Sikkim is one of the pristine destination fringed by the highest mountain passes, glaciers and alpine meadows. Covered with dazzling waterfalls, virgin forests and Buddhist monasteries Sikkim is the most thrilling place for adventure and nature lovers. It has a plethora of must-visit places. Geographically divided into four districts all four districts in Sikkim are blessed with bountiful of natures abundance. Sikkim has many attractive places worth visiting on your trip.
Blessed with heavenly views North Sikkim is the prime attraction of adventure enthusiast. The calm and peaceful environment and devotional places like Chardam, Buddha Park of South Sikkim never fail to attract everyone. On the contrary, Gangtok, Zuluk and the magnificent Tsomogo lake in East Sikkim transcend a mere embodiment of nature. The signature statues of Chenrezig, Buddha, Kirateshvar Mahadev and Samdruptse are a few unmissable attractions that are hard to resist. Check the list of top 10 places to visit in Sikkim.
Must-visit places in Sikkim
1. Tsomgo lake
When we heard about Sikkim the first attraction that comes to our mind is Tosmo Lake. Freezing cold temperature and a picturesque hill blanketed with snow is a generic picture of Tosmo Lake.
Nestled in the snow-capped mountains of Sikkim, at a precipitous height of 12,500 feet it is coved with snow from November to April. Located at a distance of about 40 km from the capital city of Gangtok, on the way to the Nathula Pass. It stands in a gorgeous setting near the Indo-Chinese border. It’s the best point for enjoying various snow activities and capture some beautiful pictures with Yak. If you are on a short family vacation then Tosmo Lake is the perfect destination for you.
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2. Nathula Pass
Located at a height of 4,310m above sea level it is one of the highest motorable pass in the world. It is a part of the historic ‘Silk Road’ which connects Sikkim with Tibet. Nathula Pass offers splendid views of Chumbi valley of Tibet along with snow-laden mountains. It takes around 2 hrs( 62 km ) to reach this place from Gangtok. Baba Harbhajan Singh temple is also located on the same route at a distance of 10 km from this place. You can see both the Chinese and Indian army guarding here in this place.
A permit is necessary to visit this place. Nathula Pass Permit is available only for domestic tourists 4 days a week Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, Sunday. The pass remains inaccessible during winters due to heavy snowfall as the temperature drops down to as low as -250 C.
You may be interested in Top places in visit in Tawang.
3. Gurudongmar lake
Located in a picturesque surrounding amidst Himalayan ranges at an altitude of 5,430 m, it is one of the highest lakes in the world. Gurudongmar lake is one of the specular high altitude lake coved with snow most of the time. During summer the water of the lake became turquoise blue. Blessed with a visit of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century it is named after Guru Padmasambhava. The lake is also considered sacred by Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus.
It takes 3 hrs (68 km) to reach the lake from Lachen in North Sikkim. Army canteen along the way is a perfect break for breakfast and hire an oxygen cylinder or buy essential commodities.
The area resembles a desert with zero vegetation which is fully covered with snow in winter. Due to the high altitude, oxygen is scarce which may lead to breathing difficulties and a light-headed feeling. It is good to take an oxygen cylinder, water bottle and an inhaler along with if you.
4. Yumthang valley
Yumthang is a pristine valley situated at an elevation of 15,300 ft. in the Nothern District of Sikkim. Termed as “Zero Point” it is located close to the Chinese border and the last motorable road in India is available up to this point only. It is located around 22 km from Lachung in North Sikkim. It is about an hour drive through a scenic road passing through the alpine forest of high coniferous and pine trees. The road to the valley is decorated with a scenic landscape of trees and gorgeous mountains views guarantee a memorable ride.
Yumthang valley or Yumesamdong is also known as the valley of flower as it turns into a ‘valley of flowers‘ in April with all flowers in full bloom spreading the aroma of countless beautiful flowers.
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5. Ravangla
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
6. Zuluk
Lying in the East Sikkim district, Zuluk is a small hamlet famous for Silk Route and beautiful valleys. The ancient route that leads to Tibet starts from here. It was commonly used by traders travelling to Tibet through Jelep-la. The route started from Kalimpong and passed through Pedong, Aritar, Dzuluk and Jelepla to Chumbi valley in Tibet.
Zuluk is a small pristine town frequent mostly by offbeat seekers. It is a very small settlement town that obliges a populace of around 700. Amid August and September, Zuluk is drenched in different shades of wild blossoms.
7. Char Dham Temple
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.
8. Rumtek Monastery
Located at a distance of 24 km from Gangtok, the Rumtek Monastery is the largest monastery in Sikkim. Adorned with rare Buddhist artworks in the form of stunning paintings, murals, thanka painting etc with marvellous architecture the monastery holds a golden structure on top. This beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched on a hilltop overlooking Gangtok city. The monastery was founded by Wangchuk Dorje, the 9th Karmapa Lama in the 16th century.
It is a most important Buddhist monastery where several ancient Buddhist scripts and art objects that originated from Tibet are preserved. Known as the Dharma Chakra Centre, it houses a beautiful shrine temple. The 16th Karmapa stayed here after living Tibet in 1959. One can also see his belongings here.
Nalanda Institute of Buddhist studies also located in the same complex. It is a prime centre for higher Buddhist studies where a large panting of Buddha can be seen. You can also check top Buddhist monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh.
Timing: 9 am -6 pm.
Entry Fee: Rs 10 per person.
9. Yuksom
Yuksom is a scenic and tranquil place endowed with natures bounty. Nestled in West Sikkim, it is an abode to pristine lakes, alluring landscapes, and exhilarating adventures. Yuksom is an unexplored charming town known as the Gateway to Mt. Kangchendzongha. The small hamlet serves as the starting point of the Dzongri – Goechala Trek.
The small picturesque town offers a plethora of experiences for nature lovers. If you are a nature lover and want to explore unknown species of animal and birds then Khangchendzonga National Park is the right start for you. If you are lucky enough then you can also catch glimpse of Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Great Tibetan Sheep, Bharal and Musk deer here.
The small town also offers some worth visiting places like Tashiding Monastery, Dubdi Monastery, Coronation Throne of Norbugang etc. The charm of this place is unlikely to ever forget.
10. Skywalk, Pelling
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.
Following are the top place to visit in Sikkim. Apart from these Sikkim is blessed with many stunning places to spend few days in close company with nature.
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