Trekking
Sikkim offers some of the finest trekking experience in the Himalaya. The state’s vast unspoiled mountain range is a trekker’s delight and its Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary passes through forests of silver fir, hemlock, magnolia and rhododendron with a view of the Kanchenjunga peak in the background. The Dzongri- Goecha La Trek is the most popular trek in Sikkim and famed for spectacular mountain views, a floral spectacle in summer, bird and views of pristine forest.
Monastic Trek
Season: March-May/October-December
Itinerary: Pemayangtse- Sangacholing-Khecheopalri- Hongri- Sinon- Tashiding- Ralong
Rhododendron Trek
Season: March – May
(i) Itinerary: Hilley/Soreng – Barsey – Dentam – Pemayangtse
(ii) Hilley – Barsey – Jorbutey – Kalijar – Chewabhabjang – Uttary
Khangchendzonga Trek
Season: Mid March – Mid June/October – December
Itinerary: Yuksom – Bkhim – Tsoka – Dzongri – Thangsing/Kokchurong – Lamuni/Chaurigang – Goechala/Rathong glacier and back.
Coronation Trek
Season: October/December
Itinerary: Rumtek – Sang – Yangyang – Ravang – Tashiding – Yuksom.
Khedi Trek
Season: October – December
Itinerary: Assam Lingzey – Pashing Teng Kha (Base Camp, 1425m) – Chauri Kharka – Do Bato – Khedi – Sela Pass (3150 metres) – Do Basti – Tal Kharka – Nugang – Passang Teng Kha.
Singalila Trek
Season: Mid May – October
i)Itinerary: Uttarey – Chewabhanjang – Dhor(Wahong) – Sikkim Megu – Dafey Bhir – Gomanthang/Boktok
ii)Pelling – Nambu – Chongri – Yambung – Dafeybhir – Gomathang – Tegyapla – Dzongri – Thanghshing – Lamuney – Kokchurong – Tsokha – Yuksom – Tegyapla – Bikbari – Dzongri Tsoka – Yuksom
Samartek Trek
Season: Mid March – Mid June/October – December
Itinerary: Kodong – Dokshing – TsenKhong – Lenchok – Samartek – Pakchong – Kungo – Kuling Nae(Cave) Gungramgampo – Singhik – Dak Bungalow
Rinchenpong/Soreng Trek
Season: April – June/October – December
Itinerary: Kaluk – Rinchenpong Dak bunglalow – Rigsum Gumpa – Kalud-Sribadam Jhandi Dara – Soreng
Himalayan Trek (South Sikkim)
Season: April – June/October – December
Itinery:Namchi(base camp) – Tendong – Damthang – Ravangla – Maenam – Bhaley Dhunga – Yangyang – Sinchuthang – Bermoik – Parbing – Namchi
Tosar Lake Trek (North Sikkim)
Mangan – Naksuk – Sohar Dhe – Soahar Antsok – Patam – Tosar Lake – Mayong Tar – Kalep Mangan
Meanam Hill Trek (South)
Rabong – Meanam – Ballydunga – Ralong – Rabong
Tendong Hill Trek
Dentam – Tendong – Samdruptse – Namchi
River Rafting
Beginners as well as experienced adventurers can seek the assistance of the Department of Tourism and travel agents for arranging river rafting trips. Prices are generally reasonable, and will include food, equipment, life jackets, helmets, an expert guide and accommodation. Most of these trips have good riverside camps, which are well-frequented by organised rafting groups during the peak season.
A number of white sandy beaches also exist, offering good campsites. Rapids of classification 2 to 4 are interspersed with placid floats, making rafting an enjoyable experience. A trip down the river also allows you to take in the beauty of the countryside. The riverbanks have deep forests, with some patches of terraced cultivation, and small villages.
Mountain Biking
Moutain Biking is another adventure sport that has been recently introduced in Sikkim, which is rapidly becoming a favourite destination for bikers. There are a number of routes passithroughout the state. While some are ideal for a classic biking experience, others offer scenic landscapes to ride through.
Mountaineering
Sikkim is blessed with the breathtaking Himalayas and offers a plethora of adventure sports, including mountaineering, which is gaining immense popularity; along the various other sports offered. Some of the popular peaks where mountaineering is allowed are Jopuno, Tinchenkhang, Frey’s Peak, Lamo Angden and Byrmkhangse.
Yak Riding
Yak riding is another popular and exciting experience in Sikkim. About 35 km from Gangtok, at an altitude of 12,300 ft. is the ethereal Tsomgo Lake. Colourfully decorated Yaks with woolen knitwear over the horns and forehead, and strings of bells around the necks take visitors for a ride around the lake or go right up the mountains. The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, as well as private travel agencies, on prior booking, organize Yak rides in Dzongri, in West Sikkim, a popular trekking point.
PARAGLIDING
Paragliding Festival is being held in Gangtok, Sikkim from 31 Oct – 3 Nov 2012.With its panoramic views and snow-capped mountain tops, Sikkim is a paraglider’s paradise. The state also has a premier paragliding cooperative society. Further, there is no experience or training required for the sport, as operators offer ‘tandem flights;’ i.e. being accompanied by an experienced, certified pillot. Both pilot and passenger sit safely and comfortably in a harness, which is attached to the glider. (While one is required to be fit, the maximum weight permissible is 90 kg.)
