As far as favourite Himalayan resorts of India go from east to north, there are two leaders Manali and Sikkim. If you struggle to grasp which Himalayan destination you should visit – Manali vs. Sikkim for holidays, we can help you out. Keep reading for a detailed comparison between Manali vs. Sikkim.
What does the landscape have to offer: Geography of Manali vs. Sikkim?
Manali, a quaint town of Himachal Pradesh, famous for its picturesque scenery, is located amidst two well-known Himalayan ranges, the Pir-Panjal ranges and the Dhauladhar ranges. Manali’s landscape will not disappoint with snow-clad mountains in the winter months and sunny hilly views in the summer. Manali’s elevation is approximately 2,050 m (6,730 ft) above sea level. And hence, Manali is a trekker’s paradise, alongside camping is the added highlight.
On the other hand, Sikkim is a magnificent state located in the north-eastern part of India and is shrouded with an Eastern Himalayan belt. It boasts widespread green valleys in the summers, snow-covered hills in the winters, and culture and folk art like no other place. Sikkim is also home to Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world at an elevation of 28,169 feet (8,586 metres). The peak is visible from the Gangtok viewpoints if you visit during a clear day.
Manali vs. Sikkim: Who’s the Winner in Elevation and Height
Sikkim clearly beats Manali in terms of elevation because it has the Kanchenjunga mountain under its belts.
When is the best time to visit: Manali and Sikkim?
Though Manali is a popular destination year-round, the peak season for tourists is either the summer (March to June) or the winter (October to February). The monsoon season (July to September) is not ideal since heavy rains can cause landslides and road blockages. Based on whether you want to experience snowfall and be clad in layers of woollens or wake up to the sun and be able to go river rafting, you can pick your ideal dates!
Sikkim has unparalleled beauty year-round and offers something different in each season. If you want to witness the scenic beauty of Gangtok, catch a clear view of the Kanchenjunga and visit the International Flower Festival, you should visit in the spring (May-June). If you want to capture a glimpse of the snow-laden Kanchenjunga, get your gloves out and go skiing; visit Sikkim during the onset of winter (October-December). Due to heavy rainfall, it is best to avoid Sikkim during the monsoon (July – September).
Manali vs. Sikkim: Final Verdict of Which is Best for Throughout the Year Visit
Frankly, every destination is a year-round destination and Manali, and Sikkim is also no exception. It’s just that both are high altitude Himalayan towns – Sikkim is a state, and Manali is a town in Himachal Pradesh, and people have a saying that landslides are common. Although they are common during the monsoon, there are many places to visit in the monsoon that criss-crosses through the safe valleys and lead to the waterfall trek.
What’s the Local Commute Option in Manali and Sikkim?
To travel within Manali, you can hire a local taxi (Uber/Ola do not have an established network) or rent a bike to go around the town and nearby places. You can also take your own car (If you drive to Manali) or walk (especially in areas like The Mall Road, Manali). Bike rental in Manali starts at INR 1,000 onwards (approx.) per day, excluding fuel. You need to submit your valid identity proof copy and refundable security money.
Sikkim also doesn’t have the network of Ola and Uber taxi services. Therefore, renting a car in Sikkim isn’t an option to get around Sikkim, so hiring a taxi through a local agency is ideal. One could drive their own vehicle from a neighbouring state, but that might require permits and cause unnecessary roadblocks. You should book your taxi in advance, especially if you arrive at Bagdogra Airport, so your transport is ready as you arrive. Since you’ll be visiting various towns in the state, you will have to be in the car for long distances at a time.
What Are the Staycation Options in Manali and Sikkim?
Manali has many accommodations, from luxury hotels to homestays to budget hotels. Since it is a popular tourist destination, you must book your accommodation in advance. Most hotels or hostels are located in the city centre, but some great options are away from the main town. Some noteworthy options are –
A Bunch of Few Luxury Hotels in Manali: The Himalayan, Manuallaya, The Resort Spa in the Himalayas, and The Whitestone Resorts.
A Bunch of Few Budget-Friendly Hotels in Manali: Treebo Trend Celebrity, The Hosteller (Manali), and Zostel Manali.
On the other hand, Sikkim has become extremely popular with tourists and offers a great variety of accommodation. Being Sikkim’s biggest city, Gangtok has a lot of variety to offer, from cosy homestays to resorts. But since Sikkim is divided into four parts – east, west, north, and south, you will have a good homestay experience in Sikkim.
A Bunch of Few luxuries Hotels in Sikkim: The Elgin Norkhill (Gangtok), The Elgin Mount Pandim (Pelling), and Kaya Gantavya Resort & Spa (Pelling)
A Bunch of Few Budget-Friendly Hotels in Sikkim: Woodbury Hotel & Spa (Gangtok), The Nettle & Fern Hotel (Gangtok), and Zostel Gangtok.
Manali vs. Sikkim: Which Has Better Staying Options
Both are good for enjoying a lavish holiday. But since Sikkim is located in North East India, and Manali is located in North India, the expense of travelling to Sikkim is more than Manali, which is easily visited by road from New Delhi, Rajasthan, and other surrounding states.
How Many Days Are Sufficient to Stay in Manali and Sikkim?
About 3-4 days should be ample to explore and experience all that Manali offers – its adventure sports, breathtaking landscape, nightlife, and shopping.
Since Sikkim has such a diversity of activities to do and places to see, a 7-8-day trip is ideal. Especially since you’ll be travelling between different cities – Gangtok, Pelling, Darjeeling, etc., which will require 4-5 hours on the road between them.
Do You Need A Permit: Manali vs. Sikkim?
To enter Manali, Indian citizens do not require a permit. However, chances are that during your trip to Manali, you would want to visit Rohtang Pass (famous for adventure activities such as skiing, sledding, trekking, etc.), which requires a permit. (The permit is issued per vehicle, not per person and can be obtained via https://rohtangpermits.nic.in/)
To enter the state of Sikkim, Indian citizens do not require a permit. However, a Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required to enter certain places such as Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula (obtained at a nearby police checkpoint). A PAP is also necessary to do the Dzongri & Goechala Trek or Singalila Trek and visit the Thangu Valley, Zero Point (Yumesamdong), and Gurudongmar Lake. It’s best to read up on the permits you’d require beforehand, depending on your itinerary, so you’re prepared!
Is It A Hassle to Obtain Permit for Sikkim and Manali?
No! If you book your Manali tour package or Sikkim holiday package from Honeymoon Bug, you won’t have to worry about the permit, as their itineraries got tourists covered with all the required permits in advance.
Is it Safe to Travel in Manali and Sikkim?
Manali being a well-established tourist town is found to be extremely safe – even for solo women travellers. People are kind, friendly, and helpful. Although, it is not the safest in the monsoons (due to heavy rain and risk of landslides).
Sikkim is believed to be one of the safest states in India, even in comparison to more extensive and more developed cities. It is safe even for solo travellers, male or female and the locals are incredibly hospitable and supportive if any issues arise.
Who’s the Winner on the Scale of Safe Tourism: Manali VS Sikkim
Both Manali and Sikkim are absolute safe destinations for every type of traveller, be it couples, family tourers, or solo backpackers.
Do Manali and Sikkim Have Nightlife?
Frankly, there is no ACTIVE, VIBRANT nightlife in Manali and Sikkim. Subsequently, while its clubbing scene is not what Manali is most known for, that does not mean that its nightlife is anything but exciting. It boasts several lively bars and clubs such as Chelsea Club (Holiday Inn), Johnson Café, or Café 1947, which have music playing through the speakers, and you can dance away to glory!
The nightlife in Sikkim varies according to the part of Sikkim you are in. Gangtok, being the capital, has many great nightclubs to offer that have live band performances throughout the week and DJs during the weekend. Some spots that you can watch the sun go up at are Café Live Loud, Lounge 31a, and After Dark (only open Friday-Sunday).
What Are Shopping Options and Which is Better: Manali vs. Sikkim
Though a quaint Himalayan town, Manali has numerous markets known for different kinds of goods. First up, Mall Road, Manali has everything from souvenirs to authentic Pashmina shawls for its customers. Besides that, you can visit the Tibetan Market, which has many artefacts of Tibetan culture and art, and the Himachal Emporium, known for its art, handicrafts, toys, etc.
Sikkim is a hotspot of culture, art, and the mingling of different communities, which gives way to beautiful handicrafts, clothes, and artefacts. There are many places to shop, but the Old Market is known for its accessories, MG Road is famous for its Sikkimese cups and table designs, and the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms is known for its accessories authentic Sikkimese handicrafts, should not be missed.
Manali vs. Sikkim: Which Has Better Shopping Options
Both Sikkim and Manali are equal on the shopping scale. So, there’s a tie here.
Manali vs. Sikkim: Which Has Better Adventure Activities to Do
Name a single adventure activity, and chances are that you can do it in Manali. You can take your pick from river rafting, camping, hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking, river crossing, zip-lining, paragliding, and more during the summer months. Each of these activities’ cost and difficulty levels varies, but all are considered safe and are loved by tourists. In the winter months, one can go skiing, snowboarding, or sledding down the snowy slopes of the Himalayas (in Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass).
Sikkim also has a plethora of adventure sports to choose from. You can choose from river rafting, paragliding, Yak Safari (along Tsomgo Lake), mountain biking, hang gliding, mountaineering, and more in the summer months. In the winter months, you can ski at Yumthang Valley.
So Where to Visit for Adventure Activities: Manali or Sikkim
You can visit any of the two destinations according to your day. Keep in mind that travelling to Sikkim requires a longer schedule than Manali. Otherwise, adventure activities in both the Himalayan towns are of the same thrill quotient.
What Are Must Indulge Experiences in Manali and Sikkim
There’s so much to do in Manali, especially with such pleasant weather in the summer months. Some must-see places are the Manali Mall Road, Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, Beas River Viewpoint (to capture some Instagram photos), and Vashisht Temple. The Manali Winter Carnival held in January (2nd Jan 2022 – 6th Jan 2022) is a celebration of folk art, local culture, and food, and if in Manali during those dates, one should visit!
With its rich history, culture, and tribes, Sikkim has activities that cater to every interest. The Gondola Ride in Gangtok, Bakthang Waterfalls, The Wishing Lake, Tashi viewpoint, or Tsomgo Lake are destinations that must be on your itinerary. If visiting during the winter months, you must visit the Cherry Tea Festival or the Red Panda Winter Festival to soak in the rich culture of Sikkim.
What Type of Tourists Can Go in Manali and Sikkim?
Manali is a known spot for couples to go on holiday all year round! In case you’re an adventure-seeking couple and enjoy doing outdoor activities together, visiting Manali in the summer would be a trip of a lifetime. In the winters, the snow-topped mountains, below zero temperatures, and steaming hot food make it the ultimate romantic destination to visit with your partner.
With its scenic landscapes, proximity to the marvellous Mt. Kanchenjunga, and the warmest locals, Sikkim has been a couple’s favourite destination. In the summer months, it offers an adventure-packed trip and in the winter, a cosy atmosphere with the snow, scrumptious local food (like Momos or Thukpa), making it a trip to remember with your partner, no matter which part of the year you holiday in.
Which Has Better Options for Family Tourists: Sikkim vs. Manali
Manali has more lush green surroundings with the Himalayas in the backdrop. While Sikkim is shrouded with an extra layer of snow due to its higher altitude. Hence, Manali is considered to be more family-friendly than Sikkim.
Which is Affordable: Manali vs. Sikkim
Yes, a trip to Manali is budget-friendly, provided you stay in affordable accommodation. If you are staying in either of the budget-friendly accommodations suggested or within that cost bracket, excluding how you get to Manali (Flight/Taxi, etc.), you can stay in and travel around Manali for Rs 7500-8000 per person. The cost may increase depending on whether you visit during peak season since the costs of local transportation and hotels go up at that time.
Once again, if you pick budget-friendly places to stay, Sikkim can be an affordable trip. Apart from the cost of reaching Gangtok or Bagdogra (Flight/Train/Taxi etc.), a six-day trip to Sikkim can be an average of Rs 18000 – 20000 per person. The cost largely depends on how many districts you choose to cover and whether you go on treks or other adventure excursions.
So finally, which is better, Manali or Sikkim?
Both Manali and Sikkim have brilliant landscapes, adventure activities, and beautiful hotels, and any of them would make a great trip! If you’re an adventure-seeking couple itching for a short, budget-friendly trip, Manali is calling your name. If you want to lay your eyes on the third highest mountain in the world, immerse yourself within a part of North eastern culture, and get lost in nature’s beauty, a trip to the state of Sikkim is a click away!
