a comfortable trouser.
 
Sikkimese folk songs and dances are ingrained in the culture. The majority of tribal dances represent the harvest season and are performed for good fortune. Sikkim's dances feature traditional musical instruments, singing, and dancers dressed in colourful costumes and wearing traditional masks. Rechungma, Gha To Kito, Chi Rmu, Be Yu Mista, Tashi Zaldha, Enchey Chaam, Lu Khangthamo, Gnungmala Gnunghey, and Kagyed Dance are some of the most well-known dance styles.
 
A choksee table, woollen carpet, canvas wall hanging, and thankas delineating paintings on various aspects of the state are some of the common handicraft artefacts of Sikkim. Melli, Gangtok, and Namchi are three of Sikkim's most popular destinations for handlooms and cottage industries. Bamboo and cane products are extremely popular. Sikkim's women are incredible weavers, and visitors come to see them.
 
Fair and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Sikkim:

These festive occasions in the state of Sikkim put together a beautiful amalgamation of hordes of history and a great deal of colour and vibrancy. With so many rituals, ceremonies, and activities to participate in during these festivals, the whole thing becomes a beautiful spectacle that one should not miss while on vacation in this lovely place. Here are some of the major ones:

  • Saga Dawa: It is a significant day for Mahayana Buddhists since it commemorates Gautama Buddha's three most important phases: birth, enlightenment, and nirvana. This three-day festival, which is the largest in Sikkim, takes place on the full moon of the Buddhist lunar calendar's fourth month, which usually falls between the end of May and the beginning of June.
  • Maghey Mela: This week-long festival, held in January, commemorates the Hindu month of Magh's sankranti. As people bathe in the rivers Teesta and Rangit, fairs spring up all over. Jorethang in South Sikkim hosts one of the largest celebrations.
  • Lhabab Dunchen Festival: This festival commemorates Lord Buddha's ascension from the heavens. Lha denotes "Heaven," while bab denotes "Descent." As a result, this festival commemorates Lord Buddha's descent from the deva kingdom after teaching Mahamaya, his departed mother. Every year on the 22nd day of the 9th lunar month, this festival takes place.
  • Losar: The Guthor Chaam, which heralds the festival, sees the lamas of Rumtek and Pemayangtse perform a traditional and beautiful dance. The Gyalpo Losar, which takes place in February, is about giving flowers to monasteries, visiting friends and relatives, and praying for a better year.
  • Losoong Festival: Losoong, one of the most important festivals in this mesmerising Indian state in the North East, is the first on the list of popular Sikkim festivals. This festival marks the beginning of the Sikkimese New Year, which is why it is celebrated with such zeal. For the local communities, this is also harvest season, and since the festival falls during this period, the celebration and festivities are enhanced.
  • Dasain: Dasain, also known as Durga Puja, is a ten-day festival in October dedicated to the goddess Durga. Lord Rama defeated Ravana on the last day of Vijaya Dasami.
  • Bumchu Festival: In the month of January, the Tashiding Monastery in West Sikkim celebrates the Bumchu festival in all its grandeur and zeal. Bum stands for "pot or vase," and chu stands for "water." The pot filled with Holy water is opened by the Lamas present in the monastery during the celebration. After that, a portion of the heavenly water is distributed to all of the devotees present at the festival. The pot is then refilled with water and sealed for the next year's celebration, as the level of water in the pot reflects the upcoming year's prosperity.
 
Must Visit Place

Must Visiting Places in Sikkim:

This Himalayan state, which contains the world's third highest mountain, Mount Kanchenjunga (8586 metres), provides enough reasons to visit it right away. Sikkim is a paradise nestled in India's north-east corner, with stunning views of the Himalayas. If you haven't considered discovering the splendour of this magnificent state, you are truly missing out on something truly magnificent. Some of Sikkim's tourist attractions are mentioned below:

  1. Tsomgo Lake- Changgu Lake or Tsomgo, at an elevation of 3,750 metres above sea level, is 40 kilometres from Gangtok, Sikkim's capital, and on the way to the Nathu La Pass. The scenic beauty of the area around the lake, as well as the wildflowers that bloom throughout the year, make this one of the best tourist destinations.
  2. Nathu la Pass- When visiting Sikkim, the best place to be for trekking enthusiasts is Nathula Pass, which is situated at a height of 14140 feet. Sherathang, the border trade market, is a popular tourist destination where visitors can buy a variety of Tibetan items for a low price. This tourist attraction in Sikkim is well-known.
  3. Goechala- Goechala is a mountain pass that has long been a popular destination for adventurers and trekkers. This region is known for hiking and skiing, which satisfy the soul of a traveller who arrives in Sikkim in search of an adrenaline rush. Even if you are not a major fan of trekking and hiking, you can still enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga from this enticing spot.
  4. Lachung and Lachen- Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers, is Lachung's main attraction. This valley is known for its waterfalls, hot springs, rivers, blooming flowers, verdant meadow pastures, thick pine and silver fir forests, and the majestic Himalayan mountains that surround it. Yumthang Valley is a slice of heaven on earth and missing it would be a mistake. Since Lachen is a small town, the natural beauty here is unspoiled and deserving of praise. Gurudongmar Lake, Tso Lhamo Lake, and Thangu Valley are the main attractions here.
  5. Rumtek Monastery- It is Sikkim's most famous monastery, and it is a must-see for any visitor visiting the state. Rumtek Monastery is the headquarters of the Black Hat sect, one of the oldest Buddhist sects, and is located 24 kilometres from Gangtok, Sikkim's capital. From here, a route leads to the Golden Stupa, which is made of gold, silver, and precious stones and holds the relics of the 16th Karmapa of Tibet.
  6. Seven-Sisters Waterfalls- The Seven Sisters Waterfalls are a beautiful tourist attraction in Sikkim, situated on the Gangtok-Lachung Highway. Tourists flock to this waterfall, which is 32 kilometres from Gangtok.
  7. Pelling- Pelling is a small town in West Sikkim located 7,200 feet above sea level in the hills. Despite being one of the area's lesser-known cities, it is gradually gaining popularity as a tourist destination. After Gangtok, Pelling is Sikkim's second most popular tourist destination. Thousands of tourists flock to it in search of tranquilly in the midst of nature and to be surrounded by breathtaking views.
  8. Gangtok- Gangtok, Sikkim's capital, is the state's most visited city. It is impossible to visit Sikkim without stopping in Gangtok. A panoramic view of Kanchenjunga's towering snow-capped peak is provided by the settlement. Gangtok is a spotless city that never fails to refresh the spirit. It is well-known for its trekking and hiking arrangements. You can also have fun by paragliding.
Cuisine
The cuisine of the people of Sikkim reflects the state's history, which is a mix of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Because of its cold climate, Sikkim food consists primarily of noodles, Gundruk and Sinki soups, thukpas, tomato achar pickle, traditional cottage cheese, fermented soybean, Bamboo shoot, fermented rice product, and other fermented dishes.
 
Below mentioned are some of the most famous dishes:
  • Thukpa or Gya Thuk: Thukpa is a Tibetan-style noodle soup that has become one of Sikkim's most popular dishes. In this soup, almost every kind of locally grown vegetable can be included, but the most popular ones are carrots, bell peppers, spinach, cauliflower, and celery, which can be found in both chicken and vegetarian versions. Thukpa is also high in spices and has a flavorful flavour.
  • Phagshapa: Phagshapa is a pork-based dish served with rice that is traditionally served during the summer. Sikkimi cuisine is renowned for being spicy, and although this dish has its fair share of fire, it is still milder than the rest. The pork is the star of the show, fried in oil with subtle spices, chilli, and radish. To offer the dish its main flavour, the pork fat is left on the meat.
  • Momos: Momos are the most common Tibetan delicacy among the people of this region. Momos are a delicious snack that can be found in restaurants and street kiosks across the world, not just in Sikkim. For those who are unfamiliar with a Momo, it is a flour dough dumpling with a filling inside. It's steamed to perfection and eaten with a hot sauce mixture and vegetables.
  • Sha Phaley: This delicious Tibetan dish is literally heaven on earth for your taste buds. All you need to know about this popular Sikkim dish is that it is made of bread stuffed with ground beef and cabbage and then deep-fried. When you bite into the golden semi-circle for the first time, you'll note that it's crisp on the outside and heavenly on the inside.
  • Chaang: In Sikkim's bitterly cold winters, it's ideal to try an alcoholic beverage to stay warm. Chaang, a Tibetan drink that was later adopted by the state, is a must-try drink in Sikkim. It's made with fermented cereals and served with a bamboo straw in a bamboo vessel. Warm water is poured over the millets in order to remove the flavour.
  • Dal Bhaat: Dal Bhaat is a Sikkim-style dish that has become very popular in Nepal, Bangladesh, and India. The soup is made up of boiled rice and lentils. Dal Chaawal is the name given to this dish in many parts of India. Dal Bhaat is a popular daily meal among Sikkimese people. The flavours of lentil soup will vary from place to place, with certain ingredients remaining constant.
  • Dhindo: Dhindo is made by slowly pouring boiling water over buckwheat, ground millet, or cornflour. The mixture is then constantly mixed until it forms a sticky paste. Since the millets stick between the teeth, the paste is rolled into balls, dipped in lentil soup or chutney, and swallowed. In Sikkim and Nepal, this dish is eaten on a regular basis.
  • Gundruk and Sinki: Gundruk and sinki, both fermented vegetable dishes, are another choice for vegetarians. Gundruk is made by stuffing green vegetables into airtight containers. To make the sinki, various vegetables such as turnip, radish, and mustard are cut and fermented. They are edible and can be used in soups, pickles, and curries.
  • Sael Roti: Sael Roti is a fried bread that is traditionally eaten with Potato Curry. Water and rice are mixed together to make a paste for this dish. After that, it's deep-fried to perfection in a pot of boiling hot oil. Despite its Nepalese and Tibetan origins, the dish is very popular in Sikkim, thanks to the Nepalese and Tibetan influences in this Indian state.
  • Kinema: Kinema is a dish made from boiled and fermented soybeans that has a sticky texture. A heavy odour emanates from the dish. Kinema can be eaten as a side dish with bhat (rice). Vegetarians may use it as a meat substitute because it is rich in antioxidants and low in fat. Kinema is common in Sikkim, Nepal, and Darjeeling, among other places.
 
FAQ’s

Fly to Siliguri's (WB) Bagdogra Airport, then take a taxi to Gangtok. You can also take the train to New Jalpaiguri and then a taxi to get to Gangtok.

Your specific travel goals will determine the ideal time of year to visit Sikkim. This gorgeous location is best to visit at any time of year, excluding July and August when it rains a lot. If you enjoy snow and would like to see a snowstorm in front of your eyes, you should surely travel to Sikkim in December and January, when it snows the most. However, the majority of visitors choose to avoid the state during the winter and rainy seasons and instead visit during the summer to see the diverse landscapes. Summers are often relatively comfortable, with temperatures rarely rising beyond 26 degrees Celsius.

For security reasons, foreigners must get an Inner Line Permit because Sikkim shares its borders with three other countries: China, Nepal, and Bhutan.

 

Sikkim is home to a large number of sacred locations for people of all faiths and sects. Gahesh Tok, Siddheshwara Dham, and several more places of worship for different faiths are some of the most well-known religious sites in Sikkim.

Yes, all places of North Sikkim outside of Singhik require tourist permits.

Yes, Sikkim is among the safest tourist destinations in India. You don't need to be concerned about keeping yourself and your loved ones secure. To avoid any frauds, learn about the locations you want to visit.

The best place to purchase genuine Sikkimese handcrafted goods or artwork is at the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms.


 

Tibetan carpets, jewellery made of semi-precious stones and silver, Thangkas, clothing, hand-carved wooden items, Sikkim tea, etc.

Although permits are not currently given online, there may be updates in the future. Once in Gangtok, a permit can be issued.

 

Sikkim is home to several exciting locations.
Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar, Namchi, Pelling, and other important locations are only a few.

 

Because of the difficult terrain, you will have to navigate the roads, but they are generally in decent condition in popular tourist areas and city centres.

Due to Sikkim's tiny size, visiting neighbouring towns is feasible. Additionally, it is surrounded by a lot of beautiful places that you may visit easily in addition to Gangtok. When planning a trip to Sikkim, you should tour the nearby towns of Darjeeling, Pelling, Lachung, Lachen, and Kalimpong.

 

Sikkimese cuisine is renowned for its authentic flavour, which combines Tibetan, Nepalese, and local ingredients. The main staple of the Sikkimese is rice. Momo (dumplings), thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), gundruk (leafy dish), sha phaley, pork curry, Chhurpi - a fermented dairy product, ring-shaped Nepalese bread, Traditional fermented vegetable products - Gundruk & Sinki, and Sishnu Soup are a few of the regional dishes.

Yes, snow does fall in Sikkim's high-altitude areas, including Yumthang Valley, Baba Mandir, Gurudongmar Lake, Nathula Pass, and Tsomgo Lake. Between the end of December and March, it typically snows.

 

Tour Itineraries