Sikkim Tour Packages: Best Places to Visit Near Sikkim

Sikkim is a small alpine state perched in the lower altitude of the Eastern Himalayas. Sikkim shares its borders with the Indian state of West Bengal to the south. It shares international borders with Tibet in the north, Bhutan to the southeast, and with Nepal to the west. This gives opportunities to travellers to explore more places along the way. Ardent travellers who plan to explore Sikkim often combine its nearby destinations with their Sikkim tour packages. The hill-stations and scenic sights near Sikkim are just as beautiful to explore, if not more.

Besides, anyone going in for a long vacation to Sikkim must include two to three additional places in their itinerary. Those wondering what are the best places to travel around Sikkim, below is a list. Although, all the places mentioned below share some similarities. However, despite having common similarities such as mountains, valleys, and waterfalls, each place has its own unique history, culture and tradition that are worth exploring

Sikkim Tour Packages: Top Places to Visit Near Sikkim

Table of Contents:

1. Darjeeling - Queen of the Hills

2. Kalimpong - Land of the Kings

3. Dooars - Gateway to Lush Tea Gardens

4. Siliguri - Blend of Cultural & Natural Attractions

5. Bhutan - The Land of the Thunder Dragon

1. Darjeeling - Queen of the Hills

If youre on a tip to Sikkim, try to accommodate Darjeeling in your tour itinerary. Rest assured you wont regret your decision. This beautiful hill-station is rightfully called the Queen of Hills for its mesmerising hilly terrains and alpine forests. It is also famous for its rolling tea plantations that are spread across like a blanket of emeralds. The famous Darjeeling Tea has a worldwide reputation of being one of the best teas in the world. The place still curries an old-world charm of the colonial era. The highlight of Darjeeling is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) or the Toy Train which is a UNESCO world heritage site.

During spring and summer, the beautiful rhododendrons bloom in the sights of Darjeeling. Whereas in winters, Darjeeling turns into a snow abode with frequent snowfall. Located in West Bengal, Darjeeling can be easily reached by hiring a private taxi.

2. Kalimpong - Land of the Kings

Kalimpong is a scenic town in West Bengal located at an elevation of 1300 meters above sea level. This town was used by the British as an alternative to Darjeeling which is why you will see a lot of colonial influence on this town. The colonial-era architecture, hills, tea plantations, and sweeping views of Mt. Kanchenjunga range. Over the years, Kalimpong became a tourism destination along with Darjeeling. Many people who book Sikkim tour packages, opt for additional tours to Kalimpong.

The name Kalimpong means The stockade of King Ministers in Tibetan language. However, some claim that the word Kalimpong comes from the Lepcha word Kalim-pung which means flat land. Irrespective of the name and its origins, its a destination of great historical and cultural significance. You can spend days soaking in the tranquil beauty of this town.

3. Dooars - Gateway to Lush Tea Gardens

Dooars is a picturesque destination to visit near Sikkim. The words Dooars or Duar means door and this place serves as a doorway to north-east India and Bhutan. You will find Dooars perched in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, bordered by the Kingdom of Bhutan to the north and Bangladesh to the south. Tourism in Dooars is centered around its many wildlife sanctuaries, quaint villages, tea estates, temples, and historical places.

The peace, tranquillity, and fresh mountain air will rejuvenate your senses. Take a tour inside the villages of Dooars and interact with locals. Go on nature walks, hiking in the woods, or enjoy wildlife spotting. The local economy of Dooars is built upon the three Ts, which are Timber, Tourism, and Tea. The local people are mostly engaged in the activities related to the three Ts.

4. Siliguri - Blend of Cultural & Natural Attractions

Silguri is the twin city with New Jalpaiguri located in West Bengal. It is one of the best places to visit near Sikkim. Bustling bazaar, wildlife safaris, toy train ride, dense tea plantations, and religious centres (temples/monasteries) are the highlights of this city. You can go sightseeing, hiking, birdwatching, or nature walks. A total of two to three days are enough for exploring the main attractions of Siliguri. While on a Siliguri tour, make sure to try local delicacies such as momos (dumplings), Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), Sha Phaley (Tibetan meat pie). There is also a range of mouth-watering street food like snacks, spring rolls, chowmein, etc.

5. Bhutan - The Land of the Thunder Dragon

The kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country sharing borders with India and China. It is the only country that you can easily visit from Sikkim. If you travel from Sikkim to Bhutan via road, the first important tourist site will be Phutensholing. The travel time will be 14 to 16 hours depending on road conditions, traffic, etc.

Bhutans beauty lies in its sky-touching peaks, deep valleys and thick covers of foliage. It is home to dzong fortresses, archaeological sites, museums and many significant Buddhist sites. Spend at least 4 to 5 days in Bhutan to explore its scenic beauty, warm hospitality, and mouth watering dishes like ema-datshi (cheesy spicy stew).

Consider the above best places to visit near Sikkim and add them in your Sikkim tour packages for a wholesome and exciting experience!