Trekking in Sikkim

Sikkim is a tiny Himalayan state of India. Captivating landscape and incomparable diversity of flora and fauna makes Sikkim an incredible destination for trekking adventures. Sikkim shares its border with Tibet on the north, West Bengal on the south, Nepal on the east and Bhutan on the west. Sikkim is equally attractive for sightseers, adventure lovers and those interested in Buddhist and Tibetan culture. Sikkim is also termed as "Switzerland of the East" due to its natural heavenly beauty, snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, gurgling streams and rich flora and fauna.

Sikkim is haven for trekkers, there are variety of trekking trails in almost every part of Sikkim. It is the best place for those who love the call of the wild and untamed nature. Himalayan peaks here provide superb opportunities for trekking in a wide variety of landscapes. March to May and September to November are the best time for trekking. Sikkim offers number of fascinating trekking routes ranging from easy to strenuous ideal for both novice as well as experienced trekkers.

Dzongri Trek
Dzongri trek in West Sikkim is best trek for those having less time and want to undergo rigors of hard mountain trekking. Dzongri trek is very popular short trek duration of which is 07 days and the maximum hiking altitude is 4,200 m. The trek offers superb views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Kabru and other snow capped peaks of Himalayas.

Goechala Trek
Goechala trek is the extension of Dzongri trek, duration of the trek is 11 days. The trek is strenuous and runs along the Singalila ridge and ends at Goechala at an altitude of 5000 m. The trail offers scenic and awe-inspiring views of some of the highest mountain peaks of world – Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt Everest in Nepal and Mt Chomolhari in Bhutan. Goechala trek route passes through pristine and isolated rhododendron forests and mountain lakes.

Green Lake Trek
Green lake trek trail is a very picturesque trail. Natural beauty and awesome views of snow capped peaks makes it a rewarding trek. Vast tracts of lush forest with variety of rhododendrons, colourful flowers and many waterfalls on both sides of trail makes the Green lake trek a very popular trek route. Green lake at an altitude of 5,050 m is the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga on the Zemu glacier in North Sikkim. Important peaks around Green Lake other than Mt. Kanchenjunga are Mt. Siniolchu, Mt. Simvo, Twin Peak, Mt.Nepal Peak, Mt.Tent Peak and Mt. Kabru.

Permit for Foreign Nationals
In addition to Indian Visa, foreign nationals must obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to travel Sikkim. Permits are issued at all Indian missions, Tourism Office in New Delhi, Sikkim Tourism Office of Kolkata and Sikkim Tourism office in Siliguri. Permit is issued for initial period of 15 days and can be extended up to 60 days of 15 days each. Extensions of permit can be obtained from FRO at Gangtok and Superintendent of Police of North Sikkim, South Sikkim and West Sikkim.

Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required for those interested in trekking the interior regions of Sikkim which can be obtained from Gangtok from Police Check Post and Department of Tourism.

Trekking in Sikkim
Get information related to trekking in Sikkim and Darjeeling in India.