Best Places to Visit in Sikkim

September 27th, 2024

Sikkim, a picturesque state in northeastern India, offers a diverse range of attractions for travelers. Here are some of the best places to visit in Sikkim:

Major Tourist Attractions in Sikkim:

1. Gangtok: The capital city, known for its vibrant culture, shopping, and as a base for exploring Sikkim. Key attractions include MG Marg, Do Drul Chorten, and the Enchey Monastery.

2. Nathula Pass: A historic pass on the Indo-China border, offering stunning views and a glimpse into military history. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the world at an altitude of 4,310 meters.

3. Tsomgo Lake: A glacial lake located about 40 km from Gangtok, famous for its scenic beauty and yak rides. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a popular spot for photography.

4. Lachung and Yumthang Valley: Lachung is a picturesque village in North Sikkim, while Yumthang Valley is famous for its vibrant rhododendron flowers and hot springs. Both areas are ideal for nature lovers and trekkers.

5. Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake: Lachen is situated at an altitude of 8,838 feet (approximately 2,688 meters) above sea level. This elevation contributes to its stunning natural beauty and makes it a popular base for tourists visiting nearby attractions like Gurudongmar Lake and Chopta Valley. Gurudongmar lake is situated at a high altitude of 5,430 meters. This sacred lake is known for its stunning beauty and tranquility. It is one of the highest lakes in the world

6. Ravangla: Nestled between Maenam and Tendong hills, this Ravangla is popular tourist destination for bird watching and features the impressive Buddha Park with a towering statue of Buddha.

7. Pelling: Known for its stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Pelling is a popular destination for travellers wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle, amdist nature and with some of the most amazing views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Places to visit in Pelling include the Pemayangtse Monastery, Chenrezig Skywalk, Rabadentse Ruins and Sidekeong Tulku Bird Park.

8. Namchi: Namchi, the South Sikkim district headquarters, is rapidly developing into a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and cultural significance.The name "Namchi" translates to "Sky High" in Sikkimese, reflecting its elevated position at approximately 1,675 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level. Key attractions in Namchi include Samdruptse Hill, Solophok Chardham, Namchi Ropeway, Tendong Hill and Ngadak Monastery

Offbeat Places to visit in Sikkim:

Sikkim, known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture, also offers numerous offbeat destinations that provide a unique experience away from the usual tourist trails. Here are some notable offbeat places to visit in Sikkim:

1. Dzongu: Located in North Sikkim, Dzongu is a pristine area inhabited by the Lepcha community. This untouched wilderness is perfect for nature lovers and offers opportunities for trekking, exploring hidden waterfalls, and soaking in natural hot springs. The area's biodiversity and cultural richness make it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic experience

2. Mangan: Mangan, the headquarters of North Sikkim, sits at 956 meters (3,136 feet) near the Teesta River. Known for stunning views of Kanchenjunga and lush landscapes, it serves as a gateway to northern Sikkim. The town offers trekking opportunities and hosts cultural events like the Mangan Music Festival, making it a vibrant hub for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

3. Zuluk: A quaint village known for its winding roads and breathtaking views. It's an emerging tourist destination that offers a glimpse into rural life in Sikkim. It is one of the main hotspot for the Silk Route Sikkim Tour

4. Nathang Valley: Nathang Valley is a serene destination in East Sikkim, located at around 13,500 feet. Famous for its breathtaking mountain views and peaceful meadows, it’s ideal for solitude and nature exploration. Visitors can enjoy some amazing view points including Thambi Viewpoint, Eagle's Nest Bunker, Kupup Lake and Lungthung view point.

5. Rinchenpong: Rinchenpong is a charming village in West Sikkim at 1,600 meters (5,249 feet). Renowned for its views of Kanchenjunga and terraced fields, it features the historic Rinchenpong Monastery. The village offers trekking opportunities and warm local hospitality, providing an authentic Sikkimese experience.

6. Martam/ Rumtek: Martam (Rumtek) is a tranquil village in East Sikkim at 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), known for its lush landscapes. It’s home to the famous Rumtek Monastery, a significant Tibetan Buddhist site. Visitors can explore nearby trails and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the area.

7. Temi: Temi is a picturesque village in South Sikkim renowned for its tea gardens producing high-quality tea. At 1,500 meters (4,921 feet), it offers stunning mountain views and scenic walks through lush greenery. You can visit the Temi Tea Garden and also taste one of the best teas in the region. Temi is perfect for relaxation and experiencing the beauty of nature.

8. Kewzing: Kewzing is a picturesque village nestled in the enchanting landscapes of South Sikkim, India. It is a hidden gem known for its tranquility, natural beauty, and traditional Bhutia (Buddhist) way of life. Situated at an altitude of 1,402 meters (4,600 ft), Kewzing offers stunning views of the Kangchenjunga range, including peaks like Mt. Narsing and Mt. Kabru. The only Bon monastery in Sikkim, located about 2 km from Kewzing. The village is home to a variety of exotic birds found in Sikkim. Kewzing was also one of the first villages in Sikkim from where the homestay culture started about 20 years ago.

9. Okhrey: Okhrey is a quaint village in West Sikkim at about 2,200 meters (7,218 feet). It serves as a base for treks to Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and is known for its rich biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and local culture through homestays that showcase traditional Bhutia lifestyles.

Cultural Sites to Visit in Sikkim:

1. Rumtek Monastery: One of the largest monasteries in Sikkim, it serves as a center for Tibetan Buddhism and features beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.

2. Buddha Park of Ravangla: Home to a 130-foot statue of Buddha, this park offers peaceful surroundings and beautiful views of the mountains.

3. Yuksom: Known as the "Meeting place of Three Lamas," Yuksom is rich in history and serves as a starting point for treks to Kanchenjunga Base Camp

4. Tashiding Monastery: Perched between the Rangit and Rathong rivers, Tashiding Monastery is an ancient Buddhist site that offers spiritual tranquility along with stunning mountain views. It's an excellent place to experience local spirituality and culture

Sikkim is beautiful state blessed by nature. We believe that, as a traveller, you can get the best experience in Sikkim when you also get to interact with the local community and experience the culture of Sikkim. We highly recommend that you stay in homestays in Sikkim to get the real authentic Sikkimese hospitality. Given below are some of our blogs where we have listed good handpicked homestays in Sikkim in different locations:

Written by Pintso Gyatso: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Northeast India
Pintso, a native of Gangtok, Sikkim, isn't just a travel writer – he's a seasoned explorer. Years spent trekking and mountain biking across the region honed his intimate knowledge of Sikkim and Darjeeling's hidden treasures.
Co-founding OurGuest, Pintso's passion extends beyond travel. He champions sustainable tourism, working with local homestays and communities to create enriching experiences that benefit both travelers and the region. From building eco-lodges to collaborating with local guides, Pintso's expertise ensures you discover the authentic Northeast India, one adventure at a time.

For a customized Sikkim tour experience you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in