Located in the Northeastern flange of India, near West Bengal, Sikkim is a paradise on earth. If there’s one place in India that feels like nature took extra time to craft, it’s Sikkim. Tucked between Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, this small Himalayan state is a powerhouse of beauty — snow-covered peaks, emerald lakes, ancient monasteries, and warm-hearted people.
Sikkim doesn’t rush you. It slows you down — makes you look up, breathe deeper, and feel more alive.
Here are my favourite 10 places in Sikkim — places that stole my heart and should be on your list if you’re planning to explore this little slice of paradise.
1. Gangtok – The Soulful Capital of Sikkim
Gangtok is where most Sikkim adventures begin — and trust me, it’s more than just a stopover.
The capital city has a buzzing vibe with cosy cafés, colourful markets, fluttering in the breeze, and snow-capped peaks peeking from every corner. Stay at least two nights. Use one day for local sightseeing and another for Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass. Gangtok deserves time. Explore it slowly, talk to locals, eat momos on the street, and catch the city lights from a rooftop café after dark.
What to See & Do:
-
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do Drul Chorten Stupa: watch the giant library preserving scriptures of Tibetan Buddhism.
-
Tashi View Point: Get a clear view of Mount Kanchenjunga on a clear morning.
-
Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok: A quiet temple with stunning panoramic views of the city.
-
Cable Car Ride: A short but fun ride over the city — perfect for first-time visitors.
- Rumtek Monastery: One of the largest monasteries in Sikkim — peaceful and deeply spiritual.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to December
2. Tsomgo Lake – The Shimmering Blue Jewel of Sikkim
Just 40 km from Gangtok lies Tsomgo Lake (also called Changu Lake), sitting 12,400 feet above sea level. It’s one of those places that look unreal — frozen solid in winter, glowing turquoise in summer. The drive to Tsomgo Lake passes Winding roads, colorful prayer flags, and snow patches that appear out of nowhere — every turn is postcard-worthy.
Why You’ll Love It:
The lake changes moods with the seasons — frozen in winter, turquoise in spring, and reflective in summer. You can take a yak ride along the shore and sip steaming tea at one of the small roadside stalls.
What to See & Do:
-
Yak Rides: You can take a ride on a yak decorated with colorful wool and bells.
-
Snow Play: If you’re visiting between December and March, it’s a snowy paradise.
-
Tea Stalls: Don’t miss a steaming cup of local butter tea with momos by the lakeside.
3. Nathula Pass – Where India Meets Tibet
At 14,140 feet, Nathula Pass is one of the highest motorable passes in the world and part of the historic Silk Route. It’s one of the few open Indo-China border posts, and if you’re lucky, you might see soldiers on both sides exchanging smiles or salutes. Take caution before visiting the pass due to its high altitude, as you may feel unwell. Carry medicines if required.
What to See:
-
Indo-China Border Gate: You can literally see the Chinese soldiers across the border.
-
Army Cafeteria: Try a cup of hot coffee or Maggi.
Pro Tip: Nathula is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the weather changes quickly — carry warm layers even in summer.
4. Lachung – A Dreamy Himalayan Village
Nestled in North Sikkim, Lachung is the kind of place where time pauses. Wooden houses with colorful windows, icy rivers cutting through valleys in winter, and the smell of pine in the air — it’s every mountain lover’s dream. It is a quiet mountain village at 9,600 ft with gushing waterfalls, apple orchards, and wooden homes wrapped in prayer flags.
Things to Experience:
-
Visit the Lachung Monastery, a small yet serene establishment with fluttering prayer flags all around.
- Yumthang Valley: The scenic valley where time stand still full with coloeful flowers during spring.
-
Zero Point: A snowy wonderland where roads end and the real adventure begins.
-
Local Life: Talk to locals, sip homemade wine, and try traditional Sikkimese dishes.
Stay Tip: Homestays here offer the best experience — cozy rooms, local food, and unmatched hospitality.
5. Yumthang Valley – The Valley of Flowers and Snow
Yumthang Valley sits at 11,800 ft and is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. It is one of the gem of North Sikkim which is hard to resist. In spring, it’s covered in colorful wild flowers. The rhododendron tress all along the valley and surrounding road are in full bloom of different colores red, pink, yellow, white, blue in spring. In winter, it turns into a snow kingdom.
What to See:
-
The Yumthang River, flowing gently through meadows, reflecting snow peaks in its clear water.
-
The Hot Springs, where warm water bubbles up in the middle of icy surroundings.
-
The drive to Zero Point, where the road ends but the mountains go on forever.
Travel Tip: Leave early from Lachung (around 6 AM) to enjoy clear weather and avoid crowds.
You may like : Picture journey through Yumthang valley in Sikkim
6. Pelling – Where Mountains Touch the Sky
Pelling is a simple and scenic town in Sikkim. Located at a distance of 107 km (5 hours) west of Gangtok. Every morning, the mighty Kanchenjunga glows gold as the sun rises, and for a few minutes, the entire world feels still. The area’s unspoiled landscapes and friendly hospitality make it a must-visit destination.
Don’t Miss:
-
Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries, is where time seems to move slowly.
-
Khecheopalri Lake, believed to grant wishes by locals.
- Singshore Bridge, one of the highest suspension bridges in Asia, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
-
The Sky Walk, a glass bridge where you can stand suspended over a valley with clouds below you and watch the tallest Chenrezig statue in the world.
Pelling skywalk is the first glass skywalk in India nestled on the top of a hill at a height of 7,200 feet in Western Sikkim. It offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding. In the clear weather, it is also possible to view Kanchenjunga from here. It is connected with the stairs that lead to 137 ft tall statue of Chenrezig.
Chenrezig depicts the compassion of Lord Buddha and local visit this place to get the blessing of Buddha. The surrounding area is absolutely beautiful and decorated with prayer wheels and flakes. A walkway is also located on one side to walk to the statue.
Inside this temple, many sculptures and world-renown oil painting can be seen. The vast courtyard of this place is also decorated beautifully with many statues relating to mythology. You can also pay a visit to the old Sanghak Choeling Monastery where Chenrezig statue is located. Read more about Pelling sky walk.
Timing: The skywalk remains open from 8 am to 5 pm.
How to reach: The best option to visit this place is to hire a cab from Pelling.
Entry Fee: Rs 50 for both Indian and Foreign tourist and RS 20 for local tourists.
-
Rabdentse Ruins, the remnants of Sikkim’s old capital, now quiet and covered in moss — a perfect sunset spot.
Pro Tip: Stay at a homestay with a mountain view balcony — the sunrise will change you.
Best Season: March–May and September–December
7. Zuluk
If you crave the offbeat, Zuluk will blow your mind. This tiny village on the Old Silk Route is famous for its zigzag roads that twist dramatically through the mountains. Perched at around 10,000 feet, this tiny village is known for its hairpin bends — 32 of them, curling up the mountain like a serpent. It is the best attraction to visit in Sikkim during the summer months of June – August.
Why Go:
-
The Thambi Viewpoint offers one of the most jaw-dropping sunrises you’ll ever see — the Kanchenjunga range glowing orange above the clouds.
-
Gnathang Valley, a short drive away, changes color with the season — golden in autumn, white in winter, green in summer.
-
The locals are few, but their smiles are big. You’ll probably end up drinking tea in someone’s kitchen before you leave.
Why Visit: It’s untouched, raw, and breathtakingly peaceful. You’ll rarely see tourists here.
8. Ravangla – Peace, Prayer, and Mountain Air
Nestled between Gangtok and Pelling, Ravangla is a spiritual retreat wrapped in clouds. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, breathe deep, and just exist.
Ravangla is another picturesque destination in the South Sikkim district. Located at an altitude of 7,000 ft 80 km away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim it is known for spectacular Buddha Park where a 130 ft statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha can be seen. It was built using an ancient technique known as repoussé technique where around 60 tonnes of copper and 4kgs of gold was used.
It located in a scenic location between Maenam and Tedong Hill dotted with pretty villages surrounded by alpine trees. There are plenty of visual retreats in Ravangala ranging from Bon monastery, Ralang Monastery to Ralong Hot Springs etc. This small town offers many eateries to relish local dish.
How to reach: It is around 80 km from Gangtok and 4 km from Ravangla town. You can hire a taxi or walk from Ravangla to reach the park.
Timing of Buddha Park: It opens for visitor from 9 am – 6 pm.
Entry Fee: INR 50
What to Experience:
-
The Buddha Park is a must visit destination in Sikkim with it’s massive golden statue of Lord buddha. It also has a museum which depicts the life of Lord Buddha.
-
Ralang Monastery, where chants echo through the mountains.
-
The Temi Tea Garden, where you can walk through green slopes and even try fresh tea leaves straight from the plant.
Stay at a hillside cottage, wake up to mist-covered valleys, and just… be. Ravangla teaches you how to slow down.
9. Namchi – The Cultural Heart of Sikkim
Namchi means “sky-high” — and that’s exactly how it feels.
This charming town blends spirituality, culture, and panoramic views beautifully.
Namchi is where spirituality and scenery come together beautifully. It’s calm, colorful, and deeply rooted in local traditions.
What to See:
-
The Char Dham complex, with replicas of India’s four holy shrines. Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth a visit for the scale and architecture.
Situated atop Solophok hill 5 km away from Namchi town it is a specular attraction in South Sikkim district. Siddheshwar Dham (Char Dham) is the newest addition to Sikkim tourism destined as a deviational place for Hindus. Once you enter the complex the first thing that greets you is the 108-feet statue of Lord Shiva(Lord Kirateshwar) overseeing the entire mountain.
Replica of four shrines of Hindus Badrinath, Rameshwaram, Jagannath and Dwarka, along with 12 jyotirlingas and many small temples are dotted in the complex. There is a temple of Shirdi Sai Baba also located in the complex. You can enjoy a sight of Mt Kanchenjunga, the statue of Guru Padmasambhava, Darjeeling in clear weather from this place.
-
Samdruptse Hill, crowned by a 135-foot statue of Guru Padmasambhava — it looks even more stunning when clouds drift past.
-
The Rock Garden, full of flowers, pathways, and open views.
Why Go: Namchi gives you a full-circle experience of spirituality, nature, and culture.
10. Gurudongmar Lake – The Frozen Paradise
At nearly 18,000 feet, Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest in the world — and possibly one of the most beautiful. It is a holy lake worshipped by locals. The journey there from Lachen is long and tough, but once you arrive, you forget everything else.
The lake sits perfectly still, its turquoise water reflecting snow mountains and an endless blue sky. Prayer flags flutter in the freezing wind, and there’s a silence so deep it feels holy.
Personal Advice:
Acclimatise in Lachen first — the altitude is high, and the air is thin. Avoid visiting the lake if you are with kids. Carry chocolate, warm clothes, and take it slow. But trust me, once you’re standing by that lake, every bump on the road is worth it.
Sikkim is one of those rare places where nature, people, and spirituality exist in perfect balance. Every moment — whether it’s sipping tea at a monastery or watching sunrise over Kanchenjunga — feels like something sacred.
So when you pack for Sikkim, leave some space — not just in your backpack, but in your heart. Because this little Himalayan state will fill it, and then some.
Explore our best Sikkim holiday packages or talk to our experts for a tailor-made Sikkim tour plan that fits your schedule, budget, and travel dreams.
Like It! Pin It!
Featured Blogs
Top 10 offbeat hidden places in Sikkim you may not have heard of
Places to see in and around Gangtok
Top 25 tourist attractions in Assam you don’t want to miss in your trip
