Gangtok: “Wonders do come in small packages!”, and if you want to witness this, you must visit the picturesque state of Sikkim.
Tucked away in the lap of the magical Himalayas, though it is the second smallest state in the country, its prismatic beauty and mesmeric charm will make you wonder!
The gateway to the Northeastern corridor of India, Sikkim not only boasts of its enchanting beauty but also offers an engrossing list of things to do and places to visit as well. If you are planning to visit this charismatic state, here is a list of the 15 best places to visit in Sikkim that makes it for a wonderful as well as blissful holiday.
1. Gangtok:
Believe it or not, resisting the alluring charm and appeal of Gangtok is almost impossible for anyone! The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is nestled in the Eastern Himalayas and is one of the kaleidoscopic tourist destinations in the state.
The best time to visit Gangtok is between March to April and October to November.
It is advisable to avoid travelling during the rainy season as it can lead to roadblocks and you might not be able to enjoy sightseeing.
If you are someone who loves to stay in the hustle and bustle of the market, you may choose to stay at MG Marg. However, if you are a peace-seeker, you may choose to stay away from MG Marg.
If you are visiting places like Nathula Pass, Baba Mandir, etc., know that they are set at a higher altitude hence there is a lack of oxygen in the air. Therefore, it is advisable to take adequate precautions before visiting. You may consult a doctor and carry along an inhaler, especially if you have breathing problems or other medicines for vomiting, headache and motion sickness.
Gangtok does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. It is 135 km. from the city and it takes around 3 to 5 hours to reach Gangtok from there.
Kanchenjunga Mountain is the third-highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). MG Marg in Gangtok is India’s first spit and litter-free zone.
Every year in May, Gangtok hosts the International Flower Festival which displays a wide variety of roses, orchids, alpine creepers and seasonal flowers.
Gangtok is home to beautiful Buddhist monasteries like Rumtek and Enchey. It is the perfect place to experience serenity and peace. It has many beautiful sightseeing places like Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake.
2. Yuksom:
Located in the Western parts of Sikkim, Yuksom is the origin of several enthralling treks into the Himalayas or the magical Kanchenjunga. The once capital of Sikkim, this hamlet is more known for its pristine beauty and rustic appeal.
Also known as the ‘Meeting place of Three Lamas’, this Sikkimese village has recently started gaining tourism attention. Well, this is also the reason, you can expect pristine beauty and untouched nature in Yuksom. Home to the oldest monastery in Sikkim, this pictorial hamlet is one of the most peaceful and serene places to visit in Sikkim.
Being located at a moderate altitude, the weather in Yuksom remains pleasant throughout the year. The best time to visit Yuksom is from March to June and September to October.
Although Yuksom has a motorable road, during the rainy season travelling by public transport can be a hassle.
Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim in the 17th century and the coronation place of its first chogyal (king) in 1641. Dubdi Monastery in Yuksom is the first Buddhist Monastery in Sikkim, established in 1701 by the Chogyar Namgyal.
It is an extremely charming historical town blessed with jaw-dropping gorgeousness. It is a perfect gateway to Mt. Kangchendzongha. Yuksom features many entrancing trails.
The main highlights of the town include historical monuments, ancient monasteries, tranquil waterfalls and serene lakes.
3. Tsomgo Lake:
On a visit to Gangtok, do not miss the chance to visit the Tsomgo Lake or the Changu Lake! Located only 38km from Sikkim’s capital, it lies at an altitude of 12,400ft and is one of the highest lakes in India.
While the lake remains frozen during the winters, summer brings in a magical charm and appeal to Tsomgo. It is during this time of the year, that the turquoise waters of the lake reflect the amazing views of the nearby peaks and the azure sky above!
Tsomgo Lake is a day trip from Gangtok. It is advisable to leave for the lake early in the morning to arrive on time and enjoy the views.
You will need a special area permit to visit the lake which can be obtained from the Sikkim Tourism Department at MG Marg Gangtok or you can ask your travel agent to arrange for the same. You will need your photo identity proof and two passport-size photos to get the permit.
Beware of roadblocks due to heavy snow during the winter season.
Tsomgo Lake (also called as Changu Lake) is one of the highest lakes in India set at an elevation of 3,753 meters. The lake is considered sacred by the local people and the water here is believed to have medicinal value.
The surface of the lake reflects different colours in different seasons, making it even more alluring. The lake remains frozen during the winter season. Tsomgo Lake also serves as the venue for the Guru Poornima festival.
During the winter season, travellers enjoy trekking along the lake coast, ice skating on the thick sheet of ice and yak riding on the frozen lake.
During the summer and autumn seasons, the sight of Primula flowers and other alpine vegetation growing near the lake is a key attraction. Bird watchers flock here during October to catch sight of the native birds waddling in the lake’s water.
4. NathuLa Pass:
Once a part of the historic ‘Silk Road’, a visit to NathuLa Pass is a must in any of the Sikkim travel packages. One of the highest motorable passes in the world, this amazing pass is located at a towering height of 4,310m above sea level and connects Sikkim with Tibet.
The pass is open to Indians; however, one has to obtain permission from the tourism department to visit this pass. And for the foreign nationals, they cannot make it to Nathu La.
Nathula Pass remains closed on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. The pass remains inaccessible during winters due to heavy snowfall as the temperature drops down to as low as -250 C.
Beware of the winding roads leading to Nathula Pass which can lead to motion sickness. If you suffer from the problem, it is advisable to carry some medicines along.
You will need a special area permit to visit the place for which you will need your photo identity proof and two passport-size photos. You can get the pass from the zonal office or your travel agent can arrange for the same. Photography isn’t allowed at the Nathula Pass.
Set at an elevation of 4302 meters, Nathula Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Nathula Pass connects Sikkim to China. It was once an ancient silk route that connected Lhasa in Tibet to the plains of Bengal.
Nathula Pass offers splendid views of the Chumbi Valley of Tibet along with snow-laden mountains. Driving in the hills is always fun. Sometimes the drive is more enjoyable than the final destination. The same is the case with Nathula Pass. It is an experience to drive on the roads surrounded by snow on both sides while passing through picturesque beauty.
5. Pelling:
If you are an ardent fan of the captivating Himalayan Range, Pelling is the destination for you! It is from this Sikkimese town, that one can have the best views of the Himalayas and the Kanchenjunga Peak, and can experience the best of their Sikkim Holidays.
Located at a height of 7,200ft above the sea, this scenic town is bestowed with several waterfalls, breathtaking views, natural beauty and adventure options like rafting, kayaking, trekking, mountain biking and several others.
The climate in Pelling is moderate throughout the year, therefore one can plan a trip any time of the year. However, the best time to visit would be during the summer months between May and July.
The monasteries in Pelling are some of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim. Since Pelling is located at a high altitude, it often receives snowfall during the winter months.
Pelling lies in the foothills of the Himalayas and the Kanchenjunga mountain ranges which helps you get a closer and much clearer view of these mountains.
Many amazing trekking trails start from Pelling. The main highlight of the place includes a view of the Kanchenjunga Mountains, many gorgeous waterfalls, bridges, ancient monasteries and so on.
The must-visit places in Pelling include Pemayangtse Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Rabdentse Ruins, Sanga Choeling Monastery and Kanchenjunga Falls.
6. Lachung:
Lachung has multiple reasons to make you fall in love with it! While its location at an enthralling height of 8,610ft makes it a popular snow-destination in Sikkim, its untouched and surreal beauty makes it one of the scenic as well as charming tourist places in Sikkim.
Located in the northern part of Sikkim, this quaint mountain village is adorned by the immaculate beauty of the Lachung Chu River and is also known for the Lachung Gompa. Though this village is one of the mostly visited regions in Sikkim, it still holds an alluring charm that can hardly be found in any other destinations.
Lachung becomes absolutely inaccessible in the monsoon season because of heavy rainfall and in the winter season due to heavy snow closing down significant routes.
Although scenic, the roads in Lachung are often not in good condition so have sufficient time in hand while you plan your visit.
Joseph Dalton Hooker, a British botanist had labelled Lachung as the ‘most picturesque village of Sikkim’ in his book ‘The Himalayan Journal’.
Lachung has innumerable fruit orchards and glacial rivers that add to its already existing charm. Lachung is an unexplored but stunning Himalayan village in Sikkim. It is popular for its tall dark mountains, meandering glacial rivers, gushing waterfalls and striking fruit orchards.
7. Ravangla:
Nestled amidst the Maenam and Tendong Hills, Ravangla is among the best places to visit in Sikkim; especially in the southern part of the state. A scenic town between Gangtok and Pelling, this hill-town also hosts some of the most popular treks in Sikkim.
More popular as a paradise for bird watchers, it is home to some of the most rare and endangered birds in the world. On a usual visit to Ravangla, you can spot dark-throated thrush, verditre flycatchers, blue whistling thrush, babblers, cuckoos and several others.
The weather in Ravangla is very volatile so be prepared for the occasional rains. It is advisable to carry a raincoat or umbrella for protection.
During the months from April and May, lots of the flowers are in full blossom in Ravangla.
Tourists come here to see the various species of migratory birds and for the breathtaking views of peaks like Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim and Mt. Sinialchu.
Ravangla is famous for its temples, monasteries, picturesque tea gardens, exotic flora and fauna, sightseeing spots, ethnic culture, snowy mountains, gushing waterfalls and adventure sports. One of Sikkim’s most beautiful sights is Ravangla’s gigantic golden Buddha.
8. Rumtek Monastery:
Counted amongst the largest monasteries in Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery is also one of the oldest monasteries in the state. An ode to the Buddhist cultures and traditions, this monastery is located near Gangtok and is also known as the ‘Dharma Chakra Centre’.
A testimony to the Buddhist architecture and teachings, it is a perfect place to attain mental peace and know more about Buddhism. Its spiritual appeal and grandeur make it an integral part of any Gangtok travel package.
The monastery remains open from 9 am to 6 pm, so plan your visit accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes as it is a long and steep walk from the taxi drop-off location. Cameras are prohibited inside the monastery. If you want to catch a glimpse of monks doing morning prayers, plan to reach early.
Rumtek Monastery is popular worldwide for Kagyu teachings. The architecture of the monastery is considered to be one of the finest in the world and resembles the original one in Tsurphu, Tibet.
The monastery houses some of the sacred items and rarest Buddhist religious artwork in the form of 1001 miniature golden models of Buddha, Thangkas and wall murals which were brought in the year 1963 by Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, 16th Karmapa. Golden Stupa at the Monastery, mystical ancient relics and down the hill river.
9. Namchi:
Translated into the native Tibetan language, Namchi means the ‘top of the sky’. And on a visit to this magnificent Sikkimese city, this will be proved! Located around 92km from Gangtok and at a height of 1,675m above sea level, it is also one of the most gorgeous cities in the state.
More than tourism, Namchi is considered a pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists. Amongst the important religious sites, the Namchi Monastery, Tendong Hill and Ralong Monasteries are the pre-dominant. The city also has a 108th Lord Shiva statue and is visited by a large number of Hindu devotees as well.
The best time to visit Namchi is from March to October. If you are travelling during monsoon season, beware of muddy and slippery roads and landslides
Namchi is the capital of south Sikkim. Namchi is home to 118 feet tall world’s biggest statue of the Buddhist Padmasambhava (holy saint of Sikkim). It is also a well-known pilgrimage in the Buddhist culture.
Namchi is known for its breath-taking scenic beauty and serenity. Every year in October, Namchi hosts the popular Namchi Mahotsav, a tourism, culture and food festival. In addition, it also hosts a flower festival displaying the beautiful blooms.
10. Do-Durl Chorten:
The largest Stupa in Sikkim, Do-Durl Chorten was built in 1945 under the leadership of Truslshi Rimpoche. Holding a high prominence amongst all the religious sites in the state, this stupa is laced with 108 Mani Lhakor prayer wheels and is an ultimate place to connect with the essence of one’s inner-self.
October and June are the best time to plan your visit. It is open on all days of the week from 8 am to 6 pm. The stupa is located very near the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Gangtok Centre.
Do Drul Chorten was built in the year 1945 by Trullshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism.
It is considered one of the finest monasteries in Gangtok. Once this place was believed to be haunted by evil spirits. Later a very respected and great Guru Rinpoche blessed the place, cleansing it of all evil.
It has a total of 108 prayer wheels which have mantras inscribed on them in Tibetan. The complex is so huge that it can house over 700 monks. It is an ideal place for history buffs, peace seekers and photography enthusiasts.
11. Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden:
Located within proximity of the Rumtek Monastery, this lush and verdant botanical garden is home to several rare and exotic species of plants and trees. Some of the orchids found in this garden are indigenous to only this part of the world and hold high medicinal and commercial value as well.
If you are a vivid nature lover, this colourful offering of the Sikkim travel packages will take you to a treasure island. And if you are visiting this garden with your family members; especially the younger ones, your visit will surely be cuddled up by the colourful ambience within the garden.
It is situated very close to Rumtek Monastery. The best time to visit the garden is from March to May when the garden is bursting with the vibrant colour of blooming flowers and October to Mid-December to catch a mesmerising view of surrounding valleys and snow-capped mountains.
The garden is open on all days of the week from 8 am to 6.30 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person for adults and Rs. 5 per person for children. The garden also has dense temperate forests of Oak and a beautiful lake.
It houses numerous species of orchids and over 50 different species of tree, including many oaks. From the hilltop, one can get an unparalleled view of the beautiful city of Gangtok with towering Himalayan Mountains in the backdrop. Kids can have a gala time enjoying the merry-go-round, swings and see-saws installed at the park.
12. Zuluk:
Touching a towering height of 10,000ft, Zuluk is one of the least discovered destinations in the entire of Sikkim. Located on the ancient ‘Silk Route’, this quaint Sikkimese village takes pride in being a vintage point to enjoy panoramic views of Mt Kanchenjunga.
In addition to the magical beauty of this hamlet, it is also popular among adventure lovers as the ride to Zuluk takes them through 32 hairpin bends.
The best time to visit Zuluk is between August and September to experience a flowery summer or between January and April to experience the freezing snow. You will need a special area permit to visit Zuluk.
While visiting Zuluk by road, beware of the zig-zag roads. If you are not comfortable driving on such roads, it is advisable to hire a local driver. There are no hotels in Zuluk. Homestays are the only option to stay in the village. The drive to Zuluk is considered one of the best Himalayan drives in India.
At 11,200 feet, Thambi View Point near Zuluk offers a panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjungha. Another major highlight of Zuluk is its serene lakes. One of which is Kupup Lake aka Elephant Lake. It is also considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim.
13. Namgayal Institute of Tibetology:
Nestled amidst lush and evergreen thickets, the Namgayal Institute of Tibetology is an ideal centre to learn about Buddhist cultures and traditions. Established in 1958, this institute is the home to the largest collection of Tibetan preaching outside Tibet, and this include relics from 11th and 12th century collected from different parts of the world.
It is open from 10 am to 4 pm, from Monday to Saturday. It is one of the largest repositories of Tibetan works, located outside the Tibet region. It displays some of the rarest and oldest collections of ritual objects, mementoes, religious art, jewellery, Tibetan iconography, documentaries and books on Sikkimese tradition and culture.
There is also a library that boasts unique Buddhist tomes, some of which are a hundred years old. One of the striking features of the institute is its Sikkimese architecture. The institute is surrounded by verdant forests of oak and birch.
14. Yumthang Valley:
A visit to Yumthang Valley is truly a colourful affair! Located at an elevation of 3,500m, this scenic valley is the home to several exotic, rare and wild flowers. It is often said, that one who visits this quintessential valley, often gets pleasantly affected by its treacherous colours and alluring beauty!
Come the monsoons, the entire valley blooms at its best and displays the most enchanting colours of nature. Primrose, cobra-lilies, louseworts and cinquefoils are some of the most commonly found species in Yumthang.
The best time to visit the Yumthang Valley is between April end and mid-June to witness the flowering season. The valley usually remains closed from December to March due to heavy snowfall.
You will need a special area permit to visit the Yumthang Valley. Keep two passport-sized photographs and a valid Identity proof handy as you will need it while obtaining the permit.
It is advised to not disturb the wildlife in the valley. While visiting any monastery, do not make a loud noise or disturb people around. Carry sufficient cash as there are no ATMs in the region.
Do not forget to carry medicines for headache, motion sickness and common cold. Do not forget to carry sufficient woollen clothes as it is usually cold in the valley. You can even rent an overcoat, gloves and snow boots from a local vendor.
The Himalayan Journal by Dr. Joseph Hooker compares Yumthang to the valleys of Switzerland.
The Yumthang Valley is popularly known as the ‘valley of flowers’. Some of the beautiful Himalayan flowers that you can find in the Yumthang Valley during the spring season are rhododendrons, poppies, primulas, cobra lilies, louseworts, and irises.
Yumthang Valley is located very close to the China border. It is a nature sanctuary with free-flowing rivers, rolling meadows, yaks and hot springs.
15. Gurudongmar Lake:
Last, but not least in this list is the Gurudongmar Lake. One of the highest fresh-water lakes in the world, this gorgeous place to visit in Sikkim is located at a towering height of 17,800ft and is also known as Tso Lhsmo Lake.
Considered a sacred lake, the legends say that though this lake remains frozen during the winters, one of its portions never freezes. No matter, how extreme is the weather, this certain portion blessed by Guru Padmasambhava never freezes and thus its water is considered holy by the devotees.
Since the lake is situated at a height of 17,800 feet, the oxygen level is very low which can cause severe breathing and other health issues. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before you visit the place and carry sufficient medicines as prescribed by the doctor.
Avoid smoking or drinking before you head to this place as it can make you sick.
It is extremely windy and chilly here, hence carry sufficient warm clothes.
During the winter season (mid-December to February), the roads remain blocked due to heavy snowfall. The best time to plan to visit is during October, November, April end and early May. Beginning close to the Indo-China border, you will need a special area permit to visit the lake.
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest-altitude natural lakes in the world. The water of the lake never freezes completely even when the temperature is as low as -20 degree Celsius. It is a common belief among the locals that drinking the lake water could resolve fertility issues of women.
April to May is the flowering season and during this time the places get a surreal view. Do not miss the spectacular view of Gurudongmar Valley.
