Adventure Sport in Sikkim nowadays is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel and leisure. Sikkim is a high-altitude state that offers fun and exciting activities that give you thrilling experiences and build confidence and agility. Moreover, these adventure sports of Sikkim can take you to some of the world's most beautiful places. And that's why adventure sports in Sikkim beckons the adrenaline junkies from all over the world.
Lying in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Sikkim has been blessed with a fantastic landscape, ideal for all kinds of adventure sports activities. Sikkim is home to more than 20 mountain peaks, numerous glaciers, 200 high-altitude lakes, two rivers, and over a hundred tributaries. Nestled in the Himalayas and endowed with extreme natural beauty, Sikkim presents tremendous challenges to quench the thirst of avid travelers and adventurers.
For lovers of mountains, there are numerous trekking trails where they could go footloose in the Himalayas. Sikkim's most sought-after trekking trails include Goecha La Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Dzongri Trek, and the Green Lake trek.
Of various adventure sports activities in Sikkim, mountain biking offers an Eco-friendly alternative to exploring this state. Other notable adventure sports in Sikkim that you should give a try include Paragliding or Hang Gliding which provides a bird's eye view of the lush landscapes down below, bungee jumping for adrenaline rushing experience as you embrace the gravity, and last but not the least white water rafting in the rapids of Teesta and Rangeet rivers. Rapids ranging from Grade II to IV offers adrenaline-rushing adventure and thrilling experiences to cherish for a lifetime.
List of 10 popular adventure sports in Sikkim
1. Trekking - Explore the Unspoiled Wilderness
With outstanding trekking trails in the country, Gangtok is among the best. Situated amidst the Himalayan ranges, it is an ideal opening for several trekking trails. Hit these natural trails to know your ability and aptitude. The trek offers an incredible visual treat and levels up your confidence. Enjoy the jaw-dropping views of mighty peaks, lush valleys, hypnotizing streams, etc. The purity of breeze and quietness in the wilderness calm your senses and refresh your mind.
- Best Treks: Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Sikkim Dzongri Trek, Goecha La trek, Tholung Trek, Versay Trek
- Best time: March to May
- Safety Tips: Always stay hydrated and carry all essentials such as backpacks, trekking poles, caps, sun cream, and sunglasses.
2. Ropeway Cable Ride - Levitating Thrill
The cable car rides at Sikkim will be something you won't skip. The cable car ride will take you higher as you enjoy the city's best views, rivers, snow-capped mountains, and valleys. The double-cable zig back ropeway has been attracting visitors since December 2003. The ropeway ride has three terminal stations, and you can choose any of them to start the ride in three different places in Sikkim.
- Best Cable Ride Spots: Deorali, Tashiling or Namnang
- Best time: September to June
- Safety Tips: Do not panic. Follow the instructions of the cabin guide and official staff.
3. River Rafting - Feel the Adrenaline Rush
Let the thrill and adrenaline rush over you on the roaring river rapids. If you are an adventure freak, do not miss out on these fantastic water sports. Learn the techniques of rafting with experts. The challenging stream of the river on which you raft wearing rescue bags and flipping paddles is an experience to cherish.
- Best River Rafting Spots: Rangit River, Teesta River
- Best time: March to May
- Safety Tips: Attentively listen to experts and always wear a life jacket.
4. Mountaineering - Measure Your Stamina
Mountaineering is one of the most thrilling adventures in Sikkim. It is one of the great ways to check and build stamina both mentally and physically. Besides physical strength, mountain climbing requires alertness, aptitude, and excellent insight. Therefore, hard training is required to enjoy this blood-pumping activity.
- Best Mountaineering Spots: Frey Peak, Mt. Tenchenkhang, Lama Wangden, Mt. Jopuno
- Best time: March to May and September to November
- Safety Tips:Go rock climbing in the presence of an expert or after training. Make sure your backpack fits snugly and has padded straps and a waist belt. Keep hydrating yourself.
5. Paragliding - Race in the Sky
Nothing can beat flying high in the air and enjoying the aerial view from above as you do while paragliding. A paraglider has a cushioned seat attached to a wing-type cloth. It is woven around the helping frame so that the space between the two layers of fabrics is inflated naturally. The support comes with brakes and acceleration control levers to allow easy steering of the flight. Once the paraglider is launched into the air, you can experience the excitement of flying.
- Best Paragliding Spots: Tashi View Point, Pangthang, Bojoghari village
- Best time: September to November
- Safety Tip: Carefully listen to the expert's instructions. Always maintain a good relationship with experienced paragliders.
6. Yak Safari - Go Wild for a While
Yaks are found in high-altitude areas, and Sikkim is one of the regions where you can enjoy a special yak safari. Sitting on a yak, which is ornamented with colorful cloth. Riding a yak on the steep slopes of Tsomgo Lake is a fantastic experience. Enjoy the mesmerizing landscape view and click photographs during the ride Yak Safari is genuinely different from riding a horse or elephant. It is an unforgettable experience that is organized in several parts of Sikkim.
- Best Yak Safari Spot: Tsomgo Lake
- Best time: March to May
- Safety Tip: Wear a helmet during the ride.
7. Hang Gliding - Fly like an Eagle
Hang gliding is one of the most exciting air adventures. The pilot flies a light, non-motorized foot-launched hang glider in this activity. Hang gliding is made of an aluminum alloy or composite frame covered with synthetic sailcloth to form a wing. The sport is not for the first-timers. It requires good practice to glide freely in the air.
- Best Hang Gliding Spot: Jorethang
- Best time: May to June
- Safety Tip: It is good to take the service from a certified and qualified hand gliding agency.
8. Caving - Make Your Way
Caving is one of the most exciting and challenging adventure activities. It is also called cave exploring. Exploring the hidden world inside caves offers an ultimate experience. Sikkim boasts about several holy caves, which you can explore and even pay homage to the deities inside. The activity is suitable for brave hearts who love adventure at every step, as life inside the cave is different from the outer world.
- Best Caving Spot: Lha-ri-nying phu, Kah-do-sang phu
- Best time: March to June
- Safety Tips: Wear a good pair of boots and carry all the essential items such as torch, stick, and padding. Explore the cave in a group.
9. Cycling- Feel the Fresh and Cool Breeze
Further on, the list of exciting adventure sports in Sikkim is Cycling. This adventure is for all those who love being energetic. So hire your favorite cycle and start rolling on some of the most strenuous, challenging, and scenic routes and enjoy the mighty views of Nature. Cycling is one of the famous adventure sports in Sikkim. As you pedal to the Silk Route, you will get a chance to acquaint yourself with the lifestyle and culture of the rural population of Sikkim.
- Best Cycling Spots: Old Silk Route, East Sikkim
- Best time: March to May
- Safety Tips: keep yourself hydrated, wear protective gears, hire a good quality cycle
10. Mountain Biking
If you are fond of bike riding, Sikkim has some of the best routes, where you can show your biking skills and have fantastic drive experiences. Hit the countryside road and beat the rugged mountainous terrains and challenging steep during mountain biking. While riding, give a visual treat to your eyes with the breathtaking Himalayan panorama. Mountain Biking is one of the most thrilling adventure sports in Sikkim. The mountains will award your strenuous journey by taking you closer to splendid nature.
- Best Mountain Biking Spots: Temi biking trails, Gangtok-Rangpo, Gangtok-Melli
- Best time: March to May
- Safety Tips: Alway wear protective gears, keep extra spare parts, keep yourself hydrated, keep a first aid box, download an offline map
Sikkim has many things to experience. If you are looking for thrill and adventure in a peaceful atmosphere, it is one of the best places to visit. Enjoy a visual treat with Yak safari and cable car rides, or experience the most exciting adventures. So, are you all set to experience these blood-pumping adventure sports in Sikkim? Contact our tour experts and book your adventurous Sikkim tour packages to enjoy a thrilling tour.
