5 Best Treks in Sikkim, India

Sikkim is a multiethnic and multilingual state in northeastern India, located in the Himalayan foothills. Almost the entire state is classed as a mountainous terrain, with heights ranging from 280m to 8586m. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain and India’s highest peak, as well as 28 other mountain peaks, more than 80 glaciers, 227 high-altitude lakes, five major hot springs, and more than 100 rivers and streams, call it home. The state is linked to Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal via eight mountain routes.

Sikkim is a nature lover’s paradise, with over five national parks and preserved habitats. The state’s unique flora and animals are bound to captivate those who explore it. From classic architecture to local tales, the state provides a wide range of fresh experiences.

Locals in the state worship Mt Khangchendzonga’s god. It is claimed that the deity protects the state while bestowing blessings on the natives. Trekking to the top of Kanchenjunga is limited due to its cultural value. Walking to the top is not permitted, but trekkers are encouraged to explore and admire the sites and pathways that are near the region’s huge mountains, and to succumb to the awe-inspiring tranquility. The magnificent sunsets and sunrises in the mountains with misty clouds beneath the route leave visitors wanting more.

Interrupted view of the famous ‘Sleeping Buddha’ from the treks of Sandakphu, Goechala and Sanglila pass (home to West Bengal’s highest peak Sandakphu and Phalut) are some of the high points of trekking in the state of Sikkim. The spectacular view of some of the major high peaks along with the grand Mt. Everest from the top points of Sandakphu and Goechala are also some of the contributing factors for trekking biased tourism in Sikkim.

Sikkim has a plethora of treks for adventurers to explore. Divided in different levels, duration, grades and seasons, trekkers will enjoy the leisure of choosing the trek that suits them the most. Foreign nationals must ask for permission to trek in these locations, but Indian nationals can hike with guides and local employees but must notify the local police checkpoint of their itinerary and plans.

Sikkim and its people welcome trekkers of all levels to come and explore its gorgeous scenery. Aside from the massive mountains and tranquil natural beauty, visitors may witness the modern-day various lives of the people with a classic touch; everything here has its own charm.

1. Sandakphu Trek

Sandakphu, also known as Sandakphu, is a high peak in the Singalila Ridge on the border between India and Nepal, rising 3636 metres above sea level. It is the highest peak of the ridge in the Indian state of West Bengal. The journey is famed for providing breathtaking views of four of the world’s tallest peaks, including Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. It also manages to pay for a pristine view of the entire Kangchenjunga range, which is recognized for its resemblance to the “Sleeping Buddha” from certain angles. Watching the sunrise over these ranges from Tumling is a bliss.

The route to Sandakphu summit trails along the Singalila Ridge and moves to the side of the India-Nepal border. While the Everest peaks would be seen only from Sandakphu, the Kangchenjunga fury will be with the hikers from the outset. This long trek, travelled in a few days and numerous campsites, offers a beautiful perspective of the never-ending horizon with one-of-a-kind sunsets and sunrises. Explore the diversity of the Sandakphu tour, which passes through Singalila National Park, which is home to a vast mix of flora and fauna. This moderate level hike with diverse experiences to explore the richness and gorgeous long range picturesque vistas is ideal for all novice and experienced trekkers.

• Duration: 6 nights 7 days 
• Altitude: 3636m.
• Trek distance: 
• Temperature: Summer Temperature: – Day (5°C to 15°C) Night (2° C to 5° C)
• Winter Temperature: – Day (-2°C to -5° C) Night (-5°C to -12°C)
• Best time to visit: june, July, August, September
• Trek level: Moderate
• Trek route day by day:
• Weather: Winters are covered with snow whereas summers experience higher temperatures with no snowfall 

2. Goechala Trek

Goechala Trek, at a height of 16,207 feet, is a high mountain pass in the Himalaya range in Sikkim, India. The southeast face of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain, can be seen from the pass, which also serves as a base camp for climbers. Along with the enormous sight of Kangchenjunga, the magnificent view of stunning peaks visible from Dzongri top, snow-covered gigantic Himalayas, the awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets, and its trickling rivers are just a few but top reasons to explore this summit. Trekking through Kanchenjunga National Park, one of the world’s greenest sites is also a must-do for any trekker and environment enthusiasts. 

The walk begins at Yuksom, a historically significant town in Sikkim, India and ends at the summit point of Goechala. The rich traditional culture of Sikkim, as well as its distinctive architectural structures, can be explored here in Yuksom. The weather on this moderate-level trip is sunny during the winter and dramatic with misty clouds in the pre-monsoon season. Summer provides a flurry of greenery, with crimson and pink rhododendron carpeting the sides of this trail. 

Even though the difficulty level of this trek spans from easy to moderate, travelling larger distances in a short amount of time might be difficult, so trekkers with a good physique for acclimatization become a necessity.

• Duration: 
• Altitude: 
• Trek distance: 
• Summer Temperature: – Day (5°C to 15°C) Night (2° C to 5° C)
• Winter Temperature: – Day (-2°C to -5° C) Night (-5°C to -12°C)
• Best time to visit: 
• Trek level: 
• Trek route day by day:
• Weather: Winters are covered with snow whereas summers experience higher temperatures

3. Singalila Ridge

The Singalila Ridge, a north-south mountain crest that runs from northwestern West Bengal through Sikkim in the Indian Himalayas, is a picturesque ridge that connects Nepal’s magnificent Himalayas to Indian Himalayas. The ridge separates West Bengal’s mountain ranges from other Himalayan ranges to the west and is home to West Bengal’s two highest peaks, Sandakphu and Phalut. The highlight of the Singalila hike is walking this ridge to Sandakphu, West Bengal’s highest point, which offers breathtaking vistas of the world’s famous 8000m peaks.

The ridge is surrounded by the Singalila National Park, which is known for its dense bamboo, oak, magnolia, and gorgeous crimson rhododendron forest. The high altitude panoramic views of the iconic Kanchenjunga and Mt Everest from the top of Sandakphu are some of the trek’s highpoints. Awe-inspiring sunsets and sunrises beneath the unbroken sky of October and November can make a trekker yearn for the moment even more. This moderate level walk encourages trekkers of all levels to complete the trip and enjoy the breathtaking panoramas, as well as the opportunity to connect with the local people.

• Duration: 6 nights 7 days 
• Altitude: 3636m.
• Trek distance: 
• Temperature: Summer Temperature: – Day (5°C to 15°C) Night (2° C to 5° C)
• Winter Temperature: – Day (-2°C to -5° C) Night (-5°C to -12°C)
• Best time to visit: june, July, August, September
• Trek level: Moderate
• Trek route day by day:
• Weather: Winters are covered with snow whereas summers experience higher temperatures with no snowfall 

4. Dzongri Trek

Dzongri Trek is a short, high-altitude trekking path in Sikkim, India, and a superb Goechala minor trek alternative. It provides breathtaking views of the massive Himalayan peaks Rathong, Kokthang, Frey Peak, Kanchenzongha, Pandim, and Nar sing, to name a few. Seeing the sunset and sunrise over the snowcapped mountains is one of the most beautiful portions of this hike.

The walk starts and ends in Yuksom, India, a historically significant town famed for its unique and traditional architectural structures. The entire trail travels through the heart of West Sikkim’s Kanchenzongha National Park and offers a surreal view of the entire Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas. Kanchenjunga National Park is one of the world’s greenest parks; therefore, hikers may expect stunning panoramic vistas covered in varied wild flora and characteristic crimson rhododendrons covering the trail’s sidelines. This walk is not only a pleasure for hikers, but it is also a treat for nature lovers. This journey is well-known for its steeps and terrain, and required covering distances in a short period of time, hence trekkers with good physique and good tolerance with acclimatization become a necessity.

• Summer Temperature: – Day (5°C to 15°C) Night (2° C to 5° C)
• Winter Temperature: – Day (-2°C to -5° C) Night (-5°C to -12°C)
• Weather: Winters are covered with snow whereas summers experience higher temperatures with no snowfall 

5. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga, at 8,586 metres, is the world’s third highest mountain and is located between India and Nepal, with three of the five summits, namely Main, Central, and South, directly on the border and the peaks West and Kangbachen in Nepal’s Taplejung District. The majority of the territory is protected as part of a huge national park that spans both India and Nepal and safeguards the region’s natural beauty as well as the cultural traditions of a varied variety of ethnic groups. Kanchenjunga, which means “Five Treasures of the Snow” in Tibetan, is made up of five distinct summits. Trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of neighboring mountains such as Frey Peak, Kokthang, Kabru Peak, Ratong, Chandra Peak, and the Kabru Dome on the Kanchenjunga Base Camp excursion, which is recognized as one of the most stunning walks in India. The walk provides the best adventure possible, with isolated towns, high greens, dazzling snowcapped mountains, hazy clouds, and stunning scenery.

This fascinating trip to Kanchenjunga base camp begins in Yuksom, a historically significant town known for its unique and traditional architectural buildings, and continues via Dzongri, Laxmi Pokhari, Bikhbari, Chaurikhang, and Rathong Glacier (Kanchenjunga base camp), before concluding in Bakkhim. This difficult level trek requiring good fitness and equipment encourages all experienced trekkers from around the world to put it to their list of the most memorable journey rewards. 

• Altitude: 17,000ft.
• Trek distance: 90km
• Summer Temperature: – Day (10°C to 15°C) Night (2° C to 5° C)
•  Winter Temperature: – Day (-2°C to -5° C) Night (-5°C to -12°C)
• Best time to visit: june, July, August, September
• Trek level: Difficult
• Trek route day by day:
• Weather: Winters are covered with snow whereas summers experience higher temperatures.