Awesome Sikkim Travelogue | ideas Of Exploring Sikkim On Budget & Safety

Sikkim Travelogue & Blog– As a girl, backpacking has been an adventure I have always longed to embark upon and when an opportunity of exploring the beautiful gateway of the Himalayas presented itself, I was not only delighted but also somewhat more than elated. Sikkim has its own charm and is a popular & safe destination for holidaying became the choice of my backpacking trip.

The Quick Answer

You are asking	The answer
Is Sikkim safe for a woman travelling alone?	Priya found it so, travelling across all four parts of the state for 20 days on her own. North Sikkim is visited on a permit through a registered operator, in a shared or private vehicle.
How long, and what did it cost?	Priya allowed 20 days and kept ₹70,000 in reserve. The cost list below was written for the 2021 page; 2026 notes follow the prices that have changed.
Can I go in January? (Kane asked us in 2020)	Yes, for Gangtok, Namchi, Pelling and Yuksom. Snow closes the roads to Gurudongmar and Nathu La day by day from December to February, and Yumthang is shut from December to March.
What about Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathu La? (Malay asked in 2021)	They make one day out of Gangtok, with a permit through a registered operator; Nathu La and Baba Mandir are for Indians only. Our Sikkim guide has the details.
When is Yumthang in flower?	From late February to mid-June, best from late April to mid-May, when Priya saw it.
Has Sikkim changed its districts?	Yes. Since December 2021 the four have been six: Gangtok (East), Mangan (North), Namchi (South), Gyalshing (West), and the new Pakyong and Soreng.
Is North Sikkim open?	Lachen and Gurudongmar reopened on 11 September 2026 after a landslide; Lachung and Yumthang were open in September. Roads close at short notice, so ask your operator the day before.

Is Sikkim Safe for Solo Girl Travelers?

As a girl traveling alone, safety is of utmost importance. Sikkim is bordered by North- East, Nepal, China, Bhutan, and West Bengal.  It is the home of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. The mixed bag of adventure, scenic view, and challenges in form of experience is a heartwarming experience and vacation one looks forward to.

I planned to take on the entire Sikkim in one trip. I know it is an extremely ambitious attempt. Being a solo traveller means you have no monetary backup except yourself, hence I made a reserve of Rupees 70,000 with the travel duration of 20 days. My objective was to explore, stop, and talk to locals, gather stories, memories, and experiences that I could look back upon.

Since Sikkim is divided into four major regions East, West, North, and South, I started my journey from the East. I began my journey from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP). From there I hopped on to a shared cab to get to the capital city of Sikkim.

General Itinerary for Sikkim

• Flights (New Delhi- Bagdogra) INR 12000- 15000 per person ( also depend on season & how much in advance you book)
• North Sikkim Tour (2N/3D) including transfers, hotels, and permits INR 35000 (2026: shared three-day tours cost about ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 a person; a private car costs more)
• Bagdogra Airport- Gangtok Private Transfer INR 4000 ( You can cut down this cost if you take shared taxis) (2026: or the state's helicopter, ₹3,100 a person)
• Gangtok 1 day cab rental for sightseeing INR 2000 (2026: about ₹2,500 to ₹3,500) ( again take shared taxi and cut down your expenses)
• Gangtok- Pelling Private INR 4500 ( I will recommend taking a private taxi or shared only with trusted one)
• Pelling 1 day taxi rental for sightseeing INR INR 2000 ( you can skip this and do by own or in shared)
• Pelling-Bagdogra Airport private transfer in a high ground clearance car/suv due to very bad road INR 4500
• Hotels in Gangtok and Pelling – this depends on your preference and budget but I suggest setting aside at least INR 5000 for a comfortable hotel
• Miscellaneous like your meals, entry fee etc INR 6500

East Sikkim

I started my journey from the eastern side of Sikkim, it the administratively important point for the state as the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is located here. The two divisions of East Sikkim are Rongli and Pakyong. It is a popular pick for the tourist and hence an obvious choice to begin my journey.

Different ethnic groups are part of the population like Nepalis, Bhutias, and Lepchas. The temperature is quite pleasing round the year. Please read out our comprehensive Gangtok travel guide to get all the vital information about Gangtok.

Gangtok- the Coolest Capital City

I started my city hopping with a visit to the famous landmarks and majestic Buddhist centers which are a culmination of Tibetan and Buddhist culture.

Rumtek Monastery is also known as the Dharmchakra Centre. It was built during the mid-1700 under the guidance and direction of Changchub Dorje. In the recent past, the monastery has undergone a renovation with the help of aid received from the royal family. (2026: the present monastery was built by the 16th Karmapa on land given by the Chogyal and opened in 1966.) With the scenic beauty of waterfalls, majestic hills, and beautiful landscape, the gompa is truly an epitome of peace. The massive prayer hall decorated with murals, tangkhas along with majestic statues makes it a visual treat.

The next stop was Do Drul Chorten Stupa which was built by Trulshik Rinpoche who was the head of the Nyingma order. The highlights of the place are DorjeePhurba and relics of Kangyur.

If you are bitten by the adventure bug, the trek route for Green Lake Basin Trek and Goecha La Trek is a must on your to-do list of treks in India.

It is a recently opened route and is filled with scenic brilliance and there are challenges and permissions you need to keep handy in order to embark upon this adventure of exploring the Trek route to Kanchenjunga, it is advisable to be accompanied by experienced individuals or be part of a trekking company that organizes these treks. (2026: the Goecha La route now ends at View Point 1, and both treks need permits and a registered agency.)

Pakyong: Serene Atmosphere

Since I did not plan for this trek on my solo trip to Sikkim, I moved to Pakyong. If you are looking for virgin lands and a serene atmosphere, I firmly believe that Pakyong is the place to visit. You can have a simple vacation of your own.

Local Attractions like Shivalaya temple, Dikling mane-lakhang, Changey monastery and the Monks’ Retreat Centre are the places to see. While visiting these places indulging in the local cuisines is imperative. Trying out local food like Thukpa, momo, chowmien, wonton and gyathuk which are staple food for the locals can drive the taste buds to the food haven.

Rongli: Land of Water

It is surrounded by the tributary of Teesta known as Rangpo River. It is a small town located in East Sikkim. It is one of the off-beat destinations. The highlight of the place surely is the Aritar Lake also popularly known as Lampokhri Lake it is one of the oldest lakes in Sikkim. I enjoyed a brisk walk along the clear waterside. You can opt for boating in the lake as well.

The next visit was Keukhola Waterfalls which you do get a glimpse of en-route to Rongli. It is advisable to visit this place during the monsoon season to enjoy the scenic brilliance.

It is the most scenic in the entire Sikkim region; it shares its border with the Republic of China. The region is divided in two sections; one is known as Chungthang and the other is Mangan.

Mangan: Largest City

It is the largest city in Sikkim in terms of area and is home to the most number of residents in Sikkim. The city is known as the cardamom capital in the world. (2026: it is the district, not the town, that is largest: Mangan district, once North Sikkim, covers 4,226 sq km but has the fewest people, about 43,700 in 2011. Mangan town is its headquarters and calls itself the large-cardamom capital of the world.)

The journey to explore Mangan is surely incomplete without the beautiful seven sister waterfalls, best to visit during the monsoons to view the fall in full bloom. It is en-route to Mangan. The next stop was 8 km from Mangan is RongLungten Lee, which is an exact replica of the famous Lepcha house located in Namprikdang. The artifacts displayed here to reflect and showcase the culture of the Lepchas.

Chungthang: North Sikkim

As I moved towards Chungthang the beauty of the place is mesmerizing it is located at the confluence lachung and lachen river, it holds a special religious value. According to the local belief, Guru Padmasambhava visited this place and rock with his footprint can be traced, on which he once rested. (2026: the Teesta flood of October 2023 swept away the Teesta III dam at Chungthang and cut the road to Lachen; Lachen and Gurudongmar reopened to visitors on 11 September 2026.)

Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. I met an old man near the road curve leading up to the lake. He narrated to me the legend around the lake. According to the legend, and it is named after Guru Padmasambhava.

During his visit to the lake, the Guru placed his hand on a small part of the lake, being compassionate to the local people, as they pleaded with him for not having any proper source of water. Consequently, the ice melted and the locals were provided with ample water. It is a beautiful place to be and is a sheer matter of luck to visit due to weather conditions and terrain.

The valley of flowers of Sikkim is none other than the Yumthang Valley and the ideal season to visit this place is summer, autumn, and spring. A trek to this place, while the flowers are blooming, is truly breathtaking. As I had visited the place during April I just could not take my eyes off the beautiful colors on both sides of the road. (2026: the rhododendrons bloom from late February to mid-June, best from late April to mid-May; snow closes the valley from December to March.)

Next on my must-visit list was the Lachung and Lachen monastery both these monasteries are quite popular with the travellers, apart from their religious value they are an example of architectural excellence.

Zero Point: Serene Trek

Finally was time to Trek to Zero Point, while in Sikkim in order to experience the scenic awe one must visit Zero point. The snow-clad mountain peaks and the flocks of grazing yaks will surely help refresh your mind and health, after a hectic and tiring trek.

South Sikkim: Serene Trek

After two beautiful parts of Sikkim, it was time to move to the industrialized part to see the hustle and bustle of an industrial town. South Sikkim has the best roads and is divided into two sections Ravong and Namchi.

Namchi: Pilgrimage

Namchi as a place has recently gained popularity as a pilgrimage and a popular tourist spot. There are various activities that one can indulge in. I began my journey by witnessing the majestic statue of Guru Rinpoche , it is the largest statue in the world of the guru while visiting Samdruptse monastery.

The pilgrimage journey did continue as I arrived at Char Dham. It was inaugurated by the Sikkim Government in 2011. (2026: it was dedicated by the President in April 2013; entry is about ₹50.) It is both a pilgrimage as well as a cultural center. As the name suggests, four of the most revered dhams of the Hindus have been replicated at this center.

After visiting the holy spots it was time to experience some scenic beauty and I headed for the Temi Tea Garden located in a beautiful place called Ravangla, the Temi Tea Garden does attract a lot of tourist attraction. The perks of being in a tea garden are scenic beauty and organic tea at your disposal.

The last part of the region was none other than the Bhaichung Stadium in south Sikkim. It is a highlight of the place as it is built in honor of the famous footballer Bhaichung Bhutia. (2026: the stadium opened in October 2021.)

West Sikkim: Trekking

Once I completed the major part of Sikkim it turned for the trekker’s paradise.  West Sikkim is known for the numerous altitude treks and the adrenaline rush one is looking for.  Being full of rhododendron forests, this area of Sikkim amazes travellers with spectacular views. Gyalshing and Sorreng are the two major divisions of South Sikkim (2026: of West Sikkim; since 2021 they are two districts, Gyalshing and Soreng), while Yuksom, Pelling, and Geyzing are some of the most prominent cities.

Geyzing: Trekking

This city is the capital of West Sikkim and since it is connected to Kalimpong and Darjeeling, it is frequently visited by tourists. West Sikkim has a trekking experience to offer for all kinds of trekkers. Trek to Vershey  is appropriate and perfect for beginners.

Vershey is a small sanctuary wherein one can view rhododendron and other variety of plants including silver firs, magnolias, hanging mosses, and orchids. Being a solo traveller I felt this trek to be both liberating and scenically pleasing.

Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of West Sikkim and the best time to visit this monastery would be during the Cham Dance Festival, which is held during the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar.

Pelling: Trekking

Next up on my list was a base camp of Kanchenjunga that is known for its stunning views of the range and the Himalayas. (2026: Pelling is a viewpoint for Kanchenjunga rather than a base camp; the treks start from Yuksom.) Various high altitude treks are conducted from here. I listened to my adventurous side and opted to experience the second-highest bridge of Asia and the highest of Sikkim known as Singshore Bridge and what a breathtaking view it was with mountains around, lush green landscapes, and waterfalls

After visiting the bridge I headed for Sangachoeling Monastery which has its own challenges that you need to overcome by following a steep road of 4 km steep road. The monastery does hold a very important stand in the Buddhist circuit.

Yuksom: Trekking

It was the first capital of Sikkim and invariably this destination has loads to offer. Name it and its palaces, monasteries, and stunning peaks or beautiful waterfalls. It never failed to amaze me, how beautifully balanced this place was.

Norbugang Coronation Throne is an important part of travel plans as historically it has a huge significance as three lamas had coronated Phuntsog Namgyal as the first king of Sikkim. (2026: in 1642.) The added perks are the prayer hall, the numerous prayer wheels, and the stupa.

The next place to visit for me was Phamrong Waterfalls, which is the highest waterfall in Sikkim located between Gerethang and Yuksom. The best season to visit any waterfall is during the monsoons. The gushing water and the lush green landscape are all you need.

Sikkim: Survival Guide

Well, now that you know about the different parts of Sikkim in detail, you can plan your visit accordingly. But then, for enjoying a hassle-free vacation, you need to be aware of some important information that comes in really handy.

I would recommend you read our best and comprehensive solo travelogue on NorthEast India comprises of Darjeeling and North Sikkim.

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