Sikkim: Glaciers, Monasteries and Rhododendrons

Discover Sikkim through a wide range of themes: the landscape of Khangchendzonga National Park, lakes and rhododendrons, as well as monasteries, religious ceremonies and traditional art. There are also trekking and mountain biking routes, along with opportunities for rafting and bathing in hot springs. Which of these aspects interests you most can determine the focus of your trip.

Mountains, Lakes and Protected Landscapes

Khangchendzonga National Park encompasses plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers, snow-capped mountains and ancient forests. It covers 25 percent of the state of Sikkim. The park includes 18 glaciers, among them Zemu Glacier, and 17 alpine lakes. Its wildlife includes red pandas, snow leopards, Tibetan sheep, bharals and musk deer. These details paint a picture of a protected area where landscapes and wildlife both play an important role.

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, lies at an altitude of 12,313 feet. Its surroundings include rugged Himalayan scenery, snow-capped peaks and green meadows. Khecheopalri Lake offers another way to experience the landscape: it is a center of pilgrimage, religious activities and celebrations. Those interested in Sikkim's lakes can therefore find both a scenic and a religious perspective.

Rhododendrons and Outdoor Trails

Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary is home to more than 40 rhododendron species, including rare and endemic species. Its many trekking trails offer a reason to look beyond the plant life alone. The Rhododendron Festival is held at the sanctuary every year; if you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates in advance. The trails and the event offer different focuses: trekking centers on moving along the paths, while the festival centers on the annual event.

West Sikkim also has lakes, waterfalls and trekking routes. In Borong, the Damthang-Tendong-Ravangla-Maenam-Borong route is one of the trekking routes mentioned. Sikkim also has numerous mountain biking routes. If you are planning a ride, check their availability and the conditions at each location. This lets you include hiking and cycling in your travel plans without assuming they have the same requirements.

Monasteries, History and Traditions

Chungthang is a hamlet in Sikkim at about 5,500 feet above sea level, located at the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung rivers. The Tsun Hang Rigdzin Choeling Gonpa was built there in 1788 by Lepcha Buddhists. The area also offers a starting point for rafting: the rapids on the rivers near Chungthang provide opportunities for it. If you are considering this activity, check local availability.

Pemayangtse Monastery is the mother monastery of all monasteries of the Mindroling lineage in Sikkim. The nearby Rabdentse Ruins were the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim, after Yuksom. They are within walking distance of Pemayangtse Monastery and hidden from the main road; check trail conditions before your visit. Here, history and landscape come together in the former capital and its location away from the main road.

At Tashiding Monastery, the Bhumchhu festival is celebrated as a sacred water ceremony on the 14th and 15th days of the first month of the Tibetan calendar. Traditional dances are performed during the annual Guru Drakmar Chamm Festival at Pemayangtse Monastery. It is also advisable to check the dates before your trip. Beyond individual festivals, thangka painting, traditionally used for meditation and teaching, and the elaborate masked Cham dances performed at religious festivals are among Sikkim's cultural expressions.

Festivals and Practical Information

Held annually in December, the Gangtok Food and Culture Festival showcases Sikkim's multicultural cuisine as well as traditional music and dance performances. It brings culinary and cultural themes together in one event. Check the event dates if you would like to include the festival in your travel plans.

Sikkim Nationalised Transport operates government bus services from Gangtok to Siliguri, NJP, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Namchi and Pelling. If one of these services is relevant to your plans, check current routes and schedules before your trip. This will let you tailor your hotel search to your own travel plans.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: East Sikkim, Soreng, South Sikkim, Lachung, West Sikkim, Ravangla, East Sikkim, North Sikkim.

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