Beginners 101: Trekking In Sikkim

Planning to do some trekking in Sikkim? Well, I have got you covered. This article is all about some of the best tips that you must know while planning a trekking trip in Sikkim. Scroll down to know everything about trekking in Sikkim.  

Where Is Sikkim? 

When we envision the majestic snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas, Sikkim often does not come to mind. Yet, this hidden gem of Northeast India, with its underdog status, is a treasure waiting to be discovered. From its pristine landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, Sikkim offers a unique and unforgettable trekking experience.  

The word Sikkim comes from a Nepali word that apparently translates to ‘snow.’ However, this is not a verified claim. Sikkim is a border state located at the foot of the Eastern Himalayas. It lies between the borders of Tiber and India. As a result, you will see that the state has some Tibetan influences. Sikkim is best accessible via roads from Siliguri. 

Sikkim’s largest city is Gangtok. It houses close to 140,000 people. In fact, Sikkim is the second smallest and least populated state in India. Therefore, there are several places that you can explore in serenity and tranquility.  

How To Get There 

Sikkim is located at the foot of the Himalayas. As a result, getting to Sikkim is part of the adventure itself. In fact, the road to Sikkim is one of the most picturesque and aesthetic roads in India. However, things can get hairy due to the sheer drop.  

Sikkim can be accessed via several means. One of the most convenient and quickest ways to reach Sikkim is via air. You can get direct flights to Sikkim’s Pakyong Airport from Delhi and Kolkata.  

However, I think getting to Sikkim is half the fun. Therefore, I would suggest the more scenic route. Take a train to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. From there, You need to take a bus or book a private car. This will take you up the mountains. Take in the sights and see how the landscape changes as you start climbing up.  

Going by car is a time-consuming process, but it is definitely worth it.  

Transportation 

Getting to Sikkim is a different thing, but moving around in Sikkim is a whole different challenge. Sikkim is a hilly state. This brings its own challenges and problems. The best way to travel across Sikkim is by road. 

I personally prefer renting two-wheelers when I am exploring a hilly region. It allows for a better means of traveling. However, renting a cab is another viable option. Getting anywhere in Sikkim is a long process. The roads are windy and can get very narrow in some areas. Hence, keep some buffer period in your hands. 

Other means of transportation include the bus. However, buses do not have fixed timings. Hence, you might want to look for other options. Nonetheless, there are few daily buses that can take you to famous tourist spots. But you are not there to enjoy a run-of-the-mill tourist experience. You are there to enjoy trekking in Sikkim. Hence, private cars and two-wheelers are your best options.  

Why You Should Check Out Sikkim?  

Before jumping on the bandwagon of trekking in Sikkim, I think it is essential to look at some facts and reasons for you to do so. These will not only help you make a decision but will also enable you to make an informed decision.  

In the following section, I will discuss some of the best and most prominent reasons why you should go trekking in Sikkim. These tips will help you plan your trekking trip and will also help you identify some of the markers you need to know for future reference. 

The Cleanest State 

Not many people know this, but Sikkim is apparently one of the cleanest and greenest states in India. This might not directly affect your decision, but it is certainly one of the driving factors.  

In Sikkim, plastic bags are completely banned. In fact, using plastic bags is a criminal offense and is punishable by the law. Therefore, you will not see any traces of plastic bags anywhere in the green state of Sikkim.  

Subsequently, the state has a very strict outlook towards loitering. As per the law, littering is also a crime punishable by the law. Therefore, you need to be very careful about your littering habits.  

Aesthetic Views of the Himalayas

Sikkim is definitely one of the most underrated hill stations in India. Apart from Bengalis, people of other states are mostly oblivious to this heavenly nook located in the serene foothills of the Himalayas.  

Due to its beautiful location, Sikkim is often lauded as one of the most aesthetic states in India. The cliffs of this hilly state will provide you with panoramic views of the Greater Himalayan Range.  

The peaks of the Himalayas look exquisitely beautiful during the twilight hours of the day. Therefore, aesthetic appeal is another factor that should influence your decision to go trekking in Sikkim.  

Beautiful Weather

Saying Sikkim has the most beautiful weather is an understatement. Given the state’s geographical location, it is known to have one of the best weather conditions for exploring. The cool and calm breeze will keep your body temperature optimal and in check. 

Sikkim’s climate can be best explained as a mix between sub-tropical and tundra. This means the temperature never goes haywire. However, Sikkim is a hilly state; therefore, we expect some aberration.  

According to travel websites, Sikkim maintains an overall temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you will not feel too tired while trekking in Sikkim.  

Beginner’s Tips For Trekking In Sikkim 

Trekking is not your average traveling activity. It is one of the most arduous and adventurous activities you can engage in. Therefore, you must have a proper checklist of things to do and plans to formulate. Otherwise, you might end up stranded or in a tough spot. 

Yes, you read that right. One misstep can result in catastrophic consequences. Therefore, it is my onus to hold your hand and guide you through the planning process of trekking in Sikkim.  

This section will take you through some of the most basic and important details about trekking in Sikkim. Here we go! 

The Planning 

The very first step of trekking is the planning. This is one of the most crucial and important steps of the whole process. However, it is often overlooked and shoved to the side. Remember that you will be in a low-oxygen environment, elevated 3000 meters, and without any direct access to a medical facility. Hence, you definitely need to stay prepared and stay ready for whatever nature throws at you. Otherwise, you will end up in a fix. Therefore, carefully plan every detail before going trekking in Sikkim. 

Choosing The Right Time 

The first thing that you must always consider while trekking is the time or the season. While researching, make sure that you dive deep and understand the best time to visit the trekking trails of Sikkim. Sikkim mostly demonstrates pleasant weather. However, it is a hilly area and can become unpredictable from time to time. Two of the most common weather phenomena during the rainy and winter seasons are mudslides and landslides. These are very dangerous and can blindside you if you are not careful. Hence, do not underestimate this key aspect of trekking in Sikkim.  

Choose According To The Grade 

Each Himalayan trekking trail comes with a specific grade. The gradation decides several factors like difficulty, elevation, completion rate, etc. This is a major aspect of planning any trek. Therefore, decide the best trekking trail according to this gradation. Try not to overdo or reach for something that is out of your league. I would suggest that you start your trekking journey according to your comfort level and skill level. Otherwise, you can end up in trouble. However, if you lead an active lifestyle, you can try to go for trekking trails that are graded higher.  

Research  

One of the biggest and most important things for a traveler to do is to conduct extensive research. One thing that you need to remember is that you must never listen to guides and believe them blindly while deciding on trekking trails in Sikkim. Guides might not endanger you, but they will often take you on trails that are longer and more arduous. This would help them to fleece more money out of you. Therefore, conduct a thorough research beforehand. This will help you to choose the right trail according to your requirements and skill set.  

Talk To Experienced People 

Networking is a very important thing to consider. It can enable you to do a lot of things. It can help you connect with the right people. Log into your social media and connect with the right people. Do not hesitate to ask them questions. Hearing everything from someone with knowledge is very important. It will give you a human perspective on the whole thing. Therefore, do not be afraid to reach out to people who can provide you with credible knowledge. This will shape your idea about a particular trail. 

Keep An Extra Buffer Day 

You can certainly plan every detail related to trekking in Sikkim. However, you cannot anticipate what the trial has planned for you. In other words, Sikkim’s trekking trails can be very unpredictable. Therefore, you need to plan accordingly. Try to keep a buffer period in order to avoid losing out on plans and daylight. Always keep a buffer time of 48 hours in your hands. This will ensure foolproof planning. Otherwise, you might end up panicking about pointless details.  

Arrange All The Permits 

Some Sikkim trekking trails are actually located in remote areas of the Himalayas. As a result, it is very important to get the right permits. Hence, search the internet to find more details about the best trekking trails and the permits that you will need. If you are an Indian citizen, you will need identification documents like the AADHAR Card, driving license, Voter ID, Passport, or any other government identification. If you are a foreign citizen, you should carry your passport. Apart from these documents, you might need some more documents as well. So, keep that in mind.  

Get Fit 

Trekking is no joke, my friend. Even though people go on treks to find ‘have fun,’ they are physically taxing. In fact, the low oxygen levels and high altitude can certainly mess with your head and body. Therefore, it is crucial that you stay at your peak athletic form. Otherwise, you will not be able to cope with the challenges that trekking in Sikkim might bring to your table. Start planning a regime 3 months before any trekking adventure. I know it sounds overkill, but you need to acclimate and train at the same time.  

Basic Things To Pack 

Trekking Sikkim might not be the toughest thing to do. However, it should not be underestimated. Trekking Sikkim demands certain pieces of equipment. Otherwise, you might remain underprepared. Trust me, you do not want that. Here are some of the most common pieces of trekking equipment that you must take on a trekking trip to Sikkim: 

The Closing Thought 

With that, I have reached my beginner’s guide to trekking in Sikkim. I have tried covering most of the important aspects that you need to know while trekking in Sikkim. Still, a trekking trip might involve some unforeseen factors that can be like a wrench in the wheelwork. Therefore always remain prepared for anything. 

ADDITIONAL READING:

• Top 5 Things To Do In Nepal
• 7 Of The Best Treks In The World
• Trekking Adventures In Nepal: Exploring Everest Base Camp, Manaslu Base Camp, And Langtang Valley