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Kangchenjunga from Sandakphu trail sikkim india
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Welcome to Sikkim

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Sikkim is an accessible and relaxed introduction to India’s enigmatic northeast. Here you can ease into the complexity of this region where the Indian Himalaya merges into the Nepal mountains. I find this the most diverse part of India, unmatched for its unique culture and food, with some incredible but quiet treks. Sikkim is politically one of the more stable states in this region, so easier to obtain permits for and travel in.

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15 Feb 2026

India
S
Asked by: Shelley

We're looking for something on a par with Everest or Annapurna but in India. We're looking for a challenge over 5,000m. We're drawn to Sikkim and Kashmir, but what would you suggest?

Shikha Tripathi
Answered by: Shikha Tripathi

Keeping all your criteria in mind, I'd actually suggest Ladakh. It offers grand landscapes, a dose of Buddhist culture, and is somewhat close to travel standards in Nepal and should live up to your expectations. While Kashmir is beautiful as well (more alpine and lush) it's a bit more complex with its permits and other things, especially for foreigners, because of it being slightly politically volatile. The better alternative in that case would be Sikkim, but my first recommendation would be Ladakh.

Shikha Tripathi

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§ 03

The Sikkim atlas

2 picks Places & Experiences You Won't Find Elsewhere
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What

  • Difficulty: Strenuous Max Elevation:Duration: 10 daysStart/end point: Yuksom village, 5 hours from the Bagdogra airportAccommodation: Camping For those who want a taste of the Himalaya away from the crowds, Goecha La is your answer. This is also the best trek to get up close with India’s highest peak that it shares with its neighbour Nepal, Kangchenjunga, also the third highest mountain in the world. I wouldn’t call the Goecha La trek offbeat anymore, but it is still a surprisingly underrated trek, filled with surprises ranging from glacial lakes that reflect peaks around, rhododendron forests, captivating sunrises, monasteries, and views of several other mountains. It’s not for beginners since it involves a summit at the end (for that is where you get the closest view of the mighty Kangchenjunga), and there are several routes to get here but the one via Yuksom village is my favourite one. Need to know If you are pressed for time and want to get a taste of the Eastern Himalaya, the Sandakphu trail is a great pick. The five-day trek takes you to West Bengal’s highest point, and while it may not be very high at 3,637 metres, it shows you a stunning view of four of the world’s highest peaks, strung in the horizon across the border in Nepal. This mini trek can also serve as an add-on to Goecha La, a warm up to your big adventure, since it has the same base airport as the starting point. The Sandakphu viewpoint is also accessible via a 4x4 drive, with basic accommodation available.

  • Sikkim is an accessible and relaxed introduction to India’s enigmatic northeast. Here you can ease into the complexity of this region where the Indian Himalaya merges into the Nepal mountains. I find this the most diverse part of India, unmatched for its unique culture and food, with some incredible but quiet treks. Sikkim is politically one of the more stable states in this region, so easier to obtain permits for and travel in.

  • Goecha La

    Goecha La

  • Sikkim

    Sikkim

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