Sikkim-the mountainous escape

Mountain romance in Sikkim

You can’t stop falling in love with this place. Green, clean, steep valleys, snow-capped mountains, Rhododendron forests colourful monasteries and friendly locals! Welcome to Sikkim-a mountainous escape from the routine.  Did you know that Sikkim was an independent country until 1975, when it got merged with India?

Is Sikkim a romantic destination?

Let’s look at why we believe , Sikkim is a great option for some “we time”.

• 200 monasteries

These monasteries add peace and piety to the surroundings, almost like creating positivity for everyone. It is impossible to cover all, but Rumtek Monastery and Tashiding Monastery should be in your list . The religious scrolls called Thankas are hanged in monasteries across Sikkim. Thankas are believed to ward off evil spirits and are considered auspicious. So, wherever you go, you will feel like a blessed soul or a blessed couple.

• Experience snowfall

North Sikkim is a great option to experience snow fall. You can  spend a few days in a secluded place like Lachung, cover the valley of flowers (Yumthang) and zero point from there and witness snow fall from the room itself. The more adventurous ones can go out and create their own snow man. Don’t forget to try the local beverage “Chaang”.

• Natural Spa treatments

There are various natural hot springs in Sikkim which have rich medicinal properties. Nevertheless, they are great for relaxation, especially after going out in the cold wind.

• The holy Gurudongmar lake 

This is one of the highest lakes (5100 meters above sea level) in the world and India. The Himalayas encircle it. The Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists consider this lake sacred. It is named after Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The route to the lake is beautiful and the views from the lake side are breath taking. So go ahead, and get blessed !

• Colourful winged creatures

Sikkim is home more than 552 species of birds and around 690 types of butterflies. Imagine the amount of colour they add to the already beautiful locale. If you are a birding enthusiast, then you should try to spot the whiskery vulture, the Himalayan Griffon and Impeyan Pheasant etc. Besides, there are 500 plus species of rare orchids . Don’t miss the annual flower festival held during the summer months.

• River rafting at Teesta

Cruise through the rapids on a raft and soak in the beauty of the surroundings

• Yak riding by the Tsomgo lake (Changu lake)

Changu Lake is a glacial lake. You can cover this with the Nathula pass day trip from Gangtok.  The lake freezes during the winter. It offers a great view and you can ride a friendly yak .

• Pelling

Pelling is a small town in West Sikkim, and it offers  beautiful views of  the Khangchendzonga ( 3^rd highest mountain peak in the world). The locals consider the mountain to be the guardian deity of the state. The annual festival of Phang Lhabsol is in honour of the mountain deity. If you are in Pelling don’t forget to visit the Tashiding Monastery.

• Zuluk and the Old Silk route

Traders used this route once to connect Sikkim to Bhutan and China. If you looking at an absolutely do not disturb ( I don’t mean to say that there is no body around) kind of a place, think of Zuluk and the old silk route. The homestays will make you feel like a local and these locals will take good care of you.  Lush green valleys with river streams,  hilltop viewpoints  that offer panoramic views of the Himalayas, the route is full of surprises. You can reach Zuluk after covering Changu and Nathula.

If you are looking for a quiet romantic holiday, look beyond Gangtok. Always budget for a longer duration and cover these unexplored gems of Sikkim. To travel to different parts of Sikkim , once has to get back to Gangtok and then head to the next place, but it is all worth it.

How to reach Sikkim?

Though Sikkim now has a beautiful airport, it has limited flight connectivity. The easier option is to either take a flight to the Bagdogra airport and drive to Sikkim or take a train to New Jalpaiguri and drive to Gangtok

Best time to visit Sikkim

The best time would be between March to mid June and September to November.

If you plan to travel to Sikkim, you can take a look at this Sikkim itinerary and get it customised as per your interest .

Check out the other romantic places in India or maybe the unexplored honeymoon destinations in India.

In case you are a nature lover, check out the natural wonders of India

India is not just about romance. There is a lot of history, mystery, culture, nature and wildlife here. Check out these aspects of Incredible India beyond the regular tours and packages.