Sikkim is a most refreshing tourist destination, situated along Eastern Himalayan range. Sikkim Tourism provides visual feast to Gangtok, Pelling, Lachen-Lachung, Gurudongmar and Buddhist monasteries.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to December) are the best seasons to visit Sikkim because of the promise of fresh blooms and crystal-clear views.

Sikkimese cuisine, although fresh and delicious, is not spicy. The food here gets its influence from Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet and follows pretty much the same pattern in its flavours, ingredients, styles and elements. While staple items of the cuisine are Momos, Thukpa and a local beer called ‘Chang’, fermented foods are favourite given the natural conditions of the place.

If you are looking for local handicraft items like hand-woven shawls or some wooden wind chimes, this is your place. The markets here are filled with shops selling everything from the Laughing Buddha to Tibetan traditional clothes and beautiful hand-made souvenirs.

Nepali is the most widely spoken language. English and Hindi are also widely spoken by the people. Other languages spoken in Gangtok include Bhutia (Sikkimese)

1. MONASTERIES

The most famous monasteries dot the landscape of the Sikkim are the Rumtek monastery in the capital city of Gangtok, Pemayangtse monastery in the city of Pelling in the West Sikkim, Tashiding monastery near the Yuksam city in the West Sikkim, Phodong Monastery near Gangtok, Enchey monastery in Gangtok, Ralang Monastery in Ravangla in South Sikkim, old Sanga-Choeling monastery located near the city of Pelling where you can reach by trekking along with many other monasteries worth visiting while on the Sikkim tour.

2. LAKES

Lakes at Sikkim are a true example of mesmerizing beauty. Get ready to explore this extreme beauty. Here is a list of the lakes that you must visit in Sikkim: Tsomgo Lake, Menmecho Lake, Karthok Lake, Khecheopalri Lake, Samiti Lake, Green Lake, Gurudongmar Lake

3. VIEWPOINTS OF KANCHENJUNGA

Kanchenjunga range is not just the third highest mountain in the world, but also a sacred entity in Sikkim.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE – (AS OF JANUARY 2023)

Khangchendzonga National Park (UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site, a mixed site comprises components of both natural and cultural importance)

1. NATHU LA PASS

Nathu La Pass is a Himalayan mountain pass in eastern Sikkim district. It connects the Indian state of Sikkim with the autonomous zone of Tibet in China. Situated on the Indo-Tibetan border 14450 ft. above sea level, Nathu La is one of the most important Himalayan passes in the country. Nathu means ‘listening ears’, and La means ‘pass’. Nathula is one of the three open trading border posts between India and China and is famous for its picturesque beauty and beautiful environment. The temperature here remains low for most parts of the year, and it becomes a hotspot for tourists during summer.

2. GANGTOK

If you are visiting Sikkim for the first time, Gangtok – the capital of Sikkim should be first in your travel agenda. Gangtok not only offers lovely views of Kanchenjunga and scenic views, it offers great attractions and activities such as parks and gardens, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu Temples, zoo with exotic Himalayan animals, art and craft centres, cable car rides etc as well as great opportunities for shopping, top class accommodations of all range, dining and nightlife.

Places to visit in Gangtok: Nathu La Pass, MG Road, Rumtek Monastery, Tsongmo Lake, Ganesh Tok, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Tashi View Point, Gangtok Ropeway, Baba Mandir

3. BABA MANDIR

The Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is popularly known as Baba Mandir. The Baba Mandir, Sikkim is located at an altitude of 12,123 ft above sea level. This is around 52 Km from Gangtok and is between Jelepla and Nathula pass. People worship him as a saint who guards the lives of soldiers along the border.

4. TSOMGO LAKE (CHANGU LAKE)

Perched between the mountains at a dizzying height of 12400 ft above sea level, the Tsomgo Lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India situated on the Gangtok – Nathu La highway. Also popularly known as Changu Lake, it is a part of every tourist’s itinerary and for a good reason – the overwhelming scenic beauty. Enveloped by steep snow-capped mountains and resting between a bright green carpet of alpine forests, the charming beauty of Tsogmo Lake is bound to leave you in awe. The lake’s mesmerising scenic allure combined with its legendary significance to the locals definitely makes it a must visit attraction of Sikkim.

5. PELLING

Pelling is a small hill town in western Sikkim offering spectacular views of the snow peaks of Kanchenjunga apart from many other attractions including old monasteries, lovely lakes and landscapes, waterfalls etc. The famous Pemayangste monastery is less than a kilometre from here and is a major tourist hotspot. Pelling also has sites for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations, apart from serving as a base for a number of treks in the region. The scenic town of Pelling is a perfect holiday destination for all nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Places to visit in Pelling: The Glass Skywalk, Khecheolpalri Lake, Pelling Helipad, Sangachoeling and Pemayangtse Monastery, Rimbi Waterfall

6. LACHUNG

Lachung, a tourist hotspot situated in North Sikkim is a splendid destination that is sited at the spot where two tributaries Lachung and Lachen meet. This town is a popular tourist attraction because of the many waterfalls that gush in this area. Glimpses of snow covered mountains can also be caught from this place and offer a spectacular sight. Lachung is also a preferred base to visit the famous Yumthang Valley, quite a landmark in Sikkim’s tourism scene.

7. YUMTHANG VALLEY

The popular Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim is located 140 km north of Gangtok. Famous as the “Valley of flowers”, this is a rare and exotic location with hot springs, rivers, yaks and lush green meadows. Situated at an elevation on 3564 metres, this stunning valley is a paradise for nature lovers as it houses the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary which has over 24 species of Rhododendron flowers (the state flower) blooming from late February to mid-June. Yumthang Valley is closed to tourists between December and March due to the heavy snowfall in the region.

8. LACHEN

Situated in the northern district of Sikkim, Lachen is one of the most beautiful towns an attractive tourist spot which is well known for its Lachung monastery. Its natural beauty and serene vegetation are worth commending and it is believed to be one of the most noteworthy and popular places for Buddhist pilgrims and tourists. Lachen is a less-populated beautiful holiday destination, also famous as the gateway to the sacred Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu lakes.

9. GURUDONGMAR LAKE

Located at the height of 17,100 feet above the sea level, Gurudongmar Lake, located in Sikkim, is one of the fifteen highest lakes in the world. It is also the second highest lake in Sikkim, after the Cholamu Lake located at the height of 18,000 feet. The splendid and scenic beauty of the place is breathtaking and attracts tourists from all across the world. Gurudongmar Lake also has great religious significance attached to it, and the beautiful view of Mount Siniolchu and Kanchenjunga from the lake is a sight to behold and cherish. The water of Gurudongmar Lake is believed to have healing powers, and many tourists carry the water with them on their way back.

10. RAVANGLA

Ravangla is one of the most famous tourist destinations in South Sikkim. At an altitude of 7000 ft, situated on the edge, between Maenam and Tendong Hill, Ravangla provides a clear and mind-blowing of the Greater Himalayas. The beauty of its scenery and its location as a travelling point to nearby tourist attractions has made Ravangla a must-visit destination.

11. CHOPTA VALLEY

Chopta is a very famous tourist hotspot in North Sikkim known for its varying hues. Famous as the “Valley of flowers”, the Chopta Valley is popular for its riot of colours during summer months. This valley is unexplored and untouched, as a very few tourists travel to this destination despite its popularity. Nature lovers and wildlife lovers will enjoy travelling to this splendid valley and spotting many rare species of animals, plants and birds.

12. YUKSOM

Yuksom is a beautiful place located in the Western region of Sikkim and the village is well known for its natural beauty. Situated near the Kanchenjunga National Park, the village of Yuksom is in the heart of mountains covered with lush green vegetation. The village provides access to the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga. Yuksom is, hence, also an attractive tourist hotspot and the base camp for some of the most adventurous treks in Sikkim. There are several interesting tourist attractions that you can see here and the local cuisine of the place are a must try.

Browse Sikkim Tour Packages