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Located at a height of 14140 feet, Nathula Pass is widely known to be a trekker’s haven. Here you will see the enthusiastic crowd of trekking lovers, both seasoned and amateurs. Moreover, for those who are not into trekking or strenuous mountain adventure, you can simply bask in the glory of the surreal mountain beauty all around and shop till you die at the border trade market, Sherathang. Pick out attractive Tibetan items at a cheap price to carry back to the plains for gifting and boasting. This is one of the very popular Sikkim tourist places and a point of interest for Sikkim travellers.
| Location | Nathu La is located in the Dongkya Range of the Himalayas sandwiched between China’s Yadong County in Tibet, and the Indian states of Sikkim. |
| Best time to visit | May to October |
| Extra expense | Extra expense The permit costs Rs. 200 per person. |
| Distance from Gangtok | 56 km east of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim |
| Days closed | It’s open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday. |
This extremely beautiful Himalayan lake is set at an altitude of 17,800 ft. It is a very popular Sikkim tourist spot known for its natural splendour and peace. Surrounded by the towering snow-covered Himalayan ranges, Gurudongmar Lake remains frozen during the winter season and even during summers. The water is crystal clear and creates a mesmerizing effect through the reflection of the sky and clouds on its still waters like a mirror. It is one of the most recommended places to visit in Sikkim on the Northern side of Kanchenjunga mountain range. Located approximately 174 kilometres from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Due to the proximity to the Chinese Tibetan border, one has to take permits to visit the lake.
| Location | North Sikkim, India. |
| Best time to visit | November to March |
| Distance from Gangtok | 188 km via Singtam – Chungthang Rd and Gurudongmar Road |
| Cost | A shared taxi from Gangtok will cost you around INR 400 to 500. |
Goechala stands is a high mountain pass at a magnificent height of about 4,940 metres above sea level. This high mountain pass of Goechala (Goecha La) is one of the best tourist places to visit in Sikkim. It lies in continuation and harmony to some of the wondrous and highest mountain ranges of the Himalayas. The pass is an attractive destination for all enthusiastic trekkers visiting Sikkim. The fame of this place as an attractive tourist destination. The best thing about this place is the amazing panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga’s southeast face. Kanchenjunga being the world’s third highest mountain offers a breathtakingly beautiful view from this angle. The beauty can be imagined from the fact that it has been captured on the 100 Rupee Indian currency note. The pass also acts as the base of the summit for Kanchenjunga and is thus a trekker’s favourite haunt and stop. Goechala is a must visit Sikkim tourist spot for the intense beauty it emanates.
| Location | High mountain pass in Gyalshing district, Eastern Himalayas |
| Best time to visit | First season – March to May & Second Season -September to December |
| Distance from Gangtok | 51 Km from Gangtok |
| Trek | The trek starts from Yuksom, through Dzongri via Phedang, all the way to Thangsing, and up to Goechala. |
The mesmeric Yumthang Valley will take your breath away with its Valley of Flowers sanctuary, wild Teesta river, hot springs, yaks and grazing pasture, rolling and undulating gentle meadows surrounded by the towering high Himalayan mountains ranges. It is located in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim state in India. Yumthang valley with its legendary scenic charm is undoubtedly among the top 10 places to visit in Sikkim. The valley of flowers is a major attraction of the Yumthang Valley and presents to the tourists a green, carpeted serene zone at a height of more than 11,000 feet above sea level at around 128 kilometres from Gangtok. You can mark your calendar for late February till March to visit The Valley of Flowers when the Losar festival is celebrated at its peak by the locals. Another very good time for visiting the Yumthang Valley is during the months of April and June, when you can bask in the glory of the sacred and haunting beauty of the Rhododendrons blooming profusely and casting an ethereal spell all across the valley.
| Location | North Sikkim District, Gangtok, Sikkim |
| Best time to visit | March to mid-June |
| Distance from Gangtok | 150 Km from Gangtok |
| Losar festival | Catch them from Late February till March |
| Blooming Rhododendrons | Months of April and June |
If you haven’t visited Lachung then you haven’t felt the gentle vibes of a sleepy picturesque hill town at its splendour. Lachung is that small hill town that shines like a morning star at a height of 9,610 ft. in North Sikkim. Reach Lachung from the capital city Gangtok via a picturesque road that meanders across the mountain faces with the charming Teesta river accompanying faithfully alongside. Lachung is the incredible home to the nineteenth-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery. The beauty of the structure is manifold strengthened by the luscious apple orchards. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary of the Yumthang Valley is not far off to wander across. This sanctuary is known to be a staunch conservationist and protector of varied species of rhododendron. A visit to the famous Zero point and Lachung monastery will make Lachung forever etched in your memory.
Suggested Read: Places to visit in Lachung & Things to do in Lachung
| Location | North Sikkim District, Gangtok, Sikkim near the Tibet border |
| Best time to visit | October to June |
| Distance from Gangtok | 116 Km from Gangtok |
| Naga Falls Tip | A beautiful fall on the way from Gangtok to Lachung that is surrounded Great location with greenery, flowers, and an ideal place to click the best of selfies and do an unforgettable Sikkim photoshoot. |
Also Read: Best Time to visit Lachung & How to reach Lachung
Yumesamdong stretches at the end of Yumthang Valley. It is located close to the China border, but the thrilling and patriotic part is this place can be visited by Indian tourists only. It is often strategically referred to as the Zero Point, Yume Samdong, Zero Point Sikkim. Its height at 15500 feet altitude will make you feel dizzy but will have an electrifying effect on you charging you to the core. Yume Samdong (Zero Point) is just an hour’s drive beyond Yumthang about 26 kms away.
During the months of March and April feel the ecstasy of watching the area completely snow covered even while the road remains motorable.
Yumesamdong is famous for its hot springs. There are about 14 sulphur hot springs around Yumesamdong.
| Location | Situated in the North East state Sikkim (India); astonishingly close to the China border |
| Best time to visit | March to April |
| Distance from Gangtok | 116 Km from Gangtok |
| Stay Tip | It is not recommended to cover Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and Katao and return to Gangtok the same day. A stay or arrival at Lachung on the previous night and covering Yumthang Valley and Katao the next day morning with a stay at Lachung should be planned. The very next day a visit to Yumesamdong and return to Gangtok can be planned. Lachung to Zero point is a two-hour drive. |
| Necessary Info | Oxygen density dips a bit and necessary precaution should be taken, Formalities of Inner Line Permit (ILP) to be taken care of. Voter ID card / Driving License / Similar ID card is required along with 4 passport size photographs for obtaining Permit. Sikkim is very close to Peoples Republic of China’s border and the Defense establishment keep security a priority. |
| Tourists permit | Inner Line Permit (ILP) required. Foreign citizens are not allowed to visit few places in North Sikkim and Nathu La pass. |
| Caution to be treated as an alert | Weather plays a major role in making Yumesamdong enjoyable. If it rains and snows, then it might become a little difficult to get down from vehicle and enjoy the spot. |
Pelling is another enchanting hill station in Gyalshing district of Sikkim, India. Pelling is located at an altitude of 2,150 m (7,200 feet). The town is located at a distance of 10 kilometres from Gyalshing city, which is also the district headquarters.
Also Read: Best Time to visit Pelling & How to reach Pelling
It is a quaint small town at the foothills of Mount Khangchendzonga. The radical and best points of Pelling visit in Sikkim tourism are the late-seventeenth-century Buddhist Sanga Choling Monastery with ethereal mountain views; the Pemayangtse Monastery with wall paintings sculptures and a gold-plated statue of Guru Padmasambhava; and the enchanting seventeenth-century Rabdentse Palace overlooking a valley, which is now in ruins, but still showcases the glory and royalty of the king’s ancient bedroom and kitchen. The famous Pemayangste monastery is less than a kilometre from Pelling and forms a major tourist hotspot. Pelling is an allure for adventure enthusiasts and mountain sport lovers because it acts as an excellent base for mountain biking and rock climbing. The moderate adventure enthusiast can have their senses full of serene village tours. Bask in the peace of beauty and meditations. Pelling serves as a base for a number of treks in the region.
Suggested Read: Places to visit in Pelling & Things to do in Pelling
| Location | Gyalshing district of Sikkim, India |
| Best time to visit | October to June |
| Distance from Gangtok | 131 Km from Gangtok |
| Major attractions | Sanga Choling Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Palace |
Have you heard of the Indian Army base at Zuluk, which has been used as a transit camp for the army movement to the Chinese border, located a few kilometres away. Zuluk or Dzuluk is inspiring and is a pioneer being the very first village within this whole Silk Route circuit to offer home-stay facilities for tourists. Zuluk remains enchanting throughout the summer and spring seasons when it dresses up in the most beautiful wildflowers and herbs infusing the whole valley with their delicate fragrances. Tourists love visiting Zuluk for its charm of evergreen nature and vivid landscape which makes it one of the best places to visit in Sikkim.
| Location | Lower Himalayas in East Sikkim |
| Best time to visit | August to September and from January to April |
| Distance from Gangtok | 94 Km from Gangtok |
| Distance from Gangtok via Silk Route | 161 kms and time takes 5-6 hours |
| Major attractions on the way via Silk Route | Thambi View Point Lungthung Kalipokhri Lake Old Baba Mandir Nathang Valley Tukla Valley Menmecho Lake Elephant Lake or Hati Lake, Kupup New Baba Mandir Tsomgo Lake or Changu Lake |
The Tsomgo Lake, also popular as the Changu Lake, is a serene and blissful water body made of a glacier and known for its legendary beauty. The Tsomgo Lake is one of the best tourist places to visit in Gangtok. It is located at the altitude of 12310 feet and forms one of Sikkim’s prime tourist attractions. Tsomgo Lake is associated with infinite legends and myths and is revered as a holy lake by the local people of Sikkim. The main tourist attraction lies in its natural beauty heightened by the towering majestic Himalayan ranges. Snow-covered peaks of the giant surrounding mountains. Rides on colourfully decorated yaks and mules are offered at the lake site, which also has a variety of eating stalls serving snacks and beverages. Snow boots and gumboots can be hired here.
Also Read: Tsomgo Lake & Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
| Location | East Sikkim |
| Best time to visit | August to September and from January to April |
| Distance from Gangtok | The lake is located 44 km from Gangtok, en route to the Nathula Pass. |
| Days closed | Monday and Tuesday |
| Travel tips | Tsomgo lake is open to both Indian and Foreign nationals. It is a protected area, and so all require Protected Area Permits. Foreign nationals must be in a group of two or more. |
| Ticket price for visiting Tsomgo Lake | It is INR 450 per person and along with Tsomgo, tourists can also visit Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass as part of a day trip from Gangtok. |
A sense of deep and intense patriotism and reverence is attached to Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple location. It is one of the most religious and best tourist attractions of Sikkim that sees millions of devotees at its folds every year. Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple as the name suggests is a memorial and temple honouring an Indian army soldier. The mythological story that is connected to the temple says that Baba Harbhajan Singh drowned in a glacier when he was trying to lead a column of mules carrying supplies for the army. Some army men catapulted a search operation and could find his dead body sadly only after three days. The legend also says that Harbhajan Singh himself guided the search party to help find his body.
| Location | East Sikkim |
| Best time to visit | August to September and from January to April |
| Distance from Gangtok | The lake is located 44 km from Gangtok, en route to the Nathula Pass. |
Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a trekker’s paradise. Located at the height of almost 14,000 feet above sea level. The total trekking distance is of 90 kilometres that takes you to the base camp and offers you an unforgettable view of the mighty Kanchenjunga. The Kanchenjunga Base camp is one of the best Sikkim tourist places and a heart of haven for all the mountain sports lovers and adventurers. The views of the mighty Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain are ecstatic. This place is worth a visit at least once in a lifetime and is counted as a primary position holder among the best tourist spots to visit in Sikkim. Catch the wild beauty of the virgin forests and mountains with a wide range of lush, tropical jungles to rhododendron, chestnut and oak forests leading to the glaciated base camp of the third highest peak in the world.
| Nature of Trek | The trek to K2 Base Camp can be called a tough trek through rugged terrains, unpredictable weather and away from civilization. |
| Trekking tip | A local guide needed along with at least two trekkers to fulfil and gain the necessary permits |
Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim, Samdruptse, Buddha Park, Solophok, Ravangla in South Sikkim, Rumtek, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass in East Sikkim; and Pelling in West Sikkim are the best places to visit in October in Sikkim.
Sikkim is pleasant to visit in October. As suggested by Sikkim Tourism, October is one of the recommended months to visit Sikkim. With autumn setting in, one can enjoy a very clear view of the Himalayan Ranges in October.
Snow lovers are recommended to visit Sikkim during the winter season. If you visit Zero Point you will see snow-capped mountains and might even get to see snowfall. Nathula Pass situated at the higher altitude has more chances of snowfall.
You have a fair chance to see snowfall in and around Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass in the month of October. The peak winter months from November to February there is abundant snowfall in various parts of Sikkim.
Gangtok has a comfortable climate with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 20°C in October. You can even plan a visit to Nathula Pass. The nights might get a bit cold, and so carrying woolens is recommended.
Yes, Changu Lake is open in October. You need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit Changu Lake. Permits can be obtained in Gangtok.
Snow in October at Changu Lake is not very usual. Late November to February are the best months for the snowfall in Changu Lake. Snowfall starts early in North Sikkim and then when winter intensifies, Changu Lake and Baba Mandir get snowfall from the month of December onwards.
Nights might get a bit chilly in October in Gangtok so warm jackets, gloves and thermals are recommended especially if you plan on going up to Nathula or Tsomgo. Apart from that walking shoes are a must if you want to explore the city on foot.
Sikkim is very pleasant to visit in October. The average temperature in Sikkim during the month of October ranges from 15℃ to 20℃.
The heaviest snowfall in October in Sikkim can be found at Yumthang Valley, Gurudongmar Lake, Pelling and Lachung.
Nights can be quite chilly in Sikkim in October, especially if your are travelling to Nathula Pass or Tsomgo lake. Thermals would be needed for your trip to Sikkim in October if you planning the higher altitude places such Pelling, Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley.
