His Solo Trip To Sikkim In October Is Just The Kind Of Adventure You Need!

What’s the best way to recharge your mind, body, and soul? TRAVEL! And that’s exactly why Purnangsu left behind the worries of the world and booked himself a 5 days trip to Sikkim in October when he realized he was in dire need of some ‘me time’! Here’s an account of his journey that will inspire you to gallivant away to Sikkim yourself, and we can bet on it!

I have been wanting to go to Sikkim for ages. My best friend has been there twice. The pictures, the stories, the serenity, all of this attracted me to Sikkim. My work has been getting stressful lately and I have not traveled in 2 years.

I needed to go to a place that offered some peace, some wonderful views, good food, and some time to let me clear my head. Sikkim was the obvious choice. The plus was that it was close and convenient to travel from West Bengal.

The challenge was to book a 5 days tour for myself within my budget, and that was when TravelTriangle came to my rescue. They tailored a package that had everything I wanted to do and wasn’t even expensive.

I had one hell of an experience in Sikkim, a paradise in every sense! And even the locals were extremely helpful and easily approachable at all times.

Details Of My Solo Trip To Sikkim In October

Trip Type: Solo
Trip Cost: INR 27,000/-
No. Of People: 1
Trip Duration: 4 Nights 5 Days
Inclusions: Breakfast, Non-AC vehicle, transfers, accommodation, taxes
Exclusions: Lunch, dinner, entry fee, travel insurance

Highlights Of My Customised Solo Trip To Sikkim

Day 1: Walk on MG Road
Day 2: Ropeway ride
Day 3: Jungle trek to Rabdentse Ruins
Day 4: Rappelling at Kanchenjunga Falls
Day 5: Sunrise over Kanchenjunga

Must Read: 19 Places To Visit In North Sikkim To Witness The Magic In 2022!

Sikkim Weather In October

The weather in Sikkim in October was fantastic. It was nice and breezy all throughout. There was enough sunshine and the clouds would come and go as they pleased. It rained every so often but it did not affect my travel plans. There was only one spot I could not visit in Pelling because of a landslide caused by overnight rainfall. Only during late nights and early mornings would it get very, very cold.

Best Experiences I Had On My 5 Days Trip To Sikkim In October

Here are some of my most memorable moments from the trip that I will cherish forever. Make sure you add these experiences to your own holiday so that you too can have a beautiful time in Sikkim!

1. Take A Leisurely Stroll On MG Road

There’s nothing like a serene and leisurely walk down the MG Road that bestows you with breathtaking sights of the hills in the distance. You are bound to forget all your worries or work and the world while you’re trotting down, as did I!

Other than dramatic scenes of the hills it was fun to watch the locals go about their daily chores, set up their shops, or just sit out and sip tea. Just make sure to bundle up well if you’re planning to go out for a walk here early in the morning or after sunset as it tends to get a little cold.

2. Ride The Ropeway For Panoramic Views

The Gangtok Ropeway is the best way to get uninterrupted panoramic views of the entire city and the beautiful valley below. It was one of the most fun and unmissable experiences of the whole trip to ride the Gangtok Cable Car to the top.

3. Walk To Rabdentse Ruins Through A Woodland

A visit to the Rabdentse Ruins is a must for all those who’re fond of history and adventure, as this delightful and somber site in Sikkim gives you both. A 15-minute trek through a lush forest and a clear blue lake get you to the top where these fascinating ruins welcome you with open arms and tell you their story.

I walked through it all by myself in complete solitude. It was both serene and eerie. Two dogs showed up right as I was about to give up and turn back. They wagged their tails and I followed them. Once I reached the clearing, it was worth it. The trek is not strenuous but will bring you closer to nature than you may ever have felt, and will reward you with the mesmerizing sights of the ruins in the end.

4. Go Rappelling Before Kanchenjunga Falls

Kanchenjunga Waterfalls are one of the most scenic waterfalls in Sikkim located in the Pelling region. But it offers a lot more than just good views. In fact, rappelling and rock climbing are among the most sought-after adventure activities at this point that no thrill-seeker should miss.

I had the most fun experience climbing down the 100 feet hill in the vicinity of the waterfall. And it’s absolutely safe as you’ll have experts to guide you through the activity and you’ll be harnessed to quality safety equipment at all times.

The exhilarating activity was followed by a mean cup of the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had at the Elgin Hotel. It was the perfect thing to beat the cold weather.

5. Witness A Grand Sunrise Over Kanchenjunga At 5 AM

The stunning views of the sunrise at Kanchenjunga are sure to leave an everlasting impression on your mind. There’s nothing more beautiful and peaceful than witnessing the sky gradually change colors and the first rays of the sun fall on the snow-laden peaks ahead, turning the white to shimmering golden!

I, along with many other travelers around me, sat here for a very long time totally in awe of the transforming vistas in front of us. It’s one of those visuals that never leave your mind!

My Accommodation In Sikkim

I stayed at Samrat Residency in Gangtok which offered a fantastic view of the valley below. I clicked some great pictures standing on the staircase-cum-balcony. I reached around 7 PM and checked in. The room was comfortable in terms of space. Everything was clean but I was doubtful of the extra blankets they provided and I did not use them. The pillow sheets could have used some more cleaning but I managed. The washroom was small but clean. Hot water was available in the morning. The staff was courteous and provided what I asked for in a timely manner. They spoke Hindi and it was easy for me to communicate with them. There was one problem – they would close their gates by 9 PM and I wasn’t able to stay late anywhere.

In Pelling, it was a bit difficult to locate the hotel in the first place but the place was much more homely than I expected. It was Hotel Valley View. Several Bengali families were already there and I felt comfortable. I was provided a nice room overlooking the grand Kanchenjunga and on the next day, I was upgraded to a room upstairs for an even better view. Both rooms were very spacious and were well maintained. Warm water was always available. The staff were very friendly and could speak in Hindi. There was one problem of power cuts, which occurred thrice during my stay but on all occasions, the power returned shortly thereafter.

Food In Sikkim

In Gangtok, I went to Taste of Tibet, which is located on MG Marg and is among the best restaurants in Sikkim. The prices were affordable, the food was delicious, and the portion was more than satisfactory. In Pelling, I went to The Elgin Mount Pandim for lunch. While everything was quite pricey, the whole ambiance was amazing. I sat outdoors on the courtyard and had the place almost entirely to myself!

I had breakfast and dinner at the hotels itself in Gangtok and Pelling. The breakfast was complimentary and for the dinner, I kept the expenses low since I did not want to experiment too much. On my way to Pelling, I stopped at a roadside momo place for some of the best momos of my life. That’s the thing about Sikkim. No matter how many pricey and posh cuisines you try here, it is only the delicious local food in Sikkim that will eventually satisfy your tummy.

My Experience Of Shopping In Sikkim

There are shopping stalls near every tourist spot throughout Gangtok (though not so much in Pelling). I’d recommend those stalls rather than visiting MG Marg where everything was much more pricey and the shopkeepers had stocked the same products. I bought a lot of souvenirs and gif items for family and friends.

You can never go wrong with fridge magnets here. However, there are a lot of fancy prayer wheels, wind chimes, and dream catchers as well that would be lovely to decorate your house with.

How To Reach Sikkim

I took a flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra, where the car provided by TravelTriangle was waiting to pick me up and take me to the first hotel in Gangtok. I could have taken a train from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri, but I preferred the convenience of a flight as it was less taxing and less time consuming as well.

Personal Expenses Incurred In Sikkim In October

My personal expenses were extremely low. But then that also differs from person to person based on what activities they pursue during their trip to Sikkim. I had to pay for entry tickets and parking worth INR 400 in total for 3 different tourist spots in Gangtok. The food was around INR 400 a day (including lunch and dinner) for 4 days. Shopping did not cost me more than INR 1,000 in total. And the ticket for rappelling across the Kanchenjunga Falls in Pelling was INR 100.

Some Sikkim Travel Tips For A Hassle-Free Holiday

Book your trip way in advance so that you can get the flight tickets and hotel rooms at a much lesser price.
Vegetarians do not have to worry about being able to find good food here since there are a lot of restaurants as well as normal restaurants serving veg dishes all across Sikkim.
Don’t hesitate to try Sikkim street food like momos.
If you’re traveling to Sikkim solo, you’re going to be spending a lot of time on the road. Take in the sights and learn to adapt.
The absence of cellular network might create a problem so be prepared for that, especially in Pelling.
Try and carry a map as GPS tracking won’t work in Pelling owing to weak network connectivity.
Call the hotel staff and figure out your hotel’s location before you arrive so that you do not get lost once you’re there.
Bring along a power bank.
Do not underestimate the weather and do proper research on what to pack for a Sikkim trip in October.
Respect the culture and traditions. Be friendly at all times. Most people in Sikkim are more than willing to help you out.

My Experience With TravelTriangle

TravelTriangle provided me with an affordable quote from a vendor and provided assistance whenever required, especially when I barely had network and was trying to locate my hotel in Pelling. They provided hotels that suited my budget and my requirements and a driver who was more than capable of showing me around while maintaining road safety. I had a wonderful experience with them and I will recommend them freely to my friends and family when selecting their next holiday.

Further Read: Our 8 Days Family Trip To Sikkim Had Sightseeing, Adventure & Lots Of Fun!

Dreaming about your own solo escapade already? Then why wait? Take help from this adventure-packed travel tale to book your holiday in Sikkim right away. It doesn’t matter if you visit Sikkim in October or any other month. What matters most is the experience and the memories you’ll make along the way!

Common Queries I Had While Planning My Holiday

How is the weather in Sikkim in October?

The weather in Sikkim in October is known to be quite pleasant and breezy all throughout. While the nights and morning tend to be a little chilly, the afternoons will be blessed with enough sunshine to let you explore. The average temperature in Sikkim during this time ranges from 15℃ to 20℃.

Is there snow in Nathula Pass in October?

Yes, there are high chances of Nathula Pass having snowfall at the end of October.