Trekking Destinations in Sikkim
Sikkim, nestled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas, is a paradise for trekkers and adventure seekers. With snow-clad peaks, dense rhododendron forests, high-altitude lakes, and ancient monasteries perched on cliffs, trekking in Sikkim offers a unique blend of raw nature and spiritual serenity. Each trail reveals breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, making the state one of India’s finest trekking destinations.Below are the most popular trekking routes in Sikkim, each offering a distinct flavor of adventure, culture, and Himalayan wilderness.
1. Goechala Trek – The Classic Himalayan Experience
Region: West Sikkim (Starts from Yuksom)
Duration: 9–11 Days
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Maximum Altitude: 16,200 ft (Viewpoint near Goechala)
The Goechala Trek is Sikkim’s most celebrated route, offering an up-close view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga. The trail winds through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. Key stops include Tshoka, Dzongri, Thansing, and Samiti Lake, with mesmerizing sunrises over snow peaks. This trek is perfect for those seeking both beauty and challenge — a photographer’s dream and a spiritual journey rolled into one.
2. Dzongri Trek – A Shorter Alternative to Goechala
Region: West Sikkim
Duration: 5–6 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 13,780 ft
The Dzongri Trek is a compact version of the Goechala route, ideal for those short on time. The trail passes through oak, birch, and rhododendron forests, offering panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range. The highlight is Dzongri Top, where trekkers witness a 360° view of the Eastern Himalayas. This trek perfectly balances adventure with accessibility.
3. Green Lake Trek – Into the Heart of Kanchenjunga
Region: North Sikkim (Starts from Lachen)
Duration: 15–17 Days
Difficulty: Difficult
Maximum Altitude: 16,200 ft
The Green Lake Trek is one of Sikkim’s most remote and pristine trails, leading to the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Beginning in Lachen, the route passes through dense forests, alpine meadows, and glacial streams. Trekkers encounter rare wildlife, including red pandas and Himalayan blue sheep. The final destination, Green Lake, reflects the snow peaks like a mirror — a surreal sight reserved for the most determined adventurers.
4. Singalila Ridge Trek – Border Trail of Sikkim and Nepal
Region: West Sikkim
Duration: 8–9 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 12,000 ft
The Singalila Ridge Trek runs along the Indo-Nepal border, offering uninterrupted views of the Everest and Kanchenjunga ranges. It’s known for vibrant flora, high-altitude monasteries, and peaceful camping sites. The trek passes through Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, making it a floral delight during spring (March–May). A less-crowded trail, it’s ideal for those seeking solitude and scenic beauty.
5. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Region: West Sikkim
Duration: 10–12 Days
Difficulty: Challenging
Maximum Altitude: 16,900 ft
For serious trekkers, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is the ultimate adventure. The route traverses through dense jungles, suspension bridges, and remote mountain villages before reaching the foot of the mighty Kanchenjunga. The raw wilderness, spiritual silence, and proximity to the world’s third-highest mountain make this one of India’s most rewarding treks.
6. Yambong Singalila Trek
Region: West Sikkim
Duration: 9–10 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 13,000 ft
The Yambong Singalila Trek is a hidden gem offering untouched Himalayan beauty. Starting from Nambu, it crosses remote passes and pristine valleys. This trek is rich in biodiversity and gives trekkers a glimpse of both Kanchenjunga and Makalu peaks. The blend of forests, alpine meadows, and rhododendron-filled trails makes it a nature lover’s paradise.
7. Tholung Monastery Trek
Region: North Sikkim
Duration: 3–4 Days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 8,000 ft
A culturally enriching trail, the Tholung Monastery Trek takes you through the remote upper Rongyung Valley. The trek culminates at Tholung Monastery, one of Sikkim’s holiest Buddhist shrines, housing relics and manuscripts centuries old. Ideal for spiritual travelers and history enthusiasts who prefer light hiking with a sacred purpose.
8. Varsey Rhododendron Trek
Region: West Sikkim
Duration: 3–4 Days
Difficulty: Easy
Maximum Altitude: 10,000 ft
Perfect for beginners, the Varsey Rhododendron Trek is known for its vibrant bloom of over 40 species of rhododendrons. The trek leads through the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, where the forest floor is painted red and pink between March and May. It’s a short yet enchanting journey through nature’s colorful wonderland.
9. Tosar Lake Trek
Region: East Sikkim
Duration: 6–7 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 13,000 ft
The Tosar Lake Trek connects the Mangan region to the pristine Tosar Lake, offering panoramic views of Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kabru, and Mt. Kanchenjunga. This lesser-known trek traverses dense forests and alpine plateaus, making it perfect for those seeking offbeat trails and untouched natural beauty.
10. Rhododendron Trail Trek (Singba Sanctuary)
Region: North Sikkim (Yumthang Valley)
Duration: 4–5 Days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude: 12,000 ft
The Rhododendron Trail is a seasonal delight, especially in April–May when Yumthang Valley transforms into a carpet of flowers. The trail runs through Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary, home to over 40 varieties of rhododendrons, orchids, and rare Himalayan flora. It’s perfect for nature photographers and family hikers.
Tinjure Trek – The Forest Trail of Fambong Lho Sanctuary
Location: Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim
Starting Point: Pangthang or Golitar (near Gangtok)
Duration: 2–3 Days
Maximum Altitude: ~7,500 ft (Tinjure Top)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Best Season: October–May
Entry Permits: Required from the Forest Department, Gangtok
The Tinjure Trek is one of East Sikkim’s most serene and untouched nature trails. It lies within the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, just 20 km west of Gangtok. The trek meanders through dense temperate forests of oak, bamboo, rhododendron, and magnolia, leading up to the Tinjure Ridge, which offers a spectacular view of the Gangtok valley, Teesta River, and the distant Kanchenjunga range.This trek is ideal for travelers who seek peace, solitude, and an intimate experience with the Himalayan ecosystem. Unlike the popular routes of Dzongri or Goechala, Tinjure remains unspoiled and peaceful, with the soothing calls of birds and rustling of leaves replacing the noise of civilization.
