I didn’t know what to expect. Lush green plateaus? Snowy mountains? Flower-filled gardens? Sikkim had always felt like a bit of a mystery. That thought stayed with me as I boarded my flight to Bagdogra in West Bengal. Sadly, there are no direct flights to Pakyong Airport in Sikkim yet.
We had a smooth landing in Bagdogra, though the captain surprised us by asking not to take any pictures. That’s when I learned it’s a military airport with a small section open for civilians. It was used only by the military until 2002.
The real feeling of being close to Sikkim began when I stepped out of the airport. Locals were waiting to greet us with khatas—beautiful white scarves that, I later learned, are a traditional way to show respect and offer a warm welcome. That small moment already made the trip feel special.
Then came the six-hour drive to Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital. We went from sweating in 27°C heat to pulling on sweaters in the cool 10°C air. We reached the hotel close to midnight, tired but still buzzing with excitement. Even though it was dark outside and we couldn’t see much, we didn’t head to bed right away. We had a late dinner, shared a few laughs, played some games, and only then called it a night.
The next morning, I pulled back the curtains—and there it was. Mountains stretched into the horizon, with clouds softly resting over the hills. The view was calm, quiet, and absolutely beautiful. It felt like the perfect welcome from Sikkim.
Our Two Days in Sikkim
On the first day, we visited the usual tourist spots—monasteries, waterfalls, and viewpoints. All were beautiful, but they felt like what you’d expect from any hill station. Nice, but familiar.
The second day, though, was something I’ll never forget. I touched snow for the first time in my life. Others around me seemed used to it, but for me, it was magical. Cold, crunchy, and completely new. I stood there for a while, just soaking in the moment.
Places You Shouldn’t Miss
If you're planning a trip, here are a few things you absolutely shouldn't skip:
- The Ropeway in Gangtok – This cable car ride gives you an amazing view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
- Drive Through East Sikkim – The roads are a bit twisty, but the views are totally worth it, with hills, valleys, little villages, and lots of prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
- MG Marg – This is the main street in Gangtok and has everything—cafes, shops, street food, and lots of people. It’s the kind of place where you can just walk around for hours, not doing much, but still enjoying every minute.
What Made Sikkim Truly Special
What truly made my trip to Sikkim special wasn’t just the breathtaking views or the must-see tourist spots, but the warmth and kindness of the people. Every interaction, even something as simple as asking for directions or ordering a cup of tea, felt genuine and respectful. Even when I lost my way for a bit, a few locals went out of their way to guide me back, with no hesitation. It was a small, but deeply meaningful moment that highlighted how grounded and helpful the people in Sikkim are.
What stood out most was how easy it was to communicate. Most locals spoke enough English to bridge any gaps, and not once did I feel out of place or awkward because of language. It was such a relief to never be met with that common question, “Tum Hindi nahi jaante?”
Sirf dho din?
A common question that I was asked. At first, I didn’t think much of it. But later, as I read more about Sikkim, I realized they were right. Two days isn’t enough. Sikkim isn’t just a place to visit—it's a place to feel. Every corner has a story, every person has something to share, and the mountains have a way of making you want to stay longer.
As I boarded my flight back, it felt like I was leaving too soon. It was indeed a short trip, but good or bad, it’s the memories that matter the most. And these are the kind that will stay for long.