Sikkim Holidays

This land of fluffy yaks, snow-capped crags, red robed monks and ropeway rides is bordered by Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal and until the 1970s was a mountain kingdom ruled over by Buddhist monarchs. On holidays to Gangtok, Pelling and Kalimpong you’ll tour sacred lakes, visit ancient monasteries and soak up Tibetan and Nepalese influences all against the backdrop of Mount Khangchendzonga, the world’s third highest peak.

Known as ‘land of the monasteries’, the hill city of Gangtok is Sikkim’s state capital. Teetering Enchey, 16th century Rumtek and Do Drul Chorten, with its gold topped stupa and 108 prayer wheels are three of the most popular and beautiful in the state. Come in summer and see Lake Tsomgo sparkling blue, come in winter and it will be shrouded in ice. Wake up early for an Indian sunrise at Tashi View Point, taste your way around the streets sampling momo dumplings, spicy broths and Sel Roti sweet bread and view the Indo-China border from Nathu La Pass.

West Sikkim’s Pelling is the antithesis of big city life. Its green peaks and valley views are where you’ll follow prayer wheels to holy lakes, stroll for miles along mountainous roads and view ancient scriptures and Tibetan paintings in the Pemayangtse monastery. This high altitude town has soaring scenery and is a gentle place to stop and soak up Himalayan mountain views without signing up for a strenuous trek. Waterfall chasers tick off Kanchendzonga Falls, outdoor explorers  jump on mountain bikes and scenery seekers step out onto India’s first glass skywalk.

A stretch east of Darjeeling and caressed by clouds that shift in the wind, the hill station of Kalimpong overlooks the bright blue Teesta River set in the deep valleys of the Himalayas. Here the sound of gongs reverberate from Buddhist monasteries, colourful orchids sway in the breeze and snow-capped mountains are reached on hiking trails found among miles of untouched countryside. You’ll find several monasteries in Kalimpong including the Durpin Monastery which was blessed by the Dalai Lama in the 1970s.