Adventure tourism is the migration of individuals from one location to another outside of their comfort zone for the purpose of travel or exploration to far-off, exotic, and perhaps hazardous locations. A form of tourism known as “adventure tourism” involves participating in adventurous activities like skydiving, mountain climbing, and scuba diving.
Travelers under 35 are huge fans of adventure tourism. Allowing the visitors to travel beyond of their comfort zone contributes significantly to the excitement of adventure tourism. This might be as a result of going through culture shock or by engaging in actions that involved some level of risk (real or imagined) and physical danger. Some of the places need special permit to visit.
The Main adventure one can get soaked into in Sikkim are :
TREKKING
Some of the best hiking adventure opportunities in the Himalaya is found here in Sikkim. A trekker’s paradise, the state’s huge, undeveloped mountain range includes the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, which winds through forests of rhododendron, hemlock, silver fir, and magnolia while providing views of the Kangchendzonga peaks in the distance. The most well-known trip in Sikkim, Dzongri-Goecha La Trek, renowned for spectacular mountain vistas, a summertime flower extravaganza, bird watching, and views of virgin forest.
The most alluring of all the trekking adventure in this region, with a variety of blooms including rhododendrons, primulas, and blue poppies, is the trip to Green Lake at the foot of Mount Kangchendzonga on the Zemu glacier in North Sikkim.
a. Monastic Trek
Season: March-May/October-December
Itinerary: Pemayangtse- Sangacholing-Khecheopalri- Hongri- Sinon- Tashiding- Ralong
b. Rhododendron Trek
Season: March-May
Itinerary: Hilley/Soreng- Barsey- Dentam-Pemayangtse
Hilley- Barsey- Jorbutey- Kalijar- Chewabhabjang- Uttary
c. Khangchendzonga Trek
Season: Mid-March- Mid June/October- December
Itinerary: Yuksom- Bkhim- Tsoka- Dzongri- Thangsing/Kokchurong- Lamuni/Chaurigang- Goechala/Rathong glacier and back.
d. Coronation Trek
Season: October/December
Itinerary: Rumtek- Sang- Yangyang- Ravang- Tashiding- Yuksom.
e. Khedi Trek
Season: October-December
Itinerary: Assam Lingzey-Pashing Teng Kha (Base Camp, 1425m)
-Chauri Kharka-Do Bato-Khedi- Sela Pass (3150m)
-Do Basti-Tal Kharka-Nugang-Passang Teng Kha.
f. Singalila Trek
Season: Mid May-October
I) Itinerary: Uttarey-Chewabhanjang-Dhor (Wahong)-Sikkim Megu-Dafey Bhir-Gomanthang/Boktok
ii) Pelling- Nambu- Chongri- Yambung- Dafeybhir- Gomathang- Tegyapla- Dzongri- Thanghshing- Lamuney- Kokchurong- Tsokha- Yuksom- Tegyapla- Bikbari- Dzongri Tsoka- Yuksom
g. Samartek Trek
Season: Mid-March-Mid June/October-December
Itinerary: kodong-Dokshing-TsenKhong-Lenchok-Samartek-Pakchong-Kungo-Kuling Nae (Cave) Gungramgampo-Singhik-Dak Bungalow
h. Rinchenpong/Soreng Trek
Season: April-June/October-December
Itinerary: Kaluk-Rinchenpong Dak bungalow-Rigsum Gumpa-Kalud-Sribadam Jhandi Dara-Soreng
i. Himalayan Trek (South Sikkim)
Season: April-June/October-December
Itinery: Namchi(Base camp)-Tendong-Damthang-Ravangla-Maenam-Bhaley Dhunga-Yangyang-Sinchuthang-Bermoik-Parbing-Namchi
j. Tosar Lake Trek (North Sikkim)
Mangan –Naksuk-Sohar Dhe-Soahar Antsok-Patam-Tosar Lake-Mayong Tar-Kalep Mangan
k. Meanam Hill Trek (South)
Rabong-Meanam-balleydunga-Ralong-Rabong
l. Tendong Hill Trek
Dentam-Tendong- Samdruptse – Namchi
RIVER RAFTING
One of the most desired adventure sport is river rafting. River rafting on the Teesta may be the most heart-pounding experience imaginable, offering everything from calm glides through breathtaking mountain scenery to roaring rapids that only the most expert rafter can negotiate. A wonderful approach to experience nature and adventure is to meander along the untamed mountain river. Deep forests, little communities, and areas of terraced agriculture may be found along the riverbanks. There are several white sand beaches that provide suitable camping areas. Rafting is a fun activity because calm floats are alternated with rapids of classifications 2 to 4.
You can see the natural beauty of the area while floating along the river. For help planning river rafting adventures, both novice and seasoned explorers can turn to the Department of Tourism and travel agencies. Prices are often fair and will include meals, gear, life jackets, helmets, a knowledgeable guide, and lodging. In the height of rafting season, organized rafting parties are frequently seen at the majority of these nice riverside campgrounds.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Another adventure that has just lately been introduced in Sikkim is mountain biking, and the state is quickly becoming as a top mountain biking destination. Mountain biking trails may be found all across the state. Some routes are best for tough mountain biking, while others provide beautiful scenery to bike across.
Currently there are a number of new routes that have been introduced in Sikkim:
a. Gangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- Temi- Damthang- Rabong- Kewzing- Tashiding- Yusum- Pelling- Dentam- Rinchenpong- Soreng- Sombaria- Jorthang- Namchi- Rangpo.
b. Gangtok- Phodong- Rangrang- Dikchu Makha- Sirwani- Temi.
c. Gangtok- Rumtek- Sangh- Sirwani- Temi- Namchi- Jorethang- Melli
d. Gangtok- Rumtek- Sang- Sirwani- Temi- Namchi- Namthang- Rangpo
Other Mountain biking routes in Sikkim:
Rangpo- Rhenock- Rongli- Barapathing- Pakyong- Ranipool-Gangtok-Rumtek-Sang- Temi-Ravang-Tashiding-Pelling-Khechopalri Lake-Yuksom-Rabong-Dikchu-Mangan-Lachung-Yumthang and back.
MOUNTAINEERING
The world-famous Himalayas in Sikkim provide a wealth of opportunities for adventure activities including climbing. Mountaineering is one of the many adventure activities that is rapidly growing in popularity in Sikkim. Popular Sikkim peaks where mountaineering is permitted include Jopuno, Tinchenkhang, Frey’s Peak, Lamo Angden, and Byrmkhangse. With the assistance of specific licenses from the relevant government, one may attempt climbing in these summits.
The best time to go mountaineering in Sikkim is from May through October.
YAK RIDING
Another well-liked and interesting adventure activity in Sikkim is yak riding.
The ethereally gorgeous Tsomgo Lake is located at an elevation of 12,310 feet, 35 kilometers from Gangtok. Yaks are ready to take you on a trip around the lake or up the mountain. They are brightly ornamented, with woolen knitwear covering their horns and foreheads, and have strings of bells around their necks. Yak Rides are also organized by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department and private travel companies in Dzongri, West Sikkim, a well-liked trekking location, with advance reservations.
BIRD WATCHING
Sikkim is known as a birdwatcher’s paradise and is rich in avifauna. Its avian population includes about 550 different species. The climate fluctuates between the lowlands’ tropical heat and the snowy areas’ alpine cold. The vegetation is classified into four different altitudinal zones: tropical, subtropical, temperate, and alpine. In certain locations, the distance between the balmy valleys and never-ending snow is barely 10 km. The humidity, rainfall, climate, and vegetation have clearly differentiated altitudinal zones as a result of the terrain’s telescoping. Due to the wide variety and abundance of the local bird life, this region is arguably one of the richest areas of its size in the entire world.
West Sikkim has excellent chances for birdwatching. One of the greatest birding locations in Sikkim, Barsey, situated at 3300 meters on a large ridge covered with protected forests of Silver Fir, hemlocks, magnolias, and rhododendrons is a paradise.
Apart from Bird watching
There are several fantastic hiking trails and birding locations in Pemayangste and the neighboring hamlet of Pelling. These woodlands are home to some significant species, including the Maroon-Backed Accentor and Red-faced Liocichla.
In addition to migrating ducks, the Khecheopheri Lake occasionally supports uncommon species like the Black-necked Crane, the Black-tailed Crane, and many more.
The 10-day Dzongri trip is the greatest option for individuals who are excited about trekking in the high Himalayas if they want to view higher altitude birds. Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Brown Parotbill, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Cutia, Sapphire flycatcher, White-browed Bush Robin, Grandala, Rufous-breasted Accentors, White-winged and collared Grosbeaks, Spot-winged Rosefinch, and Grandala are some of the birds sighted on this trip.
the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary in South Sikkim. The sanctuary begins at a height of 2000 meters with a subtropical forest, which is progressively replaced by wet temperate forest between 2500 and 3000 meters, and sub-alpine conifer forests above 3000 meters. It takes 12 km to get from Rabongla to Maenam Top, and a further 1 km of hiking will bring you to Bhaledhunga, a cockscomb-shaped stone. The Satyr Tragopan, Kalij pheasant, Rusty-bellied Shortwing, Minivet, Yuhina, flycatchers, etc. are significant bird species in this trek.
Parks and Sanctuaries
Kanchendzonga National Park
The Khangchendzonga National Park is Sikkim’s largest wildlife reserve, covering an area of 1784 square kilometers. The park’s western border, straddled by the Khangchendzonga, the third-highest mountain in the world, from which the reserve derives its name. The enormous Zemu Glacier is also part of the reserve. The National Park is one of the country’s top high-altitude national parks and is home to one of the planet’s most stunning eco-systems.
Due to its location in such an inhospitable area in the North and South districts, the area has mostly remained undeveloped. The red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Tibetan antelope, wild ass, barking deer, musk deer, flying squirrel, and rhododendron dwell in peace and seclusion in the reserve along with other animals.
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
The Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is located 20 kilometers from Gangtok and spans a 52 sq. km area. In addition to a variety of birds and butterflies, the sanctuary is home to a number of leopards, red pandas, civet cats, and Himalayan black bears. In addition, the sanctuary is the home to several rhododendrons and wild orchids. At Golitar and Tumin, there is a log home with two rooms.
For both domestic and international tourists, the Forest Department requires permission.
Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary
The Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary, 43 square kilometers in size and through which the Yumthang River runs, resides close to Lachung in the North region. Rhododendron bushes and trees grow in great profusion throughout the Sanctuary. Only in this sanctuary does the state tree, the Rhododendron Niveum, grow. This area is also rich in ground flora, including primulas, potentillas, gentians, poppies, and aconites. When the rhododendrons are in full bloom and the sanctuary is a riot of hues, April through July is the greatest time to come. The last frontier community before arriving at the sanctuary is Lachung. Both in Yumthang and here, there is a Forest Rest House.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
The Kyongnosala Alpine Sanctuary, situated 31 kilometers east of Gangtok on the route to Nathu La, is rich in both flora and wildlife and spans an area of 31 square kilometers.
A magnificent diversity of rhododendrons, primroses, poppies, and other wild flowers found in the sanctuary creates aromatic ecosystem. Here, the endangered ground slipper orchid Cypripedium Tibeticum and the state tree of Sikkim, Rhododendron Nevium, have both been introduced.
The reserve is home to several species of pheasants as well as the critically endangered musk deer, red panda, Himalayan black bear, and serow [long haired goat].
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
Overlooking the South Sikkim village of Ravangla, the 35 sq. km. large Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary known as “Maenam-la,” which means “Treasure-house of Medicines,” houses a variety of medicinal plants.
The red panda, leopard, black eagle, and civet cat are among the animals and birds found in the temperate forest, in addition to other creatures. The reserve’s boundaries also include the 3,263-meter-tall Maenam Peak.
Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
The Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary situated in West Sikkim, close to Hilley is a treat in flowering season. This little 104-square-kilometer sanctuary, which is located between the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve and Singalila National Park in the south and north, supports a diverse range of biodiversity. At an altitude of 2200–4100 meters, the sanctuary’s greatest draws are its rhododendrons, which bloom from April through May.
Before Varsey, Hilley is the final motorable location. You may reach the Sanctuary by walking four kilometers through lovely pine trees. The Guras Kunj trekker’s cabin is where you may stay.
Most of the information given here are from the Sikkim Government Official Website