Top 5 Adventure Sports In Sikkim

Sikkim is one of the smallest states in India and is regarded as one of the best holiday spots. The small state accommodates anyone looking for a peaceful place to rekindle creativity, experience the best that nature has to offer, or adventure. The small state is nested on the lap of the Himalayan Mountains and is blessed with a beautiful landscape that is suitable for all kinds of adventure activities.

There is so much to do. You can trek up the mountain trails, bike on the mountain paths, or battle the fierce river rapids while enjoy the feeling on adrenaline bursting through your veins. The Sikkim landscape provides the perfect backdrop for adventure sports and to take amazing photos while having the time of life. When it comes to exciting fun things to do, Sikkim is truly the place to be. A tour to Sikkim promises to be loaded with plenty of surprises, whether you are climbing the mountains or navigating the streets of this welcoming Indian state.

If you are looking for the best trekking trails in India, Sikkim is where you will find them. It offers the opportunity to experience natural vistas and wildlife. In this article, we are going to explore some of the fun adventure sports that you can partake in including, river rafting, hang gliding, mountain biking, trekking, canoeing, kayaking, and mountaineering.

1. River Rafting

Put on your gear and get ready to experience the force of nature as you ride on a raft on one of the rapids of Sikkim. This adventure promises to be an experience of a lifetime, especially if you are doing for the first time. Rafting is a team sport, so you must be ready to play by the rules and be alert. River rafting is one of the most thrilling adventure sports that you can do while holidaying in Sikkim. It comes as no surprise that this is one of the most popular activities that adrenaline junkies partake in.

River Testa is rate 4 on the international scale. The river branches into several rapids with varying intensities and character. One of the tributaries of Teesta, River Rangit, is popular for its turbulent waters making the challenges tougher and more thrilling, but it is only suitable for experts. The Sikkim rapids fall between classifications 2 to 4.

The banks of the river are lined will small hamlets with a backdrop of mountains, patches of terrace cultivation, and jungles. If you are considering camping in Sikkim, there are campsites located at the white sand areas. Campers are offered facilities throughout their stay. Whether you are a beginner or expert rafter, you can partake in river rafter at Sikkim. The best time to go rafting is from March to May.

River Rafting in Sikkim

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2. Mountain Biking

Mountain bikers from around the world are now pouring into Sikkim because of its terrain. Its growing reputation has further drawn attention to the Northeastern area of Himalaya which offers some of the most thrilling biking trails that you ever have seen, which is one of the major reasons why everyone wants to go mountain biking in Sikkim.

Get on your bike and follow the trail through the mountain while soaking up the beauty of snow-covered peaks and the culture of the Sikkim people, and at the same time getting a rush of adrenaline.

Mountain biking in Sikkim is relatively new. Engage in sightseeing, trekking and other adventures when you are not riding your bike.

Sikkim is welcoming to adventures throughout the year. You can go mountain biking any time of the year, but the most popular seasons are spring and fall, between April and May and September to October. You can book your mountain biking trip any time of the year, as there are tours and travel operators on standby to arrange for your adventure upon request.

Here are some popular biking trails:

  • Gangtok - Rumtek - Sang - Sirwani - Tem i- Damthang - Rabong - Kewzing - Tashiding - Yusum - Pelling - Dentam - Rinchenpong - Soreng - Sombaria - Jorthang - Namchi - Rangpo.
  • Gangtok - Phodong - Rangrang - Dikchu Makha - Sirwani - Temi.
  • Gangtok - Rumtek - Sangh - Sirwani - Tem i- Namchi - Jorethang - Melli
  • Gangtok - Rumtek - Sang - Sirwani - Temi - Namchi - Namthang - Rangpo
  • Rangpo - Rhenock - Rongli - Barapathing - Pakyong - Ranipool - Gangtok - Rumtek-Sang - Temi - Ravang -Tashiding - Pelling - Khechopalri Lake - Yuksom - Rabong - Dikchu - Mangan - Lachung - Yumthang and back.

Mountain Biking in Sikkim

3. Mountaineering

Much like mountain biking, the mountaineering adventure in Sikkim exposes you to the beauty of the place. Picture a view of the state of the one of the peaks or from the top of the Himalaya Mountains. When it comes to mountaineering, the state remains unrivalled in beauty and thrilling experience. Mountaineering is a new adventure activity in Sikkim.

As a result of the growing popularity of mountaineering in Sikkim, the government decided to open some of the alpine peaks to adventure seekers for mountaineering and other adventure sports. This decision by the government was made in a bid to improve and promote tourism in Sikkim.

There is an influx of adventure seekers in Sikkim from April to June, and September to November. If you are looking to go mountaineering in Sikkim, these are the best times to do so. The temperature is more forgiving around springtime, but there can more snow. However, mountaineering in Sikkim is considered safest in mid-April, June through September and the first week in December.

Enjoy the views from thousands of meters above sea level. The lakes, bio-diversity, alpine meadows, and humming mountain brooks are truly breathtaking. This is indeed an adventure seekers paradise.

Here are the thrilling mountaineering Trails in Sikkim

  • Mt Khangchedzonga (27,803 ft.)
  • Mt. Kabru (24,005 ft.)
  • Mt Siniolchu (22,610 ft)
  • Mt. Thingchinkhang (6010 meters) and Mt. Jopunu (5936 meters)
  • Mt. Pandim (22,010 ft)
  • Mt Rathong (21,911 ft.)

Mountaineering in Sikkim

4. Paragliding

Just like mountaineering and mountain biking, paragliding is also growing in popularity among fun seekers in Sikkim. The adrenaline rush that this adventure sport gives is one that you will want to experience multiple times. If you live in buzzing cities, then you may appreciate this adventure sport more because it is not something that you get to do every time. Paragliding in Sikkim allows you to view the Himalayan Mountains in all its glory and magnificence from the sky as you soar like an eagle.

You do not need to be an expert to go paragliding in Sikkim. You will find many paragliding operators who offer tandem flights to anyone who seeking to be thrilled. What this means is that you will be flying with an experienced paraglider who will accompany you. Both you and the pilot will be seated comfortably and safely in a harness which is fitted on the paraglider. The pilot will navigate the flight while you enjoy the view from the skies.

However, there are instructions and guidelines for paragliding. The passenger needs to be physically fit and not above 90kg. Even though the pilot is in charge of navigating the flight, you will need to assist with taking off and landing. A pair of jeans and sneakers are suitable.

Generally, there are two types of paragliding available to adventure seekers, and both are tandem flights navigated by an experienced pilot.

Medium fly – this type of paragliding is done at a medium altitude of about 1300 to 1400 meters with a flight time of 5 to 10 minutes.

High Fly – as the name suggests, you will fly at a higher altitude than the medium fly. You will take off at an altitude of about 2,200 meters, and you will enjoy a flight time of about 20 to 30 minutes

The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, is the home of the thrilling adventure sport. There are numerous tour operators who offer paragliding deals. Sikkim is packed with some amazing launching sites and ridges, which is one of the major reasons why it is a great location for paragliding.

Paragliding in Sikkim

5. Rock Climbing

This adventure sport is for anyone who is physically and mentally fit. If this sounds like you, then rock climbing in Sikkim is the perfect adventure for you. The rock climbing activity requires agility, balance and concentration of the climber. You will have access to all the gear needed for rock climbing as hey will be provided by the operators. If you are new to rock climbing, you will need to undergo some training to partake in the activity. But you need to have some prior experience.

There are numerous climbing routes with varying features according to IHCAE for climbers of different calibres. The institute for rock climbing offers many rock climbing programs from 20 to 80 feet. The best time for rock climbing is from March to May and from the second week in September to the second week in November.

There Artificial Rock Climbing and Natural Rock Climbing. One climbs on a rocky wall indoors in artificial rock climbing, and a session lasts for about 2 hours. You can partake in basic rock climbing at Chemchey in South Sikkim, and it is open to kids and adults from age 10 to 60 years. In advanced rock climbing, the age limit is between 15 to 50 years.

Rock Climbing in Sikkim