Sikkim is the second smallest state in India by area but is very popular among nature lovers as a tourist destination. Located in the northeastern part of India, Sikkim is surrounded by West Bengal, Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet. Here we will discuss Best places to visit in Sikkim. The state covers an area of 7,000 square kilometers and has a population of about 650,000. Gangtok is the largest city and the capital of Sikkim. Sikkim is a top choice for tourists because it’s easy to reach and affordable to visit.
Sikkim is divided into four districts: North Sikkim, East Sikkim, South Sikkim, and West Sikkim. The state is known for its beautiful mountain waterfalls, deep valleys, forests with medicinal plants, and rich biodiversity. Alpine meadows, mountains, glaciers, and thousands of wildflowers in places like Gangtok and Lachung attract many tourists. Another major attraction is Tsomgo Lake, which is famous for its breathtaking beauty.
Tourist Spots in Sikkim
There are many places to visit in Sikkim, mostly concentrated in Gangtok, Lachung, and Pelling. Gangtok is the main hub for traveling to other parts of Sikkim.
Gangtok:
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is in East Sikkim. It is known as a Tibetan Buddhist center and a base camp for hikers who trek the Himalayan peaks. Tashi View Point offers views of Kanchenjunga and surrounding mountains. You can also rent traditional clothing for just 50 rupees to take photos.
Additionally, The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology showcases Tibetan culture with a museum that includes Buddhist statues, monks’ tools, religious practices, a library, and a research center. The Hanuman Tok Temple, controlled by the Indian Army and dedicated to Hanuman, offers stunning views of the valley and mountains. You can experience adventure along with sightseeing here. Other attractions include the Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park, Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Nathu La, Ridge Flower Park, Saramsa Garden, Lhasa Falls, and the Gandhi Statue. Gangtok also offers camping, ropeway rides, rafting, trekking, and hiking opportunities for tourists.
Pelling:
Pelling is a small town in West Sikkim. The Sky Walk in Pelling offers the unique experience of walking on a 50-meter-long suspension bridge over a mountain to reach a temple, making it an adventure on its own. At Rimbi Orange Garden by the Rimbi River, you can see cardamom, orange, and walnut trees for a small entry fee of 10 rupees. Many come here to enjoy the natural beauty of Kanchenjunga Falls. You can also explore historical places like Rabdentse Ruins through a trekking experience that costs 25 rupees. The nearly 300-year-old Pemayangtse Monastery is another attraction known for its architecture.
Lachung:
Lachung is a village near the Tibetan border in North Sikkim, divided by a river. It is about 110 kilometers from Gangtok and takes around 5.5 hours to reach. A peaceful surroundings and the clear blue waters of the Teesta River, along with two beautiful waterfalls on the way to Yumthang Valley, are calming. The distant snowy peaks of Yumthang Valley add to the beauty. Lachung also has an apple orchard and a 19th-century Buddhist monastery. Katao Middle Point, known as the Switzerland of Sikkim, offers stunning views of snow-covered mountains. Other attractions include Bhim Nala Fall, Khanda Waterfalls, and Snow Point for trekking.
Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake):
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is located 40 kilometers from Gangtok in East Sikkim. This icy lake, located at an altitude of 3,753 meters, is one of Sikkim’s top tourist spots. The beauty of the lake cannot be fully described in words; it must be experienced. The road from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake is particularly beautiful. Cold weather intensifies as you go higher, making it an ideal place to enjoy snow.
Yumthang Valley:
Yumthang Valley is also known as the Valley of Flowers. From the end of February to mid-June, the entire valley is covered with flowers of various colors. You can also visit attractions like Lachen Monastery, Ravangla’s Buddhist Park, Ralang Monastery, Sunrise View Point, Namchi’s Hilltop Monastery, Char Dham Temple, Kanchenjunga National Park, Singalila National Park at an altitude of 8,000-12,000 feet, Aritar Lake, and Rishi Khola Falls.
Best Time to Visit Sikkim : Best places to visit in Sikkim
The best time to visit Sikkim is from late February to May and from late September to November. In winter, roads may be closed due to snow. Landslides occur throughout the year in North Sikkim, and many places in Sikkim are inaccessible during the monsoon. However, you can visit South and West Sikkim and Gangtok all year round.
Where to Eat
Another name of Sikkim is “Land of Organic.” Everything here is very clean and fresh, so you will surely enjoy good and fresh food during your visit. Try delicious street food at affordable prices in MG Market and Lal Bazaar Road in Gangtok. You can also taste dishes like thukpa, momo, gundruk soup, sha phaley, Tibetan bread, and lassi at restaurants like Nimtho, Mama’s Kitchen, Crumbs n Whips, Cafe Royale, Gupta Restaurant, Local Cafe, and Kabur.
Where to Shop
All in all You will find many local shops in Gangtok where you can buy gift items. Also buy winter clothes, handicrafts, gift items, and souvenirs from various shops in Sikkim.
