Adventure Tourism in Sikkim

Adventure tourism in Sikkim includes Trekking, River rafting, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Paragliding, Yak Riding and Bird Watching.

Trekking

The state offers some of the excellent trekking experience in the Himalayas. The vast unspoiled mountain ranges offer view of the mighty Kangchendzonga. The travel is through forests of silver fir, hemlock, magnolia and rhododendron. The most popular trek of the state is the Dzongri – Goecha La Trek, which is famed for its great mountain views, bird watching and also for the scenic beauty of the forest.

Some of the most popular trek routes are the Kangchendzonga trek, Monastic trek, Rhododendron trek, Coronation trek, Khedi trek, Singalila trek, etc.

Travellers have to obtain a permit from Tourism Department after getting clearance from Defence Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi to enter into the trek to Green Lake, the base of Mt. Kangchendzonga, which is the most charming of all treks which welcomes you with a variety of flowers such as primulas, rhododendrons and blue poppies.

River rafting

Teesta river welcomes you with amazing river rafting rides ranging from gentle rides through beautiful mountain landscapes to thundering rapids, that only an experienced rafter can navigate. The river rafting rides are of reasonable rates which include food, equipment, life jackets, helmets, accommodation and will also be assisted with an experienced guide. River Rangit is another ideal river for rafting in Sikkim.

Mountain Biking

There are many mountain biking routes in the state. This is a favourite tourist destination for mountain bikers. Some routes give technical mountain biking experience, while the others offer scenic landscapes to ride through.

Mountaineering

Mountaineering is one of the main adventure sports of the state gaining immense popularity year by year. The popular peaks of the state where mountaineering is allowed are Jopuno, Tinchenkhang, Frey’s Peak, Lamo Angden and Byrmkhangse. Tourists can undertake mountaineering here with special permits from the Home department, Sikkim Government. The best season time is from May to October.

Paragliding

The Department of Tourism, Sikkim Government has introduced commercial paragliding flights to boost adventure tourism. You can take an aerial view of the sights during your 5 minutes flight between Thamidara Village and Reshithang Sports Village in East Sikkim. Trained pilots will help you to run these paragliding flights.

Yak Riding

Yak riding is a famous and exciting experience that travellers can have in Sikkim. The main place where you can go for this is around the beautiful Tsomgo Lake. You can find here colourfully decorated yaks with woolen knitwear over the horns and forehead and strings of bells around the neck ready to ride around the lake and also to go up the mountain. Dzongri in West Sikkim is another famous yak riding as well as trekking spot.

Bird Watching

The state is considered as a birdwatchers paradise because of its rich avifauna. The climate, humidity, rainfall and vegetation of the place are the factors that are responsible for the great variety and abundance of the resident bird life.The main bird watching area are Barsey, Pemayanste, Pelling, Khecheopheri Lake, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary in South Sikkim, etc.

Now there is a rapid increase in the number of travellers visiting the state for adventure purpose. Adventure tourism can enlighten your soul and also prevent a wide range of health problems. The state has a wealth of holiday rental accommodation options to suit every budget from homestays to resorts. Camping is also there for those who prefer the great outdoors.