Tour India

SIKKIM

“Wonder do come in small packages!”, and if you want to witness this, you must visit the picturesque state of Sikkim. Tucked away in the lap of the magical Himalayas, though it is the second smallest state in the country, its prismatic beauty and mesmeric charm will make you wonder!

The gateway to the North-Eastern corridor of India, Sikkim not only boasts of its enchanting beauty, but also offers and engrossing list of things to do and places to visit as well. If you are planning to visit this charismatic state, here is a list of 15 best places to visit in Sikkim that makes it for a wonderful as well as blissful holiday:                                                                                                                                           

GANGTOK:

Category: History & Culture

Believe it or not, but resisting the alluring charm and appeal of Gangtok is almost impossible for anyone! The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is nestled in the Eastern Himalayas and is one of the kaleidoscopic tourist destinations in the state.

Whether you are looking for serene beauty, lush forests, gurgling rivers or mental peace. Gangtok travel packages will cuddle up you Sikkim holidays. For the nature lovers, a holiday in this scenic city is enough to fulfil all their wishes. On the other for the adventure lovers, they can enjoy cable car rides, river rafting, go for mountain biking and several other activities in Gangtok.

YUKSOM:

Category: History & Culture

Located in the Western parts of Sikkim, Yuksom is the origin of several enthralling treks into the Himalayas or the magical Kanchenjunga. The once a capital of Sikkim, this hamlet is more known for its pristine beauty and rustic appeal.

Also known as the Meeting place of Three Lamas, this Sikkimese village has recently started gaining tourism attention. Well, this is also the reason, you can expect pristine beauty and untouched nature in Yuksom. Home to the oldest monastery in Sikkim, this pictorial hamlet is one amongst the most peaceful and serene places to visit in Sikkim.

TSOMGO LAKE:

Category: Nature

On a visit to Gangtok, do not miss the chance to visit the Tsomgo Lake or the Changu Lake! Located only 38 km from Sikkim’s capital, it lies at an altitude of 12,400ft and is one of the highest lakes in India.

While the lake remains frozen during the winters, summer brings in a magical charm and appeal to Tsomgo. It is during this time of the year, the turquoise water of the lake reflects the amazing views of the nearby peaks and the azure sky above!

NATHULA PASS:

Category: Nature

At an altitude of 14200 ft, the pass is located on the Indo-China border and connects Sikkim to Tibet Autonomous Region in China. The journey itself is an exhilarating experience, with mist covered peaks, zigzag roads and roaring waterfalls, the passage is simply amazing. Visitors are required to get a permit to visit the place.

PELLING:

Category: Nature

Pelling is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination. At an altitude of 6800 ft, it’s the most excellent place to get a closest view of the world’s 3^rd highest peak Mt. Kanchendzonga. Apart from the innate beauty of the place, other attractions in Pelling are the Sanga Choeling Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery and the Khechoepairi Lake.

THE RUMTEK MONASTERY:

Category: Religious

This magnificent monastery is among the top tourist attractions in Sikkim. It provides as a residence for the 16^th Gyalwa Karmapa. The Monastery features some of the extraordinary works of art. The Golden Stupa is the most significant segment of the monastery.

DO-DRUL CHORTEN:

Category: History & Culture

Built by the head of Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945, it has one of the most beautiful Stupas of Sikkim consisting of 108 prayer wheels. It stores various Mandala sets, a set of relics and some other religious possessions. Statues of Gurus are also present there.

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU BOTANICAL GARDEN:

Category: Garden

Established in 1987 the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is situated near Rumtek Monastery and is looked after by the Forest Department of the Sikkim Government. The garden is distinguished by enchanting lush woodlands of Oak, different kinds of trees and orchids.

SIKKIM RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY:

Category: History & Culture

It is a nationally well known centre of Tibetan Studies & Research. The institute is renowned for its huge collection of rare manuscripts, Buddhist books and icons. The building is an excellent example of Tibetan architecture, surrounded by small forests of oak and birch trees. The institute also houses religious works of art and amazing silk embroidered paintings.

Apart from these popular places, Sikkim provides various other places that are popular among tourists. These are:

·        Enchey Monastery

·        Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Monastery

·        Tashiding Monastery

·        Phodong Monastery

·        Phensang Monastery

·        Saramsa Garden

·        Tashi View Point

·        Rabdentse Ruins

·        Soreng

·        Lachung

·        Yumthang

·        Guru-Dongmar Lake.

LACHUNG:

Lachung has multiple reasons to make you fall in love with it! While its location at an enthralling height of 8,610ft makes it a popular snow-destination in Sikkim, its untouched and surreal beauty makes it one of the scenic as well as charming tourist places in Sikkim.

Located in the northern part of Sikkim, this quaint mountain village is adorned by the immaculate beauty of the Lachung Chu River and is also known for the Lachung Gompa. Though this village is one of the mostly visited regions in Sikkim, it still holds an alluring charm that can hardly be found in any other destinations.

RAVANGLA:

Nestled amidst the Maenam and Tendong Hills, Ravangla is among the best places to visit in Sikkim; especially in the southern part of the state. A scenic town between Gangtok and Pelling, this hill-town also hosts some of the most popular treks in Sikkim.

More popular as a paradise for the bird watchers, it is home to some of the most rare and endangered birds in the world. On a usual visit to Ravangla, you can spot dark-throated thrush, verditre flycatchers, blue whistling thrush, babblers, cuckoos and several others.

NAMCHI:

Translated into the native Tibetan language, Namchi means the ‘top of the sky’. And on a visit to this magnificent Sikkimese city this will be proved! Located around 92 km from Gangtok and at a height of 1,675m above the sea level, it is also one of the most gorgeous cities in the state.

More than tourism, Namchi is more considered as a pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists. Amongst the important religious sites, the Namchi Monastery, Tendong Hill and Ralong Monasteries are the predominant. The city also has a 108ft Lord Shiva statue and is visited a large number of Hindu devotees as well.

ZULUK:

Touching a towering height of 10,000ft, Zuluk is one of the least discovered destinations in the entire of Sikkim. Located on the ancient ‘Silk Route’, this quaint Sikkimese village takes the pride of being a vintage point to enjoy panoramic views of the Mt Kanchenjunga.

In addition to the magical beauty of this hamlet, it is also popular among the adventure lovers as the ride to Zuluk takes them through 32 hair-pin bends.

YUMTHANG VALLEY:

A visit to Yumthang Valleys it truly a colorful affair! Located at an elevation of 3,500m, this scenic valley is the home to several exotic, rare and wild flowers. It is often gets pleasantly affected by its treacherous color and alluring beauty!

Come the monsoons, the entire valley blooms at its best and displays the most enchanting color of the nature. Primrose, cobra-lilies, louseworts and cinquefoils are some of the most commonly found species in Yumthang.

GURUDONGMAR:

Last, but not the least in this list is the Gurudongmar Lake! One of the highest fresh-water lakes in the world, this gorgeous place to visit in Sikkim is located at a towering height of 17,800ft and is also known as Tso Lhsmo Lake.

Considered as a sacred lake, the legends say that though this lake remains frozen during the winters, one of its portion never freezes. No matter, how extreme is the weather, this certain portion blessed by Guru Padmasambhava never freezes and thus its water is considered holy by the devotees.

TOURIST DESTINATION NEAR SIKKIM

DARJEELING:

One of the most captivating tourist places near Sikkim with popular toy train ride to famous Darjeeling tea plantations. There are lots of tourist attractions at this place.

SILIGURI:

With its exquisite landscape, distant views of the snow capped peaks and myriad vegetation, Siliguri is a place where tourist can enjoy nature fully.

KALIMPONG:

A fascinating tourist destination near Sikkim which acknowledges its rustic charm, dotted with numerous orchids and monasteries. It’s an ideal place for relaxed vacations against the picturesque backdrop of the Himalayas and also a great place for adventure junkies.

MIRIK:

Popular for its famous Lake and lovely surroundings, this exotic place is perfect for romantic holidays for the newly weds.