Best Camping Places for Couples in Sikkim
A state in north-eastern India, Sikkim borders Bhutan in the east, Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north, West Bengal in the south, and Nepal in the west.
Sikkim offers a plethora of destinations to get a break from the routine while showing picturesque landscapes and mountainscapes to be explored. Sikkim has well-connected locations suitable for traveling along with your partner and spending time together. Camp under starry skies for some additional thrill to a perfect romantic getaway!
Camping as a journey as well as a recreational activity has become popular in Sikkim with its alluring aura and rustic beauty. Sikkim boasts of serene water beds, thick frondescence, and beautiful sacred places. Sounds awesome already? Then read on to find out about enthralling camping places in Sikkim!
1. Teesta
The Teesta valley in Sikkim is home to the tea estates producing some of the finest Darjeeling tea.
Tourists all over the country visit the Teesta valley to check out the tea plantations and sip one of the finest tea varieties in the world! The valley houses the Gajoldoba village on the western side of the river close to the forest of Baikunthapur.
Earlier, Gajaldoba used to be famous for the dam built on the Teesta river that is being used to provide water for irrigation to the agricultural lands of North Bengal. The dam has also become home to migratory birds during winter.
Camping by the Teesta Riverside offers a wonderful experience to adventure lovers. It offers amazing views encompassing the river valley and surrounding peaks.
With your partner, you can relax in the lap of nature by hearing the sounds of the river lapping by at the banks and the birds chirping around. Together, you can go for long walks and hikes. White water rafting is also extremely famous at Teesta.
The Teesta River camp at Bardang is only a 45 min drive from Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital. Campsites might offer enjoyment such as Bonfire followed by drool-worthy snacks and music, helping you to have a memorable time with your partner.
Best Time to Visit:
March to June, September to November
How to Reach:
Bagdodra is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 62 km away. A local taxi can be hired to reach the destination. The nearest railway station, the New Jalpaiguri station, is 59 km away, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed. Teesta is also well connected through highways.
Best Camps:
- Camping Nature Retreat Teesta
- Teesta Rangeet Riverside Camping Triveni
- Triveni Campsite
- Tourbix Adventures, Triveni
- Triveni Camping Paaila Service Group
- Riverdale Camping
- Overnight Teesta Baradang Camping
2. Tsomgo Lake
The Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake located in the State of Sikkim at an elevation of 12,000 ft. Also known as Changu Lake, it is 40 km from the capital city Gangtok.
A popular tourist destination, it is elliptical in shape and runs 15 meters deep. It is surrounded by a bright green alpine forest and snow-capped mountains. This beautiful lake gets its water from the melting of snow hence the name Tsomgo with “Tso” meaning lake and “Mgo” meaning source of water.
The lake is fabled to change color every season, with darker water suggesting troubled times to come. The lake is considered holy and revered by the local people of Sikkim.
During winters, the lake is frozen as the temperature goes below 0 degrees Celsius, but by late spring, the flowers bloom in abundance, creating a beautiful aroma around the lake. The lake falls in the restricted category, and hence an inner line permit is required to visit it.
A beautiful sight to behold, Tsomgo Lake is a must-visit along with your partner. With nearby campsite accommodations available, it makes for a lovely camping tour visit.
Best Time to Visit:
March to May, October to November
How to Reach:
Bagdodra is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 124 km away. A local taxi can be hired to reach the destination. The nearest railway station, the New Jalpaiguri station, is 148 km away, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed. Tsomgo Lake can be accessed through Gangtok – Nathula Highway.
Best Camps:
- Camping Crew
- Backpackers Nest, Kalimpong
- Triveni River Bank Camping
- Camp Mantis
3. Dzongri
Reaching Dzongri is a two-day trek from Yuksom. Dzongri Trek is considered an excellent trekking destination in North-Eastern India. Nestled in the Himalayas, Dzongri offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, Buddhist monasteries, and ancient temples, among many other things.
Dzongri is a hidden gem of the north-eastern region. You and your partner are sure to experience the adventure and splendor of the exotic wildlife and picturesque backdrops.
The Dzongri has plenty of fluttering Tibetan prayer flags and offers an unparalleled view of Kanchenjunga, Kabru, and Pandim. Imagine walking in paradise with your partner because that is just what this trek has been christened! The hike is called ‘Walking in Paradise’ and is a traveler’s delight.
Best Time to Visit:
May to June, September to November
How to Reach:
Dzongri can be accessed through Yuksom. Bagdodra is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 150 km away.
A local taxi can be hired to reach the destination. The nearest railway station, the New Jalpaiguri station, is 146 km away, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed. Tsomgo Lake can be accessed through Gangtok – Nathula Highway.
Best Camps:
- Dzongu Camps
- Upper Dzongri
- Dzongri Trekker Hut
4. Singalila
Singalila Hills offer a splendid view of the snow-capped towering peaks of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse. The treks in the area start at the height of 7000 ft and end at 12,000 ft above sea level. The beauty and wilderness at each and every step of the trek shall fascinate you and your partner.
Singalila is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. You will come across plenty of flora and fauna consisting of majestic trees, flowering shrubs, as well as small animals that call Singalila Hills their home.
Singalila also houses the Singalila National Park, home to the exotic Red Pandas along with the yellow throat-ed Marten, Himalayan Black Bear, and Clouded Leopard. Spend time with your partner up and close to nature and all the bounty it has to offer.
Best Time to Visit:
March to May, September to November
How to Reach:
Bagdodra is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 93 km away. A local taxi can be hired to reach the destination. The nearest railway station, the Ghoom station, is 31 km away from Tonglu, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed. Singalila can be accessed through highways and public transport as well.
Best Camps:
- Singalila National Park
- Gurdum Backpackers Camp
- Parijayi Trekker’s Campsite
- Samanden Camping Ground
- India Hikes Campsite
5. Lachung – Yumthang Valley
Described as Sikkim’s most charming hill station, Lachung is perched at the height of approximately 9,600 feet above sea level in northeast Sikkim. Meandering streams, breathtaking waterfalls, and Snow-capped mountains await couples wishing to spend time together at Lachung!
Along with your partner, you can go apple picking in the apple orchards of Lachung and fill your day with delicious cuisine to try out. The Lachung Monastery, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and the Yumthang Valley are popular attractions among tourists.
Lachung’s hot springs offer you the perfect cozy atmosphere to spend time with your partner in a pleasant environment while sitting in the hot springs.
Best Time to Visit:
October to June
How to Reach:
Bagdodra is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 194 km away. A local taxi can be hired to reach the destination. The nearest railway station, the New Jalpaiguri station, is 127 km away, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed. Lachung can be accessed through highways and public transport as well.
Best Camps:
- Lamuney Campsite
- OurGuest Camp Lachung
- Himalaya Camping
- Camping in Lachung, Luxury Camps
6. Rishikhola
Rishikhola or Reshi Khola is an offbeat attraction along the Sikkim – West Bengal Border, approximately 36 km away from Kalimpong. Riverside camping by the banks of River Rishi is what Rishikhola offers.
You and your partner can also visit the nearby Lampokhari Lake and Kupup Lake, spending time in each other’s company in a perfect natural ambiance. Rishi Khola also offers nearby hikes and trails for couples seeking adventure. You can also visit the Pedong monastery to understand Buddhist culture better.
Best Time to Visit:
March to June, September to November
How to Reach:
Bagdodra is the nearest domestic airport, approximately 110 km away. A local taxi can be hired to reach the destination. The nearest railway station, the New Jalpaiguri station, is 105 km away, from where a bus or taxi can be hailed. Rishikhola is also well connected through highways.
Best Camps:
- Camping Kalimpong
- Pooja Das Camping Site
- Dipkar’s Bistro and Camping Services Teesta Triveni
- Teesta Triveni White Water Rafting and Camping
How to Reach Sikkim?
Sikkim can be reached through air, rail, and road travel.
The Bagdodra airport located in West Bengal provides access to Sikkim and is well connected with the rest of the domestic airports. It is 124 km away from the capital city Gangtok. Indira Gandhi Airport in New Delhi is the nearest international airport.
Sikkim doesn’t have many broad-gauge stations. Siliguri and Jalpaiguri are 146 km and 187 km away, respectively. Sikkim is well-connected by roads and also has well-connected intrastate transportation.
What’s the Best Season to be in Sikkim?
The best time to visit Sikkim is from March to June when the weather is expected to be pleasant and sunny. October to February is the best time to experience winters in Sikkim. However, the weather conditions in some locations become extreme.
Things to keep in mind while Camping:
For those not wishing to carry their own camping gear, plenty of campsites are available. You can choose a campsite based on location and budget preferences.
Most of these campsites offer tents on a twin-sharing basis, ideal for partners who want to pool in.
If you plan to bring your camping gear along, research well about your camping locations to avoid dangers and inconveniences.
It is better to pitch your tent near another campsite, guest house, or hotel for convenience and safety. Look for places to camp near existing chadar tents, dhabas, or nearby a small village. This shall help in availing food and washroom facilities!
Final Thoughts
River Side camping in Sikkim is one of the best ways to experience the pristine beauty of nature and enjoy the serenity.
You can fall asleep in your partner’s arms, to the soft music of water lapping by the bank, and wake up together to magical sunrises – the perfect peaceful camping getaway. By the riverbanks, you can also learn and enjoy fishing or other such adventure activities such as hiking or river rafting.
The above list shall aid you with planning your itinerary. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for a lovely camping trip with your partner!
