Top 10 Things to Do in Sikkim for An Adventure-Filled Holiday

Teetering on the far east corner of the Indian peninsula, Sikkim is endowed with some of the most pristine landscapes you can imagine. 

Among the host of things to do in Sikkim, we have picked the top 10 things for you. These activities will thrill you beyond your expectations. So, without any further ado, let’s get started. 

• Take a helicopter ride

If you are not a big fan of adventurous activities like paragliding or trekking, don't worry! You can still have your share of fun by taking a helicopter ride and witnessing the stunning beauty of Sikkim from a few thousand feet above the ground. 

A bird's eye view of the snow-clad peaks, dense green forests, and deep valleys would surely leave you entranced. So, during your visit to Sikkim, make sure you opt for this ride, as it is one of the best activities to do in Sikkim. 

Where to do it – Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Tadong, Gangtok

Entry Fee – Rs. 9,500 approx. per adult

Timings – 10 AM to 4 PM

• Trek to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp

There is nothing better than trekking to the Kanchenjunga base camp, the third-largest mountain range in the world, for some adventure activities in Sikkim. The trek is about 90 km long and takes about 10 to 12 days to finish. 

Starting from Yuksom, en route to your destination to the base camp, you enjoy the most mesmerising view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. This high-altitude trek is challenging and will test your physical limits. 

Entry Fees – Rs. 12k to 15k per person

Best time to go – September to October and March to June

• Go Rock climbing

If you are a hardcore adrenaline junkie, you must definitely do rock climbing; it is one of the best activities to do in Sikkim. The activity is not for the faint-hearted and will test your strength. There are many rocky spots in the Himalayan Mountain ranges where you can do this activity and have your dose of thrill and adventure. 

Best place for rock climbing – Moni Hang Rock, Yuksom

Best time to do – Any time of the year

• Ride the Cable Car

Talking about the best things to do in Sikkim, one of the most thrilling experiences you must have here is riding the cable car. It is one activity that everyone in your family will love. It gives you a chance to get an aerial view of the entire city. 

Make sure to get your spot next to the window and enjoy the view of the deep valleys and majestic mountains below. The sight will surely leave you entranced, and you will remain in the experience for a long time. 

Where to do the activity – Deorali

Entry Fees – Rs. 110 for adults, Rs. 70 for children aged between 3 to 6 years

Timings – 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM

• Experience the thrill of Bungee Jumping

One of the best things to do in Sikkim is to get rid of your fear of heights. Wondering how? Well, go for Bungee Jumping, one of the most adventurous activities in the world. Imagine taking a plunge down from a height of about 200 metres and being suspended mid-air. Sound scary? Well, that's the fun part. You have the chance to overcome your fear and feel the adrenaline rush. 

As you jump down, the cool breeze brushing your face and the sight of the lush green valley is an experience of a lifetime. The activity is the true definition of thrill. So, don’t miss it!

Where to do it – Uttarey Village, near Pelling

Entry Fees – Rs. 500 per person

Timing – 6 AM to 6 PM 

• Get a Birds-eye view of the city with Hand Gliding

Another thrilling and exciting adventure sport that will surely give you the thrills you are seeking is hand gliding. It is one of the best activities to do in Sikkim and is slowly gaining popularity among thrill-seekers and adventure junkies. 

The sport is very similar to paragliding; the only thing is that it is a bit more challenging. However, you need not have any previous experience to do it, as the professional will be there to guide you throughout. 

As you glide in the air, you can enjoy the most stunning view of the Sikkim landscape below. It only adds to the overall experience. If you are looking to do something exciting and less popular, give it a try. You will be glad you did!

Where to do it – Jorethang or Yumthang

Charges – Rs. 2500 per person (if you want a video, you must have an additional charge)

Best time to do it – Early morning 

• Gush down the stream with River Rafting

River Rafting is a popular adventure sport, and there are many places in India to do it. And, even if you have had the experience before, doing it again in Sikkim is highly recommended. Going down the gushing streams of the Teesta River and meandering through the stunning landscapes of Sikkim is a must-have experience. 

Riding through the great rapids of the ferocious river can be too overwhelming, but that is also the fun part. It would be an achievement and a moment of pride for you to tame the gushing waters. There are different kinds of rapids based on your experience and hunger for thrill. You can go rafting on the 2, 3, or 4 rapid levels. 

Where to do it – Teesta

Charges – Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000 per person

Timings – Early Morning

• Get an authentic Sikkimese experience by Yak Riding

Yak riding may not be the quintessential adventure activity. If you are looking for some authentic local experience, this is one of the best things to do in Sikkim. Yaks are an integral part of the local culture and habitat. Just seeing these beautiful giants with their power and size can be overwhelming. 

These beautiful creatures are usually friendly and have humped shoulders and large horns. In Sikkim, the Yaks are usually decorated with colourful woollen strings and bells, and you can ride on these Yaks near the scenic Tsomgo Lake. 

Where to do it – Tsomgo Lake

Charges – Starting from Rs. 600 per person

Timings – 10 AM to 10 PM

• Take a dip in a Hot Spring

If you have always been fascinated by the hot springs in Japan or Europe, you need not travel so far. Instead, you can get the same experience here in India in Sikkim. There are many hot springs in Sikkim, but the Yume Samdong Hot Spring at Yumthang Valley is considered the best. 

The steaming water of this hot spring is believed to have magical healing powers and can fix many physical ailments like joint or back pain, arthritis, etc. Taking a dip in this natural jacuzzi is one of the best things to do in Sikkim during the winter.

The hot spring is located in Yumthang village, and you cross the pedestrian bridge over River Lachung to reach it. For the tourists' convenience, the local government has built a hut with two pools. The water from the spring is diverted to these pools, where you can take a dip and rejuvenate your senses. 

Where to do it – Yumthang Village

Charges – Free

Timings – Anytime 

• Drive across the Silk Route to Nathula Pass

If you only want one adventurous and scenic activity to do in Sikkim, that is a drive through the ancient Silk Route to the phenomenal Nathula Pass. Located on the India-China border at an elevation of more than 14,000 ft above sea level, Nathula Pass is also one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. 

The stunning place not only seems out of this world but also has the distinction of being one of the highest passes in the world. As you drive through the Silk Route to the Nathula Pass, you get to enjoy the most scenic view of the hidden lakes, the diverse flora and fauna, and the landscape, which is so surreal you will be transported to a different world. 

If you are lucky, you may even spot the rare and one of the most endangered species on earth, the Snow Leopards and Tibetan Wolves. While the drive is going to be fun and the best road trip experience of your life, you need to get a permit from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim to enter Nathula Pass. 

Entry charges – The permit costs Rs. 5000 per person

Best time to visit – Between 8 AM and 5 PM

• Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea at Temi Tea Gardens

While there is no shortage of adventure activities in Sikkim, if you are looking for a more relaxing and peaceful thing to do, a visit to the only tea gardens in Sikkim, the Temi Tea Gardens must be at the top of your to-do list. 

Set along the west Sikkim highway, this picturesque tea garden is spread over an area of 453 acres at an altitude of about 1200 metres. What makes this tea garden so scenic and a must-visit place is the stunning snow-covered Mt Kanchenjunga in the backdrop, which is a natural filter for some pictures. 

Also, the road leading to the field is lined with many cherry blossom trees and walking through the region, you will feel like you are in the midst of a pink forest, especially when the flowers are in full bloom. Seeing these flowers is a magical sight that you will never forget. 

As you explore the tea garden, you can go on a tea factory tour and learn everything about the tea-making process. At the end of the tour, you get to taste a cup of freshly brewed tea made from locally grown tea leaves. 

Where – Ravangla Road

Tour charges – Rs. 20 per person

Best time to go – During the cherry blossom flower blooming season

Best places to stay in Sikkim

You can literally spend an entire lifetime exploring the scintillating Sikkim, yet you may not have enough of its ravishing and pristine beauty. When you go with a family to such an incredibly beautiful place, you need to stay in a place that perfectly captures the local essence, and what better place to stay than the Club Mahindra Le Vintuna Resort? 

It is one of the most premium resorts in Sikkim and is nestled amidst flower-scented meadows and towering snow-clad mountains. Although the resort is located in the city, it spells tranquillity. The moment you step inside, the pristine interior décor and the soothing ambience will set your mood for a memorable stay ahead. 

As you look outside the windows, you can see the clouds hovering around you, giving you the best experience of nature.