Top 25 Places To Visit In Sikkim
Sikkim, India’s smallest state surrounded by beautiful snowy mountains and unique culture in the foothills of Kanchenchanga, the world’s third-highest peak, attracts a large number of tourists every year. There is no dearth of places to visit in Sikkim, providing beautiful scenic views, cultural heritage, and various adventure activities. Sikkim is spread in four parts north, east, south, and west, and this group is jointly known as E-Sikkim.
They all have their own different specialties such as Rumtek Monastery, Nathula, Zuluk, Lake Tsomgo lakes are seen in East Sikkim, while Yuxom and Singilala in the west are the main gateways for tourists. Similarly, North Sikkim Lachung, Lachen, Chungthang, Yumthang Valley, Mangan, Zemu Glacier, Khangchendzonga National Park, and South Sikkim are home to several tea estates located in Namchi, Temi, Turuk, Yangang. The Sikkim state borders China, so the Indian Army is also very active here. Here are the 25 best places to visit in Sikkim where you can make your trip exciting and entertaining.
Top 25 Places To Visit In Sikkim – Tourist Attraction In Sikkim
- Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass, located at an elevation of more than 4300 meters above sea level, is one of the best places for adventurous lovers to visit Sikkim. The Nathula Pass is located on the Indo-Tibet border, and many Tibetan objects are seen here. The natural beauty is seen from all around here and tourists can also enjoy trekking here. It remains closed due to snowfall in winter, but during summer, tourists can enjoy quite exciting surroundings here.
- Tsomgo lake
The Tsomgo lake, spread over a 15 m oval enclosure, is considered quite sacred in Sikkim. Tourists can see migratory ducks here and enjoy yak and todo rides. Apart from this, one can see the flowers of Irish and Blue species blooming all around during the summer. Amidst the snowy mountains and lush green alpine grass forests, Tsomo Lake, located at an altitude of more than about 12000 meters above sea level, is one of the main places to visit in Sikkim. Tsomgo lake forms the melting of the surrounding glaciers, which freezes in winter and then comes alive with lush green flowers in summer.
- Yumthang valley
Surrounded by lush green meadows and rivers, it is located at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level surrounded by beautiful flowers. The beautiful Yumthang Valley, amidst the hot springs on the banks of the Teesta River, is an attractive tourist destination in Lachung in North Sikkim, also known as the Valley of Flowers. Tourists can see Gurudongmar Lake, Rhododendron trees, Buddhist temples, and Lachung Monasteries near the Yumthang Valley, and tourists can enjoy the snowfall during winter.
- Namchi
Sherdup Choling Monastery and Daichen Chingling Monastery in Namchi are popular religious places. Apart from this, tourists can also see the amazing views of the Khangchendzonga Range and Rangit Valley from the height of Namchi. Namchi Mahotsav, which takes place in Namchi in October, makes it one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. Amidst the snow-clad hills and cultural surroundings, Namchi is the capital of South Sikkim where the largest statue of Guru Padmasambhava is present. Guru Padmasambhava is also known as Guru Rinpoche is highly respected by the followers of Buddhism. Namchi is also famous for its tea gardens apart from religious sites.
Rumtek Math
The Rumtek monastery was built in the 12th century, which holds religious significance for followers of Buddhism. 1960 Gwalwa Karmapa left it to ruin but when the 16th Karmapa rebuilt it. The Rumtek monastery houses many murals and rare Buddhist artifacts associated with Buddhist culture, in addition to the paintings, Buddhist architecture paintings and 1001 miniature gold sculptures are available in the Rumtek monastery. Tourists can also get amazing views of Gangtok from the top part of the three-story building of Rumtek Monastery. Thus Rumtek Monastery is one of the major religious places to visit in Sikkim.
Teesta river
The beauty of the river Teesta is seen during the summer when the beautiful green flowers bloom around it and the sunlight brings a new glow to the river but during winter the river freezes. Tourists can also enjoy adventure activities such as river rafting on the Teesta River. The Teesta River can prove to be one of the best places to visit in Sikkim for both nature lovers and adventurous lovers. The Teesta River, known as the largest and the source of life in the state of Sikkim, divides Sikkim and Bengal. The Teesta River, flowing in lush green surroundings, passes through the Rangampo and Kalimpong cities of the state.
Phodong Monastery Sikkim
The Phodong Monastery, built in the 18th century, is one of the 6 major monasteries of Sikkim, which also belong to the state’s Kongu sect. The monastery is completely surrounded by paintings of Buddhist architecture, in addition to this, there are many cultural paintings in the monastery which depict the cowardly part of Sikkim. The internal ambient atmosphere of the monastery is quite serene from which tourists can meditate. Phodong Monastery is one of the popular religious places to visit in Sikkim.
- Zuluk
Tourists can visit the Kanchenjunga Mountains, Nagamandir, and Thambi View Point to visit near Zuluk. Due to the proximity of the Tibet border, tourists can also see the Indian Army and encouraged them here. Thus, the Zuluk can include ideal places to visit in Sikkim. A small village located at an altitude of 10000 meters above sea level on the Indo-Tibetan border, the Juluk is a picturesque place in the lap of the Himalayas. Tourists can also enjoy the mesmerizing views of nature amidst lush green mountains and dense forests. Tourists can also enjoy the snowfall during the winter.
Singalila national park
Apart from this one can also see the bizarre views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest from the top part of the Singalila ranges. Sandakphu and Fault are excellent places to visit this park and can also enjoy birdwatching here, so if you also like to see wildlife and birds then Singlila National Park can prove to be the best places to visit in Sikkim. is. Singalila National Park, located in the foothills of Singalila, the highest peak of the Kanchenjunga Range in the state of Sikkim, attracts every wildlife and nature lover. There is also a magnificent track at Singalila Park located at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level on which tourists can enjoy trekking.
Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake, one of the world’s highest lakes, is located in a plateau area at an altitude of 17,800 meters above sea level. Surrounded by icy mountains and mirror-like clouds, Gurudongmar Lake is a sacred lake that is considered spiritual and worshiped by Hindu, Buddhist, and learned religions. The natural beauty around this stunning lake is also quite bizarre and offers mesmerizing views. Gurudongmar Lake is one of the revered places to visit in Sikkim.
Pelling
Surrounded by ancient monasteries and beautiful waterfalls in western Sikkim, Pelling is one of the less popular places in Sikkim. But it is becoming very popular now and attracting a large number of nature lovers and adventurous lovers tourists. Nestled at an altitude of more than 6000 meters above sea level, Pelling attracts everyone with its amazing natural surroundings, scenic spots, and adventurous activities.
Tourists can do adventure activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, and trekking here and spend some relaxing moments while birdwatching in the tranquil environment in the lap of nature. Also visit Pemayangtse and Sangacholing monastery to get acquainted with Buddhist architecture and culture, do meditation here which will greatly benefit your health. Much exotic wildlife is also found here, thus, all of them include Pelling in Sikkim, a great place to visit.
- Khecheopalri Lake
Khechopalri lake is also known as a wishful lake and a large number of pilgrims arrive here every year. There are many trees around the lake but inside the lake, no leaves will be found floating. Khechopalri Lake is one of the essential places to visit in Sikkim. Khechopalri Lake is a sacred lake in Khechpuri village of Sikkim, at a height of 1700 meters above sea level amidst beautiful green lush natural surroundings, Khechopalri Lake is also known as Kha-Chote-Palari which means Buddhist Guru Padmasambhava. Paradise hence is considered a religious place by the followers of Buddhism.
Lachung
The cold climate of Lachung produces large quantities of apples, sores, and peaches, and in Lachung, surrounded by majestic ranges and springs, the market can carry warm blankets – carpets to avoid the winter. If you are a nature lover then Lachung can prove to be a great destination. Situated on the banks of Lachung and Lachen tributaries, the small town of Sikkim is surrounded by lush green hills of the Lachung Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 9610 feet above sea level, Lachung is an excellent tourist destination on the banks of the Teesta River, from here it also opens the way to the Yumthang Valley filled with beautiful flowers.
Kanchenjunga Falls
The waterfall flowing in the form of melting snow on the hills of Kanchenjunga is quite attractive and makes everyone surprised, the waterfall is in a deep forest, due to this, nobody noticed it for the 90s but at present, it attracts a large number of tourists. Attracts to spend some relaxing moments in the lush green environment of Sikkim, definitely spend some time in the peaceful surroundings of Kanchenjunga Falls.
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Situated near the Sikkim Tibet border, the influence of Tibetan culture here increases, and similarly, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was founded by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1957 to enhance Tibetan studies. On the first floor of Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, tourists can see some items related to Chinese-Tibetan cultures such as coins, valuable sculptures, Thangak, and ancient manuscripts. In this research institute, one can see the materials and libraries related to the Tibetan lifestyle. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is one of the best places to visit Sikkim for tourists interested in Tibetan culture.
Casino mahjong
Apart from the natural scenery and religious places, do some recreational activities that add excitement and enthusiasm to you. Casino Mahjong is located at Sikkim’s Mayfair Hotels & Resorts in which tourists can play roulette, poker, blackjack Texas Hold’em poker, and blackjack. Apart from this, spend some time at this luxe resort which will add you to exciting places to visit in Sikkim.
Khangchendzonga National Park
Apart from this, many wildlife like barking deer, musk deer, flying squirrel, red panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and Tibetan antelope are also found here. The park is part of a mixed heritage that has been included in the World Heritage by UNESCO. Khangchendzonga National Park can be one of the best places for wildlife and nature lovers to visit Sikkim. Surrounded by the captivating beauty of the Kanchenjunga ranges, Khangchendzonga National Park is known as the finest biosphere reserve. Known as Sikkim’s largest forest reserve, Khangchendzonga National Park, surrounded by oak-pine trees, is home to several alpine grass shrubs and medicinal herbs.
Yuksom
Yuksom is a beautiful city in West Sikkim near Kanchenjunga National Park which is surrounded by beautiful views of the Himalayas from all sides. Yuksom has many religious sites such as Dabdi Gompa Monastery, Kathok Wodslin Gompa Monastery, and Sangocheling Monastery, and also the sacred Khejpuri Lake nearby which tourists must visit. Apart from mediumship, tourists can also undertake adventure activities here such as the Bokchala track is excellent for trekking. Yuksom is one of the best tourist hotspots in Sikkim.
Himalayan Zoological Park
In this, the red panda mesmerizes the eyes of tourists. Tourists can enjoy a jungle safari at the Himalayan Zoological Park and Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the natural places to visit in Sikkim. The Himalayan Zoological Park is spread over 230 hectares in a hilly environment surrounded by the Himalayas, which attracts a large number of tourists. Apart from this, it can see many wildlife like Himalayan Black Bears, Clouded Leopard, Porcupine, Leopard Cat, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Palm Civet, Yak, and Girls all add to the beauty of Jive Park.
- Bakthang Falls
To see this milky waterfall one has to travel some distance from Destok, thus this waterfall refreshes every tourist. If you also want to see the beautiful views of the waterfall, then definitely visit Bakthang waterfall, one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. The Bakthang waterfall, surrounded by mountains amidst nature, offers a bizarre view to everyone and takes dreams into the world. The atmosphere near the Bakthang waterfall is also quite quiet where some can relax.
- Gangtok
The popular hill station for tourists, Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges at an altitude of 1650 meters above sea level. The scenic beauty and serene atmosphere here attract a large number of tourists. Gangtok is an adventurous and romantic place where tourists can enjoy their holidays. The high hilltop here offers spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga ranges. Apart from this, there is also a cultural image of Gangtok which includes Nepal, Lepcha, Bhutia, and some Tibetan communities.
Pemyangtse Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, The Ridge Garden, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Himalayan Zoo Park are the major attractions to see in Gangtok. There are major adventure activities for trekking and climbing in the magnificent landscape here. Gangtok is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim along with being the largest city in Sikkim.
Zero Point
23. Ganesh Tok
- Hanuman Tok
- Geyzing
Conclusion
Sikkim fascinates every tourist with its natural beauty and religious surroundings, besides the adventure activities and exciting sports available here attract everyone in its own way. Being close to the Tibetan border, Tibetan architecture and lifestyle are also seen here, to experience these 25 magnificent places to visit in Sikkim.
Best time to visit Sikkim
During summer, the period from March to June is considered to be good for visiting Sikkim but if you want to enjoy snowfall, then you can visit Sikkim from October to February.
Best activities to do in Sikkim
In Sikkim, tourists can do activities such as paragliding, trekking, yak rides, bungee jumping, hang-gliding, and river rafting.
How to travel to Sikkim during Covid 19?
If you are going to Sikkim during Covid-19, then follow the government instructions and keep masks and sanitizers with you, besides maintaining a social distance so that you can protect yourself and others.
Popular food to eat in Sikkim?
In Sikkim, tourists can enjoy delicious dishes like egg-noodle dish, yak paneer, gundruk soup, cell roti, and momos.
How to reach Sikkim
Tourists can easily reach Sikkim by road and air from Delhi, the capital of India.
By Road: Tourists can easily reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim by traveling 1559 km from Delhi by bus or private vehicle.
By Air: – From Delhi Airport, tourists can reach Sikkim’s Bagdogra Airport by flight.
