Sikkim is a state in northeast India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, the area has a dramatic landscape that includes India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kangchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. Steep paths lead to hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse,
The Kingdom Of Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century. It was ruled by Buddhist priest-kings known as the Chogyal. It became a Princely State of India in 1890. Following Indian independence, Sikkim continued its Protectorate status with the Union of States after 1947 and the Republic of India after 1950. It enjoyed the highest literacy rate and per capita income among Himalayan states. In 1973, anti-royalist riots took place in front of the Chogyal’s palace. In 1975, after the Indian Army took over the city of Gangtok, a referendum was held that led to the dissolution of the monarchy and Sikkim joining India as its 22nd state.
Sikkim achieved its ambition to convert its agriculture to fully organic between 2003 and 2016 and became the first state in India to achieve this distinction. It is also among India’s most environmentally conscious states, having banned Plastic water bottles in any government functions and meetings” and polystyrene products (throughout the state).
1. Tsomgo Lake
The Tsomgo Lake is one of Sikkim’s prime tourist attractions. The lake is located 38 km from Gangtok, en route to the Nathula Pass. The sight of the surrounding snow covered hills reflecting on the Tsomgo Lake is one memory that you can cherish forever. The lake is about 1 km long and it’s shaped like an egg.
2. Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is located at a height of 14140 feet and this is the best place to be for trekking enthusiasts when visiting Sikkim. there is a tiny place called Kupup. It always stays under the clouds, which surely will be a nice experience for you. This Sikkim point of interest is famous among travelers.
3. Kanchenjunga Base Camp
The Kanchenjunga Base camp is one of the best Sikkim tourist places and a heaven for all adventurers, The real adventure for people is to see the third highest mountain in the world up close to here, and that is why this place is worth the visit at least once in a lifetime.
4. Yumthang Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers is carpeted at a height of more than 11,000 feet above sea level at around 128 kilometers from Gangtok. You can book one of our Gantok tours from a vivid choice of packages we have for you so that you don’t miss out on the best of Gangtok.
5. Gurudongmar Lake
This lake remains frozen during the winter season and during summers, the lake water reflects the sky and clouds like a mirror. which is situated at around 174 kilometers from Gangtok. Due to the proximity to the Chinese-Tibetan border, one has to take permits to visit the lake.
6. Goechala
Goechala (Goecha La) is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. The best thing about this place is the beautiful view of Mt. Kanchenjunga’s southeast face.
7. Singalila
The Singalila Ridge trek is an easy to moderate trek extending from an elevation of 2,134 meters to 3,636 meters. As you reach the top, you unravel some pure sights of Mount Everest, which is the highest peak of the Singalila range that lounges at a height of 3,636 meters. Later a downhill trek to Rimbik ends the trek.
8. Green Lake
Green Lake is still an unexplored and unhindered destination in Sikkim. the trek to Green Lake passes through the magnificent Kanchenjunga National Park and also brings forth the scenery of the confluence of the Zemu Chu and Lachen Chu which are two very significant rivers of the region.
9. Lachung
Lachung is a small town that shines like a morning star at an elevation of 9,610 ft. in North Sikkim. Lachung is situated at a distance of 103 KM from Gangtok and throughout your drive from Gangtok.
10. Pelling
Pelling is a small town situated in the hills in West Sikkim, 7,200 feet above sea level. The city is dotted with heritage structures like ancient monasteries and breathtaking waterfalls like the Kanchenjunga Falls, the Rimbi Waterfall and the Changey Waterfall. You can also hire buses that leave at frequent intervals from Gangtok and Siliguri that pass through Pelling.
11. Ravangla
Embark on a journey to explore a lesser-known quaint village amidst the high mountains of the Eastern Himalayas in South Sikkim. Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint, Temi Tea Garden, Relaxing Hot Spring and Relaxing Monasteries are a few local attractions that can interest a traveler.
12. Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery belongs to the Kagyu sect and was first built in the 12th century but was left to ruin so in 1960 Gyalwa Karmapa who became the 16th Karmapa of the center reestablished it. It is one of the Sikkim tourist places which have plenty of ways to intrigue visitors.
13. Teesta River
Teesta River is the main river of the state of Sikkim, it has a high importance as the main source of living. the Teesta Kangse Glacier at a height of 7068m, the river is also a great source of adventure as there are a several of locations where you can enjoy rafting in the river.
14. Yume Samdong
Yume Samdong is a great periphery of civilization, as no roads lead further than here! The snow-capped bounties watch over the valley and form a striking pair with the azure skies that seem to be perpetually locked in an embrace with the mountains.
15. Tso Lhamo Lake
Tso Lhamo Lake rests at a mind-numbing altitude of 5,330 m and is one of the highest lakes in the world. The weather conditions are quite extreme and harsh with sub-zero temperatures, making it difficult to reach tourists. If you’re a nature lover or trekking enthusiast, this is decidedly one of the most striking places to visit in Sikkim.
16. Thangu
Thangu Valley is shrouded under a great carpet of snow almost throughout the year. May and June see the entire place dotted with lush alpine flora. Thangu is also the base for the famous Chopta Valley and Muguthang treks. The valley requires a scenic drive of 6 to 7 hours to get to from Gangtok.
17. Khangchendzonga National Park
The Khangchendzonga National Park also known as Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve throws several surprises along the trekking trails. The vastness of this green retreat is enriched with the presence of species like the red panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, barking deer, musk deer, flying squirrel and wild ass.
18. Zemu Glacier
Zemu Glacier is the eastern base for climbing the world’s third-highest mountain Kanchenjunga. Zemu Glacier is blanketed in snow at an elevation of 18,648 feet above sea level. Standing at such an altitude, you can witness the majesty of Mount Siniolchu and other Himalayan peaks from here.
19. Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is located around 22 KM from Gangtok, near the Rumtek monastery, occupying a large portion of Yumthang Valley. You will find a large playground for kids, a small yet pretty lake edged with a well-manicured garden and a variety of flowers, a very Beautiful garden in Sikkim.
20. Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park
Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the Sikkim tourist places that serve as an oasis for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. You can also witness some big cats like the Bengal tiger and black panther along with Himalayan Black Bears, Clouded Leopard, Porcupines, Leopard Cats, Tibetan Wolfs, Large Indian Civets, Gorals, Barking Deer, Himalayan Palm Civets, Yaks, etc. here.
21. Singalila National Park
Singalila National Park sprawls on the Singalila Ridge at about 7000 ft. Here the trails are adorned with carpets of a wide range of rhododendrons, and orchids blooming in a variety of vivid colors.
22. Do Drul Chorten
A lama from Tibet who followed the Nyingma Order of Buddhism came to this place in his hermitage journey and established the stupa in 1946.
23. Bakthang Waterfall
One of the most stunning wonders of nature, the Bakthang Falls carry a canvas of the magnificent Himalayas in the back. One of the most scenic places to visit in Sikkim, Bakthang Falls should undoubtedly grace the top of your itinerary.
24. Ridge Park
The Ridge Park is bordered by the White Hall and a beautiful Pagoda top. The park harbors a vast array of plants and flowers, The rich floral aroma greets you the moment you step in, and your senses are lulled by the vibrant colors of the flowers.
25. Casino Mahjong
The posh Casino Mahjong is part of the Mayfair Hotels and Resorts in Sikkim. It is truly one of its kind in India. Lose yourself into the world of innumerable casino games, while enjoying the glamorous ambiance that it offers.
26. Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park
Ban jhakri Waterfall is shaded beautifully within a lush forest sitting at a distance of 8 km from the main town of Gangtok. Part of the Ban Jhakri Park there reigns a tranquil lake at the centre of which a massive dragon statue sits. The roar of the falls has a soothing effect on the mind, while the surrounding greenery enchants your soul.
27. Tashiding Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, It is believed that the place holds the power to cleanse the sins and wrongdoings of those who seek forgiveness here. Built in the 17th century, the monastery is celebrated for the grand Bhumchhu festival it hosts.
28. Singshore Bridge
Singshore Bridge is the highest bridge in Sikkim, and second highest in Asia! Housed near the quaint Uttarey village, the bridge sits 5 km away from Pelling. The winds up there are pretty strong, and this only enhances the thrill of it.
29. Kanchenjunga Falls
Kanchenjunga Falls is arguably the most stunning of all the Sikkim tourist places, the waterfall went largely unnoticed by the masses up until the late 90s. It remains shaded and unexplored, making it the perfect respite for people seeking tranquility in solitude. The expansive verdant greenery of the woods that grace the gushing waterfall is a mesmerizing sight to behold.
30. Tashi View Point
The view of Kanchenjunga Peak from Tashi viewpoint is going to sweep you off your feet, The viewpoint is around 8 KM from Gangtok with nearby places being the Phodong and Labrang monasteries and Bakthang waterfall en route.
