SIKKIM is a tiny hill state tucked in North Eastern part of India. Known for its lofty mountains, quaint villages, pristine scenery, holy lakes and vibrant Buddhist Monasteries, a holiday in Sikkim is sure to bring you close to nature providing you ample peace and solitude. Sikkim is also a paradise for adventure freaks, trekkers and mountaineers owing to its myriad adventure activities. Whether you are looking for a laid back break, taking in the extravaganza of nature’s beauty or seeking a fun- filled adventurous holiday, Sikkim will not leave you disappointed. How to Reach BY AIR: The Pakyong Airport in Gangtok has commercial flights connecting from Kolkata and Guwahati. To fly in from any other location Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal is the closest to Sikkim. Regular cabs are available to Sikkim from the Bagdogra airport. BY RAIL:New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri are the two rail stations nearest to Sikkim located in West Bengal. NJP is 125 Kms and Siliguri is 114 Kms from Gangtok and is well connected to all the major cities. BY ROAD: The lifeline of Sikkim, which is National Highway 31A connects Gangtok with Siliguri and this picturesque highway runs through the lush green forests along the bank of river Teesta on one side and sky touching mountain ranges of Eastern Himalaya on other side. This unique ride of almost two hours will gives you the opportunity to enjoy the valley carpeted with numerous wild flowers. 3 offbeattracks.co DESTINATION east sikkim GANGTOK Sikkim’s modern capital is layered along a precipitous mountain ridge, descending the hillside in steep tiers. As well as a handful of minor sights, there are countless viewpoints with panoramas that encompass plunging green valleys and, if you’re lucky weather-wise, glimpses of Khangchendzonga on the distant skyline. 4 offbeattracks.co DESTINATION Rumtek Tsomgo Lake Nathula Pass Monastry Rumtek monastery is one of the Tsomgo Lake is one of the Located at a distance of around largest in Sikkim. The architecture of interesting attractions in 55 km. from Gangtok and at an the monastery is one of the finest in Sikkim tourism. The idyllic altitude of 14,500 ft. Nathu La is the world and resembles the original surroundings of this waterbody an important trade link between one in Tsurphu, Tibet. From the top attracts everyone. In winter, it India and China. Spectacular of the monastry the whole Gangtok remains frozen and in summer views of the snow-capped peaks town can be seen on the opposite it is enclosed by the blossom of of the Eastern Himalayas from hill. However from the gate at the flowers. Nathu La, lures thousands of base, it requires an uphill walk (about tourists every year to this scenic half a kilometer) to reach up to the place. main monastery. 5 offbeattracks.co DESTINATION north sikkim LACHUNG Lachung is a mountain village close to the Tibetan border, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It’s divided by the Lachung River. The village is home to the 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery, surrounded by apple orchards. Nearby, the Yumthang Valley’s Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary protects many species of rhododendron. The valley is also known for its waterfalls, pine forests and hot springs. 6 offbeattracks.co DESTINATION Yumthang Lachung Valley Gompa The Yumthang Valley is a nature sanctuary with Lachung Gompa’s small but colourful monastery river, hot springs, yaks and grazing pasture on prayer hall is a two-storey affair with twin metal rolling meadows surrounded by the Himalayan dragons above the porch, which contains a pair mountains in North Sikkim. It is popularly known of extra-heavy prayer wheels. Walking here is as ‘Valley of Flowers’ and is home to the Shingba a great way to get a better sense of Lachung Rhododendron Sanctuary, which has over village; you’ll pass several great viewpoints from twenty-four species of the rhododendron, the which to appreciate the town’s magnificent state flower. setting. 7 offbeattracks.co DESTINATION north sikkim LACHEN Undulated mountain air, stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and tranquil settings of this small hamlet attract thousands of tourists every year. Situated in the North of Sikkim, Lachen is a home to many itineraries along with Lachung as a base to some of the popular Eastern Himalayan treks. The town forms the base to the Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. 8 offbeattracks.co DESTINATION Gurudongmar Lake One of the highest alpine lakes in the world, Gurudongmar Lake is not only known for its spectacular beauty, but is also revered as a sacred lake by Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs. The lake can be reached via a rugged terrain with little vegetation and human population. Occasional views of high alpine pastures covered with rhododendrons and yaks and sheep grazing can be seen from a distance. As you reach the lake, you are welcomed by mesmerizing views of the emerald blue lake surrounded with snow covered peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. 9 offbeattracks.co DESTINATION west sikkim YUKSOM Yuksom is a historical town in Geyzing subdivision of West Sikkim .The unspoilt natural charm, peaceful settings and an undulated mountain air, makes Yuksom an ideal holiday destination for people seeking extreme quiet and solitude. Apart from the tranquility and serenity, Yuksom also offers a plethora of trekking options. 10 offbeattracks.co DESTINATION Kanchenjunga Dubdi National Park Monastery The park is a must visit for the nature Dubdi Monastery, is a Buddhist shrine near lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to Yuksom. Established in the year 1701, it is numerous glaciers, huge variety of flora and considered to be the oldest monasteries fauna, rare varieties of birds and many wild in Sikkim. The literal meaning of the word animals like snow leopards, musk deer, red ‘Dubdi’ is ‘the retreat’ which clearly be seen panda and Himalayan black bear. authenticating itself through its mesmerising hilltop location amidst the thick chestnut forest. 11 offbeattracks.co DESTINATION west sikkim PELLING West of Sikkim, Pelling lies at a distance of 115 km. from Gangtok. Snow- covered peaks of Kanchenjunga range can be best viewed from this tiny hamlet. Tranquil environment and picturesque settings of this enchanting town lures thousands of tourists from all across the country. 12 offbeattracks.co DESTINATION Pemayangtse Rabdentse Singshore Monastery Ruins Bridge The Pemayangtse Monastery Former capital of Sikkim, Located at 5 km. from Pelling, is a Buddhist monastery in Rabdentse was destroyed by the the Singshore Bridge is the Pemayangtse, near Pelling in the Nepalese invaders . second highest hanging northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, The town and its royal palace bridge in Asia connecting two located 110 km west of Gangtok. now lies in ruins, close to the mountains. Feel of the swing Planned, designed and founded by Pemayangtse Monastery. It is across the bridge as you walk Lama Lhatsun Chempo in 1705, it surrounded with thick forest along combined with some mind is one of the oldest and premier cover. boggling sights around. monasteries of Sikkim. 13 offbeattracks.co DESTINATION south sikkim RAVANGLA Ravangla is known for its laid back atmosphere and magical beauty. Snow clad mountains, gushing waterfalls, quaint villages and fresh mountain air attracts lots of tourists to have a relaxing holiday in Sikkim. 14 offbeattracks.co DESTINATION Ralang Buddha Park Hotsprings Monastery Ralang Monastery is an attraction The giant statue of the Buddha A very popular site among that needs to be visited by every marks the event of the 2550th visitors, the Ralong Hot Water traveller wishing to explore conception commemoration of Springs are natural hot springs Ravangla. Ralang Monastery has an Gautama Buddha. The Buddhist believed to hold curative extensive collection of paintings Park is a State government properties. These springs are and thangkas that reflect the venture which was built for located on the banks of the opulence of the Buddhist art. boosting pilgrimage tourism. This Rangit River. site is of great spiritual importance and thus even the ambience gives a divine experience to the visitors. 15 offbeattracks.co EXPERIENCES IN SIKKIM LOCAL VILLAGE STAY click link to accsess The lush green slopes of this charismatic west Sikkim village beckons you with an array of activities you can engage in, ranging from processing butter and cheese, gardening in the fields, or milking a cow or two. As you immerse yourself in the bucolic lifestyle of the people, go down to the Yuma Meditation Centre or make a visit to the 200-year-old Limboo traditional house. 16 offbeattracks.co EXPERIENCES BEER BREWING click link to accsess Tongba is a millet-based alcoholic beverage which is quite popular in the Sikkimese region. Witness the brewing process and taste this popular local beer. TREKING Treking in Sikkim allows you to explore some of the unknown parts of the region with the distant valleys, scenic meadows and the snow-capped mountains. Bordered by Nepal, Bhutan and China and is regarded as the Himalayan Shangri La, Sikkim is celebrated as one of the lavishly kept secrets in the range of Himalayas. Goecha La Trek, Kangchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Sikkim Dzongri Trek are some of the most famous treks in Sikkim. 17 offbeattracks.co FESTIVALS IN SIKKIM Sikkim International Flower Pang Lhabsol Festival The most popular regional and cultural International Flower Festival, Gangtok festivals of Sikkim, Pang Lhabsol attracts showcases different varieties of flower that countless tourists and visitors from across are native to Sikkim. This festival is held the nation and parts of the world. The during the peak flowering season in Sikkim vibrant festival exudes a matchless aura of and attracts tourist from all over India. positivity and colours all around, bringing all the people of the state at a platform where they can just immerse their souls in celebrations and festivities.