Tucked away in the Himalayas, the northeastern state of Sikkim offers scenic places and a plethora of trekking tour options. It is considered a place for exploring the hidden gems of the Himalayas and the rich culture of Sikkim, both of which are known for leaving a lasting impression. Therefore, if you have an adventure on your mind, we recommend that you start planning for a trek in Sikkim in 2021. Here, in this blog, we make your decision easy by enlisting the best trekking expedition in Sikkim that you can do in the upcoming year 2021.
List of 10 Best Trekking Routes in Sikkim Himalayas
- Goecha La Trek
- Rhododendron Trek
- Dzongri Trek
- Sandakphu Trek
- Varsey Trek
- Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
- Kasturi Orar Round Trek
- Singalila & Goecha La Trek
- Dzongri Goecha La Trek
- Green Lake Trek
Check out: Sikkim Trekking Packages
Goecha La Trek
There is no better way to experience Sikkim then to tower the spectacular Goecha La Trek. Standing at an altitude of 4939 meters, this popular trek takes you to some spectacular landscape of Himalayan ranges, surrounded by fresh cold breeze and silence in the wilderness, this trek is different, worth cherishing because you not only get to see Kanchenjunga but other 14 big summits as well like Mt. Pandim, Mt. Thingchinkhang, Mt. Jopuno, now that’s a lot of eyes popping and rubbernecking!
It may sound alluring and blissful but the Himalayas hold extreme harsh weather and this trek is generally considered to be under moderate to difficult level. Goecha La is one of the most preferred destinations for trekkers and it is the pride of Sikkim and upper ranges of Bengal and North-East.
Altitude: 4939 meters
Trek Duration: 11 Days
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Trek: The majestic razor sharp snow clad mountains are best visible in the months of March – May and mid Sept to November
Base Camp: Yuksom
Getting There: Yuksom an impeccable quiet little town source as a base camp for the trekkers and the point to soar up the mountains. Taxis and buses are available from Gangtok, Sikkim which may take around 4 hours to reach the base. However, getting here one can avail transport from Bagdogra airport or NJP railways which may take around 4 to 5 hours to Gangtok.
Check out: Goecha La Detailed Trekking Itinerary
Rhododendron Trek
Rhododendron Trek is one of the most up to the minute treks. This trek has scenery worth paying attention to as it takes us to delicate Himalayan beauties that lead us to scented broken path filled with various flowers in colors and size. This trek covers some of the most beautiful Rhododendrons in Sikkim, it is an ideal trek best suited for those who are interested to explore beautiful nature and the Himalayan slops.
Spring experiences ablaze and brilliant blossoms both in low and high altitude, the slope covers with Arboreum, Falconeri, Barbatum Campanulatium and Hodgsoni species of the Rhododendron in its brilliancy. The Rhododendron Trek takes you through beautiful meadows and lush garden of flowers to few humble villages of the Sikkimese people. A sight not to be missed is the Kanchenjunga range adding spectacular beauty of this trek.
Walk through the Oak and Rhododendron forests and enjoy panoramic view of the beautiful landscapes of neighbouring ranges. See many species of birds that often fly around the Rhododendron valley during the months of spring.
Altitude: 1728 meters
Trek Duration: 10 to 11 days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Trek: April to mid-May
Base Camp: Yuksom
Getting There: Yuksom an impeccable quiet little town source as a base camp for the trekkers and the point to soar up the mountains. Taxis and buses are available from Gangtok, Sikkim which may take around 4 hours to reach the base. However, getting here one can avail transport from Bagdogra airport or NJP railways which may take around 4 to 5 hours to Gangtok.
Check out: Sikkim Rhododendron Detailed Trekking Itinerary
Dzongri Trek
Situated at an altitude of about 4020 meters in Sikkim, this trek offers spectacular view of the great Kanchenjunga and Mount Pandim from a very close distance. Along the hiking trails you will get to see some scenic parts of Sikkim. Lush valleys and wide panoramic view of the range is something that will take your breath away. This route follows picturesque trails with vibrant flowers and vegetation and gorgeous valleys like the Rhododendron, magnolia pine, maple and oak forests.
Effortless of any hard work this trail is best suited for beginners as it sails you to mesmerizing spots. Dzongri Trek starts from Yuksom Village and it crosses small scenic villages like Tshoka Village where you can rest before you ascend again.
Altitude: 4020 meters
Trek Duration: 8 to 9 Days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Trek: Mid-March to May and September to November
Base Camp: Yuksom
Getting There: Yuksom an impeccable quiet little town source as a base camp for the trekkers and the point to soar up the mountains. Taxis and buses are available from Gangtok, Sikkim which may take around 4 hours to reach the base. However, getting here one can avail transport from Bagdogra airport or NJP railways which may take around 4 to 5 hours to Gangtok.
Check out: Dzongri Trek in Sikkim Detailed Itinerary
Sandakphu Trek
Get a panoramic view of the majestic Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu as you walk up the beautiful trails of Sandakphu. The literal meaning of Sandakphu is the height of the poison plant what pose for its poisonous aconite trees. The entire trek is surrounded with varieties of Rhododendron which is one of the main attractions and it is wildly found between the months of March to May and mid-September to November. Some 58 kilometres from Darjeeling this trek starts from Mane Bhanjang and the trails leads to tiny villages like Meghma, Tonglu, Tumling, Garibas, and Kala Pokhari finally leading to Sandakphu. The entire trek takes 4 to 5 days to cover and can shelter in these adoring villages.
At a height of 3636 meters, the mountain of paradise glimmer in its snow clad mountain tops. The sublime Sandakphu is the halt point of several trekking routes in the Darjeeling-Sikkim belt. On a clear sunny day the highest peak in the world can be witnessed from Sandakphu. Meandering narrow path run along the Indo-Nepal border and one can have an ultimate experience of the cultural backdrop of Sikkim.
Altitude: 3636 meters
Trek Duration: 8 to 9 Days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Trek: It is best visited in the months of April and May to see blooming flowers and the months of October to December to witness its scenic beauty.
Base Camp: Mane Bhanjang
Getting There: Mane Bhanjang is the starting point of the trek which is about an hour from Darjeeling and four hours from Bagdogra/ NJP. You can avail taxi or bus from these two locals as it is much closer and convenient. You can also travel via Gangtok which may take around 4 hours.
Check out: Singalila – Sandakphu Trek Detailed Itinerary
Varsey Trek
Enchanting locals and magnetic mountain tops Varsey offer just what you need. It’s wonderful Himalayan trek is filled with red and pink rhododendrons and offbeat trekking trails of Sikkim. This no-sweat trek is best suited for the amateur mountaineers, and a nature lover where getting close to nature is a feeling of thrill and bliss.
The Varsey Trek takes you up to a height of 3300 meters and is worth a walk for a weekend short trip and it is surrounded in beautiful mosses and varieties of flora and fauna. A bloom of shades fills the nature as you walk the scene path alongside vibrant colours of the hills and valleys.
The trek is stippled with flaming rhododendron and a sanctuary of high altitude birds. Some 17 km drive to Damthang and 12 km steady trek to Varsey is all it takes. Around 3060 m in elevation and located near Indo-Nepal border this trek will leave you coming back for more.
Altitude: 3060 meters
Trek Duration: 7 to 8 Days
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Trek: April and May get awe-inspired by vibrant red and pink rhododendron spread across the hills and valley.
Base Camp: Damthang
Getting There: You can reach the base camp by driving for about 17 kilometers from Gangtok till you reach your destination to ascent uphill.
Also Read
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
One of the most preferred treks in Sikkim, Kanchenjunga trek is full of efforts yet it offers incomparable view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Decamp from Yuksom, the trail wander through Tshoka, Thangsing, Dzongri, Lamune, Goecha La, Samiti, and Kokchorung. It covers the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve; it showcases colourful flora and an opportunity to view different bird species.
The base itself is considered as one of the most awe-inspiring camps, it ascends you to some overwhelming trails of the Himalayas. This trek may be a little challenging for non-adventurers as it takes them to some steep sides of the Himalayas. The trekkers will have the mind-boggling views of the Mt Kanchenjunga and other captivating and sky-high peaks of the world.
Altitude: 5086 meters
Trek Duration: 11 to 12 Days
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Trek: March to May or if you like snow clad mountains then between September and November are the month to be.
Base Camp: Yuksom
Getting There: Yuksom an impeccable quiet little town source as a base camp for the trekkers and the point to soar up the mountains. Taxis and buses are available from Gangtok, Sikkim which may take around 4 hours to reach the base. However, getting here one can avail transport from Bagdogra airport or NJP railways which may take around 4 to 5 hours to Gangtok.
Check out: Kanchenjunga Trek Detailed Itinerary
Kasturi Orar Round Trek
Kasturi is a round trek pass and it takes you beyond breath-taking glaciers like the Goecha La, Dzongri, Thangsing Valley and ends at Tashiding. To the traveller this is a dream come true as it offers extraordinary backdrops. Getting to Kasturi you explore the unexplored trails of the Kanchenjunga National Park and some tiny villages where you get a chance to take rest before you ascend again.
This adventure trek will give you an opportunity to explore and experience Nepali culture. This dream like trek will take you high up to 4500 meters and this is considered as a difficult trail than usual, a slightly difficult task than other traditional treks. The trekkers pass through slopes of Mount Pandim, at elevation of 3800 meters and through tricky glacial wrinkle passing through some beautiful and remote villages of this region.
Altitude: 5002 meters
Trek Duration: 15 to 16 Days
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Trek: The best month to visit Kasturi is between the months of March – May and September – November.
Base Camp: Yuksom
Getting There: Yuksom an impeccable quiet little town source as a base camp for the trekkers and the point to soar up the mountains. Taxis and buses are available from Gangtok, Sikkim which may take around 4 hours to reach the base. However, getting here one can avail transport from Bagdogra airport or NJP railways which may take around 4 to 5 hours to Gangtok.
Check out : Best Treks for Beginners in Sikkim
Singalila and Goecha La Trek
This trek takes you to some of its picturesque locations covered in beautiful tea gardens, valleys, mountain peaks and more. The Everest Trek covers the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary which shows its colourful flowers and majestic mountain views of the Kanchenjunga and Everest. The Oak tree and beautiful Rhododendron complements the hills of the Himalayas.
Enjoy the great view of the mighty Kanchenjunga Range and set your eyes to see many rare birds flocking above you. The trail winds its way through the meadows as you ascend you will notice the transition from dense lush forest to vibrant rhododendron forest. This trek is best suited for group trekking more the merrier.
Altitude: 4940 meters
Trek Duration: 18 to 19 Days
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Trek: The best month to visit Kasturi is between the months of March – May and September – November.
Base Camp: Mane Bhanjang
Getting There: Mane Bhanjang is the starting point of the trek which is about an hour from Darjeeling and four hours from Bagdogra/ NJP. You can avail taxi or bus from these two locals as it is much closer and convenient. You can also travel via Gangtok which may take around 4 hours.
Check out: Singalila Ridge & Goecha La Detailed Trekking Itinerary
Dzongri – Goechala Trek
This particular trek has superb views of the Kanchenjunga Range; the trail follows the Rathong valley and Bakkhim with an amazing view overlooking the steep slopes of the Himalayas. It offers trekkers great opportunity to see the Himalayan range up close.
The trail to Dzongri and Goecha La follows the Tshoka trails leading to Phedang and further to Dzongri, which is situated at an altitude of 4020 m and hold breath-taking view of the ranges and one can get an opportunity to see rare birds. Goecha La offers the trekkers mesmerizing mountain peaks like Pandim, Kanchenjunga etc. The trail follows wonderful valleys and forests until it reaches its highest point.
Altitude: 4020 meters and 4939 meters respectively
Trek Duration: 10 to 11 Days
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Trek: The best month to visit Kasturi is between the months of March – May and September – November.
Base Camp: Yuksom
Getting There: Yuksom an impeccable quiet little town source as a base camp for the trekkers and the point to soar up the mountains. Taxis and buses are available from Gangtok, Sikkim which may take around 4 hours to reach the base. However, getting here one can avail transport from Bagdogra airport or NJP railways which may take around 4 to 5 hours to Gangtok.
Check out: Dzongri Goechala Trek Fixed Departure Tour
Green Lake Trek
One hidden gem of the Himalayas that comes under the least explored destinations in Sikkim is the Green Lake Trek. It is surrounded with breath-taking scenery and sharp edged mountains and colourful meadows with rich biodiversity. A true paradise proves to be one stop trekking expedition for all visitors and nature lovers.
This paradise allows the visitors to see misty Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan abodes. The winding trails revel stunning landscapes and meadows, its rare orchids and vibrant panoramic scenes will be the talk of the entire trek.
Altitude: 5050 meters
Trek Duration: 16 days
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Best Time to Trek: April or October
Base Camp: Lachen
Getting There: To reach the base, you can get taxis from Gangtok, the entire journey will take you about 6 hours to reach the base i.e. 135 kilometres.
Check out: Green Lake Detailed Trekking Itinerary
Be a part among the ground breakers and head to Sikkim’s picturesque and blonde slopes, where the Himalayan allurement and winsomeness is yet to be unveiled. If you haven’t explored the upper sweet side of India, start ascending the abundant altitude.
For more information you can comment in the box below and if you liked this post kindly share with your circle of friends.
You can call us at Tour My India +91-9212553109 and even email us at info@tourmyindia.com to know about the best adventure trekking deals and packages in Sikkim.
Other Important Sikkim Tourism Resources
Like & Follow our social media accounts at Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin & Instagram for getting the latest updates & offers on holiday packages.
Disclaimer: We do not take credit for some of the licenced paid images used in our blogs, whether from Google Images, Fotolia & Shutterstock. All such images are the copyrights of their respective owners and we try to provide credit for them wherever we can. If, however, any copyright image has been used on our blog, the concerned person can either mail us directly to remove the image or provide credit to whomsoever the image may belong to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.How to Reach Sikkim?
Trekking Expedition is an experience that can be sought by travel enthusiasts all year round. The charm of the meadows and valleys will get you pumped for a year-round indulgence. Hiking to some extreme and serene trails are all accessible from the capital of Sikkim- Gangtok.
Reaching there is accessible from NJP (New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri) by rail or fly to Sikkim with Bagdogra being its closest airport. You can get many local prepaid, local taxis and government buses to take you to Gangtok, thereafter to small hill station that mark as a base camp before ascending upwards.
Total distance from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok is 125 kilometers, it takes 4 to 5 hours to reach the city. And 120 kilometers from NJP railway station taking 3 hours to get to Gangtok.
Gangtok has many sightseeing places and it is a popular travel destination among the foreigners and within India itself.
Q.What are the popular things to carry while you go on Sikkim Trekking Expedition?
How to plan a trekking adventure is done by preparing its groundwork of essential things to carry. As weather in this region is mostly shivery and wintry, the important essentials to carry are listed below:
Clothing and Footwear
Trekking expeditions are mostly carried in the forest region, its unpredictable weather and hill-capped mountains are the focus to watch out for during treks in this region. Clothing made of cotton is comfortable to wear during summers but if you hit the mountains during winter’s woollen jackets will be your new friends. A nice pair of boots best for walking and climbing is necessary, other shoes may come off its rubber sides and laces may wrinkle when in contact with cater or rough rocks. Make sure the souls of the shoe are comfortable.
Carry a ‘Windcheater’ it will keep you warm when you halt to rest your feet. Ideal attire for such walks is a combination of:
- Boots + Thick socks
- Long knickers + Wind shirts/light t-shirts
- Windcheater/ Woollen Jacket
Eatables
The most important substance to keep you walking is food and water. Store as much dry fruits as you can, and water, an elixir of life. Dehydration is the main cause for trekkers to get exhausted and while trekking it is not ideal to pit stop every time to prepare food. So when hiking a little amount of dry fruits and water is stomach filling. Also, carry energy bar chocolates it helps stunningly to reduce hunger.
Of course, it is always advisable to start your trek with heavy breakfast.
First Aid and Insect Repellent
These two sets of kits are necessary and helpful which are often overlooked. In thick forests bites and bruises are bound to happen even if you are very careful. In mountains and forests insect bites are the main concern which may lead to serious sickness and it may even lead to fatality.
Medicines, tubes and bandages are small necessities and should not be avoided. A box with scissors, anti-septic creams and sun screen lotions with bandages should be included.
Gadgets for Safety
Torch lights, compass, head lamps, Swiss knife, are just some measures for safety. A long trek can take day and night and to stay safe in the dark you will require torch light, even if you camp a lamp is essential to keep you aware of your surroundings.
Carry a mobile phone but for its safety keep all the eclectic items in a sealed plastic bag.
Carry
- Extra batteries
- Portable charger
- Compass
- Pocket Knife
Essentials to Help You Rest Well
A sleeping bag is more like a king size bed when we are outdoors and tent a castle. You can pick up a lightweight sleeping bag and a mini tent for solo or two. Usually while hiking in the mountains, the weather becomes very unpredictable and it is best to climb up with a tent and not just a sleeping bag.
Q.What are the best recommended helpful tips for Sikkim trekking holidays?
- Being hydrated is an utmost necessity which means you have to double, triple your water intake to avoid dehydration.
- Carry a wind cheater as it is the best way to stay warm while taking shelter in cold weathers.
- Try getting your rhythm when you hike. Walking too fast may lead to weakness and fatigue.
- Carry many plastic seal bags for your cameras and phones to keep them dry and safe.
- Make sure to store dry fruits as it is difficult to prepare food in every stop during long hikes.
- To avoid blisters where thick sock under your boot if not double the layer of socks.
About the author
Having an experience of more than 16 yrs in the Himalayas, Arun is the main driving force & mentor at the Peak Adventure Tours, a leading adventure travel agency in India offers trekking tours in Indian Himalayas including Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet. A long history with exceptional experiences he is the “Marathon Man” in the field of adventure. Today Arun looks after the Peak Adventure and shapes & designs the venture of the organization. He is contributing to this blog as a regular guest author.
+91-9212777225
Plan Your trip
