Khadijatul KobraBest Places to Visit in Sikkim
Sikkim is a small Northeastern state in India. This gem is for travelers seeking natural beauty, rich culture, and unique experiences, making it a heaven for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and spiritual travelers.
It is a stunning travel destination known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and peaceful environment.
Sikkim is known for its extraordinary beauty reinforced by majestic peaks like Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, and Buddhist monasteries like Rumtek, Pemayangtse, and Tashidin.
But Sikkim is not just restricted to being a scenic destination. This place can be a peaceful ambiance ideal for meditation and self-reflection.
Lets see now the Best Places to Visit in Sikkim
Gangtok, The Capital City
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is an unspeakably beautiful tourist destination. It is for you if you’re looking for calm beauty, dense forest, beautiful rives, or mental peace. Gangtok is is the most Best Places to Visit in Sikkim
MG Marg (Mahatma Gandhi Marg) is one of the most iconic and vibrant streets in Gangtok. It is known for shopping, cafes, and cultural charm.
At the MG Marg, we mostly look for Tibetan carpets, hand-knitted woolens, and traditional clothes and accessories. It also has several outlets selling premium Sikkim tea, organic spices, and local wine.
There are some cozy spots with scenic views and cafes serving delicious pastries, coffee, and momos. For coffee lovers, there are some great spots for espresso, lattes, and small bites cafes with live music. They also have fine dining restaurants and local delights.
Tsomgo Lake is one of the most serene and picturesque spots, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and alpine forests. It changes colors with the seasons and is often partially frozen in winter.
Locals consider the lake sacred, and you’ll often find prayer flags fluttering around its surface.
And A cable car ride is one of the most popular tourist activities in Gangtok. The cable car runs in a three-station system from Deorali Bazar to Tashiling Secretariat.
- Deorali Station (starting point)
- Namnang Station (midway)
- Tashiling Station (endpoint)
During the ride, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, the deep valleys, and the flowing rivers below. The ride takes about 7-10 minutes one way. Each car can carry 24 passengers.
Also Enchey Monastery is located about 3 km from Gangtok. It is one of the most beautiful and spiritual monasteries in Sikkim. Built in 1909, it is a stunning example of Buddhist architecture featuring vibrant prayer flags.
And The views of the Kanchenjunga from the monastery compound are awe-inspiring. This is an important Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism, revered as a place of powerful blessings.
Pelling For Stunning Mountain Views
Pelling, a hill town in West Sikkim, is a must-visit destination for stunning views of the Kanchenjunga. This place offers some of the best sunrise and sunset views. The Pelling Skywalk, India’s first glass skywalk, provides a thrilling experience of walking above valleys.
From there, we can enjoy a view of the giant statue of Chenrezig.
One of the oldest and most important monasteries of Sikkim is Pemayangtse Monastery. It has ancient paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts and has a peaceful location overlooking the hills.
The ruins of Rabdentse are near the Pemayangtse Monastery. Here, the remains of Sikkim’s former capital are shown. The remnants of the royal palace and the prayer halls can be seen.
You will discover stone features that mark the royal throne, known as the “Namphogang,” on which the king used to sit with his council.
An example of the era’s royal palace and other buildings can also be seen here.
However Pelling is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls cascading down the lush green hills, making trekking to these natural wonders exciting and serene.
The Kanchenjunga Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Sikkim and is definitely worth a visit. The waterfall can be reached by road, but you can walk the remaining distance on a rocky path to get closer to it.
The trek is quite short (5 – 10 minutes) but quite steep and challenging, with the sound of the rushing water.
Yuksom– The Historic Town & The Best Places to Visit in Sikkim
Yuksom is a village in remote West Sikkim. It is a historic town that was the first capital of Sikkim and is famous for its cultural heritage. The city is ideal for travelers looking for tranquility, trekking, and a taste of Sikkim’s past.
The oldest monastery in Sikkim is Dubdi Monastery, established in 1701 by the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. A hermit’s cell is also known as “Dubdi.” From the hilltop, we can see Stunning views of Yuksom and the surrounding valleys.
However This monastery was built in 1701 by the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also known as ‘Dubdi’ or the ‘Hermitage’. The views of Yuksom and the surrounding valleys are stunning from the hilltop.
Norbugang Coronation Throne-A Face to Sikkim’s History. Situated at Yuksom, West Sikkim, it is an ancient and sacred site that heralds the beginning of the Chogyal dynasty. The stone throne, the Throne of Norbugang, is the main attraction.
This stone throne has four seats, one for each of the three Lamas who crowned the king and one for the king.
Yuksom, a small town in West Sikkim, India, is the starting point for the famous Goechala Trek. It is also the base camp for this trek and the gateway to Kanchenjunga National Park, where trekkers get ready for their journey to Goechala Pass for magnificent views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
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Lachung and Yumthang Valley – The Valley of Flowers
North Sikkim’s Lachung and Yumthang Valley are some of the prettiest spots in the Indian Himalayas. The second name of Yumthang Valley is “Valley of Flowers.”
Lachung is the Gateway to Yumthang, a small yet scenic hill camping site surrounded by waterfalls, apple orchards, and snow-capped mountain peaks. Lachung Monastery is one of Sikkim’s most picturesque monasteries, serving as the base for visiting Yumthang Valley and Zero Point.
Rhododendron Sanctuary in Full Bloom: The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in Yumthang Valley is a haven for nature lovers, particularly in the spring season when the valley is abloom with a riot of colors from blooming rhododendrons.
Moreover The time in the extreme for full bloom is March to May. The colorful flowers, verdant meadows, and snow-covered mountain peaks make this trip a photographer’s fantasy.
Lachen – The Gateway to Gurudongmar Lake
Lachen is a picturesque Himalayan village in North Sikkim and is one of the primary entries to the stunning Gurudongmar Lake, one of the world’s highest and most holy lakes. The place offers a perfect combination of Tibetan-Buddhist culture, adventure, and natural beauty, surrounded by snow-crowned peaks and scenic landscapes.
The name of the lake comes from the famous guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have crossed this area during his visit to Tibet.
Gurudongmar Lake, situated in the Himalayas of North Sikkim, is beautiful and one of the world’s highest lakes. Water, peaks, and spirituality- cold and clear, it can be aptly named the “Crown Jewel of Sikkim.”
This natural aura is further enhanced by the presence of a monastery and the colorful prayer flags. As the oxygen levels are low at this altitude, it is advised that tourists spend only 20 to 30 minutes on the banks of the lake to avoid altitude sickness.
Chopta Valley, hidden in North Sikkim, is an unblemished haven covered with green meadows and multi-hued rhododendron forests with charming snow-covered schematics.
This unheralded jewel also offers the most awestruck views of the Himalayan ranges and serves as a good stopover en route to Gurudongmar Lake.
The valley’s peace getaway declares a much-needed rehab for relaxation and nature photography while adding musk deer, Himalayan blue sheep, and exotic high-altitude birds to the ever-so-welcoming list.
It has vibrant festivals, rich traditions, and lush tea gardens. Whether you’re attending Buddhist celebrations, local cultural events, or simply taking a leisurely walk through the scenic tea estates, this journey has its blend of spirituality, festivity, and natural beauty.
Namchi – The Best Places to Visit in Sikkim
Namchi, which means “Sky High” in the local Bhutia dialect, is a significant cultural and spiritual destination in South Sikkim. Monasteries with a stunning view, giant religious statues, tea gardens, and Mount Kanchenjunga combine to make Namchi an ultimate destination for travelers looking forward to spirituality, culture, and nature’s beauty.
Char Dham is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimages. It boasts a 108-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva, replicas of the four sacred Char Dhams of Badrinath, Rameshwaram, Dwarka, and Jagannath, stunning views from the hilltop, and a peaceful spiritual experience.
Samdruptse literally translates to ‘The Wish-Fulfilling Hill.’ It is one of the most sacred places for the people of Sikkim. It houses the gigantic 118-foot statue of Guru Padmasambhava, better known as Guru Rinpoche, who was the patron saint of Sikkim and the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.
The hill offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas; it’s a must-visit destination for both spiritual seekers and nature lovers. From the top, one can see Mount Kanchenjunga and the Teesta River.
Sikkim oozes with colored premier festivals and Emerald Teas Estates. This safari will lead one on an unforgettable journey of spiritual uplift, celebration, and pictorial beauty, from Buddhist masked dances to organic tea plantations.
The festivals in Sikkim epitomize the varied cultural heritage- the blending of Buddhist, Nepali, and indigenous Lepcha traditions.
Zuluk – For Offbeat Explorers
Zuluk is a small village in East Sikkim, an emerging offbeat destination with an abundance of Himalayan views, thrilling hairpin bends, and virgin natural beauty. Once part of the historic Silk Route, Zuluk boasts serenity, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes, appealing to most travelers.
It is a series of 32 thrilling hairpin bends, offering a dramatic Himalayan drive.
Thambi Viewpoint is the highest panoramic viewpoint of East Sikkim, offering the most spellbinding aerial beauty of Zuluk Loops and the mighty Kanchenjunga range.
Standing tall at an elevation of 11,200 feet, this viewpoint is a ‘must-see’ for sunrises, photographers, and road trippers. Thambi Viewpoint, considered one of the best sunrise points in Sikkim, can show the golden first light oozing from Mount Kanchenjunga without any barrier.
Ravangla – On of the Best Places to Visit in Sikkim
Ravangla is a quiet hill station at an elevation of 7,000 feet in South Sikkim. It is a paradise for mountain views, monasteries, and a quiet ambiance. Perfect for nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and offbeat travelers, Ravangla offers a blend of cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes.
The Buddha Park, known as Tathagata Tsal, is a Buddhist pilgrimage in Ravangla. It’s a 130-foot-tall golden statue of Lord Buddha overlooking the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings of the Himalayas.
Made of copper and gold, this statue is the tallest Buddha statue in Sikkim. It is in a sitting posture with a meditative pose that preaches peace.
One of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim is Ralang Monastery. It is lying near Ravangla in South Sikkim. To seekers of spirituality, connoisseurs of culture, and photography enthusiasts, the monastery shows serene surroundings with magnificent Himalayan views amidst a treasure trove of Tibetan architecture.
Predominantly speaking, the monastery bears the signature style of Tibetan architecture portrayed in bright murals, woodcarvings, and gold-plated roofs. You can always hear the holy Buddhist chanting sound and rituals taken up by monks.
The Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary near Ravangla is a secret haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. It houses over 200 species of birds, many of which are endemic to the Himalayas.
A few noted ones include:
- Himalayan Monal: Sikkim’s state bird
- Blood Pheasant
- Black-headed Jay
- Great Barbet
- Snow Partridge
- Grey-hooded Warbler
- Rufous Sibia
Nathang Valley – A Winter Wonderland
Nathang Valley, situated at 13,000 feet above sea level, is one of the most beautiful destinations in East Sikkim. This valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, wide-open meadows, and clear blue skies, is fondly called the “Ladakh of East Sikkim” due to its rugged beauty and high-altitude landscape.
This is a place that should not be missed by adventure seekers, nature lovers, and winter enthusiasts, especially in the winter months when it becomes a winter wonderland. During winter, that is, from December to February,
Nathang Valley wears a snow-clad wonderland view with great views of snow-capped mountains, icy rivers, and frost-covered meadows-skating, skiing, snowboarding, and snow fights.
Nathang Valley offers trekking opportunities. A trek to the nearby Maenam Hill (10,300 feet) is another highlight for adventure lovers. It is ideal for offbeat travelers since the valley is unexplored, providing a sense of isolation and peace.
The sun rising above the Himalayas in Sikkim is a treat and nothing less than magic. The whole landscape transforms into a golden, pink, and purple spectacle as the first light of dawn touches the snow-capped mountains.
Whether at Nathang Valley, Ravangla, or Zuluk, watching the sun rise behind the grand Himalayan range with the full view of Mount Kanchenjunga is a treat.
Sikkim, the beautiful Himalayan paradise, offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, and vibrant wildlife. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or a seeker of spiritual tranquility, the Best Places to Visit in Sikkim have something for everyone.
From the towering peaks of Kanchenjunga to serene monasteries, pristine lakes, and lush valleys, Sikkim’s charm is simply unmatched. The Best Place to Visit in Sikkim will not disappoint.
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Tanim Islam
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