Places to Visit in East Sikkim

Gangtok – The Vibrant Capital City of Sikkim

Begin your Sikkim journey with its charming capital city: Gangtok. Located on the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is among famous hill-stations of India. Gangtok lies at the height of 1650 m above sea level and gives various vantage points to watch the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunaga peak. The incredible allure, pulls in many tourists to this spirited yet laid-back and pleasant city of Sikkim. Apart from its enchanting appeal, Gangtok is famous for its cafes, bistros, and restobars. MG Marg in Gangtok is the first litter-free and pedestrian only road in India. It is the go-to spot for many tourists to enjoy nightlife, grab a cup of coffee, shop, or to take evening walks. The lively city of Gangtok serves as a base for many trekking and mountain biking expeditions. The city has a perfect bend of natural beauty, cultural sights, and modern urbanisation. Gangtok is an inclusive holiday spot, perfect for couples, families, solo travelers, and other tourists.

Best Time to Visit Gangtok	All year around
Nearby Gangtok Attractions	Enchey Monastery, Ban Jhakri Falls Park, MG Marg, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Baba Harbhajan Mandir, Tashi View Point, Himalayan Zoological Park, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
Ideal Duration	1-2 days

Tsomgo Lake – Sacred Glacial Lake

Sikkim is a land of sacred alpine lakes, and one of them is Tsomgo lake (Changu Lake) Located above 12,300 ft. above sea level, Tsomgo Lake is a must-visit place in Sikkim due to its pure natural beauty and awe-inspiring surroundings. The lake remains frozen during winter. However, in spring and summer, the true beauty of the lake is revealed as it reflects the surrounding hills and azure sky in its water. Tsomgo Lake holds cultural and religious significance for the Bhutia community of Sikkim. There are many myths and folklore around this lake that adds to its appeals and mysticism. The colour of the lake’s water in different seasons. During spring and summer, hundreds of poppies, primulas, rhododendrons bloom around the lake, enhancing its beauty. It is among the best places to visit in Sikkim in May due to pleasant weather, clear skies and natural beauty. Tsomgo lake is an immensely popular place to visit in Sikkim and is typically a part of every Sikkim tour package.

Best Time to Visit Tsomgo Lake	March to May or October to mid-December
Ideal Duration	2 to 3 hours
Distance from Gangtok	40 kms

Nathula Pass – One of the Highest Motorable Roads

Sikkim is home to one of the highest monstrable roads in the world, Nathula Pass. This mountain pass is located at an altitude of 14450 ft. above sea level on the Indo-Tibetan border. It was once the famous trade route used by merchants between India and China. Now, it’s one of the most sensitive zones located around international borders. Nathula is among the top optional places to visit in Sikkim in a Sikkim travel package. The temperature in Nathula is typically freezing (covered in snow) but it’s quite pleasant in the summers. The hairpin bends of Nathula pass are thrill inducing and exciting. The winter season is quite difficult to travel to Nathula Pass. The temperature slips down to -20°C at night and remains 0°C during the day. Please remember that Nathula Pass remains closed on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. So, plan your trip accordingly. Note:

• Nathula Pass is only open for Indian nationals with an Inner-Line Permit and is closed for foreigners.
• Photography is prohibited in certain parts of Nathula Pass, especially near the border areas.

Best Time to Visit Nathula Pass	March to October
Distance from Gangtok	58 Km (approx)
Travel Tip	Acclimatise well; carry medicines and portable oxygen cans to avoid breathing difficulties.
Ideal Duration	2 to 3 hours

Rumtek Monastery – Sacred Gompa of Tibetan Buddhism

The tiny state of Sikkim has around 200 monasteries, big and small. One such monastery amongst top places to visit in Sikkim is: Rumtek Monastery. Among many monasteries in Sikkim, Rumtek monastery is the only monastery that acts as the centre and headquarters for the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside this monastery, you will find sacred rites and rituals (chanting mantras, mediations) being performed by Buddhist monks. It took four years of construction to build this monastery in Tibetan architecture. Various relics, paintings, 108-volume canon of the Buddha’s teachings, and statues that were saved in Tibet were installed and preserved in this monastery. Besides the main prayer hall, the monastery also has an aviary, a temple, a school, and several stupas. It also provides a place to retreat for monks to study, meditate, and stay. The main highlight of Rumtek monastery is the Golden Stupa. Note: Please note that photography is prohibited inside the monastery. Dress modestly while visiting the monastery.

Best Time to Visit Rumtek Monastery	March to June and October to December
Timings	6 AM to 6 PM (everyday of week)
Distance from Gangtok	23 km (approx.)
Ideal Duration	1 hour

Zuluk – The Ancient “Silk Route”

Zuluk is a small village in Sikkim located at a staggering height of 10,000 ft above sea level. This village is on the ancient Silk Route and is a crucial part of the Silk Route circuit. Being at such a height, Zuluk is among the best places to visit in Sikkim for catching the unobstructed views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The fresh and crisp mountainous breeze, clear skies and alpine vegetation sends you in an ecstasy. Zuluk is famed for its 32 hair-pin bend roads and one should hire a local driver who is experienced in navigating such serpentine pathways. Feel every twist and turn on your way to Zuluk while admiring the peaks and valleys. The village is dotted with traditional wooden cottages and levelled fields. Birdwatching, stargazing, and trekking are some of the activities you can try in Zuluk. It is one of the best places to visit in East Sikkim for those who like to go on offbeat paths. A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required to visit Zuluk. It is issued at Sikkim Tourism Office in Gangtok.

Best Time to Visit Zuluk	March to May and September to November
Distance from Gangtok	97 km (approx)
Ideal Duration	1 to 2 days

Places to Visit in West Sikkim

Pelling – Panoramic Views of Mt. Kanchenjunga

A picturesque town located in West Sikkim, Pelling is at an altitude of 2,150 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level. It is among the top tourist places to visit in Sikkim for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and birdwatchers. If you plan to visit West Sikkim, Pelling is one town where you can see waterfalls, thick forests, lakes, monasteries, etc. Pelling is one of the spectacular towns that receives snowfall in Sikkim during winters. Whereas in Summer and Spring, the dense foliage and beautiful Himalayan flowers bloom leaves one in ecstasy. This town serves as a base for trekking tours, rafting, paragliding, mountain climbing and other thrilling adventure activities.

Best Time to Visit Pelling	Plan your trip anytime of the year, but the best time is from May and July.
Distance from Gangtok	107 km
Ideal Duration	2 to 3 days
Top Attractions in Pelling & Nearby Attractions	Pemayangtse Monastery, Pelling SkyWalk, Khecheopalri Lake, Rabdentse Ruins, Sanga Choeling Monastery and Kanchenjunga Falls.

Yuksom – Abode for Peace and Nature lovers

Whether you’re out on a family holiday or a honeymoon, Yuksom’s natural, historic sites and organic vegetation satisfy every kind of tourist. If you are an adventurer, you will be thrilled by visiting here, down to the core. The number of enchanting trails and waterfalls in Yuksom are breathtaking. Many trekkers visit Sikkim since it’s the starting point of many trails including Khangchendzonga trek, Dengri Trek, Goecha La trek. This village is also a significant historic site as it was the first capital of Sikkim. The first and the oldest monastery in Sikkim, the Dubdi monastery was established in Yuksom by Lama Lhatsun Chempo in 1701. The foundation was laid right after the coronation ceremony of the first Chogyal (king) of Sikkim. Enjoy living in a homestay in Yuksom, interact with locals and relish delicious local food beyond momo and thukpas. For those looking for offbeat adventures, Yuksom is one of the ideal places in Sikkim to visit.

Best Time to Visit Yuksom	March to June and September to November
Distance from Gangtok	116 km (approx)
Ideal Duration	2 days
Top Attractions in Yuksom & Nearby Attractions	Dubdi Monastery (Yuksom monastery), Norbugang Coronation Throne, Kathok Lake, Phamrong Falls, Three sisters waterfall

Tashiding – Serene Hilltop Village

Those who want to explore quieter and more pristine places to visit in Sikkim, add Tashiding to your Sikkim itinerary. It is home to two beautiful rivers, Rathong and Rangit. Interact with locals, find homestay accommodation, and savour delicious local food. Birdwatching, stargazing, nature walks, and village tourism are some of the most common activities for travellers. According to locals and prevalent legends, the word Tashiding means “The Devoted Central Glory”. The most famous attraction in Tashiding is the Tashiding Monastery. It belongs to the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism and has been the locus of worship in the Kingdom of Sikkim since the 17th Century. It is believed that mere the sight of Tashiding monastery can cleanse the sins of the mortals. Besides the monastery, large orange orchards and cardamom plantations also enhance the beauty of the village.

Best Time to Visit Tashiding	March to June is the best time to explore Tashiding
Distance from Gangtok	100 km
Ideal Duration	1 to 2 days
Timings of Tashiding Monastery	10 am to 4 pm

Places to Visit in North Sikkim

Lachung & Yumthang Valley – Mountain Village & Gateway to Valley of Flowers

  If you ever want to go for flower tourism in Sikkim, include Lachung and Yumthang valley in your Sikkim tour package. Lachung is one of the most remarkable attractions in North Sikkim and located on the banks of Lachung River. Serenity, adventure, hospitality, and cosy homestays, Lachung has it all. The numerous fruit orchards filled with apples, apricots and peach trees in Lachung are absolutely adorable to look at. The snow-dusted peaks, gurgling brooks, and vast expanse of verdant fields gives Lachung a postcard perfect beauty. Most houses in Lachung are built from wood that renders an old-school charm to them. This village is still astray from urbanisation and commercial tourism. Lachung is among the most visited places in Sikkim, however, reaching here is not always the easiest task. The road conditions are rough and rugged and get even worse on rainy or snowy days. Therefore, plan your visit to Lachung in the Spring-Summer or Autumn season. Yumthang Valley – Lachung also serves as the entry point to Yumthang Valley (also known as the valley of flowers). This beautiful valley testifies the beauty of Mother Nature and her valuable gifts. As winters start to recede, the entire valley starts blooming with rhododendrons, primulas, poppies, irises and a plethora of other Himalayan flowers. To say this place is a dream destination for all the anthophiles wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Besides the floral beauty of Yumthang Valley, enjoy a relaxing time soaking in the hot springs. It will melt away your stress and muscle fatigue.

• Please note that there are no accommodations in Yumthang Valley which means you have to find a stay in Lachung.
• To reach here you need necessary permits from concerned authorities.

Best Time to Visit Lachung	October to June
Distance from Gangtok	116 km
Ideal Duration	3 days
Ideal Time to Visit Yumthang Valley	Mid-February to June

Lachen – Picturesque Village of North Sikkim

  Another noteworthy village to visit in Sikkim is Lachen. It is located approximately 48 kilometres from Lachung. The word “Lachen” means Big Pass and is marked by beautiful alpine vegetation, snow-clad peaks, gorgeous valleys and stunning views of Eastern Himalayas. You will also find beautiful apple, apricot and mandarin orchards while exploring Lachen. The serene vistas of Lachen offer an impeccable backdrop to your Sikkim holidays. It is a perfect place to unwind and escape the clamour and pollution of concrete jungles. Lachen is located at an altitude of 2,750 meters (9,000 feet) above sea level and marks a significant point in North Sikkim. Lachen acts as an entry point to several iconic places to visit in Sikkim like Chopta Valley, Thangu Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. This beautiful Sikkim attraction is also home to Lachen Monastery, which belongs to the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. Trekkers can go for the challenging Green Lake trek and Kanchenjuna National Park from Lachen.

Best Time to Visit Lachen	March to June
Distance from Gangtok	123 km
Ideal Duration	2 days
Top Attractions to Visit in Lachen	Tso Lhamo Lake, Thangu Valley, Chopta Valley, Gurudongmar Lake.

Gurudongmar Lake – Revered Alpine Lake

  Gurudongmar Lake is a significant high-altitude lake in North Sikkim. Its beauty, religious and cultural significance makes it one of the best tourist places in Sikkim. Located at a height of 17,100 feet above the sea level, Gurudongmar Lake is the second highest lake in Sikkim. The alpine beauty and the views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Sincholu from this lake are absolutely breathtaking. An interesting fact about Gurudongmar Lake is that a part of this lake never freezes even in spine-chilling winters. According to the legends, Guru Padmasambhava blessed a portion of the lake which resulted in this phenomenon. Ever since then, Gurudongmar lake has been emblematic of hope, strength, and sustenance for the people of Sikkim. There is a “Sarva Dharma Sthal” – a place of worship for people of all faiths near the lake. Note: Indian tourists must get a PAP (Protected Area Permit) to visit Gurudongmar Lake. Foreign nationals must seek PAP from the Sikkim Tourism Department only to get entry up to Thangu. Do not visit Gurudongmar lake with kids below 5 years of age and senior citizens as they can face breathing difficulties.

Best Time to Visit Gurudongmar Lake	March to June
Distance from Gangtok	187 km
Ideal Duration	2-3 hours

Zero Point – Snow-Covered Location

  Zero Point (Yume Samdong) is near Yumthang and is located in close proximity with the international borders. It is a paradise for snow lovers and the last motorable point in North Sikkim. After this point, the Tibetan borders start. There is no entry fee to visit Sikkim’s Zero Point, however a road trip can cost anywhere between INR 3000 to 5000 (subject to change). Upon arrival, all you will see here is rugged terrain wrapped in thick blankets of snow. The glacial beauty of Zero Point is raw and real, and will leave you awestruck. Zero Point is an offbeat place to explore in Sikkim meant for adventurers and those who seek newer experiences. Photography, snowball fighting, (and if there is enough snow) then skiing are some of the activities you can do here.

Best Time to Visit Zero Point (Yume Samdong)	March to April and October to December
Distance from Gangtok	146 km
Ideal Duration	2 hours

Places to Visit in South Sikkim

Namchi – Capital of South Sikkim

  Counted among top places in Sikkim for tourists, Namchi is a scenic town in South Sikkim. It serves as the District Headquarters of the South Sikkim district. Along with natural beauty and scenic wonders, Namchi features stunning Hindu and Buddhist religious shrines. It is a go-to tourist spot in Sikkim for both pilgrims and nature lovers. Apart from its monasteries and temples, the main highlight of Namchi is the world’s largest statue of Guru Padmasambhava. Being the capital of South Sikkim district, you will find an array of upscale hotels, resorts, restaurants, offering a premium experience. It is a town that promises natural attractions, religious sites, and modern amenities all bundled up in a beautiful part of Sikkim.

Best Time to Visit Namchi	March to May and September to November.
Distance from Gangtok	80 Km
Ideal Duration	2 days
Top Attractions to Visit in Namchi	Sherdup Choeling and Dichen Choeling monasteries, Siddhesvar Dham temple, Samdruptse Hill, Namchi Ropeway, Namchi Rock Garden, & Ngadak Monastery.

Ravangla – Town for Nature Lovers & Adventurers

  A noteworthy place to holiday in Sikkim is Ravangla. The town is 7,000 feet above sea level and offers an unobstructed view of the Eastern Himalayas including Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Pandim, and Mount Siniolchu. The mesmerising beauty of this state along with top tourist attractions make it among favourite destinations in Sikkim. If you plan to holiday in South Sikkim, Ravangla is a good place to add to the Sikkim itinerary. Trekkers can find a trail to Maenam hill and go for a trekking expedition. Whereas couples and families can hang out in the landscaped gardens of Ravangla. If you are interested in spotting wildlife or birdwatching, Maenam wildlife sanctuary is an ideal place to explore.

Best Time to Visit Ravangla	March to May or September to November
Distance from Gangtok	65 km
Ideal Duration	2 – 3 days
Top Attractions to Visit in Ravangla	Buddha Park or Tathagata Tsal, Ralong Hot Spring, Maenam Hill, Bon Monastery, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Temi Tea Garden – Sikkim’s Only Tea Estate

  Located 22 kms away from Ravangla lies the only tea plantation in Sikkim: the Temi Tea Garden. The tea estate is between Damthang and Temi Bazaar, close to Namchi. The intention behind setting up this tea garden was to provide livelihood to natives of Sikkim. Spread across an area of 440 acres, varieties of tea leaves are grown here including Black tea, White tea, Green tea and Oolong tea. The rolling hills covered in shiny green tea leaves serve as a good backdrop for clicking photos. Along with a variety of teas, you will also find beautiful cherry blossom trees and lush ferns growing in the garden.

Best Time to Visit Temi Tea Garden	March to May and October to November
Distance from Gangtok	46 km
Ideal Duration	3 hours
Timings & Entry Fee of Temi Tea Garden	8 AM to 5 PM; INR 60 per person

Best 5 Places to Visit in Winters in Sikkim

• Gurudongmar Lake: A sacred lake located at an altitude of 17,800 feet, famous for its pristine beauty and frozen landscapes.
• Zuluk: A quaint village offering panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
• Yumthang Valley: Known as the “Valley of Flowers,” it transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered meadows and hot springs.
• Lachung: A picturesque village known for its snow-covered mountains, apple orchards, and the enchanting Yumthang Valley.
• Zero Point: The northernmost point of Sikkim, offering breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains and the Tibetan plateau.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Summers in Sikkim

• Nathang Valley: A hidden gem in East Sikkim, known for its pleasant weather, alpine meadows, and stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas.
• Tso Lhamo Lake: A high-altitude lake located near Nathang Valley, known for its crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings.
• Pelling: A charming town in West Sikkim, offering breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range, ancient monasteries, and vibrant waterfalls.
• Ravangla: A peaceful town nestled amidst the hills, known for its picturesque tea gardens, religious sites, and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• Namchi: A spiritual hub of Sikkim, featuring the towering statue of Guru Padmasambhava, beautiful monasteries, and well-maintained gardens.

Top 4 Places to Visit in Monsoon in Sikkim

• Yuksom: A small town in West Sikkim, known for its historical significance as the first capital of Sikkim. Visit the Dubdi Monastery and enjoy the serene ambiance of this quaint town.
• Rinchenpong: A hidden gem offering panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, quaint village walks, and opportunities to experience rural life in Sikkim.
• Tendong Hill: A beautiful hill station near Namchi, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the Himalayan range during the monsoon season.
• Changey Waterfall: Located near Dentam in West Sikkim, this waterfall is a mesmerizing sight during the monsoon, as it cascades down amidst lush greenery.