Sikkim

  Adventure  
 

The perfect destination for vacations in quest of enchantment , tranquillity or adventure. A jewel embedded in snow clad mountains, Sikkim is a primeval land that is unlike anywhere else. Where one dreamy day blends into the next. A land so rich in culture, tradation and steeped in Religion.

 
     
 

You can wonder up lush green mountain trails, in the very footsteps of those early travellers. Marvel at the Stupas, Monasteries and Temples. Acquaint yourself with a culture that is at once bizarre and fascinating. With its endless intriguing rituals and festivals. Sikkim offers you a holiday that is more than a drean - A Voyage of Adventure and Discovery.

 
     
  Take the Kanchenjunga Trek (15 days) and discover nature in its grandest bounty. Savour this beautiful and unspoilt area with its tiny jewel- like lakes and exotic flora and fauna against the backdrop of the majestic Kanchenjunga. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, at Yuksam is the base mountain for climbing courses.  
     
 

The trek to Bakhim is scenic and invigorating with more than 20 varieties of rhododendrons setting the forest aflame with colours. Dzongri at 3963 mts. Welcomes the climber with a heavenly colseup of the Kanchenjunga. And the unset that leaves memories of a spectacular view of Sikkim. Or take the Monastery Leisure Trek (11 days) and be spiritually elevated. The ideal time to go trekking is mid February to late May and between October and mid December. The monsoon period is between June and September and the cold and harsh winter months are between December and February.

 
     
 

No technical climbing experience is necessary as most of thetreks are between 6000 and 14000 feet. All one needs is to be in fit shape. Camping and trekking equipmen

 
     
 

Mountain Biking
To the youth, Bikes are the stuff that drives them crazy. Each one of you must have tried your impeccable driving skills at road biking, but in Sikkim we have something more interesting for you. Yes champs, you're right, it is mountain biking. Mountain Biking is a sport that is tantalizing and enticing to try out for yourself. In Sikkim, you can enjoy this adventurous biking sport in the rugged terrain and steep zones.

 
     
 

In the recent years, mountain biking has been started, considering the heartening response of tourists in Sikkim. Here, the roads are good enough to afford the solid tyres of bikes. For bikers, driving bikes in mountainous zone becomes the next level of biking after roads. The anticipation says that mountain biking would definitely top the charts of future adventure sports in Sikkim. Within the parts of North Sikkim and West Sikkim, Mountain Biking has been promoted to a great extent.

 
     
 

Moreover, Sikkim boasts of the best mountains in the world to ride on. The fact remains that mountain biking is a thrilling sport 'coz driving through the cranky roads of hills is not that easy. One also needs to be cautious, while roaming in the unfamiliar lands. If you are a bit hesitant to try mountain biking, leave your worries aside because you can take the help of instructors too. The bikes and other gears are available with the tourism authorities of Sikkim. The popular biking routes in Sikkim are given below.

 
     
 

Mountain Biking Routes
The popular routes for mountain biking start from Gangtok, moving to Phodong, then to Rangrang, Dikchu, Makha and eventually to Singtam. Another route from Gangtok takes to Lingdum, Rumtek, Martam, Sang, Makha, Singtam, Singchuthang, Temi Tea Garden, Ravangla, Dentam and finally to Sombarey. An additional route in East Sikkim starts from Gangtok, subsequently moving towards Bhusuk, Assam Lingzey, Pakyong, Rorathang, Rhenock, Rongli and ultimately to Aritar.

 
     
     
  River Rafting  
 

White water rafting is one of the latest adventure sport in Sikkim. Only the Teesta and Rangit rivers offer long stretches which are ideal for safe rafting. Teesta is graded 4 on the International scale. The icy cold waters of the rugged Teesta have a series of rapids with varying intensity and character. It offers one of the finest rafting stretches in the world. Rangit, a tributary of the Teesta, has more turbulent waters and offers many challenges to more experienced rafters.

 
     
 

The riverbanks of both the rivers have deep forests, with some patches of terraced cultivation, and small villages. Innumerable white sandy beaches offer good campsites. Rapids of classification 2 to 4 are interspersed with placid floats, making rafting an enjoyable experience. Adequate facilities for overnight River beach camping is also available. Beginners as well as experienced adventurers can seek the assistance of the Department of Tourism and travel agents for arranging river rafting trips.

 
     
 

The enchanting white waves of river Teesta and Rangit invite enterprising adventurers to experience the spine chilling river rafting experience.

 
     
 

Major River Rafting Routes in Sikkim: Makha – Sirwani – Bardang – Rongpo ( Teesta), Sikip - Jorethang – Majitar – Melli
(Rangit).

 
     
  Other Water Activities:  
  Kayaking: Kayaking is undertaken on the River Teesta and is arranged for special groups. Some experience in kayaking is required. Kayaks are available with Sikkim Tourism.  
     
  Best Time for River Rafting in Sikkim : May to November  
     
 

Equipment Required: Wet suits, sweater, booties, gloves and scull cap are some of the essential equipment for river rafting. These equipments can be hired also.