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Sikkim is forever beautiful with an inexplicable charm and the beauty of the Himalayas that is unique to the region. The eastern part of Himalayas is absolutely gorgeous as it gets adequate rainfall and is covered by lush green vegetation. The best places to visit in Sikkim offer a combination of scintillating snow-topped mountains, verdant valleys, gentle hills, green meadows and nature at its prime.
Sikkim in its frozen gown of white snows is a place to be in winters. It is also a heavenly summer retreat when the northern plains reel under the scorching rays of relentless summer sun. The high-altitude lake of Gurudongmar and the famous Nathu La Pass, the lively bustling yet picturesque capital city of Gangtok to the small hill town of Lachen, Lachung, Ravangla, Zuluk and Dzongu, Sikkim has an unlimited and unending charm and will never disappoint any visitor who plans a trip to Sikkim. This tiny Himalayan state can make your summer holiday a most cherished one. All you need to know is its top tourist attractions. So, scroll down to learn more about the best places to explore in Sikkim.
Plan an incredible escapade to Sikkim with Sikkimtourism.org and soak in the bewitching beauty of this northeastern gem. Experience the warm and friendly hospitality of Sikkimese people and learn about their culture and heritage. Explore the natural beauty of Sikkim, hidden in its enchanting meadows and hamlets.
Here are the top tourist places to visit in Sikkim:
The charm of Sikkim’s capital Gangtok is undeniable and you will realise this once you step in the city. Perched in the eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is replete with traditional and modern elements that gives a distinctive vibe to the city. Its MG Marg is lined with cosy and heartwarming cafes, restaurants, and shops. A road only reserved for pedestrians, walking here is a breeze. Top tourist attractions to visit in Sikkim like Rumtek and Enchey monastery are located in close proximity to this city. It’s a gateway from where one begins their Sikkim tour and has unforgettable adventures.
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Tashi Viewpoint is among well known tourist places to visit in Sikkim in 1 day. It is famous for its gorgeous sunset and sunrise in Gangtok. It is one of the most exotic locations of Sikkim to enjoy a heavenly hour of dawn and dusk. Tashi Point is located in Tashi 8 km away from Gangtok City Centre at a height of 6000 feet. It offers its visitors mesmerizing views of the majestic Kanchenjunga Mountains. Tourists especially visit Tashi Viewpoint to gaze in wonder at the third highest mountain in the world. The spectacular sunset and sunrise are also alluring for photographers.
Earnest travellers reach in the early wee hours of the morning to catch the first rays of sun peeping from behind the dark mountains. And in the evening, they wait for the sun to slide down gently leaving the crimson glow with luminescent edges. Enjoy the changing colours and shades of the cloud at these hours when the sky changes shades, hues and rays every minute. The captivating view of Phodong and Labrang Monasteries located on the slopes of the facing mountains also draws some attention.
One has to climb a flight of stairs to reach the viewpoint and to the circular platform of the viewpoint area. It is big enough to accommodate approximately 20 people at any given time. Binoculars and telescopes are usually mounted on a chargeable basis to have a closer and clearer view.
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Lake Tsomgo is also widely known as Changu Lake and is a very famous high-altitude lake of Sikkim. It is located at a height of about 12,310 feet in the eastern district of Sikkim. Tamogo Lake is approximately approximately 40 kilometres away from Gangtok and is thus quite easily accessible from the city. It is a picture-perfect place to visit in Sikkim as a part of a planned itinerary as it adds a bucketful of charm to the joy of local sightseeing.
The Tsomgo Lake can be better enjoyed in summers when the surroundings are not as frozen and the temperatures not absolutely freezing. Small kiosks sell meagre refreshments and drinks along the banks. The religious minded devotees can offer puja at the small Siva Temple located on the bank of the lake. The reflection of the mountain ranges surrounding the lake on its waters is glorious.
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Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is an abode to pay respect not to any divinity but a saint who was real and living and who sacrificed his life guarding and protecting the boundaries of his motherland from enemy nations. The Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple stands proudly as a symbol of selflessness and bravery and does not have any religious connotation. Baba Harbhajan Singh was a soldier in the Indian Army, and he is often referred to as the ‘Hero of Nathula’.
Harbhajan had sacrificed his life at the young age of 26 years in the year 1967, when he accidentally drowned in a glacier while he was leading a herd of mules transporting supplies across the frozen lands to the soldiers. Army men had immediately started searching for him but unfortunately his body was discovered after three days. The local belief goes that Harbhajan Singh himself guided the men towards his body. He was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery and martyrdom posthumously.
The temple is located at an altitude of 13,123 feet, between Nathula Pass and Jelepla Pass. This temple had gained immense popularity over the years and is now one of the major attractions in East Sikkim. The locals regard him to be not less than a god and many supernatural sightings and events have been reported where his spirit is said to be still on the move guarding the frontiers and alerting the soldiers prior to an enemy attack. This temple is a worth exploring attraction in Sikkim.
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Saramsa Garden is located about 14 km away from Gangtok is also known as Ipecac Garden. It is a charming picnic spot to spend some leisure hours in close communion with nature. It was established by the Sikkim Forest Department way back in 1922 as an orchard for cultivating fruits trees such as orange, banana, guava, lichee, and pineapple for the erstwhile Namgyal Royal family.
The British political officers also enjoyed the fruits of favour and flavour. Saramsa Garden, located near Ranipool, in Pakyong District, Sikkim, India was later used for cultivating the medicinal plant ipecacuanha that gave it the name of Ipecac Garden. Eventually, the cultivation of ipecacuanha was discontinued, the garden was developed as an orchidarium and an amusement park for picknickers. In 2008, the garden hosted the International Floriculture Show, attracting a humongous footfall of 50,000 visitors on each day of its three-day long event.
The extensive garden is exquisitely landscaped, and beauty gets manifold enhanced by the stunning variety of orchids, which make the garden an ideal location for family picnics and for catching some romance in the air for couples. The garden offers picturesque views of River Rani along with the surrounding hills and make this garden one of the best places to visit in Sikkim in summer.
Cephaelis Ipecacuanha was introduced by the forest department while the various tempting array of fruit plants were introduced by the then forest manager Rai Saheb Bhim Bahadur Pradhan. There is a mini foot bridge constructed over a mini pool and the uniqueness of the garden makes it ideal for clicking photos against a backdrop of blue misty mountains and refreshing river. The quaint footbridges, Victorian lampposts and evergreen shrubs make it an idyllic venue for leisurely strolls.
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Khangchendzonga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an asset to Sikkim Tourism. It is the proud home to various endangered species that fascinate visitors and tempt them for a visit to watch the beauty of the snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan tahrs and clouded leopards if one is lucky enough.
This national park is known for being India’s first-ever Mixed Heritage Site, and together with its biosphere reserve makes for an interesting item to be included in your Sikkim itinerary. The park should be visited early in the morning or in the evening in the golden hours to ensure maximum wildlife spotting as animals come out of their homes during this time.
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Tashiding Monastery exudes an old world and a tranquil charm that is divine and soothing to senses. The perfect architectural beauty of excellent mountain tops. Tashiding Monastery not only has an established status and a rich ancient legacy, it also is blessed with the overwhelming beauty of the surroundings. Perched on a hill between the two lovely mountain rivers, Rangit and Rathong, this monastery has accepted reign over the supreme faith of absolving mortals of their sins, if they are willing to submit.
The term Tashiding means ‘The Devoted Central Glory’ and the monastery was founded in 1641 by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing, who was one of the three wise men of who performed the consecration ceremony of the crowning of the first King of Sikkim at Yuksom.
Interesting Fact About Bhumchhu Festival in Tashiding Monastery
Tashiding Monastery grandly celebrates the regal festival of Bhumchhu or Bumchu, a holy water ceremony performed on the fourteenth and fifteenth day of the principal month according to the Tibetan calendar. This important and holy festival is auspicious and significant for all Buddhists, and it gives a unique chance to the non-Buddhist too to have an insight into the Buddhist religious customs, beliefs and rituals. Amidst a lot of fanfare This monastery now is the residence of approximately 60 to 70 priests.
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Namchi is famous as it is also the district capital of South Sikkim and is also known by the name Namtse. Namchi is made of two words Nam and Chi, where Nam in local language means sky and Chi means high. Thus happened Namchi – sky-high, beautiful and resplendent with the world’s largest statue of height at 118 feet of the Buddhist Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche located on the Samdruptse Hill bang opposite Namchi. Some of the prominent tourist attractions in and around Namchi are the Namchi Monastery, Ralang Monastery and Tendong Hill. It is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim in winters.
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A historical village located in West Sikkim district, Yuksom has a rich history and fame of being the first capital of Sikkim commemorating the occasion when the three Lamas met from different directions and crowned the first Chogyal or the King, back in 1641. Yuksom proudly displays the stone throne designating the coronation spot, and is known as Norbugang Chorten, the site is called Norbugang Park. It is also famously known as the “gateway to Kanchenjunga” and is dotted with some of the most exquisite and historical monuments and note-worthy monasteries in the land.
Yuksom is a peaceful village of Sikkim known for its rich culture and stunning scenic views. Here, you can also enjoy the ancient Gorkha flavour and a laid-back allure with mountain-scapes and river valleys, cascading waterfalls, spell-binding trails. Yuksom is visited by mountaineers and trekkers from all parts of the world because it is located strategically at the head of the Khangchendzonga National Park and serves as the base camp for trekking to Mt. Khangchendzonga.
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Lachung or Lachung valley is a small town in Sikkim which is situated at a height of 9,610 feet in Northern Sikkim. Lachung is approximately 118 km from Gangtok and lies peacefully on the banks of the gorgeous River Teesta. Lachung is also the point of confluence en-route Chungthang from where the road bifurcates into two routes.
The scenic mountain roads and the occasional waterfall, the meandering rivers and the deep dark woods, the fresh air, the refreshing hot water springs and the sky-high mountain ranges, all together makes Lachung a heaven on earth and worth visiting in your Sikkim tour. It has a wild and untamed beauty that attracts travellers from far and wide. The Yumthang Valley’s Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary located close to Lachung displays an astounding beauty of the innumerable species of rhododendron. Lachung valley is also known for its waterfalls and pine forests. Lachung is among the perfect places to visit in Sikkim in April because of the balmy weather and clear sky.
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Yumthang Valley of Flowers is an incredibly beautiful sanctuary located in the heart of North Sikkim. Yumthang Valley of Flowers delicately and finely balances its flora and fauna and creates a magical world. The valley exudes the fragrant beauty and natural enigma of the hot springs, sparkling rivers, rolling valleys, extensive pastures, and peaceful grazing yaks strolling across the meadows.
Yumthang Valley is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Sikkim in February for all travellers. To witness the magnificent riots of colours with the red, pink and purple rhododendrons in full bloom is a sheer ecstasy. The extremely picturesque Yumthang Valley gives a chance to breathe some serene and tranquil mountain air and watch the high mountains talking to the clouds and mists overhead.
This valley is located on the tree line beyond which no trees survive the intense cold of the higher altitudes, and this factor makes this valley all the more unique. The graceful Rhododendrons with an astounding variety of more than 24 species of colour the Valley with multitudinous hues in spring and summer. The flowering of Rhododendrons occurs till the month of May end.
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If you are looking for unique places to visit in Sikkim, plan a trip to Zemu Glacier. The Zemu Glacier is in the heart of the world’s third highest mountain. The glacier benevolently feeds numerous rivers, with its melting sparkling water. The mighty Teesta River is born out of Zemu Glacier, the largest glacier in the Eastern Himalayas. It is an astounding 26 km in length and is located at the base of Kangchenjunga. Zemu Glacier is not to be found in the regular itinerary of Sikkim tourism, but adding an exotic destination like this would definitely add a lot of excitement to the whole Sikkim trip.
The trek to the magically surreal world of Zemu glacier is often marked as moderate to difficult. But the trek is worth giving a try as the roads leading to the glacier are absolutely stunning with gurgling streams, rushing waterfalls, snow-bound mountain creases and picture-perfect surroundings. As you start your trek from Lachen, we will go through the sylvan hectares of thick forested valleys and the bright hues of the blue poppies and innumerable varieties of rhododendrons will keep you spellbound.
The picturesque trail leads you to a height of nearly 5,000 metres, making this trek challenging and adventurous. The mountain-scape that leads to the glacial region is at the foot of the third-highest mountain peak in the world. Its pristine beauty still remains unsullied and preserved.
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Yumesamdong or Zero Point is the mystical end of Yumthang Valley and forms a part of Sikkim’s untouched beauty. A sleepy, tranquil valley on the banks of the Lachung River approximately 15 km ahead of Yumthang, Yumthang is located at 4724 metres altitude in the North East of the state. This point is known as the Zero point, which refers to the fact that this point is the hindmost frontier of civilization. Zero Point, at an altitude of 15,300 feet above sea level, is popularly called the last outpost of civilization and it is also the place where three rivers meet against a panoramic view of snow-clad mountains close to the China border.
Yumthang is approximately 26 km away from the border. Lachung to Zero Point is approximately a 2-hour drive. At Zero Point, the density of oxygen is a bit low. It is recommended that you travel to Lachung and stay overnight to make a comfortable trip to Zero Point and also Yumthang Valley and Katao can be visited in a day trip. Since these points are quite close to the Indo-China border, formalities of obtaining Inner Line Permit (ILP) are mandatory. To get the process for permit rolling, voter ID card/driving license/similar ID card is required along with four passport size photographs. Here security is under a very tight leash. Also, it should be kept in mind that foreign nationals are completely forbidden from visiting a few selected places in North Sikkim and Nathu La pass. Due to its remote location, it is regarded as an offbeat place to visit in Sikkim.
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One of Sikkim’s best places to visit has to be Pelling. This quaint town is located in West Sikkim and promises the most captivating views of the Mt. Kanchejunga range. So if you’re a nature lover and photographer looking for ethereal scenery to admire and capture, Pelling is the place for you.
Pelling is located at a height of 7,200 ft above the sea and is enveloped by rich greenery that covers the mountain slopes. The sky-high tips of the mountains are sprinkled with snow and against the backdrop of blue sky looks magnificent. Apart from its soul-soothing natural beauty, Pelling is famous for its majestic Buddhist monasteries and heritage sites such as Rabdentse Palace ruins.
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If you’re on a 4 to 5 day Sikkim trip, make sure to visit Ravangla. Located in South Sikkim, this small and beautiful town is famous for its parks, monasteries and a wildlife sanctuary. This town is centred perfectly between Maenam and Tendong Hills and therefore is home to some of the most scenic trails for hiking and trekking.
Explore the famous Kewzing village of Ravangla, famous for its organic lifestyle. Soak yourself in the warman healing waters of the Hot Spring of Borong, rich in sulphur content. Conclude your Ravangla trip with a day excursion to Buddha Park. This park features a copper statue of Lord Buddha and is approximately 130 ft in height.
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Lachen is among the offbeat places to visit in Sikkim and offers panoramic beauty of Himalayas. Even the most perturbed minds would feel at ease in the harmonious bliss of nature and tranquility that Lachen has to offer. The scenery of Lachen looks straight out of a fairytale. The alpine meadows and the majestic Himalayan range are ethereal to look at. The sporadic settlements of people in the green covered mountains and the floating clouds touching the mountain slopes, its dreamlike scene.
The solitude of Lachen gives a welcome relief from the glitter and glamour of concrete jungles. Here you will feel at peace and will get plenty of time to contemplate amidst the unparalleled beauty of Mother Nature.
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Once upon a time, Rabdentse, near Pelling, was the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814. Phunstog Namgyal, the first Chogyal of Sikkim. His son Tensung Namgyal established Rabdentse as the capital city of the kingdom of Sikkim and this city enjoyed the status for more than a century until it was destroyed by the Gurkha invasion in the 18th century. What now remains is the ruins of the palace and the chortens. Rabdentse is located close to the Pemayangtse Monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim.
The Rabdentse ruins form an intrinsic part of the Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit. The ruins of the palace comprise two distinct wings – the northern and the southern wings. The northern wing formed the residence of the royal family. The Rabdentse Ruins overlook a thickly forested valley, and the approach road leads through green forests of chestnut trees offering a perfect view of the magnificent Khangchendzonga ranges.
The Rabdentse ruins forms a part of the heritage site as identified by the Archaeological Survey of India and is under constant efforts for preservation and restoration to continue attracting travellers and tourists to this unique Sikkim tourism sight. The locals offer prayers on the seven feet long white marble slab, and it is believed that this stone slab was carried to the top of the hill by one person. The slab is said to be the place of the monastery called Risum Gompa.
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The Phurchachu Reshi hot spring is located about 135 km away from Gangtok, adjacent to a cave called Kadosangphu, which is famous for being one of the four major cave systems of Sikkim. This hot spring is very popular for its healing properties. The gushing hot water is rich in sulphur and medicinal properties. It is one of the most laid-back and unique attractions to visit in Sikkim. The hot spring is within accessible limits, and you can reach it by driving downhill towards the Rangit River valley for about an hour.
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Hanuman Tok is a top religious destination in Sikkim and has a popular shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is located in Gangtok at an altitude of 7200 feet and has a lot of appeal for tourists and devotees alike on account of the serene ambience and captivating natural views all around. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman rested at this place when he was carrying the entire Sanjeevani Parvat from the Himalayas to save the life of the beloved Lakshmana the younger brother of Lord Rama. Besides the attraction of visiting a religious destination, the natural beauty of the Himalayan ranges captivates its audiences.
Offering prayers to the resident deity at Hanuman Tok is a customary practice. People come here to view the Kanchenjunga Ranges from this hilltop shrine. The surrounding greenery along with the breath-taking views will create some memorable moments at the hour of sunset when the crimson glimpse of the fading sun mixes with the sound of chanting of prayers and the resonating sound of prayer bells. The experience one undergoes is divine and emancipating and you can actually feel the beauty of the spellbinding sunset and of nature in general. Visitors humbly pray and make wishes. Hanuman Tok is said to be a wish-fulfilling temple not for nothing. Visit Hanuman Tok to wish the best for yourself and your close ones.
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Khangchendzonga Waterfall is a rush of beauty and gorgeousness tumbling down from a height and creating a fantasy pool for tourists and travellers to enjoy and absorb the freshness of nature. The verdant, rich green vegetation contrasted with the jagged and ragged masses of the mountain surface of the rocky mass create an alluring charm of this waterfall fed by the streams formed by melting glaciers of Mt. Khangchendzonga.
A bit of short trek uphill is involved to reach the base of the fall. The cold splash of water and the jutting out granite rocks underneath gives an exceptional thrill. Tourists can also enjoy the ropeway built across it and get thrilled while crossing the stream suspended in air high up above the staggering rock faces. When you travel towards Yuksom from Pelling, Khangchendzonga Waterfall is 25 km away.
The sightseeing of Khangchendzonga Waterfall can be clubbed with other prominent tourist places to visit in Sikkim. These include spots near Pelling such as Rabdentse Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery and Sangachoeling Monastery. The Khecheopalri Lake, popular as the wish fulfilling lake, is just 37 km away from the fall, settled near the sacred Khecheopalri Hill is also a must visit. The history buffs can dig into the Rabdentse ruins enjoying the excellent view of Khangchendzonga range. Singshore Bridge is another attractive place to see near to the ruins.
Plan a trip to Sikkim and get enthralled by its enchanting allure. The ethereal beauty, peace and adventure of Sikkim is found in its multifarious attractions. Looking for tranquillity and calm? Visit the famous monasteries and temples of Sikkim. Want to admire the stunning views of Mt Kanchenjunga, head to Tashi viewpoint. Longing to go on a romantic date with your partner? Sikkim’s waterfalls and gardens are a perfect place to be at. There are many such diverse places to visit in Sikkim that pull in tourists of all ages and backgrounds. If you too have been wanting to go on a Sikkim vacation, select a Sikkim tour package and start packing your bags. Our special Sikkim travel packages will make your Sikkim holidays the most cherished experiences of your life.
Q1. What is the best time to plan a Sikkim trip?
The ideal time to visit in Sikkim is from March to May and from October to mid-December. These months feature a balmy weather and favourable conditions to explore a variety of attractions in Sikkim.
Q2. How many places in Sikkim can I cover on a 5 day trip?
In five days, one can cover the following places in Sikkim:
Q3. What are the best places to visit in Sikkim in Summer?
Gangtok, Ban Jakhri Falls, Khangchendzonga National Park, Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, Ravangla, Pelling are the best places to visit in Sikkim in Summer.
Q4. What are the best natural sites to explore in Sikkim?
Sikkim is replete with a plethora of nature sites that have their own unique charm. The best natural sites are Tsomgo Lake, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Green Lake, Zemu glacier and Kanchenjunga Falls.
Q5. What are the best places to shop in Sikkim?
The best places to shop in Sikkim are: MG Marg, Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms, Laal Bazaar, Lachen Market, and Ravangla Market.
Q6. Which are the top 5 tourist places in Sikkim for couples?
The top 5 places in Sikkim for couples are: Gangtok, Yuksom, Nathula Pass, Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang Valley. Couples can also explore Zuluk, Namchi and Lake Tsomgo.
