Tourist Places in Sikkim

Sikkim is a little, absolutely gorgeous place in India that is well-known for its forest areas, biodiversity, rivers, hills, ponds, and cascades. With its mountains, holy lakes, historic temples, wildflower farms, and breathtaking hiking routes, Sikkim is a great place to visit in India. One of the most stunning states in India, Sikkim is home to magnificent natural features, including lovely mountains, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes.

This state is a fantastic destination for everyone who appreciates beauty and the outdoors. If you plan to visit Sikkim and want to learn about the top tourist attractions, you should read this post, in which we discuss the sites to see in Sikkim.

1. Gangtok in Sikkim

Gangtok, one of Sikkim's most well-known tourist destinations, is situated 1437 metres well above Shivalik hills in the Eastern Himalayan range. Visitors can come here to refresh their thoughts and emotions. Let us tell you that Gangtok, the Sikkim capital, offers breathtaking views of Kangchenjunga, one of the highest mountains in the world. In addition, because of its winding roads and hills, Gangtok is one of Sikkim's most appealing destinations for adventure seekers. Gangtok is the third-best place in northern India for white water rafting, which draws tourists there. It is a very magnificent location that will appeal to travellers looking for peace as well as those looking for excitement.

2. Yuksom in Sikkim

Yuksom, one of Sikkim's most popular tourist destinations, is a gorgeous location in the western part of the country and is well-known for its stunning features. Yuksom, surrounded by hills covered by beautiful green forest, is used as a base camp for climbing Mount Kangchenjunga. Choose Yuksom for your vacation if you're looking for locations to visit Sikkim with your companions. Calm waterfalls, historical sites, old monasteries, and lakes are just a few of the city's top draws. You can also engage in various adventurous activities while you're there.

3. Nathu La Pass in Sikkim

This is a location you must visit if you're visiting the well-known tourist attractions in Sikkim. The Great Himalayan pass, known as Nathula, links Sikkim and China. One of the highest highways in the world is Nathu La, located on the Indo-Tibetan border at 14450 feet above sea level. One of the three open commercial border crossings between China and India is Nathula, renowned for its stunning beauty and environment. For much of the year, the temperature stays low here, and in the summer, it attracts tourists. However, Western visitors are not permitted here; only Indian tourists are. This border is one of such locations when Indian soldiers may be seen alongside Chinese soldiers and their passing trucks after crossing.

4. Yumthang Valley in Sikkim

Yumthang Valley, popularly known as the "Valley of Flowers," is one of Sikkim's most stunning tourist destinations and is situated around 140 kilometres north of Gangtok. This breathtaking valley, located at an elevation of 3564 metres, is a haven for nature enthusiasts as it is home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, where more than 24 different kinds of the state flower, the rhododendron, emerge from mid-February to mid-June. Yumthang Valley also features a few hot springs, yaks, and beautiful green grasslands, which remain the area's primary drawers for tourists. Yumthang Valley is a great choice if you're looking for popular tourist destinations in Sikkim to visit with family and friends.

5. Tsomo Lake in Sikkim

On the roadway between Gangtok and Nathu La, Tsomo Lake, one of the highest lakes in India, lies hidden away in the hillsides at the height of 12,400 feet. Tsomo Lake often referred to as Changu Lake, is a must-see for everyone travelling to Sikkim. While visiting a popular tourist site in Sikkim, you must stop by Lake Bakai, a lovely location between snow-capped mountains and highland forests. A glacial lake, De Tsomo Lake gets its water from the surrounding mountains' melting ice. The Sikkimese cherishes it as a holy lake, and according to several mythology and tales, Buddhist monks formerly utilized its hue to forecast the future.

6. Zuluk in Sikkim

Zuluk, also known as Jhuluk or Duluk, is one of Sikkim's most popular tourist destinations and is located at an elevation of 10,000 meters above sea level in the Eastern Himalayas. It is a popular tourist site in Sikkim due to the magnificent landscapes of snow-capped peaks, valleys, green forests, and glittering streams. It is recommended to stay in guesthouses provided by residents instead of in commercialized hotels to more properly understand the stunning locations and wonderful scenery of Zuluk. On the paths in Juluk, visitors may also discover soldiers, vehicles, and shelters. Overall, your trip to Zuluk will undoubtedly be one that you will never forget.

7. Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim

One of Sikkim's biggest and most significant monasteries, Rumtek Monastery, is located 23 kilometres outside of Gangtok on top of the mountain. Millions of pilgrims and worshippers visit this monastery yearly since it is one of the main Sikkim pilgrimage sites. The monastery is a part of the Buddhist tradition, which had its beginnings in Tibet in the twelfth century. The exquisite Rumtek Monastery was built to distribute Buddhist cultural knowledge worldwide as a monastery for monks. The entire Gangtok city, positioned on a slope, can be seen from Rumtek Monastery at whatever time you visit. In addition to this, the monastery's appealing design makes it one of the best places to explore here in Sikkim.

8. Pelling in Sikkim

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Sikkim, after Gangtok, is the lovely town of Pelling, positioned in the West part of Sikkim. Pelling, a stunning village with beautiful landscapes of Khangchendzonga and the surrounding peaks, is perched at 6800 feet above sea level. One of the greatest spots in Sikkim for nature and adventure enthusiasts is Pelling, where visitors can spend quiet time exploring and participating in exciting activities like hiking, bike riding, and climbing.

9. Gurudongmar Lake in Shimla

One of the 15 highest lakes in the world is Gurudongmar Lake, located in Sikkim at an elevation of 17,100 feet above sea level. At roughly 18,000 feet, it is also Sikkim's second-highest lake after Cholamu Lake. One of Sikkim's top tourist destinations, this lake is rich in natural features and draws many visitors worldwide. Gurudongmar Lake is regarded as a very holy lake with a 'Sarva Dharma Sthali' nearby, a popular destination of prayer for all beliefs. Snow-capped hills and crystal-clear freezing waters border it. In addition, Gurudongmar Lake's water is said to have medicinal properties, which is why many visitors take a few amounts of water back with them.

10. Lachen in Sikkim

Lachen, one of Sikkim's most stunning towns, is a popular place to visit. It is located in the northern Sikkim region. Lachen is an excellent location to visit in Sikkim due to its natural attractiveness and peaceful nature. Lachen is a thinly populated vacation spot renowned as the entryway to the Tso Lamu, Gurudongmar, and Lachung Monastery. In addition, Lachen serves as the starting point for treks in North Sikkim, including the famous treks to Green Lake and Kangchenjunga National Park.

11. Ravangala in Sikkim

At an elevation of 7000 feet, the little town of Ravangla in South Sikkim offers stunning views of the surrounding wooded hills and hamlets. One of South Sikkim's most popular tourist destinations and a great spot to vacation is Ravangla. Snow-capped peaks, cascades, stunning tea gardens, quiet towns, diverse cultures, and historic temples are some of the attractions in this region. This location's incredible scenic habitat draws a lot of travellers here each year to take in the splendour.

12. Lachung in Sikkim

Lachung is a little village in Sikkim that draws visitors yearly because of the magnificent hills surrounding it. On your journey to Lachung, you may discover this lovely city's many snow-capped hills, dazzling streams, summits, stunning cascades, and more. Lachung is the perfect place for shopping because of the local market's availability of well-woven carpets and blankets. This location is ideal if you're looking for family-friendly attractions in Sikkim.

13. Goecha La in Sikkim

In the Indian state of Sikkim, at the height of 4,940 metres, is the mountain range peak known as Goecha La. This pass, located southeast of Kangchenjunga, serves as the base camp and is one of the greatest spots to visit in Sikkim. You should know that the only way to get to Goecha La is through hiking out of Yuksom, and the trip there and returning takes around 7-8 days. Always remember that valid permission is necessary to enter Goicha La.

14. Kanchenjunga National Park in Sikkim

One of Sikkim's top tourist locations is Kangchenjunga National Park, which is titled after the third-highest mountain peak in the world and is situated in the majestic Himalayas. High-altitude Kangchenjunga National Park is the nation's first "mixed-heritage" location. It has just been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located at an elevation of 8586 metres, Kangchenjunga National Park, also known as "Khangchendzonga National Park. The most indigenous and uncommon kinds of plants and animals, including the snow leopard and the Himalayan old or existing species, may be found in the 850 sq km Kangchenjunga National Park.

15. Aritar in Sikkim

Aritar is a significant city in East Sikkim and is bordered by lush green woodlands and lovely rivers. It is well known for its pure beauty, shrines, and monastery. Aritar is one of the nicest destinations in Sikkim if you're seeking less congested locations to visit with your family and friends. Aritar is a very quiet and attractive area where you may spend quality time with your family, friends, or your beloved. It is located in the lap of Sikkim's beauty and the lush green hills.

16. Cholamu Lake in Sikkim

Cholamu Lake, one of Sikkim's most well-known tourist attractions, is the 14th-highest lake in the world and is located at an elevation of 18000 feet above sea level. The border with Tibet is only a few kilometres from Cholamu Lake, making it challenging to obtain approval to access the lake. If you are travelling with your family, stay away from Cholamu Lake. Cholamu Lake is a good choice if you're looking for locations to visit in Sikkim with your companions. You may trek to this amazing lake because it is a little challenging to get there by car.

17. Thangu Valley in Sikkim

Thangu is a pretty place located around two hours drive from Lachen at an elevation of roughly 3900 metres. Tourists typically stop in this charming town to relax before travelling to Mugthang, Gurugonmar Lake, or Cho Lamu Lake. This location is among the best in Sikkim for those who enjoy the outdoors and want to unwind for a while away from the hustle and bustle of the city. May to June is the best time to explore Thangu Valley when the entire valley is covered with colourful alpine flowers.

18. Namchi in Sikkim

The capital of the South Sikkim district, Namchi, is well-known for being a popular tourist attraction in Sikkim due to the availability of numerous historical sites. Namchi means "Top of the Sky" and is known for its two enormous monuments, one of which is the biggest statue on the globe. These two enormous monuments, which draw many tourists annually to Namchi, are situated far from two opposing hills. Namchi, in a lovely setting, offers a lovely view of the Rangit Valley and Khangchendzonga Range. In addition, you may visit well-known monasteries in Namchi, such as Daichen Chiling Monastery, Sherdup Chiling Monastery, and Nagadak Monastery.

19. Geyzing in Sikkim

Geisinger, the capital of the West Sikkim region, also known as Fishing, is situated at 6,500 feet above sea level. Beijing is a popular tourist destination because of the natural beauty that can be seen there and the numerous monasteries that are found there. In addition to its stunning natural scenery, Gezing is well known for its monasteries, which numerous Buddhist pilgrims attend. Beijing now ranks among the top tourist destinations in Sikkim due to the considerable year-over-year growth in the number of visitors. Gazing might be a terrific alternative for you if you're looking for locations to visit in Sikkim with your friends or family.

Best Time to Visit Sikkim

May to September is the ideal month to travel to Sikkim. The maximum temperature during these months is from 28 to 30 degrees Celsius. Throughout these months, North Sikkim's weather has been cold. In July and September, it rains lightly. We do not advise you to travel to Sikkim since the weather here in the winter might dip to below zero, which can make your journey challenging. The ideal times to visit Sikkim are April and May if you're considering going there.

Local Food to Try Out in Sikkim

Sikkim is one such Indian state where visitors are prompted to lick their fingers after eating, which is known for its well-known tourist attractions and cuisine. Many products, cooking techniques, and culinary aspects from Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India may be found in Sikkim. The ethnicities and faiths influence this state's cuisine in the area.

Way To Reach Sikkim

If you wish to visit Sikkim, you must first choose the means of transportation you will use to go there. Below, we have included some special information about Sikkim to help you have a more enjoyable trip.

1. By Air
   
   Pakyong Airport opened in 2018 and is the very first airport in Sikkim. As a result, the state's connection with other Indian states has improved. Indians and tourists from around the world love visiting Sikkim. Here is where India's tallest and 100th airport was constructed. Let us inform you that the Pakyong Airport is 35 kilometres from Gangtok in the Pakyong village. You will need to continue your journey by road after arriving at Pakyong Airport.
2. By Train
   
   Please be informed that Sikkim lacks a decent rail infrastructure if you are considering travelling in Sikkim by train. The closest major railway station, New Jalpaiguri (NJP), is 130 kilometres from Gangtok and around 7 kilometres from Siliguri. Siliguri is passed by very few trains. You will need to continue your journey by road after arriving at Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri train station.
3. By Road
   
   If you're driving to Sikkim, tell you that Siliguri is the primary entrance. Gangtok and Siliguri are connected via 31A National Highway. The beautiful green trees along the Teesta River's banks and the vistas of the Eastern Himalayas range on the other side will make your travel to Sikkim by car quite special.