Soothe yourself from the tiredness of vigorous day-to-day activities at the best tourist places to visit in Sikkim from east to west to north to south. Nestled in the North-Eastern part of India, Sikkim is the little Northeast Himalayan Kingdom and boasts adventures, romance, and everything you have heard about it from its competing destinations of North India like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
There are 4 districts in Sikkim, ranging from east to west and north to south. Each of them has something unique to offer, like biodiversity, mountain passes, cultural experience, and trekking joy.
The journey to the famous Sikkim tourist places is stupefying because the attractions here hold a striking resemblance with Switzerland’s topography. Sikkim is a part of the Eastern Himalayas and is home to the world’s third-highest peak – Kanchenjunga. There are snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, lush green cover, high altitude biodiversity and much more!
Here’s a handy list of the 18 best places to visit in Sikkim during its best time to visit from April to June and November to February. Read on!
18 Best Places to Visit in Sikkim (Including East, West, North, South Sikkim)
| Places to Visit in East Sikkim | Places to Visit in West Sikkim | Places to Visit in North Sikkim | Places to Visit in South Sikkim |
| Gangtok | Khecheopalri Lake | Lachung | Temi Tea Garden |
| Nathu La Pass | Yuksom | Yumthang Valley | Ravangla |
| Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple | Kanchenjunga National Park | Gurudongmar Lake | Namchi |
| Banjhakri Water Falls | Peeling | Seven Sisters Waterfall | |
| Tsomgo Lake | Kanchenjunga Waterfalls | Lachung Monastery |
Best Places to Visit in East Sikkim
- Gangtok
Plan a trip to Gangtok with your near or dear ones because the capital of the mountainous state of Sikkim, Gangtok is one of the romantic places to visit in East Sikkim. This region of Sikkim was established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site dating back to the 1840s, and the dozens of monasteries in Gangtok speak to Buddhism’s glory.
Couples in Gangtok will love visiting sunset from several vantage points like Tashi View Point. Family travelers in Gangtok would love to explore the Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Hanuman Temple for some spiritual awakening. Backpackers in Gangtok can indulge in paragliding at several cliffs and enjoy the cable car ride.
- Nathu La Pass
Imagine the thrill of enjoying the crisp cross-car journey on the Indo-Chinese fringe and on the old Sikkim Silk Route branch. This mountain pass is perched at an elevation of 4,310 m above mean sea level and is embraced with snowfall. Located around 2.5 hours (approx.) from Gangtok, this tourist attraction in East Sikkim will grip you with the feeling of patriotism.
A permit is required to visit Nathu La Pass, and as the famous mountain passes of North East India, Nathu La Pass is the crown jewel of North East India when it comes to the best places in Sikkim with friends. Snowfall is common in Nathu La Pass from October, and the connectivity to the mountain pass might get affected due to heavy snow after November.
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
India is a country of unique experiences, and one such unique experience you can unlock in East Sikkim is visiting the temple of the EX- Indian Army soldier named Baba Harbhajan Singh, whose spirit still guards the border of India and China against here. You can club Nathu La Pass and this temple trip together.
Sandwiched between NathuLa Pass and Jelepla Pass, this high-altitude temple’s height is 13,123 ft (approx.) sea level. Foreigners can’t visit this temple, and you must obtain a permit to visit and discover the legacy attached to the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple.
- Banjhakri Water Falls
Nature therapy amidst the lush green foliage is best for your soul, and waterfalls are the icing to the cake. Explore the silvery cascading Banjhakri Water Falls in East Sikkim trip to watch the water fiercely flowing from approximately 30 meters (98 ft) high. Located close to Ranka Monastery, Banjhakri Water Falls is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok during the East Sikkim trip.
This waterfall near Gangtok is located in 2 acres of forested land, and the park comprises the footbridge and a man-made lake. By spending ₹50 (approx.) per person, you can have a great time here with your near ones. Along with the entry fee, camera charges are additional.
- Tsomgo Lake
Often replicated as Changu Lake, this high-altitude mountain lake at an elevation of 3,753 m (approx.) remains wrapped with snow most of the time. Tsomgo Lake is a stopover for Brahmin Ducks and is revered as a holy lake by the Sikkim locals. Indeed, Tsomgo Lake is one of the famous tourist places in East Sikkim. But since it is a protected region, one needs to obtain the permits from Gangtok, which is 44 kilometers (approx.).
Enjoy a ride on decorated yak and hog on snacks and beverages. Alpine vegetation and the Primula flowers flourish around the lake in the autumn and summer. While in winters, the Changu Lake gets wrapped with snow which is a sight to behold. This lake in Sikkim is nowhere short of beauty in the shire of Ladakh, Pangong Lake.
Best Places to Visit in West Sikkim
- Khecheopalri Lake
This lake in Sikkim is one of the natural and reverting lakes and is part of the Buddhist pilgrimage site. Khecheopalri Lake in West Sikkim is also called a wish-fulfilling lake by the locals due to its sanctity. If you are looking to get the answers to your romantic prayers on the Sikkim honeymoon tour, visit Khecheopalri Lake.
By paying ₹20 (approx.) per person, you can enter this lake from 8 am to 6 pm. 30 minutes (approx.) trek to the nearby hills will give you the panoramic view of this sacred Khecheopalri Lake. Capture the selfies and let the lush green forests be your backdrop with the prismatic lake in the frame.
- Yuksom
Prismatic waters, charismatic lakes, adventurous trekking trails, and Buddhist monasteries are the key traits of this popular tourist place in West Sikkim. Yuksom was touted as the ancient capital of Sikkim, is shrouded with the snow-capped Himalayas because it is often considered the gateway to Mt Kanchenjunga.
A visit to Yuksom with family is a must to unfold the religious and cultural significance of Sikkim. Yuksom serves as the base camp for trekking Khangchendzonga National Park since it is located at its base. Layers and layers of white snow are the highlights of traveling to Yuksom.
- Kanchenjunga National Park
Make an ultimate escape into the lap of mother nature by visiting the UNESCO titled Kanchenjunga National Park. This national park in West Sikkim has a significant natural and cultural heritage, and its positioning in the heart of the Himalayan Range makes it the third-highest in the world.
Once you pay the Kanchenjunga National Park’s entry fee and camera fee, indulge in trekking fun and pass-through gorgeous rhododendron trees. Inside the national park is a diverse variety of flora and fauna, including Snow Leopard, Barking deer, Marmont monkeys, and avian fauna like Monal pheasants, Tragopan pheasant osprey, Asian emerald cuckoo.
- Peeling
Don’t get surprised because Peeling is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim and will definitely force you to update your travel bucket list with incomparable charm. After a trip to Gangtok, you must explore Peeling, which is around 120 kilometers. In and around the Peeling, several Buddhist monasteries are positioned, which you must visit for the enlightenment of the mind.
In and around the vicinity of Peeling, there are charismatic waterfalls manicured with lush green foliage. Shutterbugs would be flabbergasted when the snow-capped Kanchenjunga range would come in the shutter frame.
- Kanchenjunga Waterfalls
As the name suggests, the source of Kanchenjunga Waterfalls is the glaciers of majestic Kanchenjunga itself. This prismatic waterfall was hidden till the 90s and came onto tourist radar afterward. If you wish to see the unspoiled waterfalls of Sikkim, Kanchenjunga Waterfalls is near Yuksom and Peeling and could be reached via cab or local bus.
Adventure enthusiasts will love indulging in rope sliding in just ₹100 (approx.) along with an entry fee of ₹20 (approx.) per person. The entry timings of Kanchenjunga Waterfall is from 8 am to 5 pm.
Places to Visit in North Sikkim
- Lachung
This famous North Sikkim tourist place at an elevation of 8,610 ft (approx.) is the real slice of heaven. Although a high-altitude mountain village, that does not work to stop Lachung from becoming the favorite place for shutterbugs in Sikkim to capture the snowflakes.
There are fruit orchards, sparkling streams to sit by over a cup of coffee. You can also interact with the Lepchas and Bhutia communities or enjoy a homestay experience. Peppered with Buddhist monasteries and lush greenery in summers and snowflakes in winters, Lachung serves as the base camp for the Rhododendron Valley trek.
- Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley is the extension of the best places to visit in Lachung, where Himalayan flowers flourish. Yumthang Valley in West Sikkim has the protection to leave you spellbound with its beauty and tranquility for ages. A visit to Yumthang Valley between late February to mid-June will reward you with multiple species of rhododendrons carpeted around the valley with multicolored rainbow hues.
- Gurudongmar Lake
This uncharted attraction of North Sikkim at an altitude of 5,425 m (approx.) sea level is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim for couples. The alpine pastures and lovely rhoderons act as a catalyst to couples, which is why many Bollywood movies have been shot in the backdrops of the Gurudongmar Lake.
A 9 km (approx.) trek from Gurudongmar Lake starts at Tso Lhamo Lake. You will find accommodations in Lachen and Lachung. Remember that a permit is required to visit the lake, and your body must be acclimatized enough to cope with the high-altitude winds.
- Seven Sisters Waterfall
Looking for a famous place in North Sikkim to visit with friends or family? End your search with Seven Sister Waterfalls. One can find this waterfall on their journey from Gangtok to Lachen. If you have never watched the beautiful cascade of pristine water cutting a gulf above a roadside cardamom grove, watch the Seven Sisters Waterfall finally plunging into the rocky pool. The waterfall remains open from 8 am to 5 pm, and no entry fee is required to visit. Throughout the year, you can visit Seven Sister Waterfall.
- Lachung Monastery
Let the quaint and peaceful ambiance of Lachung Monastery be your drive for positivity. Situated in the middle of the apple orchards, Lachung Monastery is one of the top tourist places in Sikkim for families. Its height is 2,750 m (approx.), and a little uphill trekking is required.
Get carried away with the murals and ancient statues. If you are visiting the Lachung Monastery in December, make sure to attend the festival at the monastery and the town.
5 Best Places to Visit in South Sikkim
- Temi Tea Garden
A trip to Sikkim’s only tea garden to watch the top-quality tea production is the best experience to have in South Sikkim. The steep slopes emerging from the Tendong Hills range from 4,000 ft to 6,000 ft (approx.) The sea level is scrawled across 440 acres of verdant land and the tea produced here is in high demand in international tea auctions.
- Ravangla
Sandwiched between Gangtok and Peeling is Ravangla, one of the best tourist spots in South Sikkim. Snowfall is common in Ravangla and winters, and the monsoon and autumn carpet the landscape with lush greenery. At an elevation above 7,000 ft (approx.) sea level, the unmatched views of the greater Himalayan Range are a treat to the weary eyes.
When you are in Ravangla, bathe in the therapeutic hot springs of Ralong and Borong, which are high in sulfur properties. Stroll through the cherry blossom trees lined at the Temi Tea Estate and sip the award-winning tea with the commanding views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
- Namchi
The best Namchi tourism in South Sikkim is experienced in winters when the mountains are drenched with snowflakes. Namchi lies close to Gangtok and is often a symbol of Sikkim’s cultural capital due to many Buddhist monasteries like Dichen Choeling Monastery and Sherdup Choeling Monastery.
If you have kids with you, take them to Kitam Bird Sanctuary to witness the colorful species of butterflies. Those who are football fans would not mind visiting Baichung Stadium.
How to Reach Sikkim
By Air: To reach the enchanting Himalayan state of Sikkim, the most common entry point is through Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal. From Bagdogra, which is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai, travelers can embark on a scenic road journey to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. The road distance between Bagdogra and Gangtok is approximately 125 kilometers, and visitors can hire taxis or utilize shared cabs for this picturesque drive.
By Rail: Another accessible transportation hub is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), the nearest major railway station. Located in Siliguri, West Bengal, NJP is well-connected to various cities across India. From NJP, the road journey to Gangtok is around 148 kilometers, and taxis or shared cabs are readily available.
By Road: The state ofSikkim has a well-maintained road network, and entry is typically through Siliguri in West Bengal. Regular bus services, including state-run and private buses, operate from Siliguri to Gangtok. Shared cabs and private taxis are also available. If you prefer driving, you can rent a car and enjoy the scenic journey to Sikkim.
Note: For those seeking a quicker but equally scenic option, helicopter services operate from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok. This aerial journey provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas and is an ideal choice for travelers with limited time. It’s important to check permit requirements, weather conditions, and travel guidelines before embarking on the journey to Sikkim.
Travelling Tips to Sikkim
- Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Sikkim, which can be obtained at various entry points like Rangpo, Melli, and others. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Ensure you have the required permits before traveling.
- Due to varying altitudes and climates, pack layers, including warm clothing for chilly evenings and lightweight clothing for daytime exploration. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Sikkim’s high-altitude regions may cause altitude sickness. Acclimatize by spending a day in Gangtok before heading to higher elevations. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities initially.
- Shared cabs and local buses are common modes of transportation. Confirm prices beforehand, and consider hiring a local guide for a smoother travel experience.
- Weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable. Have a flexible itinerary to accommodate any unexpected changes due to rain, landslides, or other natural occurrences.
- Carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling to remote areas where card facilities may be limited. ATMs are more commonly available in major towns.
- Try Sikkimese cuisine, known for its unique flavors. Don’t miss local specialties like momos, thukpa, and traditional teas.
Conclusion
Sikkim, with its diverse landscapes and cultural richness, offers an unforgettable journey. Whether you seek spiritual solace in monasteries or adventure in the mountains, Sikkim has something for everyone. As you plan your expedition, let the beauty of Sikkim captivate your soul.
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Don’t you think it’s time to explore the best Sikkim tourist places over the mainstream North Indian hill stations that are getting crowded?
FAQs on Best Places to Visit in Sikkim
What are the must-visit places in Sikkim?
Sikkim offers a plethora of attractions. Key places include Gangtok, Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Yumthang Valley, Pelling, and Ravangla.
When should I visit Sikkim?
The most ideal time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are vibrant.
Do I need a permit to visit Nathula Pass?
Yes, tourists require a permit to visit Nathula Pass due to its closeness to the Indo-China border. Visitors can obtain the permit through registered tour operators in Gangtok.
What is the significance of Rumtek Monastery?
Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharmachakra Centre, is a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It is the seat of the Karmapa Lama, the third-highest monk in Tibetan Buddhism.
Are there any trekking opportunities in Sikkim?
Yes, Sikkim offers various trekking trails, including the Goechala Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, and Singalila Ridge Trek, catering to different difficulty levels.
What is the significance of Tsomgo Lake?
Tsomgo Lake is considered sacred by the locals and is revered for its pristine beauty. It remains frozen during the winter and offers yak rides during the summer.
Can I visit Sikkim during the monsoon season?
While Sikkim experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June to August), some travelers visit during this time to witness lush greenery. Landslides may impact travel plans, so caution is advised.
Are there adventure sports in Sikkim?
Yes, Sikkim offers adventure activities like river rafting on the Teesta River, paragliding in Gangtok, and trekking in various regions.
