Home Travel Best places to visit in Sikkim – Top Tourist Attractions

Best places to visit in Sikkim – Top Tourist Attractions

0

Sikkim is the nuzzled in the lap of Himalayas, and it has scenic beauty which is breathtaking along with soothing soul and mind. Sikkim has spiritual vibes in the ecosphere, and it rejuvenates your energy. Here is the list of Best places to visit in Sikkim.

  1. EAST SIKKIM
  2. NORTH SIKKIM
  3. WEST SIKKIM
  4. SOUTH SIKKIM
  5. Conclusion
  6. Frequently asked question

EAST SIKKIM – Best Places To Visit In Sikkim

Gangtok

It is the capital of Sikkim and nestled in the eastern Himalayas. You can’t resist yourself with the alluring charm of this beautifully serene, gorgeous spot. It has always been in the top tourist spot due to its beauty and adventurous existence.

Best time to visit is between March to April and October to November, avoid travelling in rainy season as it heavy rainfall lead to roadblocks and land sliding. Every year in the may, Gangtok host the International Flower Festivals.

Gangtok is a city called ‘Land Of Monasteries” has beautiful monasteries like Rumtek and Enchey and attractions like Nathula pass, Tsomgo lake. Gangtok shielded with the highest peak in India and 3rd highest in world Mt. Kanchenjunga with an elevation of 8586 m (28169 feet).

Highlights

  • Buddhist Monasteries,
  • River rafting,
  • Cable car rides.
  • Snow-covered ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga

The Best Month For a Visit

October to June

List of places you must visit in Gangtok

Tsogmo Lake

If you are in Gangtok you cannot miss the opportunity to visit Tsogmo lake. These fall into the Protected area category, and you need to get a permit to visit. If you are travelling with a travel agent, then they can take care of all this.

Your visit is incomplete without the Yak ride and sip of special tea made of yak milk. In winter the lake is frozen, and in summer it embraces a magical persona. Lake blue water reflects gazing snowy view of mountain turn into amazing views overall.

Beware of roadblocks due to heavy snowfall during the winter season. It is one of the highest lakes in India set an elevation of 3,753 meters. Tsomgo Lake is considered as sacred by residents, and the water has medicinal value.

Highlights

  • Trekking,
  • Ice Skating,
  • Yak rideAlpine vegetation,
  • Native Birds Waddling.

The Best Month For a Visit

January to March(snowfall view): April to May (Rhododendrons and Orchids): October to December

Nathula Pass

One of the highest pass in the world, this eye gazing pass located at a distance of approximately 55 km from Gangtok at a 14500 ft. (4310 m) above the sea level and link Sikkim with Tibet or India and China.

NathuLa is the top priority tourist junction as it has a great viewpoint of snow-topped Himalayas which attracts thousands of tourist attraction every year. As it’s a relevant military post of the Indian Army, special permission is required.

It should be taken 24 hours in advance from Army authorities in Gangtok. Specific day in the week is fixed for the passes and that too for Indian tourists only. Check out the climate forecast before heading to pass, just to avoid landslides and avalanches in disturbed climatic conditions.

Pass remain inaccessible during winters due to heavy snowfall as the para drops down to as low as -250 degree centigrade. Also, the children and adults who are prone to asthma or other breathing problems should avoid to visit there or advisable to carry medicines.

Highlights

  • Magnificent view of Chumbi valley of Tibet
  • and snowy mountains,
  • border gates of Indo- china,
  • Exhibition centre of the Indian army and
  • War memorial

The Best Month For a Visit

May and October(Wednesday to Sunday)

Baba Harbhajan Singh

It is also known as Baba Harbhajan Temple located at a distance of around 18 km from Tsomgo lakes towards Nathula at an altitude of 13,123 feet.

Baba Harbhajan Singh initially worked for the Punjab regiment and posted here as part of Border patrol force nearby china. In October 1968 he disappeared it believed as that while escorting mules carrying provisions. He fell into a stream and drowned.

After sometimes he reappeared in dreams of one of his sentry colleagues and asked him to make memorial here on his name and as regarded as sort of deity of this area.

This memorial cum temple dedicated to the brave man of the Indian army who lost his life around 30 years ago in this region. It believed that the soul of Baba Harbhajan Singh is still protecting the boundary of the border.

He found as to warn about dangers through dreams of fellow army men. Even the soldier’s border side share the stories of the edge that they felt that a human figure was patrolling the area during the night.

Highlights

  • Baba Harbhajan Temple

 The Best Month For a Visit

May to October

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuaries and Waterfall

It located around the Tsomgo lakes and one of the best high altitude scenic wildlife sanctuaries in India. Sanctuary is also well known for its Red Pandas and snow leopards.

The eye gazing waterfalls in the around falls from the height of 10,400 ft is also a sight to view.

Rumtek Monasteries

As the largest monasteries in Sikkim and also known as ‘Dharma Chakra Centre’, Rumtek is also one of the oldest monasteries in the state. It located at a distance of 23 km from city at the height of 5000ft. It surrounded with dense green valley.

Rumtek has Tibetan style of architecture and decorated with flowery murals on walls which brought in the year 1963 by Rangjung Rigpe Dorje,16th Karmapa. It is famous for Kagyu teachings worldwide.

The monastery houses some of the sacred things and rarest Buddhist religious artwork in the form of 1001 miniature golden models of Buddha. The monastery kept open from 9 am to 6  pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

Photography restricted inside the monastery. Monastery has a peaceful ambiance and suitable to calm you and rejuvenate your mind.

Highlights

  • Mystical relics and
  • golden stupa

The Best Month For a Visit

March to May; and  October to December

Enchey Monastery

One of the most significant Buddhist monastery and famous tourist spot lies at a distance of 3 km from the central city. View of vibrant prayer flags and spinning prayer wheels echoing chants of the monks. It creates spiritual and blissful atmosphere, and it fills your soul with spirituality.

The Chinese Pagoda design inspired after china’s sacred mountain, which was also the religious dwelling of Jampelyang, the god of knowledge.

Highlights

  • Architectural designs
  • Peaceful Spiritual ambience

The Best Month For a Visit

March to May: October to December.

Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. There is a  belief that Hanuman rested for a brief period at this place while he was carrying Sanjeevani Butti (an ayurvedic herb) to Lanka (Srilanka).

Currently, it is under the guard of the Indian Army and priest (Pujari) of this temple dressed in the uniforms of the Indian Army. It’s better to visit this place in the early morning or afternoon.

Highlights

  • Splendid view of  mountains

The Best Month For a Visit

March to May

Ganesh Tok

Ganesh Tok located at a distance of 6 km from capital city Gangtok at an altitude of 6500 feet and dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It’s the vicinity to Tashi point makes its famous tourist spots in Sikkim.

Apart from this temple, the place is the most elegant spot to catch the perfect viewpoint of Mt. Kanchenjunga and eastern Himalayan peaks.

Highlights

  • The attractive viewpoint of Mt. Kanchenjunga Peak and calmness of the city Gangtok.

The Best Month For a Visit

Throughout the Year.

Ban Jhakri Fall

‘Ban Jhakri ‘means jungle priest or jungle magician and Nepali folklore says that Jhakris protects human beings from evil spirits. It located between dense green valley at miles of 7 km from Gangtok, and the Banjhakri falls a pleasant scenic spot to visit by travelers.

Snuggled within an enchanting landscaped park which depicts Sikkimese culture, it creates appealing ambiance for tourists.er is paved pathways n footbridge around the park which spread across.

Highlights

  • Shaman culture theme Sikkimese architecture of the landscaped park 

The Best Month For a Visit

October and February

Zuluk

Also known as the Zuluk, is situated at an altitude of 10000 feet on the rough terrain of eastern Himalaya in Sikkim. It is unexplored destination of east  Sikkim and an Army Base location. It is the first valley within the Sikkim route which offer facilities to tourist to feel like home.

Great highlight of Zuluk existed in observing the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga and its associated peaks from Thambi viewpoint at 11200 feet. Zuluk is camp of birds like Monal Pheasant, Khaleej Pheasant, Snow Pheasant and also take a glance of a weasel or a Martin, Red Panda, Wild Dog and Deer in the top of hills. Its distinct destination but easily accessible through Gangtok and Kalimpong.

Highlights

  • Stunning Panoramic view of whole Mt. Kanchenjunga
  • A glimpse of Thousands of Flowers during Summer and snow during winters
  • Has around 32 hairpin bands and camp to explore Kupup, Nathang Valley and Lungthung.

The Best Month For a Visit

August and September: January to April.

NORTH SIKKIM – Best Places To Visit In Sikkim

Lachung

Lachung means ‘small mountains, and it gets his name as magical mountains outline it.

It is type of place in north Sikkim which has to be visited by any tourist on their trip, and it has such  craze and immense beauty in it and cited with a meeting point of two tributaries Lachung and Lachen, situated at a distance of 120 km from Gangtok.

Yumthang Valley

It is a beautiful valley surrounded by snowy mountains and also known as ‘valley of flowers’ located 140 km from Gangtok at an altitude of 3564 m. Exotic venue with rivers, hot springs yaks and rich green meadows.

It is the best spot for nature lovers as it houses the Shingba Rhododendron flowers sprout at late February to June mid which famous for its varied species. The valley and sanctuary turn into red hues make the awestruck view to gaze.

Yumesamdong

From the name itself, you must have guessed it well am sure that it’s snow bounded place. A most popular place to visit where you can experience snowfall or snow bedded view across all the month. It located at an altitude of 4,724 m away and 15 km far from the valley.

Lachung Monastery

Monastery or Gompas are alluring Buddhist monasteries in north Sikkim established on a hilltop between apple and peach orchards with a splendid scenery of Himalayan zenith. Every monastery has its unique peaceful ambiance, which helps to make yourself calm.

Katao

It situated at a distance of 2 km from Lachunhg Valley, and it has an incredible wide alliance which inspires tourist to visit often. Even too for the adventure freaks for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. It comes under the restricted area, so you need to Army authorities permission for a visit.

Highlights

  • Lachung village and Handcraft
  • The colourful rhododendron blossom
  • Lachung Gompa and Buddhist shrine
  • Snow-covered zero temperature landscapes

The Best Month For a Visit

Lachung: march –may; Yumthang –Sept-Dec.& Feb-march; Zero point-Sept.-DEC. and Feb- march

Lachen

It located at a distance of 125 km from capital Gangtok .this is a small village with scenic and peace ecosphere. Thousands of tourists come at this spot every year due to its pleasing and attractive existence tourist.

Trekkers come here for adventure on Gurudongmar lake and Mt. Kanchenjunga. Here you also need special permission to visit.

Here are some places in Lachen you should visit during the trip

Gurudongmar Lake

The lake named after guru Padmasambhava aka Guru Rinpoche, the originator of Tibetan Buddhism, who attended in the eighth century. Gurudongmar is one of apex alpine lake in the world and  India located at 17,800 ft (or 5,425 m) in North Sikkim.

It fed by glaciers the lake has an area of 18 hectares and its periphery is about 5034 km. It provides one of the link streams which connects the Tso Lahmu, and the create the source for Teesta river.

Lake is just not for beauty quotient, but it also has as sacred consideration by Hindus, Buddhist and Sikhs. Gurudongmar inhabited by Yaks, Blue sheep and other wildlife which can see gazing around the spot.

The lake remains frozen in the winter months, from November to mid-may. Situated in the vicinity to the China border, visit the lake is only for permissible and that too for Indian nationals.

Cholamu Lake

This lake is situated at a mile of 6 km and  18000 km from sea level from Gurudongmar Lake and also known as ‘Tso Lhamu’. It considered to be the  14th highest lake in the world and only most top lake India.

It’s a very mesmerizing unusual experience to be here with the ultramarine waters, exotic surroundings and remarkable scenery of mountains can make you feel awestruck. Trekking is challenging over here as it has rough terrain and utmost cold weather conditions.

Highlights

  • The snow bedded mountains view during Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake in winters
  • The wildlife existence around the lake: Yaks, Blue sheep

The Best Month For a Visit

March & June and December to January

Kanchenjunga National Park

This national park named after from Mt. Kanchenjunga. Which has its recognition in UNESCO world heritage list in 2016, becomes first ‘mixed heritage’ site of India. This park is best for nature admirers and wildlife fervent. You can spot snow leopards here.

Highlights

  • Existence of Red Panda, Snow Leopard and Himalayan black bear.
  • Spectacular trekking terrain leads to yuksom, Goechala and others.

The Best Month For a Visit

October to December

Amitabh Bachchan Fall

This is one of the tallest waterfalls, that’s why named after Amitabh Bachchan, and it is also known as Bhim Nala Falls or Bhewma Falls. It located at a distance of 13 km from Lachung and this waterfalls exist in north Sikkim Khedum village. 

Highlights

  • Three stages of waterfall.
  • The outbound scenic beauty of waterfall

The Best Month For a Visit

March to Mid June; September to October

WEST SIKKIM – Best Places To Visit In Sikkim

Pelling

It located at an altitude of approximately 6800 ft, and 125 km away from Gangtok. Pelling is the most visited spot after Gangtok as it offers an extensive scenic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga ranges and natural beauty.

It is the perfect gateway for the nature admirers with the fantastic pleasing environment, pleasant trek routes and countless waterfalls. Pelling is the most visited tourist spot as it has historical significance, precious cultural and conventional values.

Highlights

  • Monasteries and rock garden
  • Singhshore Bridge & Rimbi waterfall
  • Kanchenjunga fall & kaluk.

The Best Month For a Visit

February to June

Yuksom

Yuksom was the first capital of the Sikkim kingdom established by Namgyal dynasty in 1642 AD. One of the ancient cities of the Sikkim witnessed the history of state and beginning of monarch. Yuksom is considered a sacred place as it has religious values.

It has a very pleasing peaceful ecosphere which calm and refreshes mind and body. Abundant greenery, pristine hills, ancient villages and relaxed destination is just all that required to spend quality holiday hours for every tourist. It is also the best options for a trekking adventure.

Highlights

  • Oldest Tashiding  and Dubdi monastery
  • Newly built Kathok Wodsalin Gompa also famous for Guru Padmasambhava
  • Goechala trek

The Best Month For a Visit

March to June and September to November.

Norbugang Park

Created at Yuksom 24 km from Pelling town which has a prayer hall, prayer wheels, the Chorten aka stupa and purported coronation throne. It considered to be the birthplace of Sikkim as it holds great religious importance for Buddhist, visited by many pilgrims and devotees.

They believed that three lamas met here and expanded Buddhism. Norbugang Stupa a huge prayer wheel and Kathok lake are some of the additional attraction of this spot.

Highlights

  • Huge prayer wheels and stupa.
  • Footprints of three lamas met and coronation throne.

The Best Month For a Visit

March to May, which is the best places to Visit in Sikkim.

Pemayangtse Monastery

It established by Lhatsun Chempo in 1705, Pemayangtse means ‘perfect sublime lotus’ and represent four nerves in the human body. Contemplated as one of the essential Lamas who executed hallow ceremony of the first Chogyal of the Sikkim.

The monastery located at an altitude of 6300 ft on the peak of the hill offering an eye-catching extensive view of the fantastic surroundings and one of the oldest monasteries of the state. The monks of this monastery usually chosen from Bhutias of Sikkim.

A part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit begins with the first monastery at Yuksom known as he Dubdi Monastery and followed by Norbugang Chorten, Tashiding Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling Monastery and the Khecheopalri Lake.

Highlights

  • Unique Tibetan designs
  • Ancient Buddhist antique idols, scriptures, Sculptures and Paintings
  •  soothing &serene environment.

The Best Month For a Visit

March to June, which is the best places to Visit in Sikkim.

Kanchenjunga Waterfall

It is one of the utmost beautiful waterfalls in Sikkim located at a distance of 24 km from Pelling and 10 km from Yuksom. One of the most attractive tourist place in Sikkim. It is unexplored till 90’s came into notice after when a local tour operator named Topjor Bhutia accidentally discovered it.

Kanchenjunga Waterfall is an eternal waterfall situated in the beautiful hill town of Pelling. This spot serves as the best picnic venue for all family, friends & group. Considered as waterfalls originate high up in the glaciers of mount Kanchenjunga, the sound of gurgling water rolling down from the hills and the cold, moist ecosphere makes a serene environment.

The beauty enhanced due to the surroundings of mountains and there is a rope slide facility available over one side to other adventurers can try it to cross the waterfall after paying charges for those activities.

Highlights

  • Highest waterfall with a picturesque view and picnic spot
  • Adventure activities

The Best Month For a Visit

In any month except monsoon, which is the best places to Visit in Sikkim.

Geyzing

Geyzing is also known as Gyalshing to the local people, which is just 10 km far from Pelling. It is the capital of West Sikkim joined with capital Gangtok by a metalled street also a district headquarter of the state.

It has become a significant attraction spot for tourists in these years as it is the hub of trading and commercial in the district. Spectacular glimpses of Mt Kanchenjunga gaze experienced beside the river Rangeet.

Geyzing is also the hub of magnificent monasteries which attract tourists. The town is base for trekking adventurers and professional campaigns to Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Highlights

  • Magical scenic sights of the spot
  • Hilltop of Yangtey reached quickly.

The Best Month For a Visit

March to June and September to December.

SOUTH SIKKIM – Best Places To Visit In Sikkim

Namchi

The Namchi means ‘sky-high’ in Sikkimese. Namchi or Namtse is capital of south Sikkim in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is a tourist spot as well as a pilgrimage centre. The Namchi Monastery, Tendong Hill, Ralang Monastery are local Buddhist Pilgrimage nucleus.

Samdruptse hill is the major attraction of Namchi town known for its tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava or Guru rinpoche in the world.

There is another unique Solophok Chardham place with an 87 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva enclosed by micro replicas of 12 jyotirlingas. Four sacred Dhams of Hindu religion, considered to be most holy tourist places in Namchi.

You can also visit the tea garden, which is the best quality tea producer place in the world. There is a lot of places in Namchi apart from above such as wildlife and adventure curriculum which make your trip unforgettable and experiencing new things.

Highlights

  • Various Buddhist and Hindus pilgrimages.
  • Khangchendzonga range
  • Tea gardens and rock garden

The Best Month For a Visit

March to June  and October & November , which is the best places to Visit in Sikkim.

Ravangla

Ravangla is one of the small, famous tourist spots in South Sikkim located at an altitude of 8000 ft. It connected by a state highway and amid between Pelling and Gangtok.

It offers beautiful scenic views of mountains, pouring waterfalls, calm villages and refreshing wind make your holiday relaxing. Best sightseeing point is Ralang monastery which host the famous festival of Pang Lhabsoi to pay homage the guardian deity of Sikkim and Buddha park.

Popular tourist spot due to its 130 ft tall statue of Lord Buddha blessed by 14th Dalai Lama now it forms part of Buddhist pilgrimage circuit.

Highlights

  • Buddha park, Samdruptse Hill, Maenam Hill, Tendong hill, Rayong  monastery  and dolling Gompa
  • Extensive collection of Thangkas and monastery
  • Pictorial Landscapes, Trekking

The Best Month For a Visit

March to June, which is the best places to Visit in Sikkim.

Buddha Park

Main attraction of this park is the tallest statue of Buddha with a height of 130 ft. The temple has paintings and murals depicting the life journey of Lord Buddha. Buddha park is being the part of the pilgrimage circuit of Buddhists.

14th Dalai Lama consecrated the statue on 25th March 2013. The Cho Djo lake is situated in the premises and surrounded by forest.

Highlights

  • Tallest Statue of Lord Gautam Buddha
  • Paintings and depiction of the life story of Buddha.

The Best Month For a Visit

April to June, Which is the best places to Visit in Sikkim.

Borong

An extensive valley which is best for trekking spot for tourists in South Sikkim. It has incredible gorgeous landscapes and mt. Kanchenjunga spectacular sight view with sunrise from the cladding of mountains.

Highlights

  • Majestic scenic view of mountains and landscapes
  • Best for adventure sports.

The Best Month For a Visit

Anytime throughout the year and February for specific festival occasion at the bank of river Rangeet which is the best places to Visit in Sikkim.

Conclusion

Gangtok is the best places to Visit in Sikkim visited tourist place in the North East. It has vivid culture, cuisine, best tourist attractions spots and unique arts and crafts. As a nature admirer, this place must be considered an adventurous and panoramic place to explore. Sikkim has something for all kinds of tourists, such as from kids to senior citizens. It has adventurous spots for kids, youth and pilgrimage attractions for senior citizens. There is a lot to explore and if you are searching or thinking about the planning for a holiday in Sikkim. Let us plan your holiday trip.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best place in Sikkim?

Yuksom and zero point

Which are the best sikkim travel package deals?

Gangtok tour packages of 5nights & 4days is the best deal to explore Sikkim.

Is it necessary to have tour guide or agent to visit Sikkim?

If you are very well aware about the Sikkim and its tourism rules then you don’t need to have tour guide but you are naive to the place then its good and secured option to hire tour guide who is native to Sikkim.

NO COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Exit mobile version