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Sikkim is forever beautiful with an inexplicable charm and the beauty of Himalayas that is unique to the region. The eastern part of Himalayas is absolutely gorgeous as it gets adequate rainfall and is covered by a lush green vegetation. It is a perfect 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 and 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 vacation to Sikkim. Sikkim can make your summer holiday a most cherished one.
Also Read: Things to do in Sikkim & Best Time to visit Sikkim
Do you want to witness Sikkim’s captivating beauty? Then checkout our tailor-made Sikkim Tour Packages!
Khecheopalri, is a unique holy lake in Sikkim located at a distance of about 147 km away from the Gangtok. This lake is associated with the revered and respected Guru Padmasambhava. This lake was earlier known as the Kha-Chot-Palri Lake and is located in West Sikkim. Khecheopalri Lake is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim during the summer months, especially in April. This lake being associated with Guru Padmasambhava is also a pilgrimage site apart from being a popular tourist destination. This lake is natural and is surrounded by mesmerizing Lake all around. It is also a photographers’ haven as the multitudinous Buddhist prayer flags swaying all around make for a pretty site.
| Location: | Pelling, Sikkim, India. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Khecheopalri Lake is during the months of March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant with clear skies, making it suitable for sightseeing and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. |
Buddha Park of Ravangla is also known as the Tathagata Tsal and it transforms itself into a heavenly abode to greet the curious visitors every summer with the onset of spring. And during the months of April and May the setting offer a spectacular scene with flowers blooming and clear skies projecting the best of the mesmeric Himalayan mountain ranges. The manmade 130-foot-tall Buddha statue is the third tallest in India and it overlooks a beautifully manicured park with vast areas of soothing greens. Buddha Park of Ravangla is located at the foothills of Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and makes for a definite visit during a trip to Sikkim.
Also Read: Things to do in Ravangla & Places to visit in Ravangla
| Location: | Ralong Rd, Ravangla, Sikkim. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Buddha Park of Ravangla is during the months of March to May and October to November. In the spring season, mild temperatures and blooming flowers make this place very attractive. During the autumn months, the clear skies provide excellent views of the Himalayan peaks. |
The beautiful cascading Bakthang Waterfall is located on the highway in Northern Sikkim. This fall can be visited while on the way to another famous tourist spot of Gangtok, which is the Tashi viewpoint. The source of water for the waterfall comes from the Ratey Chu river. Create thousands of precious memories while on your visit to this waterfall and click photos to freeze the moment. The waterfall tumbles down in full force during the summer months, and the waterfall makes for a lavish and gorgeous backdrop for your selfies in Sikkim.
| Location: | Gangtok, Sikkim. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Bakthang waterfall is during the months of March to May and October to November. |
| Timings: | All Days of the week in the daylight hours. |
Goecha La is located at a height of 16,207 feet and calls for a challenging trek of about 11 days. Yet it happens to be one of the most fascinating destinations of a Gangtok trip. The Goecha La trek crosses a stretch of 90 kilometres and takes the trekkers through a mix of intriguing landscapes and challenging terrains that takes the trekkers through new heights of satisfaction and sense of achievement. This trek proves to be a bit of an effort and so physical fitness and medical consultation is needed before venturing into it.
Also Read: Places to visit in Gangtok & Things to do in Gangtok
| Location: | Located in Gangtok, Sikkim, within the Kanchenjunga National Park. The trek to Goecha La starts from Yuksom, a small town in West Sikkim, and passes through picturesque landscapes and remote villages. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The ideal time to attempt the Goecha La trek is during the pre-monsoon season from April to May or the post-monsoon season from September to November. During these months, the weather remains moderate, and skies are clearer, offering sparkling views of the adjacent mountain ranges. |
Suggested Read: How to reach Gangtok & Best Time to visit Gangtok
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 create 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 in Sikkim for all travellers. To witness the magnificent riots of colours with the red, pink and purple rhododendrons are in full bloom is a sheer ecstasy. The extremely picturesque Yumthang Valley gives a chance to breathe some serene and tranquil air 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.
| Location: | Lachung, Sikkim, India. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Yumthang Valley are the months from February to mid-June, as the weather remains the best during this time. |
| Timings: | All Days of the week in the daylight hours. |
| No of days required for visiting Valley of Flowers: | Valley of Flowers can be reached through a trek and therefore in to explore the Valley of Flowers and its nearby surroundings at a relaxed pace, one would need a minimum of 3 to 4 days. The trek is about 16 km long and starts from Govindghat and passes through Ghangaria. |
Nathu La Pass is located at an elevation of 14,250 feet, which makes it a really high-altitude pass that receives ample snowfall and attracts thronging crowds of tourists and travellers from near and far. Nathu La Pass is a very important tourist destination of Sikkim and is known well to international and domestic travellers both. Historically, it was a part of the former silk route, connecting the state of Sikkim to the autonomous region of Tibet. Bound by snow during the winters, Nathula Pass is around 52 to 54 km long. It remains shrouded in a thick cover of snow with temperatures dipping to approximately minus 25 degrees Celsius during winters. Thus it is generally visited in summers even though chances of witnessing snowfall are rare in summers. This pass connects the towns of Kalimpong and Gangtok to the villages and towns of the lower Chumbi Valley and was a strategically important trade route for India and China. Since it is in close proximity to the Indo-China border, security pass is required to visit Nathula, and these passes can be obtained from any certified tour operator in Sikkim or from Government Tourism offices.
| Location: | India, Sikkim – China, Tibet Autonomous Region |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Nathula Pass is during the months of late-April to early-June and September to October. Summer and spring months offer relatively milder temperatures when the pass is opened for tourists. With clearer skies and better visibility of the stunning landscapes and surrounding mountains, you can enjoy the trip to Nathu La Pass even more. The Autumn months bring a sudden change in colour in the vegetation cover and is amazing to watch. |
| Timings: | The days for visiting Nathu La Pass are from Wednesday to Sunday. It remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The visiting hours for Nathula Pass are also limited, and it is usually accessible to tourists from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Post afternoon, the pass closes for visitors. |
Lake Tsomgo is also widely known as Changu Lake and is a very famous high-altitude lake of Sikkim, located at a height of about 12,310 feet in the eastern district of Sikkim. It is located at a distance of about 40 km approximately from Gangtok and is thus quite easily accessible from Gangtok. It is picture-perfect place to visit in Sikkim as a part of a planned itinerary as 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 drink along the banks and 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.
| Location: | Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim, about 40 km from the capital city of Gangtok, Sikkim, India. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The ideal time to visit Lake Tsomgo or Changu Lake is from March to late-May and from October to mid-December. |
| Key Attractions: | Visitors can enjoy yak and Mule ride and enjoy the beauty of the colourful flowers such as yellow and blue poppies, primulas and watch the Irish Migratory Brahmini ducks and spot wildlife such as the red panda. |
| Timings: | All Days of the week in the daylight hours from 8 am to 3 pm. The access to the lake is restricted and it is essential for all Indians and foreign nationals visiting the area to obtain permits. It is recommended to reach the lake latest by 10 am so that you get at least 2 hours to enjoy its unique charm. |
| Ticket Prices: | Ticket price is 450 per person. Tourists can also visit Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass as part of a day trip from Gangtok along with Tsomgo lake. Tsomgo lake is open to both Indian and Foreign nationals, however Protected Area Permits is mandatory. |
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.
| Location: | Khangchendzonga National Park is located in Mangan district and Gyalshing district, near Chungthang, Gangtok, Sikkim, India. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The ideal time to visit Khangchendzonga National Park is from March to May and from September to December. |
| Key Attractions: | Visitors should visit this park because Khangchendzonga National Park contains nearly half of India’s bird diversity, trees, orchids and rhododendrons and one third of the country’s flowering plants. It also comprises the most extensive zone of krummholz or stunted forest in the Himalayan region. |
| Timings: | All days of the week in the daylight hours, 10 am to 4 pm. |
| Ticket Prices: | Ticket price is INR 350 per head for the first 7 days after opening and INR 40 per head per day for additional days. It is INR 560 per head for the first 7 days for foreign nationals. |
If you have ever fancied the iconic Red Panda, Singalila National Park in Sikkim is one of the best places to spot some of them. The Singalila National Park is located on the Singalila Ridge at a height of about 7000 feet and is spread widely over an area of 78.6 square km. This National Park also falls in the popular Sandakphu trekking route and is thus even more popular. While a major part of this national park is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, Singalila also shares its beauty and bounty with Sikkim in the north. This park is the home to some of the brilliant, elusive and most exotic animal species like the Chinese Pangolin, Chinkara, Clouded Leopard, Black Panther, and some beautiful birds such as Scarlet Minivet, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant and Slender Billed Babble.
| Location: | Singalila National Park is located in the Singalila Ridge, Darjeeling, West Bengal, and about 120 km from Gangtok, Sikkim, India, which takes about 4 to 5 hours of road journey. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The ideal time to visit Singalila National Park is from March to May and from September to December. The Park closes down from June to September due to heavy monsoon showers. |
| Key Attractions: | Visitors should visit this park as it is one of the best places in India to spot red panda in the wild along with a brilliant variety of mammals that include Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, leopard cat, serow, barking deer, yellow throated marten, wild boar, pangolin and pika, to name some. The bird watchers are advised to visit this park between the months of November and March. |
| Timings: | All days of the week in the daylight hours, from 6 am to 7 pm. |
| Ticket Prices: | No entry fees. |
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes not only in India but also in the whole world. It is located at a stupendous height of 17,800 feet and its waters are fed by the is fed by the Gurudongmar glacier. A source stream originating from the Gurudongmar Lake joins the Tso Lhamu which then forms the source of the gorgeous Teesta River. The Lake is spread across an area of 290 acres and is a favourite grazing and wandering ground for high altitude animals such as the yaks and the blue sheep. The lake water had a fames clarity even a few years back and the waters were so crystal clear that the bed of the lake could also be seen. Though modern-day pollution has sullied the waters a bit, but the beauty of the lake still remains refreshing, and the temple is deemed sacred for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. Your Sikkim tour will remain incomplete without a visit to Gurudongmar Lake which has the potential to create some cherishing memories of a holiday in Sikkim with the brilliance of snowy peaks, the striking blue, green and grey shades of this lake never cease to impress nature lovers and explorers.
| Location: | Singalila National Park is located in the in the Great Himalayas in the Mangan District in Indian state of Sikkim, 190 km from Gangtok, which takes about 7 hours of road journey. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The ideal time to visit Singalila National Park is from March to May and from September to December. The Park closes down from June to September due to heavy monsoon showers. |
| Key Attractions: | Visitors should visit this park as it is one of the best places in India to spot red panda in the wild along with a brilliant variety of mammals that include Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, leopard cat, serow, barking deer, yellow throated marten, wild boar, pangolin and pika, to name some. The bird watchers are advised to visit this park between the months of November and March. |
| Timings: | All days of the week in the daylight hours, from 6 am to 7 pm. |
| Ticket Prices: | No entry fees. |
Saramsa Garden is located about 14 km away from Gangtok is also known as Ipecac Garden. It is scenic 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 all through the year. 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.
| Location: | Saramsa Garden is located between the hill slopes of Gangtok and Pakyong on NH-717A. The park is situated approximately 12 km away from Pakyong and 14 km away from the capital Gangtok. A hired taxi service from Gangtok takes around 45 minutes to reach the garden. On the way to the garden you can also visit the Shiva Panchayatan Temple. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The ideal time to visit Saramsa Garden is from March to May and from September to December. The Park closes down from June to September due to heavy monsoon showers. |
| Key Attractions: | The varied colourful orchids put a brilliant spectacle and fills its visitors with awe. The view of the River Ranikhola from the garden benches is also an attraction to look forward to. |
| Timings: | All days of the week in the daylight hours, from 8 am to 6 pm. |
| Ticket Prices: | INR 10 per person. |
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. The hot spring is within accessible limits, and you can reach by driving downhill towards the Rangit River valley for about an hour.
| Location: | The Phurchachu Reshi hot spring is located close to the Rangeet River, Gyalshing, Sikkim. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The ideal time to visit Phurchachu Reshi hot spring is from March to May and from September to December. |
| Key Attractions: | The varied colourful orchids put a brilliant spectacle and fills its visitors with awe. The view of the River Ranikhola from the garden benches is also an attraction to look forward to. |
| Timings: | All days of the week in the daylight hours, from 8 am to 6 pm. |
| Ticket Prices: | INR 10 per person. |
A historical village located at 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.
Also Read: Places to visit in Yuksom & Things to do in Yuksom
| Location: | Yuksom is located in the Geyzing subdivision of West Sikkim district in the Northeast Indian state of Sikkim. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The ideal time to visit Yuksom is from October to mid-December and March to mid-June. |
| Key Attractions: | Yuksom is famous for its enchanting mountain views, its out-of-the-ordinary flora and fauna, its historical mysticism, its ancient heritage and striking monasteries, and singularly the Tashi Tenka Monastery, Rabdentse Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, Dubdi Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rathong Valley and more. |
| Timings: | All days of the week in the daylight hours, from 8 am to 6 pm. |
| Ticket Prices: | INR 10 per person. |
Suggested Read: Best time to visit Yuksom & How to reach Yuksom
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.
Also Read: Places to visit in Lachung & Things to do in Lachung
| Location: | Lachung is located in the North Sikkim district close to the Tibet border. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The ideal time to visit Lachung is from October to mid-December and March to mid-June. Monsoon season is to be avoided. |
| Key Attractions: | Lachung is beautiful with its apple orchards, pine forests and sparkling waterfalls. It is indeed a scenic Himalayan village. |
Suggested Read: How to reach Lachung & Best time to visit Lachung
Kartok Monastery is located in a picturesque village of Yuksom and is one of the three most important monasteries in the town, the other two are namely the Dubdi Monastery and the Ngadak Chorling Monastery. Kartok Monastery displays a vibrant red structure dotted with golden, yellow highlighted ornamental borders and neat and orderly Tibetan design. This monastery makes for a popular pilgrimage visit in Yuksom and the fluttering colourful prayer flags along with the beauty of the Lake Kartok adds to the glamour. The monastery was named after a lama who played a significant role in the coronation of the king of Sikkim. The brilliance of the gold embellishment adorning the monastery matches with the equally scintillating beauty of the misty blue hills at the background. Very importantly Kartok Monastery is the sixth oldest monastery of Sikkim, affiliated to the Nyingma Order of Tibetan Buddhism.
| Location: | Kartok Monastery is located in the North Sikkim district close to the Tibet border. |
| Best Time to Visit: | Kartok Monastery is visited by curious travellers and devoted pilgrims throughout the year. It has a good connectivity with the other star tourist attractions of Sikkim such as Pelling and Geyzing. Hired taxis and buses are comfortable means of transportation to reach Kartok Monastery. The monastery exudes the same charm any time of the year but March to June would be the best time to visit this monastery. |
| Key Attractions: | Karthok Monastery still holds its ancient fossil charm with its timeless beauty and divine sculptured elegance. There is also the beautiful lake located near it. The shrine against the towering mountain peaks and greenery of the magical paddy fields around is worth a visit. |
| Ticket Prices: | No entry fees. |
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 been accepted reign over the supreme faith of absolving mortals of their sins, if they are willing to submit. 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. 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.
| Location: | Tashiding Monastery is located 40 km from Gyalshing and 19 km to the south east of Yuksom. |
| Best Time to Visit: | Tashiding Monastery is visited by thousands of pilgrims as it is considered the holiest and most sacred of all monasteries in Sikkim. |
| Key Attractions: | Tashiding Monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order was built in the seventeenth century on a hilltop overlooking two enticingly beautiful rivers, Rangit and Rathong. This popular monastery is believed to have the power to cleanse the sins of those to ardently seek forgiveness and are willing to repent for their wrong doing. It is often referred to as the “Heart of Sikkim/Denzong”, that adequately exemplifies the religious sacredness of Tashiding Monastery. |
| Ticket Prices: | No entry fees. |
Dubdi Monastery is also known as Yuksom Monastery and is a Buddhist place of pilgrimage following the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was established in 1701, during the reign of Chogyal Namgyal. This monastery is one of the most well-known monasteries in Sikkim. The term ‘Dubdi’ refers to ‘the retreat’ and this monastery and its tranquil settings amply justifies its name. It is located in the heart of the mesmeric thick chestnut backwoods. A visit to this monastery opens up the hidden and secret joys of the beauty of nature as you soak in the charm of silent and strong towering alpine forests, exquisite, paved pathways, breath taking background of the snow-capped mountains overlooking the distant picturesque valleys and soothing greenery. The monastery is an exquisitely painted double-storied stone structure, built at a height of 2,100 meters. The main Shrine was renovated in modern times and was rebuilt, but has traditional buildings and chortens surrounding it, that holds the relics of Sikkim Chogyals and Lamas, which includes Thong-Wa-rang-Dol chorten which is said to purify the soul of any mortal who sets an eye to it.
| Location: | Dubdi Monastery is located 40 km from Gyalshing and 19 km to the south east of Yuksom. The Monastery is located in a beautiful garden on a ridge above Yuksom. The approach road to the monastery takes about 30 minutes and passes through a magnificent mountain forest. |
| Best Time to Visit: | Dubdi Monastery, which is located on a hilltop, is just 3 km walk away from Yuksom. Yuksom is accessible by shared Jeep or SSRTC buses from Geyzing which is about 39 km and takes 1 hour 48 minutes or from Pelling which is 40 km away and takes about 1 hour 39 minutes. |
| Key Attractions: | Dubdi Monastery is the oldest monastery in Sikkim. |
| Timings: | 07:00 am – 04:00 pm |
| Ticket Prices: | No entry fees. |
Tashi Tenka is a royal residence complex of the yesteryears on an edge toward the south of town. The monastery offers a grand view of the gorgeous Rathong Valley and the towering misty mountain ranges all around. To the south of Tashi Tenka lies the Rabdentse Monastery and one side is flanked by the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. The streets leading to Tashiding in the east and beauty of the forested slopes to the other side. To the west you can feast your eyes on the blatantly beautiful Khecheopalri lake. A glorious view of the Rathong Valley flowing in between the high rough-edged hills, on to the north direction will meet your eyes and increase your joy.
| Location: | Tashi Tenka Monastery is located in Yuksom which is 39 km from Geyzing and 40 km from Pelling. To get here one has to trek a little, up to the ridge and can be reached by availing shared jeep, taxi or buses from Geyzing which takes 1 hour 48 min and from Pelling it takes 1 hour 39 min. Private taxis offer the flexibility of stopping in between to appreciate the panoramic view of charming Yuksom. |
| Best Time to Visit: | Tashi Tenka Monastery is visited mostly during the months of March to May when the weather is agreeable to all. |
| Key Attractions: | Tashi Tenka Monastery. |
| Ticket Prices: | No entry fees. |
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.
| Location: | Rabdentse ruins located near Pelling and in the West Sikkim district. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Rabdentse Monastery is during the summer season from March to May. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the temperature ranges from 7°C to 28°C making it very comfortable for visitors to explore the beauty of all the nearby places. |
| Key Attractions: | Rabdentse ruins has associated with it innumerable stories of war, power, bravery and glory. The traces of blood on the walls of the ruins bear the testimony of the inhuman tradition of fighting for throne. |
| Ticket Prices: | No entry fees for visiting Rabdentse ruins. |
Coronation Throne of Norbugang is symbolical of the crowning of the first Chogyal king, Phuntsog Namgyal, which was performed in the year 1642. Later a wall like structure was erected and designated as Norbugang chorten. According to popular local beliefs, it is said that the devotees who visited the ceremony had offered enormous measure of wealth and fortune that are buried underneath the Norbugang Chorten, still denoting the original site. The visitors can be guided to the various elements that are found scattered all across the site, the seats of the three Lamas and the king and a shrine with a prayer wheel. There is also a mystic pine tree overlooking the chorten. You can also feast your eyes on the serene Kathok Lake from where water for coronation was taken. The footprints of one of the three lamas are embedded in a rock opposite regal throne and spread mysticism in the air. The beautiful garden contains an exotic mix of indigenous trees and plants. Spend some time in close communion with nature and enjoy a peaceful silent stroll amidst the mountain beauty.
| Location: | Coronation Throne of Norbugang is approximately 20-minute walk from the main Yuksom Market. Yuksom is easily accessible by shared jeep, taxi or SSRTC bus service from Geyzing which is located 39 km from Pelling and takes approximately 1 hour 48 minutes from Pelling. Private taxis can be hired for a customized trip of the spot and the tourist attractions of the nearby destinations at one’s own pace. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Coronation Throne of Norbugang is during the summer season from March to May. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the temperature ranges from 7°C to 28°C making it very comfortable for visitors to explore the beauty of all the nearby places. |
| Key Attractions: | There are several monasteries located close to the Coronation Throne of Norbugang such as Dubdi Monastery, Kartok Monastery and Tashiding Monastery. These are all important tourist attractions of Sikkim. Religiously and historically significant Tashi Tenka and Khangchendzonga National Park can also be visited. |
| Ticket Prices: | No entry fees for visiting Coronation Throne of Norbugang if you come before 9 am. A nominal entry fee is charged after that. |
The mesmeric Bhim Nala Falls cascade down and is a beautiful gift of nature. It tumbles down from a great height which acquires it the name of Bhim Nala. Getting inspired by the Indian movie industry, where Amitabh Bachchan is considered a great actor of fame and name, this fall is also referred to as Amitabh Bachchan Fall again because of its height because Amitabh is one of the tallest heroes of Bollywood film industry. The fall is located on the way between Lachung and Gangtok. The amount of water in the fall varies but the height from which it falls gives it a great momentum and creates a misty magic all around the fall. You can feel the water splashing on you if you are in the vicinity. It is a worth visiting tourist destination and its deafening roar can be heard from quite a distance. An ideal place to chick some nice pictures with the fall. The height of the waterfall is approximately 8,600 feet above sea level, which makes it one of the highest waterfalls in Sikkim. The fall is surrounded by lush green forests, mountains and valleys and is actually also known as Bhewma Falls that makes for a 70 feet waterfall. There are several vantage points from where the beauty of the falls can be explored. Also there is a deck built just across the fall to gaze at it in leisure.
| Location: | Bhim Nala Falls is located approximately 13 km from Lachung in the North Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim. The gorgeous Bhim Nala Falls is situated at Khedum village near Lachung. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Bhim Nala Falls is during the summer months from March to June when the snow from the glacier melts and add to the volume of water in the Fall and then again in the autumn season from September to December after the monsoon which also sees increased supply of water and thus a swollen Fall. |
| Key Attractions: | Bhim Nala Falls falling from a great height creates a magical misty effect as the winds that blow make the falling water blow here and there. |
| Ticket Prices: | No entry fees for visiting Bhim Nala Falls. |
Naga Falls is very beautiful and makes for a must visit tourist destination in Lachung. It is a prominent waterfall and very picturesque. The Naga falls is one of the longest and the scenic waterfalls with sparkling clean and very cold water. It has water gushing down from multiple tiers. The fall is located a bit further away from the main road and so involves a bit of trek through a rocky path to get the view. The picturesque mountain with snow covered tops and the rocky mountain face from which the waterfall gushes down together create a scenic beauty that allure travellers and tourists to this fall. During monsoons the flow of water increases considerably giving the waterfall a rush and added splendour. Its visual appeal makes it quite popular among locals and tourists. The top and bottom of the fall are both accessible, but a bit rocky. The water flows in a wavy pattern. Naga Falls is to be found at the Lachung-Yumthang Valleys trekking route.
| Location: | Naga Falls is located approximately at a distance of 34 km from Lachung and 82 km from Gangtok. It is in North Sikkim on Gangtok-Chungthang road. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Naga Falls is during the summer months from March to June when the snow from the glacier melts and add to the volume of water in the Fall and then again in the autumn season from September to December after the monsoon which also sees increased supply of water more vibrant fall. |
| Key Attractions: | Naga Falls tumbles down from a height and the rocky background along with the greenery of the vegetation all around make it look very pretty. |
| Entry Fee: | No entry fees for visiting Naga Falls. |
| Timings: | The opening hours for Naga Falls are 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. |
Lachung Monastery belongs to the Nyingma Sect of Buddhism and has an ancient heritage associated with it. It was established in the year 1880. The term Lachung means a ‘small mountain’ and the town of Lachung is located at a height of 3000 metres or about 9600 feet. The small village of Lachung is built at the confluence of two most important tributaries of Teesta River, the Lachen River and the Lachung River at the distance of 118 km from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim on the North Sikkim Highway. This town is located close to the Indo-Chinese border. Permit is required for visiting the Lachung Monastery in North Sikkim. This monastery is quite popular for hosting a famous mask dance each year in the winters that attracts people from far and near. The monastery lies in seclusion and peace amid apple orchards on the banks of the Lachen Chu River at a height of 2750 feet. In 1930, statues of Buddha, Guru Padmashambhaba and Chenrezig made of copper along with Kangyur and Tengyur texts were brought from Tibet as a treasure for this Gompa. The monastery was renovated and remodelled by the Lamas in 1983 AD. The shrine is quite colourful with its two-storey structure containing twin metal dragons above the porch, and a pair of quite heavy prayer wheels. It offers charming views of the countryside and almost the whole Lachung Valley.
| Location: | Lachung Monastery is located approximately at a distance of 500 m from Lachung Town Centre. It is in North Sikkim on Gangtok-Chungthang road. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Lachung Monastery is during the summer months from March to June and then from September to December. March to May is the peak tourist season. Temperatures range from a maximum of 15 degrees Celsius to a low of minus nineteen degrees Celsius. |
| Key Attractions: | Lachung Monastery is enveloped in the folds of enigmatic apple orchards and is an ancient Buddhist Monastery with a brilliant architecture quietly cradled amidst the jaw-dropping beauty of the big snow-covered mountain ranges. |
| Entry Fee: | No entry fees Lachung Monastery. |
| Timings: | The opening hours for Naga Falls are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. |
Ngadak Monastery or Ngadak Thupten Shedup Dhargey Choeling Monastery offers infinite peace and breathes a unique charm and spirituality. Located a short distance away from the main town of Namchi this monastery was built during the reign of Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal by Tensung Namgyal as the palace for Her Highness Pendi Ongmu. A new gompa is now being constructed as the old structure has suffered a massive damage due to the earthquake in the seventeenth century. Ngadak Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Namchi and people visit this place to meditate in peace among the beauty of nature. The word Ngadak means promise and it is sincerely believed that whoever visits this monastery has to make a promise to return again to the Gumpa. It was established in 1937 by the Nyingma Order of Tibetan Buddhism and houses a prayer hall decorated with traditional Tibetan art and sculptures with its walls decorated with intricate murals and thangkas depicting various Buddhist deities.
| Location: | Ngadak Changchub Choling Monastery is located at the heart of the capital city of Gangtok, near the famous MG Marg. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Ngadak Changchub Choling Monastery is from March to June because during these months the climate remains perfect for sightseeing. |
| Key Attractions: | Visiting Ngadak Monastery gives you a chance to explore the Gompa and see the medicinal plants. The other prominent landmarks that you can visit while in your Ngadak Monastery trip are the Namchi Rock Garden, Samdruptse Hilltop Monastery with its giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava and get an opportunity to ride the cable car from the Namchi Rock Garden. |
| Entry Fee: | Entry fees is INR 50 per adult and parking charges of INR 30 per vehicle. |
| Timings: | The opening hours for Naga Falls are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. |
The Lachung River is a beautiful sparkling rivulet which forms a primary tributary of the Teesta River and is located in the northern borders of Sikkim. Rangeet River is the other important tributary of Teesta along with Lachung River. Lachung River meets Lachen River at Chungthang to give rise to the mighty and gorgeous Teesta. The picturesque village of Lachung is located on the craggy banks of the Lachung River approximately 23 km from Chungthang. Lachung River has one primary tributary and they meet near Lachung village. The crystal clear and pure waters form the primary source of living in the villages along its banks. During the course of the river, a number of waterfalls and minor streams are observed.
| Location: | Lachung River flows along the northern borders of Sikkim. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Lachung is from March to June and then again from September to December to because during these months the climate remains perfect for sightseeing. |
| Key Attractions: | Lachung River is an extremely picturesque rivulet that flows beside the quiet and peaceful hamlet of Lachung with towering pine trees and snow-capped mountains on every side. It is a sight to behold when the spring flowers bloom and then again when the face changes in winter, the ground gets covered with a thick carpet of snow. |
Yumesamdong 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 civilisation 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.
| Location: | Zero Point of Yumesamdong is a beautiful place located at upper hills of Yumthang valley. northern borders of Sikkim. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Yumesamdong is from March to June and then again from September to December to because during these months the climate remains perfect for sightseeing. |
| Key Attractions: | Zero Point is located at an altitude of 15300 feet and the level of oxygen is less. It is the fairy white land of perpetual snow and also contains the starting point of Teesta river. The route is to the Zero Point offers exquisitely beautiful towering snow-capped peaks lined with chimal trees in vibrant colours of green, red and yellow. Carpets of red moss brighten the roadside along with verdant valley views covered by greenery interspersed with gorgeous yellow coloured snakebark maple trees. The thrilling and meandering curves and the deadly hairpin bends adds a rush of adrenalin as you snake up towards the Zero Point. |
Aritar is mesmeric with gently rolling hills, lush green forests and placid, picturesque lakes. It attracts travellers and tourists from far and wide. Summer season sees the greatest influx of crowd as the it is the best time to visit this place with pleasing and enjoyable temperatures. Monsoons are characterized by heavy rainfall, and the roads get treacherous. In Aritar, winters are chilly as it sees a dip in the temperatures that drop down to below freezing point. But the hues that Aritar showcases in the different seasons are mesmerizing. It is symbolic of Sikkim beauty and extremely peaceful. Although it is not very far away from the modern amenities and busy city life, yet Aritar is tranquil and promises a memorable vacation in Sikkim.
| Location: | Aritar is located on the slopes of the Himalayan ranges. It is 67 km away from Gangtok, 52 km from Kalim, 40 km from Pakyong and 30 km from Rangpo, the prominent towns of Sikkim. The best way to visit Aritar is to hire a private taxi. Aritar is a bit secluded and not much commercialized. Thus not many options are available in the town, thus pre-booking a cab is recommended. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Aritar is from March to May and then again from September to December to because during these months the climate remains perfect for sightseeing. The summer temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C and Aritar looks heavenly but expect a huge influx of crowd and tourists in this season. |
| Key Attractions: | Aritar falls under the Rangoli sub-division of East Sikkim in North East India, and has an enchanting natural beauty in seclusion, the innate desire of every nature lover. Spiced and spruced with lush forests, enticing waterfalls, languid lakes and towering Himalayan peaks, Aritar is a haven of peace and beauty. A quiet holiday in close communion with nature in summer – Aritar is the destination. |
Yuksom is a perfect solution to a quiet vacation in the hills of Sikkim. Summers are a perfect time for an ultimate laid-back holiday in this virgin and extremely charming historical town of Yuksom in West Sikkim. Mani Hall is a one of the tourist attractions in Yuksom if you are planning for a day trip here. It is located in the centre of the village. The structure is unique with glass-walls. The building bears resemblance to a temple and encloses 18 oversized prayer wheels arranged in two closely packed rows. Each prayer wheel is made of embossed, part-gilded copper. They are massive and need some effort to turn them. In addition to inducing meditative feelings they will also call for a considerable amount of physical workout. Yuksom is blessed with nature’s bounty and unparalleled gorgeousness and this place is a must visit destination in your Sikkim itinerary. Yuksom is called the Gateway to Mt. Khangchendzonga and has enticing virgin trails along pristine valleys and forests that are worth treading. Mani Hall adds a feather to Yuksom’s enchantment.
| Location: | Mani Hall is located at the centre of the quiet and enchanting village of Yuksom. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Mani Hall or Yuksom is from March to June and then again from September to October to because during these months the climate remains perfect for sightseeing. Come June and the roads get treacherous and slippery with occurrence of landslides. Come winters and Yuksom temperatures dip below freezing point. |
| Key Attractions: | Nature lovers at heart would love to enjoy travelling to Yuksom and seeing the attractions such as Mani Hall in spite the chilly climate because the beguiling charm of the views of snow-capped hills and frozen landscapes blanketed in layers upon layers of white snow is spellbinding. |
Yangthang Rinpoche or Domang Yangthang Rinpoche or Kunzang Jigmed Dechen Ösal Dorje who lived from 1930 to 2016 is popular as a renowned Nyingma teacher from the region of Yangthang. This great personality was associated with Domang Monastery, a branch of Palyul in Eastern Tibet. Yangthang Rinpoche Statue is a gigantic statue which is placed outside Norbugang’s south wall, and this seated statue commemorates Lhatsun Chempo’s twentieth-century reincarnation. The statue is enormous and can be seen from Tashi Tenka. It is one of the prominent structures and tourist attractions of Yuksom and is a striking beauty attracts a lot of attention.
| Location: | Yangthang Rinpoche Statue is located in the enchanting village of Yuksom close to Norbugang Park at Yuksom, 42 km from Pelling town and 122 km by road from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Norbugang Park or Yuksom is from March to June and then again from September to October to because during these months the climate remains perfect for sightseeing. Come June and the roads get treacherous and slippery with occurrence of landslides. Come winters and Yuksom temperatures dip below freezing point. |
| Key Attractions: | Nature lovers at heart would love to enjoy travelling to Yuksom and seeing the attractions such as Yangthang Rinpoche Statue in spring or in autumn when the time is ideal for sightseeing. |
Lama Lutsum Chembo, Sempa Chembo, and Ritzing Chembo together consecrated Phuntsok Namgyal as the first religious monarch of Sikkim at the Coronation Stone. A small and simple stone throne of the first Chogyal had four seats, one for the monarch and the rest three for the three lamas. The coronation happened under a pine tree which astoundingly still stands as a silent historical witness to the event. With history etched in each fluttering flag, the Norbugang ‘coronation park’ is a garden containing a small shrine, a gigantic prayer wheel, a chorten containing earth from each corner of Sikkim, and last but not the least the four-seated Coronation Throne of the first king that stands beneath a towering ancient cedar tree. The stone throne belonging to 1641 looks akin to an Olympic podium and the chogyal’s position is neither at the centre nor at the highest point that raises curiosity. There is also the legendary stone with low railings covered with a green metal plate which the devotees believe to be a footprint of the foremost lama, Lhatsun Chempo. The unique park is spread over an area of 1.2 km from the bazaar area, about 600 metres away from the main road. The famous Kathok Lake is located adjacent to it whose holy water was used to anoint the chogyal at the time of his coronation.
| Location: | Norbugang Park is located in the enchanting village of Yuksom, 42 km from Pelling town and 122 km by road from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Yangthang Rinpoche Statue or Yuksom is from March to June and then again from September to October to because during these months the climate remains perfect for sightseeing. Come June and the roads get treacherous and slippery with occurrence of landslides. Come winters and Yuksom temperatures dip below freezing point. |
| Key Attractions: | Nature lovers at heart would love to enjoy travelling to Yuksom and seeing the attractions such as Yangthang Rinpoche Statue in spring or in autumn when the time is ideal for sightseeing. |
Tso Lhamo lake is located at an astounding height of 6200 metres or 20300 feet. Thus it is one of the highest lakes in the world located in the Mangan District of Sikkim. The Chinese International border is just 4 km southwest of this lake. Feast you ice on the ice-cold fresh waters of the lake that is fed by waters from the Zemu Glacier, Kangtse glacier or Pauhunri glacier. These glaciers also form the source of water for the Magnificent Teesta River. This lake is also called Cholamoo lake, and the name is also spelt Chho Lhamo and sometimes Cholamu lake. Tso Lhamo Lake is located northeast of the towering Kangchenjunga range in a high plateau area that is connected with the Tibetan Plateau. The Gurudongmar Lake another famous tourist attraction of Sikkim lies approximately 5 km to the west of Tso Lhamo Lake. Tso Lhamo is undoubtedly the highest lake in India, and it is also among the topmost fourteenth high altitude lakes across the world.
| Location: | Tso Lhamo Lake is located in the Mangan District of Sikkim and is 195 km and is 7.15-hour car ride by road from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, via Singtam – Chungthang Road and Gurudongmar Road. Tso Lhamo Lake is 75 km away from the northern town of Lachen, which is a 6-hour car ride from Gangtok. From Lachen shared jeep or taxi service are the options. Trekking to Tso Lhamo is the perfect option to gain experience in the rugged terrain of Sikkim. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Tso Lhamo Lake is from March to May and then again from September to October. The spring season gifts the land around with a vibrant hue of flowers such as orchids and rhododendrons and the autumn gives clear skies for photographers and nature lovers to gaze at the towering peaks around. |
| Key Attractions: | Tso Lhamo lake is the highest lake in India. The beauty of the lake is enhanced by the clarity of the water it contains and the gorgeous reflection of the mountains ranges on its waters. The lake offers unmatched beauty and ample scope of photography, blogging and to get awed by nature’s beauty. |
Thangu is located at a high altitude of 13000 feet, about 30 km north of Lachen, another prominent city of Sikkim after its capital, Gangtok. Due to its high altitude, Thangu remains covered with snow for most of the time and during the autumn and winter months from October to March, the land gets completely shrouded with a white blanket of snow and looks ethereally white. In April and May, when the flowers bloom, the valley turns to a mosaic of a veritable thousand shades and Thangu’s alpine vegetation wins the famed glory of being landscaped by divine hands. Thangu also serves for a base to acclimatise to high altitude low oxygen levels before you travel further to Gurudongmar Lake or Muguthang. The alpine meadows with the pretty wooden houses along with army camps add a bling to the already enchantingly beautiful land of the calmly flowing Teesta. Thangu forms a secluded shelter to some Nomadic tribes, and the valley tinkles along with the flow of a number of streams and rivulets, namely, Chopta Chu, Thangu Chu and Lassur Chu.
| Location: | Thangu is about 30 kilometres north of Lachen. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Thangu Valley is from March to May and then again from September to October. The spring season gifts the land around with a vibrant hue of flowers and the autumn gives clear skies for photographers. Winters are harsh and are for those who love the pure white of nature’s snowy abodes. |
| Key Attractions: | With summer temperatures hovering between 10 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius, Thangu is infinitely scenic. The alpine meadows sparkling with the shimmering waters of Teesta and other small gurgling rivulets. |
The Enchey Monastery, established in 1909 above Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The monastery was built in the then small hamlet of Gangtok and had evolved into a religious centre from a humble Gompa. Lama Drupthob Karpo blessed the located and established the first small gompa when he arrived here from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim. The term ‘enchey’ means solitary and the monastery is the house to the protecting deities of Khangchendzonga and Yabdean. These two powerful deities are strongly believed to fulfil wishes. The picturesque ridge on which on a hill overlooking the Gangtok city where the monastery is perched offers vivid and stunning views of Gangtok. Though the initial structure was built in 1840s by the eighth chogyal, it was given the current aesthetic look in 1909 as a replica of a Chinese Pagoda during the rule of Sikyong Tulku. A bright cupola adorns the top of the structure, and it houses images of gods and goddesses. The shrine is dedicated to Buddha, Loki Sharia and Guru Padmasambhava. The monastery is built on a stunning ridge on Gangtok – Nathula road, and the approach road passes through an avenue of array of greenery created by some gigantic conifers.
| Location: | The Enchey Monastery is built on a hill overlooking the city of Gangtok. It is accessible via the Gangtok – Nathula Road. It is about 3 km in the northeast of the Gangtok market. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Enchey Monastery is from March to May and then again from September to October. |
| Key Attractions: | Experience the perpetual serenity in the atmosphere created by the colourful prayer flags fluttering around the monastery. Detor Cham or the vibrant Cham dance festival is held in the monastery during the months of January or February. Visit the Monastery during the other festivals such as the Singhe Chaam performed once every three years, Pang Lhabsol that celebrates the swearing of blood-brotherhood between the Bhutias and Lepchas with Khangchendzonga as the mighty witness. |
The Phodong Monastery is a perfect religious sojourn. This monastery contains the remains of the Kagyupa Sect of Buddhists and was established by Gyurmed Namgyal of the Kagyupa Sect. It is located at a height of 4,500 feet above sea level and exhibits a variety of captivating collection of paintings, murals and holy scriptures hailing from the times of yore. The other attractions located close to Phodong Monastery are the Labrang Monastery and Tumlong. It is located approximately 124 kilometres from the Bagdogra Airport.
| Location: | The Phodong Monastery is located 38 kilometres from Gangtok, in the village called Phodong from where the monastery gets its name. The road distance drive from Gangtok is about 1 hour 40 minutes to Phodong Monastery. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Phodong Monastery is from March to May and then again from September to October. |
| Key Attractions: | Experience the beauty of murals, paintings and frescos that can charm anyone anytime. The Phodong Monastery is a major tourist attraction of Sikkim, and approximately 260 monks of the Kagyu lineage reside here. The walls of the monastery are adorned with a rich collection of beautiful and precious murals and paintings. |
Do-drul Chorten, a famous stupa in Gangtok, Sikkim, was built by Trulshik Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in the year 1945. This stupa contains a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur or Holy Books and has about six or seven smaller stupas surrounding the main stupa. Perched on the top of a hill, it contains 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels. The stupa is surrounded by Chorten Lakahang and Guru Lakhang, where two statues of Guru Rinpoche are present. Do-drul Chorten is located close to the Institute of Tibetology – another important landmark near Gangtok and it is just a few minutes of uphill walk. Do Drul Chorten is believed to possess magical powers in keeping away evil, and therefore is included among the heritage sites of Buddhist faith. Visit this stupa to watch in silence the diligent monks filling up butter lamps and spinning prayer wheels and discover a serendipity of your own. The lush green forested surroundings and the misty mountains forming a picturesque backdrop of Do Drul Chorten gives you some memorable moments of peace and happiness.
| Location: | Do Drul Chorten is located in the town of Gangtok in Deorali area. It forms an easy walk from the main town. Taxis are always available for a drop. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Do Drul Chorten is from March to May and then again from September to October. |
| Key Attractions: | It is believed that the hill supporting the stupa was haunted by evil spirits before the stupa was built. The death of many tourists was attributed to these evil spirits. However, the great Guru Rinpoche, or Padmasambhava, freed the hillock of all evil though his blessings. The iconic Dro Drul Chorten stupa, crowned by a beautiful golden dome, is visible from almost all places in Gangtok! The Buddhists monks spinning the prayer wheels accompanied by a synchronized chanting of `Om Mane Padme Hum` resonates through the atmosphere and calls for a peaceful experience. |
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 nation. 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 local regard him to be not less than a god and many of 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.
| Location: | Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple is about 60 km from Gangtok and can be easily reached by hired taxis or buses. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit and enjoy Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple in Sikkim is from April to November. The weather during these months remains somewhat pleasant, and people pay respect to the patriot soldier Harbhajan Singh. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple becomes inaccessible in winter as the Nathula Pass is blocked by heavy snowfall. |
| Key Attractions: | Baba Harbhajan Singh’s spirit is believed to be on the move. He was always held immortal, and soldiers believe that every army officer who does not dress in a tidy and orderly manner gets slapped by him. Moreover tales of supernatural sightings have been reported repeatedly. His bedclothes and shoes are believed to be used on a regular basis. |
| Entry Fees: | No entry fees. |
The Singshore suspension bridge connects two gorges in the west of Sikkim and is believed to be the highest bridge in the state. It is also the second highest in Asia, built at an astounding height of more than 100 meters. This architectural beauty is a major tourist attraction of Sikkim. The bridge has a length of approximately 200 metres. It is comfortably accessible from Pelling, which is located just a short distance away. This amazing and longest suspension bridge was constructed in the early 2000s. Made of iron and concrete, it stays hanging and overlooking picturesque and verdant hills and valleys. The bridge serves to connect two villages, Dentam and Uttarey and is a delight to cross where you can bathe in the beauty of the surrounding hills, streams and waterfalls. The bridge’s main function was to shorten the distance between two gorges. His engineering marvel is also the ideal venue to try bungee jumping. Experience the joy and thrill of jumping from a suspended bridge into a deep gorge and let your adrenalin rush through your body and mind as you leap headlong. Make your visit on to north east memorable with a visit to Singshore Bridge.
| Location: | Singshore Bridge is about 28 km from Pelling. To reach Pelling from Gangtok, taxis or buses can be hired. The road distance from Gangtok to Pelling is approximately 133 km and takes a bit more than 1 hour to cover. |
| Best Time to Visit: | Singshore Bridge can be visited all through the year except for the months of July and August. |
| Key Attractions: | Enjoy the thrill of bungee jumping at Singshore Bridge. Watch the suspended 240-metre-long bridge connecting two gorges at a height of 100 metres. |
| Timings: | Singshore Bridge is open for visitors from 6 am to 6 pm. |
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.
Also Read: Places to visit in Namchi & Things to do in Namchi
| Location: | Namchi is situated at a distance of 78 km from the state capital Gangtok and 100 km from the town of Siliguri, which the nearest railhead and airport. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Namchi are the summer months of March, April, May and June. The max temperature remains around 28 degrees while the minimum is as low as 10 degrees. This is an ideal season for sightseeing as the weather remains pleasant during this time. The months of October to December in the autumn season are also good for visiting Namchi. |
| Key Attractions: | World’s highest statue, at the Samdruptse Hill and the Solophok Chardham, on top of Solophok Hill, counted as one of the most sacred places in Sikkim are key attractions in your Sikkim Namchi itinerary. Solophok Chardham is quite popular for the replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas and Char Dham. Samdruptse Hill contains the spectacular 45 m Padmasambhava statue resplendent in shining copper and bronze shades just 7 km away from Namchi while Solophok is approximately at a distance of 6 km from Namchi. You will find comfortable stay in one of the luxury hotels with good facilities. The view of the mighty Khangchendzonga is a cherry in the pudding to make your Sikkim vacation memorable. |
Suggested Read: How to reach Namchi & Best time to visit Namchi
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 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 in 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 tourists 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.
| Location: | Kanchenjunga Falls is located in the western town of Pelling, and it takes about an hour to get there through the Pelling-Rimbi Road. From Gangtok, the fall is around 3 to 4 hours of drive covering 116 km onto the Legship-Rabongla Road to reach Pelling. Khangchendzonga Waterfall is just 25 km away from Pelling. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Kanchenjunga Falls are the summer months of March to May with max temperature remains around 28 degrees while the minimum is as low as 7 degrees. This is an ideal season for sightseeing as the weather remains pleasant during this time. The period of September to December in the autumn season is also a good time for visiting Pelling with bright skies and clear weather. |
| Key Attractions: | The pristine Kanchenjunga Fall originates high up in the land of glaciers in the heart of Mount Kanchenjunga, which is the famous third highest peak in the world. It tumbles down from a height of 100 feet into a pool. Surprisingly Kanchenjunga falls was not known to people and remained undiscovered till the 90s. |
| Entry Fee: | A small entry fee of INR 20 is charges for viewing the Kanchenjunga Falls. |
The Zemu Glacier is born 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 is 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-scapes that leads to the glacial region is at the foot of the third-highest mountain peak in the world. It’s pristine beauty still remains unsullied and preserved.
| Location: | Trek to Zemu glacier begins from the town of Lachen, which is located in northern Sikkim about 120 km from Gangtok. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Zemu glacier are the summer months of March, April, May and June. You can even plan a winter trek, albeit a bit harsh one, in the months of October to mid-December but that will surely be pushing you to your limits. |
| How to Reach: | From Lachen you shall trek through a number of popular attractions such as Tashi View Point, Kabi Longstok town, and Phodong Monastery. After an overnight stay at Lachen, a short jeep ride to Zema and then trek starts to reach Talem, along the Zemu River to reach a height of 3,240 metres. From Talem trek gets a bit smoother till Jakthang. Enjoy the splash of brilliant hues emanating from the rhododendron forests against the clear blue skies. After going through a series of ascents and descents Zemu Glacier near Yabuk shall be under your feet. Further from Yabuk enjoy the beauty of Mt. Siniolchu on your way to Green Lake. This is where you will witness the beauty of Zemu Glacier. |
| Key Attractions: | During this trek your eyes will meet some of the finest beauty on earth: waterfalls, wildflowers, streams, frozen mountain peaks, forested valleys, and all exotic varieties of flora and fauna. This part is absolutely pure still untainted by the hands of man. It is a divine experience to be able to look at this glacier from so close at hand. |
Hanuman Tok is a religious destination and has a popular shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a popular god of the Hindus. 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 customary. People come here for viewing 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.
| Location: | Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple complex which is located in the upper reaches of Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. It 9 km away from Gangtok SNT Bus Station. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Hanuman Tok are the summer months of March, April, May and June. You can even plan a winter trek, albiet a bit harsh one, in the months of October to mid-December but that will surely be pushing you to your limits. |
| How to Reach: | Hanuman Tok is 9 km away from Gangtok SNT Bus Station and can be easily reached by private or hired cars or public buses. It is included in most sightseeing tours of Gangtok, Sikkim. |
| Key Attractions: | The temple is divided into three sections namely the main shrine, old temple and the circular temple. The architecture is a reflection of the Tibetan style. There is an extended hall in the main temple which is yellow and red in colour. Picture are displayed in the hall that depict the life of Lord Hanuman. There are small statues of Hindu gods and goddesses in the temple. This temple offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the valleys and mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. A small Saibaba Temple is located close to the temple of Lord Hanuman. The royal cremation ground is also located near the temple, and it is called Lukshyama. Here the mortal remains of the members of the Namgyal dynasty of Sikkim are kept. |
| Timings: | The timings are from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM on all days of the week. |
Ganesh Tok, as the name implies, is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is located on top of a hill at an approximate distance of 7 km from Gangtok. Situated at an altitude of 6500m, the temple was built in the period 1952 to 1953. The interesting temple the temple located at an altitude of 6500 metres is widely famed for making the wishes of devotees come true. Travelers and tourists visit this temple not only as a devotee to pay homage to Lord Ganesha but also explore and bask in the glory of captivating charm of the surrounding scenery and mountains. Ganesh Tok is a quaint temple, established by Shri Appa B Pant, the former Political Officer of Sikkim. Tok when translated means temple. Ganesh Tok thus refers to a temple dedicated to Ganesha. The misty mountains at the back offer a splendid or rather majestic backdrop to the temple and makes it worth to spend some quiet moments here. A staircase leads to the tiny shrine of Ganesh Tok which you climb to reach the topmost level of the viewing platform. Mid-way as you climb up the stairs, you need to take your shoes off and proceed further till you reach the inner sanctum which is so small that you have to crawl on all fours to reach Lord Ganpati. This in itself is an experience for the ardent devotees. The viewing lounge is fitted with glass panels and provided with a balcony to look around at the snow-capped peaks, blue mountains including Kanchenjunga and feel the fresh mountain air. A quaint little gift shop in the complex sells a variety of colourful and handmade items. A few gift shops are located just outside Ganesh Tok complex and there is also a cafe selling tea, coffee, veg momos, noodles, paranthas, cold drinks, water and bread toast and omelette to sit and grab a bite. The temple has a designated parking area for tourists.
| Location: | Ganesh Tok is a Hindu temple complex which is located in the upper reaches of Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. It 9 km away from Gangtok SNT Bus Station. |
| Best Time to Visit: | Ganesh Tok can be best visited during the spring, summer and autumn seasons. The winter temperature in the months of December to February is very low. The monsoon season should also best be avoided due to massive landslides and slippery mountain roads. The ideal time to plan a vacation to Sikkim is during the spring season between March and June or between September and early December. The skies are clear, and the weather remains pleasant which always comfortable sightseeing and indulging in all adventure activities. |
| How to Reach: | Ganesh Tok is 5 km away from Gangtok City Centre and can be easily reached by private or hired cars or public buses. It is included in most sightseeing tours of Gangtok, Sikkim. |
| Key Attractions: | The temple has a religious connotation and attracts a lot of devotees all through the day. The peace and the beauty that prevails in all its surroundings is alluring for the tourists. This temple is known for fulfilling the wishes of its devotees and makes for an ideal location to click some picturesque shots of nature from this vantage point. |
| Timings: | The timings are from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on all days of the week. |
Rumtek Monastery continues the everlasting saga of India having some of the finest monasteries in the world. They form the usual starting point for Sikkim photography. Everywhere in sites that promote Sikkim tour packages, it is noticed that the spell-binding charm of the monasteries have been highlighted by exceptionally beautiful monastery photographs to allure tourists. Monasteries are maybe the second most attractive subject for photography in Sikkim, after the remarkable beauty of the landscapes. The brightly coloured and beautifully adorned monasteries make the pictures a perfect postcard type image for a memorable experience to be cherished lifelong. Rumtek Monastery along with Ranka and Enchey Monasteries are exceptional favourites of photographers. Here you get a chance to capture some unique, serene and rare moments of devoted performances of religious practices and traditions and get to know more about the local customs of the people living in this part of the world.
| Location: | Rumtek Monastery is about 22 km from Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. It takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to reach the destination. |
| Best Time to Visit: | Rumtek Monastery can be best visited during the spring, summer and autumn seasons. The winter temperature in the months of December to February is a bit low. The monsoon season should always be avoided due to massive landslides and slippery mountain roads. The ideal time to plan a vacation to Sikkim is during the spring season between March and June or between September and early December. The skies are clear, and the weather remains pleasant which always comfortable sightseeing and indulging in all adventure activities. |
| How to Reach: | Rumtek Monastery is 22 km away from Gangtok City and can be easily reached by private or hired cars or public buses. It is included in most of the sightseeing tours of Gangtok, Sikkim. |
| Key Attractions: | Rumtek Monastery possesses some of the rarest Buddhist religious art objects found in the world and is also famed for being an important centre for Kargyu teachings. You can visit other interesting places of attraction close to Rumtek Monastery such as the Nehru Botanical Garden having a mix of tropical and temperate plants and trees and a big and attractive greenhouse of exotic orchids. |
| Timings: | The timings are from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM on all days of the week. |
| Entry Fee: | Entry fees is INR 10 per person. |
The gorgeous and stunning Teesta River winds down coiling around the high Himalayan ranges to form its own wilful course furiously down the mountain layers. It remains almost frozen in in the higher altitudes winters and makes for a charming sight. During spring, it turns into a liquid gushing flow of shimmering waters to light up the lives of many who depend on her for livelihood. The frenzied flow under the warm sun shine with the river banks smiling with the plethora of colourful blossoming flowers is a sight to watch. It is a bird watcher’s paradise who roam around its banks gazing at the beautiful and unique bird species. The soft fragrant flower beds on the banks make for an ideal place for photoshoots. The meeting point on the Sangam point of River Teesta with its major tributary the Rangeet River and also the Dikchu Bridge on Teesta as you travel towards Lachung and attractive tourist spots attracting a lot of nature lovers.
| Location: | Teesta River is about 414 km in length and rises from Teesta Khangtse Glacier, west of Pahunri or Teesta Kangse glacier which is at a height of 5,400 metres or 17,700 feet and flows southward through Sikkim and then through West Bengal and then finally joins Brahmaputra. |
| Best Time to Visit: | Testa River is the lifeline of Sikkim. |
| Key Attractions: | Testa River is the lifeline of Sikkim. Thrill lovers can go for a water rafting down the gushing River Teesta. The word ‘teesta’ means ‘stream’ in local language. YOU feel the presence of Teesta as you journey through the meandering roads of Sikkim and there are a number of hydroelectric projects across this river. The river elegantly flows through the gorges, across hills and has numerous bends along its course. While on the way to Gangtok, take a break, stop the vehicle and enjoy the breath-taking views of the flowing river at several points. The river will never disappoint you in your expectation of beauty and natural gorgeousness. |
Ridge Park is a picturesque flat land that spreads just above the town of Gangtok, the Ridge Park has on its fringes the White Hall and a beautiful Pagoda top. The park is the home to a huge variety of plants, flowers and shrubs. It attracts a lot of tourists at the time of its annual Orchid show! The spellbinding fragrance emanating from the exotic blooms fills your senses the moment you step into the park. The medley of bright colours titillates your senses, and it is a haven for nature lovers. the Ridge Park is one of the must-see Sikkim tourist places.
| Location: | Ridge Park, Ridge Rd, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101 |
| Timings: | The place is open every day from 10:00 AM to 05:30 Pm |
| Entry Fee: | No entry fees for general visitors, but the flower exhibition centre charges a fee of INR 10 per person. |
It is a distinguished eatery and popular haunt for food lovers. Baker’s Café presents an array of dishes such as Italian, Pizza, Cafe, fast food and has healthy and vegetarian friendly options too. You have a huge variety under one roof. Whether it burger, pastries, shakes, each item is value for money and enjoyable by food lovers of all ages. It has lively and happening vibe and is located on MG road Gangtok. The ambience is good. It serves great food that is tasty and liked by most who visit this restaurant. They offer good service.
| Location: | Vishal Gaon, Gangtok |
| Timings: | 8 am to 8 pm |
| Dishes: | Cafe, Bakery, Pizza, Burger, Sandwich |
Tashi Viewpoint is well known 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 telescope are usually mounted on a chargeable basis to have closer and clearer view.
| Location: | Tashi Viewpoint is located at a distance of 8 km from the Gangtok town. |
| Timings: | The place is open to tourists every day from 5:00 am to 6.00 pm. |
| Best Time to Visit: | Tashi Viewpoint is best visited during the spring, summer and autumn seasons. The monsoon season should always be avoided due to massive landslides and slippery mountain roads. The ideal time to plan a vacation to Sikkim is during the spring season between March and June or between September and early December after which it gets too cold. |
Dynasty Wine and Dine is excellent in their food, services, ambiance and cleanliness and is one of the finest dining options to go in Gangtok. They offer yummy starters and brilliant cocktails and mocktails. Steaming Chinese food to freezing delicious desserts, Dynasty Wine and Dine will satisfy all your food cravings to the hilt. Have some moments made with the dishes you try out here. This restaurant is located strategically next to the ropeway with an amazing menu and this restaurant is highly recommended to all those who enjoy Chinese food. If you are dimsums or momo lover, this eatery set amidst the beautiful settings of Himalayas is the place to be. The well-furnished interior completes the experience totally.
| Location: | Ropeway Building, Namnang, Gangtok. |
| Timings: | Dynasty Wine and Dine is open to guests every day from 10:00 am to 10.00 pm. |
| Dishes: | Chinese, Asian and vegetarian meals; Chicken stuffed nachos, pan-fried noodles, walnut toffee, steamed fish and dimsums. |
Mu Kimchi is for the lovers of Korean food. It serves perfectly cooked meat, salads and other chopstick dishes to the foodies’ ultimate delight. If you haven’t ever tried authentic Korean food but would want to experiment, this is the restaurant to be in Sikkim which you can try out without any hesitation. The ambience of soft with an allure of dimly lit woven lamps. The warmth emanates from bamboo ceiling. The location is unique and off beat and a climb of approximately 80 steps before you can get seated for food at Mu Kimchi will surely leave you ravishing and wanting to taste the heavenly food without any further delay.
| Location: | Namnang Road, Opposite Sikkim Express, Gangtok |
| Timings: | 11 AM to 11 PM on all days of the week. |
| Average cost for two: | Approximately INR 2000. |
| Dishes: | Asian and Korean cuisine; Kimbap-Korean sushi, bulgogi sets with options of beef and pork. |
When we plan our itinerary, food haunts play a special place. We dig out the exceptional eateries to fill tummies as a satisfied taste bud is equally important as the beauty and charm of the destination. The Taste of Sikkim Restaurant surely is one of the best places to hunt for food after a tiring day sightseeing all over Gangtok. It is located in the market area, and you can drop in when you are done with shopping and feel hungry. The staff who serve the best momos, soup, and noodles are always smiling. It welcomes local musicians to showcase their talent.
| Location: | Ralong Road, Ravangla Bazar. |
| Timings: | 10 AM to 9 PM on all days of the week. |
| Dishes: | Asian and Korean cuisine; Kimbap-Korean sushi, bulgogi sets with options of beef and pork. |
Taste of Tibet is an extremely popular restaurant in Gangtok and does a great business in authentic and delicious Tibetan and Chinese dishes, this eatery remains crowded the whole day. Any chicken and meat dish will satiate your palate for sure. Most importantly the dishes are pocket friendly, and the restaurant is located in MG Marg and is easily accessible. The ambience might not be blingy, but the food quality and quantity surely make up for that. Local beer is available, and you can try them with some accompaniment. It is also veg-friendly and caters to delicious veg dishes too.
| Location: | MG Road, Gangtok |
| Timings: | 11.30 AM to 9 PM on all days of the week. |
| Dishes: | Sumptuous meals of Thukpa and fried chicken, fresh and juicy chicken momos, chicken shefale and in accompaniment with fiery chilly chutney and radish pickle, chilli sausage and thenduk, pork shefale, dry chilli pork |
| Average cost for two: | Approximately 500 for two people without alcohol |
9’ine Native Cuisine is a quaint and warm cafe located in the suburbs of Gangtok. The café is alluring not only to coffee lovers but also catering to Asian, Tibetan and Nepalese cuisines. The sumptuous Tibetan food is a delight to food lovers. The cafe is a very famous hangout spot for young and old and should be included in the itinerary. Besides delicious food, the cafe also offers picturesque views of the hills and valleys outside. Situated in picturesque setting with sufficient parking, it offers local, national, international and Chinese menus. It is famed for offering some of the best dishes in Tibetan cuisine.
| Location: | New Market, MG Marg, Gangtok |
| Timings: | 11.00 AM to 9 PM on all days of the week. |
| Dishes: | The restaurant’s USP includes the best in town gundruk, which is fermented vegetable soup and kinema, chicken momos, green salad, hunan chicken and thukpa |
| Average cost for two: | Approximately 500 for two people without alcohol |
This restaurant is a pleasantly surprise in Namchi. The food and service in this restaurant is excellent with a lovely ambience. The main dishes of this restaurant include delicious, grated pizza, some cups of lovely coffee, and some sumptuous bakery products. The décor is soothing and very apt for creating a cheerful mood. The soft music is pleasing to senses. It is a perfect place to unwind while if charming vacation to Sikkim and to the blue peak of Khangchendzonga. Tasty chicken pasta in white sauce and pizzas with crispy toppings will make your day.
| Location: | Jorethang Road, Opposite Union Bank of India Zero Point, Namchi, Sikkim |
| Timings: | 11.00 AM to 9 PM on all days of the week. |
| Dishes: | The restaurant is talked for special burgers and a grilled ham sandwich, top class coffee, a spectacular range of pastas and pizza. It is an Italian café known for wine and soups. |
| Average cost for two: | Approximately 120 – 800 for two people without alcohol |
Visiting MG Marg in Gangtok does not need any boost. Once you are done with shopping and sightseeing and you feel thirsty and hungry, take a chair in Chopstick. This restaurant offers one of the best ambiences for Chinese cuisine. Chopstick offers you nicely cooked pork, momos and chicken. Do not forget your glass of beer to keep the spirits up. This place also has some delicious lemonade to choose from among its drinks. The location of the restaurant makes it easily accessible. At Chopstick, people enjoy the nice ambiance and fancy décor but with a bit of price. It might not be very popular, but it is classy eatery with a wide variety of food options.
| Location: | Tibet Road Near Old Sardar Thana, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok. |
| Timings: | 10.00 AM to 11.00 PM on all days of the week. |
| Dishes: | The restaurant is famous for Nepalese food, dishes that contain fermented ingredients, Sikkimese thali and a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, non-vegetarian and gluten free options. |
| Average cost for two: | Approximately 850 for two people without alcohol |
Phamrong Falls is stunning and located near Pelling in West Sikkim district. It is strategically placed between Yuksam and Gerethang and is the highest waterfall of Sikkim and one of the highlights of Sikkim Itinerary if you have Pelling in the list of visits. Phamrong Falls is set amidst of lush greenery. The gushes of sparkling waters cascade down from the magnificent heights of the rocky craggy faces of Kanchenjunga Ranges. The water tumbling down into the rocky plateau creates an amazing flashy melody of water and rocks. A bridge nearby provides enchanting view of the entire waterfall. Surrounded by dark, dense forests and magnificent hills, the waterfall is a region to get some spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga Mountain. Access the viewpoint for a closer look at the waterfall by climbing up a flight of steep stairs of around 200 steps. The water creates a nice, cool pool at the base and the tourists bask in the glory of beauty taking photographs both from the top and base of the waterfall.
| Location: | Phamrong Falls is located at a distance of 7 km from Yuksom and 35 km from Pelling. We need to climb stairs for about 5 minutes from the road to get the first glimpse of the falls. |
| Best Time to Visit: | The best time to visit Phamrong Falls are the summer months of March to May with max temperature remains around 28 degrees while the minimum is as low as 7 degrees. This is an ideal season for sightseeing as the weather remains pleasant during this time. The period of September to December in the autumn season is also a good time for visiting Pelling with bright skies and clear weather. |
| Key Attractions: | Teesta River is the lifeline of Sikkim. Thrill lovers can go for a water rafting down the gushing River Teesta. The word ‘teesta’ means ‘stream’ in local language. You feel the presence of Teesta as you journey through the meandering roads of Sikkim and there are a number of hydroelectric projects across this river. The river elegantly flows through the gorges, across hills and has numerous bends along its course. While on the way to Gangtok, take a break, stop the vehicle and enjoy the breath-taking views of the flowing river at several points. The river will never disappoint you in your expectation of beauty and natural gorgeousness. |
The flowering season is from late February and to mid-June when innumerable flowers bloom to cover the valley in multi-coloured hues of rainbow. A tributary of the river Teesta flows past the valley and the town of Lachung, the nearest inhabited locality.
Yumthang Valley is a beautiful valley situated in north Sikkim. It sits at an elevation of 3,500 metres above sea-level, so naturally home to many beautiful Himalayan flowers. It is rightfully called a valley of flowers, although that name is associated with the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand.
By Road. The closest visitors can get to the Valley of Flowers by road is via Govindghat. This necessitates a 10-hour drive to Joshimath from Dehradun, followed by another hour-long drive to Govindghat. From Govindghat, visitors will be required to trek up to the Ghangaria base camp some 16 km away.
Sikkim During Winter – From October till March
You will find the heaviest snowfall at Yumthang Valley, Gurudongmar Lake, Pelling, and Lachung. The temperature in Sikkim in winter hovers from -5°C to 7°C, making the weather extremely cold.
At a distance of 25 km from Yumthang Valley and 51 km from Lachung, Zero point is a valley on Lachung River near Lachung in North Sikkim.
As suggested by Sikkim Tourism, the best time to visit Sikkim is either between March and May or October and mid-December. If you want to witness the blooming natural beauty in Gangtok best season to visit would be in spring, from March to May. Autumn, on the other hand, brings the clear view of Himalayan Range.
Usually, a Lachung trip can take at least two days if you start your journey from Gangtok and return to Gangtok again. You start your journey from Gangtok on day one and spend the night at Lachung. The next morning, you explore the nearby places and return to Gangtok in the evening.
Coldest month of Sikkim in January. Wettest month is July.
Sikkim is not suitable in the Monsoon season as it is prone to landslides and roads get dangerous.
The period starting from July to September marks the presence of the monsoon season in the state. The region experiences rainfalls ranging from average to heavy, making it one of the least favourable times to explore.
Like most of North Eastern India, Sikkim has mostly cold weather throughout the year. So make sure you pack a lot of warm clothes. Remember to take at least one jacket, sweater, or thermal with you. Carry mufflers, scarves, beanies, gloves, and socks, as you might need them when you go top sightseeing in Sikkim.
Sikkim Tourism suggests that the best time to visit Sikkim is between March and May and between October and mid-December. Enjoy the blooming natural beauty in Gangtok during the spring months of March to May. Autumn offers a crystal-clear view of the mighty Himalayan Ranges.
Sikkim occupies the Eastern Himalayas and is famous for its incredible biodiversity. It contains the virgin alpine and subtropical vegetation and is also proud host to Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and the iconic third highest mountain peak on the face of Earth. Sikkim’s capital is Gangtok.
A pristine, heavenly land on the eastern part of the great Himalayas, Sikkim has the natural and perfect mix of beauty, peace and variegated biodiversity. The rich and thick alpine vegetation and the mighty Kangchenjunga, make Sikkim a go-to place in India. Gangtok is a favourite and popular tourist spot.
Sikkim offers a plethora of adventure, beauty and peace. Choose the top five things to do in Sikkim: yak ride in Changu Lake, adrenalin pumping helicopter ride over Gangtok, praying at Ravangla Buddha Park, 10-day Trek to Goecha La, Gondola Ride over Gangtok or Hand Gliding over Yumthang.
Sikkim and Gangtok are famous for prayer flags. The other things to buy from Sikkim are Good Luck charm, Canvas Wall Hangings, Thangkas, Woollen Carpets, and Traditional Folding Tables, Tea, Sikkimese Traditional Dress, Fruit Juice, Buddhist Figurines, Sikkimese Cups, and Black Cardamom and ornamental decorative items of a wide variety.
A minimum of 1 week is required for a Sikkim trip. There are quite a few alluring places in Sikkim that must be visited in your Sikkim trip. Covering the best spots itself will take more than a week.
You should avoid going to Sikkim in the Monsoon season as the heavy downpour on this side of Sikkim causes a lot of landslides and the roads get treacherous.
Of course, you need to carry thermals for Sikkim Trip. Some of the best tourist attractions of Sikkim such as Nathula Pass and Zero Point, Gurudongmar Lake and Green Lake are quite cold.
state of Sikkim
Located in the state of Sikkim, bordering Nepal to the west and Tibet (China) to the north-west, this biosphere reserve is one of the highest ecosystems in the world, reaching elevations of 1,220 to 8,586 metres above sea level.
Some of the best attractions in Sikkim where you can visit with your loved ones include:
1. Pemayangtse Monastery
2. Tsomgo Lake
3. Do-Drul Chorten
4. Yumthang
5. Kaluk
6. Gurudongmar Lake
7. Ravangla
8. Rumtek Monastery
Tashi viewpoint, Hanuman Tok, Ravangla viewpoint, MG Road, Lal Bazaar, New Market, and Old Market, etc. are some attractions in Sikkim that you can visit at night. Moreover, you can also explore various pubs and bars to enjoy the nightlife of the city. Some of the best ones include Cafe Live Loud, Pub 25, After Dark, and more.
This is one of the few and awesome high-altitude lakes in India. The lake becomes doubly attractive with the reflections of the surrounding hills on the water. From Gangtok, which is at 5410 ft, the altitude rises to about 10,000 ft in just 15kms.
Sikkim is known for its lush green valleys and beautiful monasteries from which Rumtek and Enchey are some of the famous monasteries of Sikkim which every traveller must visit.
Sikkimese cups, Lord Buddha figurines, Buddhist prayer flags, and Local tea of Sikkim are some of the famous items to buy from Gangtok. The destination has numerous markets where you can easily find all these products.
Thukpa, Kinem, Sha Phaley, Sinki, Dal Bhat and Phagshapa are some of the famous foods of Sikkim. Moreover, you can find all these delicacies at almost all the restaurants in the city.
Yes, snowfall can be witnessed in May at the highest points like the Lachung, Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley and Zero Point.
Some of the best eateries in Sikkim where you can enjoy a hearty meal include:
1. Thakali
2. Mu Kimchi
3. Dekid
4. Parivar Restaurant
5. Raso
6. Dynasty Wine & Dine
7. Tatopani Bar & Restaurant
