Thinking of visiting Sikkim for a holiday? Here’s a list of the 10 best things about Sikkim that must have convinced you in the first place; so stop contemplating and book a ticket now.

(1) Snowfall

Sikkim gets snowfall in the winter months, and it looks absolutely stunning.  The best places to witness it are North Sikkim and some parts of the East and West districts. However, you can witness the snow-covered Himalayan mountains, especially Mt. Khangchendzonga, throughout the year.

(2) Beautiful climate

Apart from the monsoon season (mid-July to mid-September), Sikkim enjoys a chilly but pleasant climate; the average temperature hovering around 18⁰ C. In winter, it ranges from 4⁰C to 10⁰ C and drops down to 0⁰C or lower at higher altitudes. 

(3) Gorgeous landscapes

You can find verdant hills, plateaus, flowering valleys, glacial lakes, snow-covered mountains, hot springs, forests, rivers, streams, and much more to ogle at.

(4) Flavoursome food

Eating in Sikkim is like an explosion of flavors in your mouth as the local dishes are influenced by its neighboring countries Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet (China). The cuisines also vary from community to community, giving each dish a distinct flavour.

Some of the famous local foods of Sikkim are momo, thukpa, local thalis, taipho, churpi ko achar, gorkhey chutney, selroti, faley, khabjey, etc. Fermented food such as kinema, sinki, bamboo shoot, and gundruk give you an extraordinary experience. 

(5) Adventure activities

The divine landscape of Sikkim is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers. Treks, hikes, nature walks, camping, fishing, rafting, and caving are some of the activities that are popular. Other thrilling activities include paragliding, zip-lining, cable car ride, helicopter rides, biking, etc.

(6) Wildlife and biodiversity

Sikkim has a wide range of fascinating flora and fauna. It has over 144 species of mammals, 48 fish, 568 birds, and more than 689 butterflies and 7000 species of moths found in the wild or its national parks. Additionally, the state harbors over 5500 varieties of flowering plants, 38 rhododendrons, 28 bamboos, 557 orchids, 362 ferns and its allies, 30 primulas, 9 tree ferns, 11 oaks, 16 conifers, and 1681 medicinal plants of species.

Fun fact: In 2020, Globba Andersonii”, a plant which was thought to be extinct was re-discovered in Sikkim after 136 years near Teesta River region by Botanists from Pune and Kerela.

(7) No pollution and litter-free streets

When you enter Sikkim, you will immediately mark a decrease in air and noise pollution and notice clean roads. There are dustbins on every road and in marketplaces. Besides litter-free streets, it is prohibited to smoke in public places as well as spit outside.  

(8) Rich cultures and traditions

Sikkim is largely diverse in itself when it comes to different communities, languages, cultures, cuisines, and traditions. There are numerous communities that contribute towards the cultural hotpot but the three main communities are Bhutia, Lepcha, and Nepali, who also have subcategories. Because there are many communities, you can witness or take part in different festivals of each community. Much of Sikkim’s history and culture can be learned from monastery visits and historical sites such as Rabdentse Ruins and Norbu Gang (coronation throne of Namgyal Dynasty), and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok. 

(9) A long list of things to do in Sikkim

Though small, Sikkim offers its visitors a long list of things to do. This place is for all kinds of travelers, from the introverted to the fun-loving adventurous ones.  

Some of the popular things to do in Sikkim are:

·         Shop at local souvenir and organic stores

·         Try unique and interesting dishes

·         Visit Sikkim’s only tea garden at Temi and indulge in tea tasting

·         Take pictures in local traditional dresses

·         Go for sightseeing; look at the sunrise or the sunset from a hilltop

·         Indulge in adventurous activities like paragliding, rafting, ziplining, yak rides, etc

·         Stay at a homestay for a local experience (farming, fishing)

·         Treks and hikes

(10) Convivial People

The locals here are extremely welcoming, polite, and honest. They believe in helping one another and are hospitable to their guests.  If you want to experience the local life of the Sikkimese people, and really know them, I suggest you stay in a homestay for a day or two at least.

Sikkim has a lot to offer to its visitors and these are just some of the best things about the state in brief. Visiting Sikkim and exploring the least explored and least touched places here, learning about a culture so unique at the foothills of the Himalayas, and mingling with the locals of this tiny state, while enjoying the delicious foods, is an experience in itself to be cherished forever.