Sikkim offers something few other Indian regions can: a close, unobstructed view of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain on Earth, from trails that are otherwise wrapped in dense rhododendron and magnolia forest. The transition from subtropical valley to high alpine terrain happens fast here, often within two or three days of walking from the trailhead at Yuksom.
The main season runs March to May, when rhododendrons bloom in spectacular color along the lower trail, and again October to December, for the clearest mountain views. Because Sikkim’s trekking routes fall inside restricted border areas, most require permits arranged through registered trekking agencies — not something to plan last-minute.
Treks here range from the moderately challenging Dzongri viewpoint trek to the serious high-altitude routes to Goecha La and the remote Green Lake basecamp near the Zemu Glacier, one of the most demanding treks in India.
