Everyone talks about Gangtok. Or maybe Yumthang. Or the famous Nathu La Pass.
But what if I told you there’s a Sikkim beyond the brochures and influencer reels? A quieter, more intimate Sikkim. A place where the mist isn’t just a filter, but it’s a feeling.
And you don’t need fancy SUVs or expensive travel agents to explore it.
Just hop into a shared cab. Let the road do the rest.
Here’s a list of offbeat destinations in Sikkim that are beautiful, untouched, and surprisingly affordable and especially if you’re traveling like the locals do.
1. Dzongu: The Land of the Lepchas
You won’t find Dzongu on every map. This restricted area in North Sikkim is a protected land for the indigenous Lepcha tribe. Think dense forests, gushing rivers, and homestays where grandmothers serve you nettle soup and millet beer.
- Take a shared cab from Mangan (you’ll get one from Gangtok).
- Foreigners need permits. Indians? Just carry your ID.
Why go?
Because Dzongu is spiritual. Raw. And unlike any touristy Sikkim you’ve ever seen.
2. Zuluk: The Hairpin Heaven
While the popular Silk Route is gaining traction, Zuluk still feels like a secret. Perched at 10,000 ft, it’s famous for its 32-hairpin bends and military history.
- Shared cabs from Gangtok will take you via Rongli checkpoint.
- You’ll need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) which is easy to get via local operators.
Best time?
August to November. You’ll catch those endless golden meadows and a sky so close, you might touch it.
Zuluk isn’t just a place.
It’s a drive you’ll remember forever.
3. Ravangla: For the Soul Seekers
Tourists flock to Pelling. But drive 2 hours down to Ravangla, and you’ll find quiet monasteries, soul-stirring views of the Kanchenjunga, and maybe even a chance to attend a local Buddhist ceremony.
- Shared cabs run regularly from Namchi and Gangtok.
- Don’t miss the Buddha Park and Ralong Monastery.
Ravangla is a vibe.
Perfect for people who hate crowds and love clouds.
4. Yuksom: The Forgotten Capital
Did you know Sikkim’s first capital wasn’t Gangtok?
It was Yuksom, a tiny village surrounded by the Himalayas and forests of the Kanchenjunga National Park.
- Shared cabs available from Geyzing and Pelling.
- Ideal for treks like Dzongri and Goechala.
This is for the wanderers who love long walks, ancient monasteries, and stories hidden in stones.
5. Tarey Bhir: Sikkim’s Own Cliff Walk
Ever heard of Tarey Bhir? Probably not.
Located near Sadam village (South Sikkim), this long ridge offers a jaw-dropping cliff walk overlooking the confluence of the Teesta and Rangeet rivers.
- Take a shared cab to Namchi, then a local one to Sadam.
- Entry is cheap, and views? Priceless.
Go there just before sunset. The golden glow on the green valley below will change you.
6. Uttarey: The Gateway to the Indo-Nepal Border
A sleepy village in West Sikkim, Uttarey sits near the Nepal border and is surrounded by bamboo groves and cardamom fields. There’s a peaceful lake, a skywalk, and plenty of short hikes.
- Take a shared cab from Geyzing or Dentam.
- You’ll barely see tourists here. Just locals. And peace.
If you want to disconnect and just… breathe, Uttarey is your place.
Travel Like a Local, Not a Tourist
Here’s the thing: shared cabs are Sikkim’s lifeline.
Locals use them. Monks use them. Backpackers swear by them.
They’re cheap (₹150-₹400 depending on distance), easily available at taxi stands, and give you a chance to sit with locals and listen to their stories, their music, their laughter.
So, if you’re someone who prefers real travel over resort vacations, skip the 5-star jeep packages. Grab a backpack, flag down a shared cab in Gangtok or Namchi, and go find your version of Sikkim.
Because the real Sikkim?
It’s not on Instagram.
It’s in these hidden bends. These conversations. These gems.
