Sikkim Backpacking to Gangtok Pelling Yuksom Namchi

Backpacking trips are for that last-minute planner who prefers spontaneity over everything else and believes in living life to the fullest. This Sikkim backpacking trip is just for those spontaneous travellers that are seeking fun, adventure and serene surroundings in the midst of the Himalayas.

We’ll be starting with the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, a beautiful city located amongst majestic mountain valleys and River Teesta flowing by it. Gangtok lies in the eastern Himalayan Range at an elevation of 5,410 fts. You can go for a stroll at M.G. Road which is a clean open air-mall where there are good hangout spots, places to shop and eat your heart out with many shops, cafes and restaurants located there.

Rumtek Monastery is known for its calm and serene atmosphere and also for the Buddha statue inside the monastery. Ban Jhakri waterfalls provide an escape from the city life of Gangtok to a waterfall which is located amidst the forests. Namgyal institute of Tibetology is a beautiful museum which is dedicated to Tibetan culture and Vajrayana Buddhism. There are many souvenirs and books which you can find in the monastery. Tashi View point provides a panoramic view of beautiful mountain vistas of Sikkim.

Pelling is a small town which is located in the westerns parts of Sikkim. Views of the Himalayan ranges and mighty Khangchendzonga are visible from here. Some of the places to visit in Pelling are Khangchendzonga waterfalls, which is quite mystic and serene. One of the famous waterfalls of Pelling is the Rimbi waterfall, which is located around 12kms from Pelling. This waterfall forms over the Rimbi river and you can go for various recreational activities like fishing and swimming.

Yuksom is a historical town which is located in the western parts of Sikkim. Yuksom means “meeting place of three lamas” and it is considered as one of the best pilgrimage spots in Sikkim. Yuksom is a starting point for two most famous high altitude treks namely, Dzongri Trail and Singalila Ridge.

Khecheopalri lake is a lake situated in the West Sikkim district, near Khecheopalri village. This lake is sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists, and is known to be a wish fulfilling lake. Localites call this lake as Sho Dzo Sho, which means “Oh Lady, Sit Here”. From an elevation, the lake appears to be in the shape of a foot and according to Hindu beliefs, Lord Shiva meditated here. Myth is that when a leaf falls on the placid clear water surface, it is picked by a bird and thus the water surface is always free of leaves.

Namchi is located in South Sikkim and the name Namchi means “Sky High” is Sikkimese language. It is located at an elevation of 1,315 mts. One of the most famous places to visit in Namchi is Siddheshwar Dham which is also known as Char Dham. It is located at Solophok Hill which is located 5kms from the town of Namchi. It is one of the most well known and auspicious places for Hindus. There is also a 108ft tall statue of Lord Shiva which draws visitors from all around. This place is great for learning more about Hindu religion and culture.