10 Best Treks in Sikkim – Travel to the Unknown Depths of Scenic Himalayas

Travelling often leaves you speechless, but often transforms you into a master storyteller. Ironic, is it not? Beyond the limits of ordinary sea level, there are concealed treasures hidden amidst our mighty mountains that come alive only to that adventurous trekker. Yes, we are speaking of the quaint little beautiful state of Sikkim – bordered by Nepal, Bhutan, and China. Each of these 10 magical spots that we shall talk about today, shall enrich you with memories that you shall keep revisiting either in your dreams or in reality. Perfect both for the lonely traveller and groups, for beginners and experts, the vivid biodiversity of Sikkim – nestled within the Himalayan range – is a sight to cherish! Spanning across 7096 square kilometres, Sikkim offers you a glimpse of cultural heritage and spectacular landscapes that is simply incomparable!

So, here we go:

Goecha La Trek

Perched at an altitude of 4939 metres, the breathtaking Goecha La Trek takes you across the towering Himalayan ranges. Here, you get a chance to view the Kanchenjunga, along with fourteen other huge peaks such as Mount Pandim, Mount Thingchinkhang, and Mount Jopuno. Graded as moderate to difficult in terms of level, this amazing site is home to the silence of unending woods. The base camp here is quaint little Yuksom that is reachable from Gangtok through taxis and buses.

Image Source By Srinivasa Prasath

Trek duration: 11 days

Best time to trek: March to May and September to November

Rhododendron Trek

Situated at an altitude of 1728 metres and laden with vibrant blossoms, rhododendron trees, descending slopes, little villages, and pretty meadows, this easy to moderate trek is ideal for the ones who have an interest in the miracles of nature. The view of the mighty Kanchenjunga range adds a spectacular spark to this trek. When you visit the site during spring, you can also witness several rare species of Himalayan birds that fly over the unending valleys. Even here, the base camp is Yuksom which is accessible through buses and taxis from Gangtok.

Image Source By pallab seth ( Flickr)

Trek Duration: 10 to 11 days
Best time to trek: April to mid-May

Dzongri Trek

The Dzongri trek lies at an altitude of about 4020 meters in Sikkim. In this trail you can view the magnificent sight of the great Kanchenjunga range and Mount Pandim – and that too from a very close angle. As you hike along this path, you can witness a panoramic view of picturesque valleys, colourful flowers, green vegetation, and spell-binding meadows – laden with rhododendron, magnolia pine, maple, and oak forests. Perfect for beginners, this trek starts from the Yuksom village and takes you through other quaint hamlets such as the Tshoka village.

Image Source By Anindya Banerjee

Trek duration: 8 to 9 days

Best Time to trek: Mid-March to May and September to November

Sandakphu Trek

Yet again, in this moderate-graded trek – which is located at a height of 3636 metres – you get to see an unending view of the majestic Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu – as you ascend the beautiful path of Sandakphu. The major attraction of this trail is its several varieties of rhododendron trees that grow wildly during the months of March to May and mid-September to November. Located quite close to Darjeeling, this trek leads you from Mane Bhanjang to quaint little villages of Meghma, Tonglu, Tumling, Garibas, Kala Pokhari, and Sandakphu.

Image Source By Mady 007 ( Flickr)
Trek duration: 8 to 9 days
Best time to trek: April and May and October to December

Varsey Trek

Another offbeat yet easy to moderate level trekking trail in Sikkim – Varsey Trek in the Indo-Nepal border – satiates the wanderlust traveller in you. This wonderful Himalayan trek is filled with red and pink rhododendrons and is ideal for amateur mountaineers and nature lovers. Ascending up to 3300 metres, it gives you a mind-blowing view of pretty mosses and colourful varieties of flora and fauna. You can drive to Damthang and then embark on a 12 km steady trek to Varsey.

Image Source By pallab seth
Trek duration: 7 to 8 days
Best time to trek: April and May

Kanchenjunga Trek

This is one of the most popular Sikkim treks that is seated at an altitude of 5086 metres above sea level. Although it is rated at a scale of difficult in terms of grade, it shall mesmerise you with the incomparable view of Mount Kanchenjunga. You can start your trail from Yuksom, along the villages of Tshoka, Thangsing, Dzongri, Lamune, Goecha La, Samiti, and Kokchorung. On the way, you can also witness the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve – which is home to a variety of colourful flora and several bird species.

Image Source Sergey Siorik

Trek duration: 11 to 12 days
Best time to trek: March to May and September to November

Kasturi Orar Round Trek

The Kasturi Orar Round trek takes you on a tour along spell-binding views of pristine-white glaciers such as the Goecha La, Dzongri, Thangsing Valley, and Tashiding. After reaching Kasturi you can explore spectacular backdrops, the hidden trails of Kanchenjunga National Park, and a few, sheltered, quaint villages. You get an opportunity to blend into the unique Nepali culture in this 4500 metre high, slightly difficult, and exciting trek.

Image Source By kasturi-orar-round-trek1 (Flickr)
Trek duration: 15 to 16 days
Best time to trek: March to May and September to November.

Singalila Trek

This trek – located at a height of 4940 metres – gives you a tour of scenic tea gardens, picturesque valleys, and towering mountain peaks. You get a chance to see the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, colourful flowers, dense forests, rare birds, the Kanchenjunga and Everest peaks. The moderate to difficult trek is suited best for groups and starts at Mane Bhanjang which is an hour drive from Darjeeling.

Image Source By Beni Brumec ( Flickr)
Trek duration: 18 to 19 days
Best time to trek: March to May and September to November.

Dzongri – Goecha La Trek

Following the Rathong valley and Bakkhim, this amazing trek offers you an unparalelled view of the steep slopes of the Himalayan Kanchenjunga range. The hike encompasses the Tshoka trail that leads to Phedang and Dzongri – located at an altitude of 4020 metres. Goecha La offers travellers spell-binding glimpses of mountain peaks like Pandim, Kanchenjunga, dense forests, and rare birds. This moderate to difficult trek starts with your base camp at Yuksom as well.

Trek duration: 10 to 11 days
Best time to trek: March to May and September to November.

Green Lake Trek

Last but not the least, we end our list with this hidden gem in the Himalayas that is also one of the least explored destinations in Sikkim. The major attraction points in this moderate to difficult trek is its beautiful scenery, sharp edged mountains, vibrant meadows, rare orchids, and rich biodiversity. This true paradise for mountaineers – located at an altitude of 5050 metres – is accessible from the base camp at Lachen – and offers panoramic views of the misty Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan ranges.

Image Source Bymakalu-basecamp ( Flickr)
Trek duration: 16 days
Best time to trek: April or October

Some additional advice: Tips from seasoned trekkers

Hiking across any of these treks in Sikkim is an experience that can be sought by avid travellers all throughout the year. Most of these trails are accessible from Gangtok which is a popular tourist destination and is home to several sightseeing places. Since the weather here is cold and wintry, you must always be prepared and sorted with some of the basic essentials. Carry woolen clothing during winter, a sleeping bag, trekking boots, and some cotton garments during summer. You can also consider packing dry fruits and water, or energy bar chocolates. Be ready with a medical kit, torch lights, compass, headlamps, and a Swiss knife – in case of unforeseen circumstances. Keep this small pointers in mind and be a part of trekking groups across the picturesque slopes of Sikkim. This northern side of India should surely be in your list of alluring and must-see travel destinations!