The Indian state of Sikkim is known for its breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas, which have earned it the reputation of being a veritable paradise. You are definitely losing out on something incredibly wonderful if you haven’t considered experiencing the magnificence of this great state’s natural scenery. Sikkim is like a marvel in a little box, with its enchanted landscapes, snow-capped mountains that reach for the sky, and the hypnotic allure of its diverse cultural traditions.
Many visitors go to Sikkim each year, even though the state is landlocked in the North-East with its neighbouring sister states. It’s a sweet site to visit, but the locals in Sikkim are much sweeter. You will have the opportunity to experience some rather remarkable hospitality at this location. If you’re interested in visiting this lovely destination, these are some ways you may get there.
By air: Bagdogra Airport, which is around 124 kilometres from Sikkim’s capital city of Gangtok, is the closest publicly accessible airport. A wide range of public and private transportation alternatives are available at Bagdogra Airport.
By train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the closest major railway station, located around 6-7 kilometres from Siliguri and 130 kilometres from Gangtok. Siliguri, located 114 kilometres from Gangtok, is served by a small number of direct trains.
By road: Sikkim may be reached mostly via Siliguri. Gangtok to Siliguri may be reached through 31A National Highway. From Siliguri to destinations such as Gangtok or Kalimpong or Kurseong, buses, shared jeeps, and auto-rickshaws are readily accessible.
To assist you in developing an itinerary that makes the most of your time in Sikkim, we have included a list of the top tourist places in Sikkim.
16 best Sikkim tourism places
Gangtok
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Gangtok is the state capital of Sikkim, and due to the natural grandeur of the area, it has earned its place as one of the most important towns in the state. extraordinary in its attractiveness and vivacity, with clouds strewn everywhere like a bouquet. Gangtok is a symbol of encouragement for the state of Sikkim because of the historical and cultural importance it contributes to the state’s overall identity. During your travels through Sikkim, you absolutely have to make a stopover in Gangtok. Only then will you get a chance to see the magnificent Kanchenjunga.
The scent of Rhododendrons will greet you if you visit Gangtok during the season from March to Mid-May, which can be seen blooming all around the city. It is widely acknowledged that Gangtok is one of India’s most picturesque holiday destinations. This region is a beautiful example of how culture, scenic wonders, and modernity coexist harmoniously. Enchey Monastery, Do Drul Chorten Rumtek Monastery, Ganesh Tok, and other places like these should absolutely be on your itinerary if you are interested in seeing holy monuments. Explore Tashi viewpoint and Ganeshtok and among other vantage points if you’re interested in getting a bird’s eye perspective of the city.
You can visit this place throughout the year. Road travel is among the most popular options for tourists arriving in Gangtok from the cities that are located in close proximity to the destination. The SNT Bus Station serves as the gateway into the city for vacationers who want to get there via public transportation.
See also: Escape sweltering summers by visiting the top 15 India’s coldest places
Tsomgo Lake
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Approximately 40 kilometres (km) outside of Gangtok’s central city is where you’ll find the picturesque Tsomgo Lake. One of the most stunning glacier lakes in all of Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake is a major tourist attraction and is among Sikkim’s famous places. Tsogmo might be translated to mean “Source of Water.” Sikkim is already stunning, but the presence of this hypnotic lake, which is located at one of India’s highest altitudes, further enhances its natural splendour. Your trip to Sikkim will be even more unforgettable thanks to the magnificent vistas of snow-capped mountains that can be seen reflected in Tsomgo Lake.
Because it gets dark early and the roads are not in the best condition, it is best to schedule your travel to Tsomgo Lake during the early hours of the day. The months of January through March are ideal for seeing snow, while April and May are the greatest months for viewing rhododendrons and orchids. You will just be away from Gangtok for a total of two hours in order to get the opportunity to participate in a thrilling activity around the lake.
It takes around 1-2 hours to reach Tsomgo Lake. All visitors are required to get permits before being allowed to access the otherwise restricted region since lake Tsomgo is situated in a restricted area. It is necessary for foreign nationals to get the appropriate permissions.
Nathula Pass
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Approximately 53 kilometres separate Nathula Pass from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. This location, in addition to being the most popular tourist destination in Sikkim, is also a highly significant political node in the state of Sikkim. Because the Nathula Pass links India and Tibet, the culture of both India and Tibet has merged here at this location.
Sherathang is a well-known border commerce market, and it is from there that you may purchase a sovereign for yourself, as well as for your companions. This bustling market even has stalls where you can purchase goods made in Tibet. There is a location called Kupup close to the Nathula Pass that is usually covered with clouds, and travelling there might provide you with an unforgettable experience during your time spent in Sikkim.
The best time to explore the Nathula Pass is between 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Only Indian nationals are eligible to get valid permission to go via the Nathu La Pass. To receive permission, one must submit an application to the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp
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The most effective means of interacting with other cultures is via travel. The manner in which it educates you about the cultural environment is something that you just cannot learn from a book, a film, or any other medium. One of the best ways to get a taste of the authentic Sikkimese traditions is to visit Kanchenjunga Base Camp, which is 61.7 kilometres away from the capital city of Sikkim. It is similar to experiencing the whole of the state via a tour that will take you to an elevation that is around 14,000 feet above sea level.
Having camped at the foot of the great Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world would undoubtedly give you something to boast about. Dzongri is the final road lying around Kanchenjunga, and it is also the starting point for the journey up the mountain. Those who have a passion for excitement will undoubtedly have a memorable time at this exciting place to visit in Sikkim, which is located in close proximity to the India–China border.
The months of March through May and September through the middle of December are ideal times to explore the national park. The majority of the year is characterised by snowfall in this region. The forestry and state departments are also responsible for organising the hikes so that they are carried out in accordance with the current weather conditions.
The National Park’s ranger station has four apartments with a total of twenty bedrooms available for rent. Staying in Gangtok and seeing the Kanchenjunga National Park is also a popular choice for many visitors.
Lachen, Lachung and Yumthang Valley
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These three are very gorgeous villages, which are steeped in the ethos of Sikkim, and should be at the top of your travel list in India. You have no choice but to go to North Sikkim’s Lachen to learn more about this quaint little settlement. During the colder months in Tibet, migratory Tibetan tribes call this settlement their home. Despite the fact that Lachen is not too well known among tourists as some of the other places to visit in Sikkim, you should still give it a chance.
Tso Lhamu and Gurudongmar are two of the most gorgeous lakes in the area. It is imperative that you visit Lachen and Lachung in Sikkim as well as Yumthang Valley during your trip to Sikkim. Yumthang is the finest spot to see Sikkim’s floral valley, and Lachung is the ideal place to enjoy the snow. Lachen will provide you with the most tranquil leisure experience.
The easiest way to go to Yumthang from Gangtok is to take a shared or private car to Lachung, which is approximately 125 kilometres away, and spend the night there. As the area is susceptible to fog and darkens early, it is not possible to go straight from Gangtok to Yumthang in a day. In approximately 50 minutes from Lachung, you’ll arrive in Yumthang over a scenic route dotted with vibrantly blooming flowers.
Because Yumthang Valley is so near to China’s border, the whole region is governed by the military. This protected area permit may be obtained through the Gangtok Tourism Office or from the district administrative centre in Mangan.
There is not a single place to stay in the valley. Travellers often stay at Lachung, which is around an hour’s drive away from the valley. Lachung is home to a diverse selection of hotels and resorts. Because there are no automated teller machines in Yumthang, you should bring sufficient cash with you.
Pelling
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After Gangtok, Pelling is the most well-known tourist destination in all of Sikkim. It attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year who are in search of tranquillity in the bosom of nature and the opportunity to take in breathtaking panoramas. This village is a dream destination for anyone who appreciates hiking and solitude & serenity. Pelling is located around 131 kilometres (km) and 73 kilometres (km) from Gangtok, two of the most popular tourist destinations in Sikkim.
If you want to have the most enjoyable experience in Pelling, you should come between the months of December and May. This is the window of time when the weather is the most pleasant. If you visit this charming town around this time of year, you will be able to experience all three seasons: winter, spring, and summer. In Pelling, the cuisine from the region of the North-East is not to be missed when given the opportunity.
Pelling is a rather tiny town, although it has around 90 hotels. The Darap Ecotourism Committee is now in the process of organising homestays and other types of lodgings for visitors at the private residences of committee members.
Pelling has excellent connections to all of the other cities in Sikkim, both via the Sikkim State Road Transport Corporation (SSRTC) and through certain private transport services.
Zuluk
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It is among the greatest offbeat spots in Sikkim, and it can fascinate visitors with its captivating vistas of the mountain ranges that surround it on all sides. Zuluk is located in the Zuluk Valley and is 91.6 kilometres from Gangtok. There is a beautiful and one-of-a-kind temple in the area known as the Nag Temple, and it is devoted to the deity Nag (Snake God). It is designed like a den or cave, giving visitors the impression that they are about to enter a snake’s abode when they go there.
In the form of a snake hole, it contains a King Cobra idol and evokes the feeling of exploring a snake hole. The majority of passengers that arrive in Zuluk make their way to Thambi View Point, which offers mesmerising views of snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga, as well as other significant attractions in Zuluk. While you are in this baffling state, you should put this incredibly gorgeous and picturesque town at the top of your list of attractions to see in Sikkim.
You have the option of going to Zuluk in the summertime, between the months of August and September, to see the verdant valley while it is in full bloom with colourful flowers. Visit the area throughout the winter, namely between the months of January and April, to feel the chill of sub-zero temperatures and see the occasional dusting of snow.
Approximately ninety kilometres separate Zuluk and Gangtok from one another. From Gangtok, you have the option of taking the road that goes through Baba Mandir and Tsomgo Lake or the one that goes by Pakyong and Lingtham. Overall, it will take up to four hours.
Teesta River
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The Teesta River is a wonderful surprise for its guests, who are charmed by the glistening landscape through which it rushes ceaselessly. In the wintertime, when the Teesta River is in its icy condition and adds to the splendour of the period with its viewpoint, you may come to see the Teesta River. On the other hand, you can visit the Teesta River throughout the summertime to enjoy the blossoming flowers and glittering waves of this river.
River sports such as kayaking and white water rafting are two of the most popular ways for tourists to enjoy their time on the Teesta River. Travellers may have a peek of the Sangam along with the Rangeet River whenever they make their way there. On your journey to Lachung, stop at Teesta River’s Dikchu Bridge, another prominent site.
Gurudongmar Lake
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It is one of the nicest locations to visit in Sikkim due to its placid lake and the living heritage of the North-East that surrounds it. This picturesque body of water may be found at a height of 17,800 feet above mean sea level. The fact that people of not just one but three different religions—Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists—regard Gurudongmar Lake as sacred gives it a unique and alluring appeal that sets it apart from other lakes. Rare species of flora and animals, including yaks and blue sheep, are known to inhabit this specific region of Sikkim.
It takes around 2-3 hours to reach this lake. No entry fee is required, however, there is no permission for kids below 6 years. The months of November through June are when the climate of Gurudongmar Lake is at its most agreeable, making those months the ideal time to pay the lake a visit. Lachen has mild summers that are often described as being rather pleasant. You may book cabs and jeeps to take you to Gurudongmar Lake if you are starting from Lachen.
Goechala
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You won’t have a chance to overlook it even if you’ve already reviewed the other tourist spots in Sikkim. Adventurers and hikers go to Goechala Mountain Pass year after year. Sikkim is a popular destination for thrill-seekers looking for high-intensity activities like trekking and skiing. Those who do not like walking and hiking may nevertheless take in the magnificent scenic beauty of Kanchenjunga from this appealing location.
The trailhead at Goecha La will not provide any kind of adequate lodging for hikers. The vast majority of travellers bring their own tents and sleeping bags with them.
Yuksom, which serves as the Goecha La base camp, can be reached by road in a short amount of time from a number of large towns, including Siliguri. Sikkim’s main city, Gangtok, and the rest of the state are both accessible from this site, which is around 140 kilometres distant.
Dzongri Trek
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The Dzongri Trek, which can be done in a relatively short amount of time and is located at an elevation of 4,200 metres, is among the most popular and high trekking destinations in Sikkim. The journey takes hikers along a remarkable path that passes through a variety of landscapes, including parts of land that are speckled with gold and green, beautiful green pastures, deep woodland, and majestic peaks that are blanketed in snow. Along the way, hikers are treated to some mesmerising vistas.
This specific journey, which is a condensed form of the Goecha La Trek, begins and concludes within the course of 5 days back in Yuksam, where it begins. The mesmerising breathtaking views of lovely valleys, plantations, and mountain ranges are unparalleled, and so is the wonderful glimpse of the Sikkim and Darjeeling area that can be seen from the elevation. The awe-inspiring panorama of immaculate white peaks around Dzongri, notably the towering Kanchenjunga Peak, is enough to leave anybody speechless. The Dzongri Trek is an excellent option for those who want to maximise their time on the trail and see as much as they can in a short period of time.
The Dzongri Trek will not provide the trekkers with any suitable accommodations of any kind. The vast majority of travellers bring their own tents and sleeping bags with them.
Chopta Valley
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Chopta is a well-known tourist destination in North Sikkim that is renowned for the variety of colours that can be seen there. During the warm months of the year, the Chopta Valley is renowned for the vibrant array of colours that it displays, earning it the appellation “Valley of Flowers.” Despite the valley’s attractiveness as a vacation spot, there are not nearly enough visitors for it to have been visited and developed in any way. Those who have an appreciation for nature and different living creatures, flowers, and birds will have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful valley and discovering the numerous unique species that can be found there.
In order to reach the Chopta Valley from Lachen, you will need to take a cab. Lachen is linked to all of the main cities in Sikkim by the Sikkim State Road Transport Corporation (SSRTC) as well as certain private transport services. Lachen is connected to these states and others with a consistent bus service.
Kasturi Trek
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The Kasturi trip is a circular hike that crosses the Goecha La pass and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The starting point of the walk is at Yuksom, and it ends in Goecha La, which is the highest point along the route and takes around 9 days to reach there. The vista of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the Talung Glacier are breathtaking from this vantage point. The Kasturi Trek is a paradise for hikers, offering everything from lush meadows to glittering glaciers along its path.
The distance from Kolkata and Yuksom is around 700 kilometres, which can be travelled by car in approximately 20 hours. Because the route from New Jalpaiguri to Yuksom has insufficient lighting, it is not recommended that you drive along it at night.
Thangu Valley
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Thangu is a picturesque town that can be reached from Lachen by car in approximately two hours. It is located at an elevation of roughly 3,900 metres. Travellers typically opt to rest in this cosy town before continuing their hike to either Muguthang, Gurudongmar Lake, or Cho Lhamu Lake since it is conveniently located. A stunning panorama of the Tibetan Plateau can be seen in the distance as you climb higher in Thangu Valley, where you can also get a peek of the valley’s famous tree rows. This picturesque village serves as the ideal starting point for outdoor enthusiasts.
The months of May and June are the best time to visit the captivating Thangu Valley because, during those months, the whole valley is adorned with vivid alpine blossoms, but the months of October through March are the coldest and the snowfall blankets these exquisite flowers. The breathtaking hiking routes that go from Thangu to destinations such as Muguthang and Chopta Valley contribute to the already stunning attractiveness of the area. The proximity of Thangu to the boundary separating India and China has resulted in the establishment of a sizable military installation in the region.
In this quaint and picturesque town of Thangu, there are a few lodgings that are more on the primitive side available for guests to choose from. On the other hand, in order to spend the night there, you will need to first get a permit from the army, which will not be a simple thing to do.
Namchi
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An affluent market town that has emerged as a popular tourist destination in a short period of time, Namchi serves as the administrative centre for the South District. The name Namchi roughly translates to “Top of the Sky,” and the two enormous sculptures that can be seen in the city are the primary draws for tourists. Each year, a significant number of people go to Namchi to see these two enormous sculptures, which are perched on opposing slopes in the region. The town of Namchi is located in a picturesque setting, and it offers a breathtaking panorama of the Khangchendzonga ridge and the Rangit valley.
The visitors will find that this town’s spas and bars provide some of the best relaxation available. The historic Ngadak monastery is located around two kilometres away from Namchi. The stunning Rock Garden is located on a hill right above the Ngadak monastery. It is a popular Sikkim tourist place due to the many different kinds of plants and flowers that bloom there each spring.
Summers in Namchi last from March to June. Because of the excellent climate at this time of year, this is the best season to pay a visit to the city. The city of Namchi is home to a number of reputable hotels and resorts. The resorts provide all of the standard amenities, featuring spas and a travel information centre that is open around the clock.
It is possible to reach Namchi via bus from the airport or train station that is closest to it. The highways that link Namchi to the other cities in Sikkim are of high quality.
Do Drul Chorten
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Located amid the breathtaking valleys of Gangtok, the Do Drul Chorten is recognised as among the most significant stupas in all of Sikkim. The stupa was constructed in 1945 under the direction of the late Trusushi and Rimpoche. It is estimated that there are 108 prayer wheels, also known as Mani Lhakor, within. Turning these wheels, which are etched with significant mantras, allows one to recite the words of the mantras. Do Drul Chorten has, for many years, been a popular destination for visitors and devotees because of its picturesque tranquillity and peace.
The Chorten Lhakhang, which is located all around the stupa, is home to two enormous sculptures of Guru Padmasambhava. People who are looking for peace and quiet in the hill station may find it at this adorable small property. You can access this location between 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM throughout the year.
You also have the option of hiring a private taxi or using a shared cab to go to the monastery, which is about 2 kilometres outside of Gangtok and can be reached in about 10 to 15 minutes.
Also Read:
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FAQs
Why haven't Nathula and Gurudongmar lakes been accessible to foreigners?
The fact that Gurudongmar lake and Nathula Pass are situated on the international boundary between China, Bhutan, and Nepal is the primary reason why visitors from other countries are not permitted here.
Where can I get a Nathula and Gurudongmar Lake permit?
The Nathula and Gurudongmar lakes need a permit, which may be obtained through the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. If you want to go to North Sikkim, you will need permission in order to go beyond Singhik and investigate any of the surrounding locations.
Can I drive in my own personal vehicle?
Within Sikkim's protected zones, personal automobiles of any kind are not permitted.
Is there a way to apply for an Inner Line Permit over the Internet?
You are only able to submit an application for an inner line permit offline at this time; however, the government of Sikkim is working on implementing an online application system for inner line permits.
How many days are needed to fully experience Sikkim?
Sikkim is filled with a plethora of fascinating places to visit. In order to see all of these places, you will need at least eight or nine days. It is recommended that visitors allow themselves a minimum of six days to see North Sikkim because of its popularity among tourists.
What is the condition of the roads in Sikkim?
The terrains are harsh, so you should be prepared for some challenges when travelling on the roadways; nonetheless, the roads in large cities and popular tourist locations are in generally decent condition.
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