Sikkim is just right destination for such adventure-sport lovers. In this beautiful state of India, there are myriad adventure sports that offer for the tourists who are thrill-seekers and adrenaline-junkie, the state has lot to offer starting from the trekking, water sports, mountain biking, yak safari, hang gliding and browsing through the wildlife of the area that is more like a voyage of adventure and discovery.

Trekking Adventure in Sikkim - Sikkim is the ultimate destination for a trekking holiday, there are many trek routes that can satisfy your taste for adventure offering everything from easy and short excursions to the long challenges of the snowy peaks, invoking visions of the spectacular Himalayas, the lush meadows, green woodland and fragrant orchards. Technical climbing experience is not necessary as most of the trek routes are between 6000 and 14,000 feet. This difference itself is good enough to establish the range of trek routes in Sikkim. The trek routes not only take you through the most picturesque parts of Sikkim, lush green grasslands and deep alpine forests, but also take you to some of the biggest and most beautiful monasteries that are scattered throughout the state. The best time to go for trekking is from Mid-February to Late-May and from October to Mid-December. Between the months of June and September, trekking is not feasible as Sikkim is prone to landslides in monsoons. However, the months between December and February are not recommended due to frigid temperature.

All trekking in Sikkim is being arranged as camping trips as there are no hotels or lodges along the trails. Depending on altitude a trekking day is usually consists of 5 to 7 hours of walking.Darjeeling Sandakphu Trekking, Kanchanjunga Range Trekking, Green Lake Trekking, Dzongri Trekking and Dzongri – Goechala Trekking are famous trekking route in Sikkim but in fact there are much more.

Mountaineering Adventure in Sikkim - The Sikkim Himalayas, the epitome of the world's mountains, encompass a wonderland, which for sheer beauty and magnificence remains unbeaten elsewhere in the globe. Sikkim has numerous peaks, some are climbed before, some are still virgin and the others are considered sacred for the people of Sikkim.

In the southwestern part of Sikkim, in the main Himalayan range, lies the majestic Kanchanjunga or Kanchanjunga, rising to a staggering height of 8,586 meters above sea level. Beside these third largest peaks, other famous mountaineering peaks in Sikkim include- Kabru, Kirat Chulior Tent Peak (7,365m) and Sinolchu (6,887m). Mountaineering expeditions, unlike trekking, require more planning and paperwork as clearance is required from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi. Besides these the local governments also impose royalties on certain peaks.

Little History: The first European to explore the Kanchanjunga area was Douglas W. Fresh field who reached its base in 1899 from the Green Lake Basin area. A German expedition led by Paul Bauer made the first attempt to reach the summit in 1929 followed by another attempt in 1931 and reached an altitude of 26,000 ft. In 1955 Charles Evans conquered Kanchanjunga a few feet below the summit from the Nepal side. In 1977 an expedition led by Major Prem Chand reached a few feet below the summit. In 1987 an Assam Rifles expedition attempted the peak. In 1991 an Indo Japanese expedition led by Hukam Singh and Yoshio Ogata conquered the peak.

The Kabru was first climbed in 1935 by a British C.R. Cooke. The Pyramid Peak was first conquered in 1949 by a Swiss R. Dittert. A British A.M. Kallas, climbed the Paunhri in 1911. The summit of Siniolchu was first reached by a German in 1936. It was later again climbed by the famous Sikkimese Everester Sonam Gyatso. Pandim was climbed in 1993 by a team from the Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute. Rathong was conquered by an Indian expedition in 1964.

Kanchanjunga (8586m/28,146ft) is considered the Guardian Deity of Sikkim. For sentimental, religious and other environmental reasons, permission is not granted by the Sikkim government is to scale the peak. Rathong (22,000ft.) has some of the open peaks though they require special permits. The best known peaks in Sikkim - Talung, Jonsong and Tent are all above 24,000 feet.

Mountaineering Permits: Foreigners are required to paperback their names along with the peak fee. The mountaineering expeditions in India are organized or sponsored with the due grant of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF). It is compulsory for foreigners to take along relationship officers from the Sikkim Mountaineering Association and the Indian Mountaineering Foundation with them.

Actually, IMF acts as a clearing house for foreign expeditions and authorizes a relationship officer to escort foreign climbers. Each and every request undergoes the clearance process by IMF. It is recommended to notify at least six months prior to your expedition. Each and every emergency and accident is taken care of by the relationship officer, who would help in rescuing with the help of Indian Air Force.

White water rafting Adventure in Sikkim: White water River rafting in Sikkim is still an upcoming adventure sport but has already shown a great prospect for future. River Teesta and Rangit are the two rivers where rafting can be indulged. There are long stretches of fast rapids in River Teesta which have been graded class 4 on international level. Most of rapids fall in class 2 to 4 though there are few rapids that have been graded class 5. Being in the middle range, River Teesta is enjoyable for beginner’s as well expert rafters. For most part of the year, the water remains freezing cold, so it is advised that you wear protective clothing and follow the instructions of the instructor. There are many sand spots on the banks of the river that are good campsites.

Kayaking Adventure in Sikkim: Kayaking is a little more risky than river-rafting. Undertaken on the Teesta, the expedition of Kayaking is approved for special groups. Fiberglass Kayaks of international standards are obtainable through Sikkim tourism. Before getting on this journey, some amount of experience is required in Kayaking as it is meant for experienced rafters and requires a little knowledge.

Yak Safari Adventure in Sikkim: Yak Safari: Get set to embark on a safari with a difference. You must have heard about Jeep Safari, Camel Safari and horse Safari, but here we are offering you a Yak Safari. A trip on the back of Yak, moving through the craggy trails, in the midst of angelic beauty of Sikkim, actually addresses the appreciation of every person. Organized in different parts of Sikkim, Yak Safari is truly an unforgettable and one of its kind experiences.

The area near Dzongri and Tsomgo Lake are popular trails amongst tourists. The Yaks have been domesticated since centuries in Sikkim. In the recent years, the animal has been used to create an adventure sport for people. The tourists from far-off lands come here to enjoy this tranquil ride on a Yak. Moreover, in the hoard of other adventure sports, Yak Safari is a sport that is enjoyed by people of every age-group. Be it a child or an older person, Yak Safari can become an exciting voyage for each one.

Another interesting fact about the Yak is that it is found in alpine zones, where the low temperature is just ideal to ensemble the requirements of this mammal. In order to enjoy Yak Safari, you have to put your name down for it in advance since it is difficult to get the ride during the peak seasons. It is for sure that once you take this safari, it would really become a memorable part of your reminiscences of your trip to Sikkim.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Sikkim: The Sikkim government established various national parks and sanctuaries in order to protect the rich flora and fauna of Sikkim from the hunters. Some of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim are the Kanchanjunga National Park, Famlong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary.

Kanchanjunga National Park: Kanchanjunga National Park is the largest national park in Sikkim. This park covers an area of 850 square km. It is bounded in the north by the Tent Peak and the ridge of the Zemu glacier, in the east by the ridge of the Mountain Lamo Angden, in the south by Mount Narsing and Mount Pandim and in the west by the mighty Kanchanjunga the Nepal peak. The park has remained ecologically untouched due to such features and so it provides a natural protection to the plants and animals. Due to this there are chances that new species can also be discovered here. The animals which are found here are the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black bear, Red Panda, Barking deer and various other animals.

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary: Fambong Lho Wildlife sanctuary is located about 20 km from Gangtok. This wildlife sanctuary covers an area of about 5200 hectares above the road between Singtam and Dickchu. The highest point is located at a place called Tinjure at 7000 feet where a wooden observation tower of the Forest Department exists. Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Civet Cat and many varieties of birds and butterflies can be found in this sanctuary.

The Maenam Wildlife Wildlife Sanctuary: The Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary is located in South Sikkim above the town of Rabongla. This wildlife sanctuary covers an area of about 3500 hectares with its highest point being at Maenam at 10600 feet. The Red Panda, Leopard Cat, Civet Cat, Blood pheasant, Black eagles and other animals can be found in this wildlife sanctuary.

The Singba Rhodondendron Sanctuary: The Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary is located near Yumthang in north Sikkim. This sanctuary contains a vast variety of rhododendrons. When these flowers are in full blossom they provide a beautiful colour to this small 33 hectare park. The Blood pheasant, partridges and tiger civet are the various animals which can be found in this wildlife sanctuary

Flora & Fauna in Sikkim: The altitude that varies right from sea level to summits that touch the skies, the flora and fauna naturally covers a wide spectrum. Nowhere in the world in such a small area can one find flora and fauna of all varieties - Tropical to the Alpines. Sikkim's botanical and zoological richness is awe- inspiring, boasting of more than 4000 species of plants and 30% of all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent. No wonder Sikkim has been a dream of naturalists. Dr. J. Hooker during the middle of the last century surveyed in the detail the botanical wealth in Sikkim and his findings were embodied in the publication 'Himalayan Journal' that is still considered as an authoritative document. Dr. Salim Ali an ornithologist has given a detailed account on birds in his book 'The birds of Sikkim'. Besides these there are many books available on the flora & fauna of Sikkim.

Plants in Sikkim: The lowlands in the south, 800'to 5000', experience a tropical climate; lush vegetation such as figs, laurel, Sal trees and bamboos have been cleared in some areas for farming. The temperate forest of oak, chestnut, maple, birch, alder, magnolia and silver fir dominates between 5000; and 13000. Above 13000, is the alpine zone where juniper, cypresses and rhododendrons grow? The perpetual snowline lies at 16000'. Luxuriant forests cover 36% of the land; more than 4000 species of plant have been recorded in Sikkim. Over 600 species of orchids grow in Sikkim, Epiphytes and terrestrial types, in the tropical and temperate zones. 35 species of rhododendrons grow in temperate and alpine regions, their flowering from May to August colors hillsides.

Animals in Sikkim: Amongst the mammals of Sikkim are the rare Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red panda, Musk Deer and Blue Sheep. Birdlife is abundant with Giant Lammergeier, Vultures, Eagles, Whistling Thursh, Minivets, Bulbuls and Pheasants among the 550 species to be seen in Sikkim.

Bird Watching Adventure in Sikkim: Sikkim is rich in avifauna and is considered to be a birdwatchers paradise. Its avian population extends to almost 550 species. The climate varies between the tropical heat of the valleys and the alpine cold of the snowy regions. The altitudinal zones of vegetation range from tropical, sub tropical, temperate to Alpine. In some places only 10-kms in a direct line separate the warm valleys from perpetual snow. The telescoping of terrain has created marked altitudinal donation in the humidity, rainfall, climate and vegetation. This factor is responsible for the great variety and abundance of the resident bird life, making this area arguably one of the richest areas of its size anywhere in the world.

The Sikkim bird watching tour you will visit some of the beautiful birds in Sikkim like vultures, eagles, whistling thrush, minivets, bulbuls and pheasants. In the Sikkim bird watching tour you will visit Darjeeling, Mungpu forest, Batasi forest, Dhodrey, Sandhakphu, Lepcha Jagat, Yuksum, Kalimpong, Lolagaon and Lava Forest.

Bird Watching in West Sikkim - offers great birding opportunities. Barsey, located at 3300 meters, on a massive ridge covered with protected forests of Silver Fir, hemlocks, magnolia, and Rhododendrons is one of the best birding areas in Sikkim. Around Pemayangste and the nearby village of Pelling there are several excellent birding sites and hikes. Some important species like the Maroon-Backed Accentor, Red-faced Liocichla etc are found around these forests. The Khecheopheri Lake hosts migrant ducks and occasionally some rare species such as Black-necked Crane, Black-tailed Crane and many others.

For those who are enthusiastic about trekking in the high Himalayas, the best way to see higher altitude birds is to take the 10 day Dzongri Trek. Some of the birds seen on this trip are Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Brown Parotbill, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Cutia, Sapphire flycatcher, White browned Bush Robin, Grandala, Rufous - breasted Accentors, White winged and collared Grosbeaks, Spot-winged Rose finch.

Bird Watching in South Sikkim - is the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary starts from 2000 meters, with a sub-tropical forest, gradually taken over by moist temperate forest at around 2500 meters to 3000 meters and then sub-alpine conifer forests at altitude higher than 3000 meters. Rabongla to Maenam top is about 12-kms and a further 1km trek will take one to Bhaledhunga, a cockscomb shaped stone. Important birds in this trek include Satyr Tragopan, Kalij pheasant, rusty-bellied Shortwing, Minivet, Yuhina, flycatchers etc.

Bird Watching in North Sikkim - Tholung Valley, in North Sikkim is also a treasure house of birds. It is located in the shadow of the 6888 meters high Siniolchu, and the 5200 meters Lamo Anden, this is virtually an uninhabited valley. Over 67 species were recorded in this region from little cormorant, crested serpent eagle, black eagle, common kestrel, Himalayan monal, kalij pheasant, spotted dove, grey headed parakeet, white rumped Needletail, Himalyan woodpecker, greater yellownape, lesser yellownape, black drongo, long tailed shrike and more.

Mountain Biking Adventure in Sikkim: Mountain biking is one of best adventure tourism in Sikkim. The natural terrain of the mountain region affords the adventure lovers with an exciting range of biking trails to choose from. Most of the roads in Sikkim are negotiable by mountain bikes. The beauty of the countryside, flora and fauna and lifestyle of the Sikkimise people is best experienced on a bike's seat as you meander through lush green hills and dales. Mostly it is popular in North Sikkim & West Sikkim.

Mountain Biking is another adventure that has been recently introduced in Sikkim. Most of the roads in Sikkim are negotiable by mountain bikes. This sport is definitely poised to become popular in Sikkim in the near future. This sport is being promoted in most parts of North Sikkim & West Sikkim.

The popular routes for Bikers starting from Gangtok are: Phodong - Rangrang - Dikchu - Makha - Singtam OR Gangtok - Lingdum - Rumtek - Martam - Sang - Makha - Singtam - Singchuthang - Temi Tea Garden - Ravangla - Dentam - Sombarey. Another popular desired route in East Sikkim are: Gangtok - Bhusuk - Assam Lingzey - Pakyong - Rorathang - Rhenock - Rongli - Aritar.