Sikkim Travel Guide: 13 most stunning places to visit

Sikkim is a state of northeast India. It is known for its snow-covered hills, green valleys, deep Buddhist culture and beautiful environment. Tucked away in the lap of the magnificent Himalayas, its natural beauty and amazing charm will make you wonder. It is famous for Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest peak in the world, and offers lively monasteries, vibrant festivals and rich biodiversity. In this blog, we’ll explore the best places to visit in Sikkim that should definitely help you to guide top attractions in Sikkim, things to do, best time to visit and Sikkim tourist package.

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim, a mix of peaceful atmosphere and traditional charm with MG Marg for relaxed walks, local restaurants and shopping. Sikkim holds much natural beauty. Lakes like Tsomgo and Gurudongmar truly shine. You will see bright rhododendron forests. Waterfalls crash down its slopes. These sights make Sikkim a great place.

Top 13 places to visit in Sikkim:

Sikkim is not just a  destination; it is an adventure that touches every traveller’s soul with its rich natural beauty. Majestic mountains to the lively monasteries, green valleys to the vibrant culture everything should attract you.  Here are the top 13 tourist places to plan for your perfect holiday trip and explore lots of things & wonderful places in Sikkim.

1. Gangtok: The Lively Capital of Sikkim

Gangtok is a lively hill town in Sikkim, offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, adventure and vibrant culture. It is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim attracting tourists with its stunning mountain views and vibes. Here you are able to explore cascading waterfalls, peaceful lakes, the wonderful view of the Kanchenjunga, and many more. Top tourist attractions to visit in Gangtok are MG Marg, Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Hanuman Tok and Banjhakri Falls. MG Marg is best for evening walk and shopping where as Tsomgo Lake enclosed by mountains perfect for photography. Every spot in Gangtok offers deep calm. A unique peace fills the air. You find true joy in every place.

• Location: East Sikkim.
• Key Attractions: MG Marg, Tashi View Point, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Cable Car Ride.
• Best Month to Visit Gangtok: Visit Gangtok from March to April. The weather is very pleasant then. October to November also great.
• Accommodation Options: Gangtok provides accommodation for all price range. Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino, Denzong Regency offers a premium stay with mountain views. On a tight budget? Check out Hotel Pandim. Tagalong Backpackers is another good choice.
• Best places to eat in Gangtok: Baker’s cafe in MG Marg is famous for bakery items. For real Tibetan flavours, try Taste of Tibet. Their momos and thupka are a must. Parivar Restaurant offers cheap North Indian thalis. It is great for vegetarians.
• Time required: 1 to 2 days are enough to visit in Gangtok.

2. Tsomgo Lake: The Sacred Glacial Beauty

Tsomgo Lake is one of the must-visit tourist places in Sikkim. Some call it Changu Lake. It is surrounded by snow covered mountains, blooming rhododendrons and other flowers. Yak rides, watch migratory birds always attract tourist to the lake.

• Location: East Sikkim. Tsomgo Lake actually located on 38km away from Gangtok.
• Key Attractions: Yak rides near the lake, snow covered views in winter.
• Best time to visit: December to February is perfect to visit Tsomgo Lake for snow views.
• Accommodation Options: Tsomgo Lake is very protected area. There is no hotel or any other accommodation options near the lake. Tourists mainly stay in Gangtok.
• Best Places to Eat: Baker’s Cafe, Roll House, Taste of Tibet.

• Time Required: 1 to 2 hrs time required at the lake for enjoying the view, photos, ride and snacks.

3. Nathula Pass: Gateway to China Border

Nathula pass is one of the highest motorable roads and top tourist attractions in Sikkim. Whole Year, it is covered with snow layer and offers stunning Himalayan views. It is best one day tour for snow, photos, rides and adventures.

• • Location: East Sikkim.

• • Key Attractions: Stunning Himalayan views, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, Indo-China border.

• • Tips: It’s closed on Monday and Tuesday. Other day visit on 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

• • Accommodation Options: It is best to stay in Gangtok. You cannot stay overnight at the pass itself.

• • Time Required: Plan about 30 to 40 minutes at the pass. Rules limit how long you can stay. Be sure to visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple close by.

4. Yumthang Valley: The Valley of Flowers

Yumthang Valley is another must-visit spot in Sikkim. It is known for its vibrant and blooming flowers and snowy mountains. Its many colourful flowers give it the name “Valley of Flowers”. This is a great spot for tourists. Nature fans will love it here. It is also perfect for taking pictures. Rhododendrons, grazing yaks, and hot springs are famous here. The valley looks stunning in springtime.

• • Location: North Sikkim.

• • Key Attractions: Colourful Flowers, Snow covered mountains, Yaks.

• • Accommodation Options: It is best to stay in Lachung. In Lachung, there is all budgets hotel available. Yarlam Resort and Summit Alpine Resort are good for mid-range budgets. If you seek lower prices, consider Apple Valley Inn or Delight Lachung Heritage.

• • Best Time to Visit: Spring is the best time to visit Yumthang Valley. That is from March to May.

• • Times Required: It is almost 2 to 3 hours needed for exploring the valley.

5. Lachung: The Quaint Himalayan Village

Lachung, beautiful Himalayan village is one of the best tourist attraction in Sikkim. It is surrounded by apple orchards, waterfalls and mountains. It is the gateway to Yumthang Valley and Katao. A peaceful atmosphere, calm rivers, breath-taking mountain views and beautiful scenery in Lachung attracts every tourists.

• • Location: North Sikkim

• • Key Attractions: Lachung Monastery, Snow covered mountains, Apple orchards and waterfalls, gateway to Yumthang Valley and Katao.

• • Accommodation Options: Lachung provides accommodation for all price range. Yarlam Resort, Delight Lachung Heritage offers a premium stay with mountain views. Apple Valley Inn and Lachung Homestay are perfect for travelers on a budget.

• • Best time to visit: To see vibrant flowers, visit from March to May. For stunning snowy views, plan your trip between December and February. You will love the snow-covered mountains. And in my opinion avoid to visit in monsoon season.

• • Time Required: 2 to 3 days needed.

6. Pelling: The Land of Monasteries and Views

Pelling is a stunning hill town and one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. It is a perfect trip destination for every nature lovers and those who love to see stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga peak, monasteries and waterfalls. Do not miss the Skywalk. It offers incredible views looking down into the valley.

• • Location: West Sikkim.

• • Key Attractions: Stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Skywalk, Khecheopalri Lake known as wish fulfilling lake, Pemayangtse Monastery and Sangacholing Monastery is the key attractions of Pelling.

• • Accommodation Options: Pelling provides accommodation for all price range. The Chumbi Mountain Retreat, Magpie Chestnut Retreat offers a premium stay with mountain views. Hotel Snow View and Hotel Simvo are good for saving money. For a mid-range stay, pick The Elgin Mount Pandim or Norbu Ghang Resort.

• • Best Places to Eat: Must try local momos and thukpa. Some famous restaurant in Pelling are Melting Point Restaurant, Big Bowl and Lotus Bakery.

• • Best time to visit: Want to see amazing flowers? Plan your trip from March to May. If snow-covered peaks are your goal, visit between December and February. And in my opinion avoid to visit in monsoon season.

• • Entry Fees: Pelling town has no entry fees. But the skywalk costs 60 rupees.

• • Times Required: 2 days needed.

7. Ravangla: For Peace and Nature

Ravangla is a beautiful village that offers amazing views of the Himalayas. The main attraction of Ravangla is Buddha Park with a huge 130 foot Buddha statue.

• • Location: South Sikkim

• • Key Attractions: Buddha park with a Buddha statue is the main key attractions in Ravangla. Other attractions are Rayong Sunrise, Ralang Monastery and Bon Monastery.

• • Accommodation Options: Ravangla provides accommodation for all price range. Barfung Retreat, The Elgin Mount Pandim offers a premium stay options. In Ravangla, Hotel Meanamla and many homestays are budget-friendly. For mid-price options, look at Buddha Retreat or Hotel Zumthang.

• • Best Places to Eat: Kookay Restaurant, Taste of Sikkim

• • Entry Fees: INR 50 needed for Buddha park entry.

• • Times Required: 1 to 2 days trip needed.

8. Zuluk: Offbeat Sikkim Experience

Zuluk, a small mountain village is one of the beautiful tourist attractions in Sikkim. It is famous for Zigzag road with stunning mountain views.

• • Location: East Sikkim.

• • Key Attractions: Zuluk Zigzag Road, Nag Temple

• • Accommodation Options: Local Homestays, Zuluk Himalayan Homestay

• • Time Required: 1 to 2 days needed.

9. Gurudongmar Lake: High-Altitude Serenity

Gurudongmar Lake is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim, located near the Indo-China border. This lake is famous for clear blue water was surrounded by snowy mountains. This place is ideal for those who loves nature, photography and adventure.

• • Location: North Sikkim

• • Key Attractions: Amazing blue lake at 17,800 ft, snowy mountain views.

• • Entry Fees: Free

• • Times Required: 1 to 2 days needed.

10. Namchi: The Cultural Hub

Namchi a must-visit place in Sikkim, offers peaceful environment, giant statue, fresh air, vibrant culture and a famous religious centre. It is famous for amazing Statue of Guru Padmasambhava situated at Samdruptse Hill. Namchi is a top place to see in Sikkim.

• • Location: South Sikkim

• • Key Attractions: Char Dham with giant Shiva statue, Samdruptse Hill, Namchi Rock Garden

• • Accommodation Options: Hotel Samdruptse, Namchi Residency best option for budget tourists. Summit Sobralia Resort & Spa ideal for luxury tourists.

• • Entry Fees: INR 50-100 per person needed for Char Dham entry.

• • Time Required: 1-2 days needed for a complete Namchi exploration.

11. Yuksom: Gateway to Kanchenjunga Base Camp

Yuksom is one of the hidden tourist attractions in Sikkim. It is a calm, green village offering stunning views, Monasteries and a tranquil environment.

• • Location: West Sikkim.

• • Key Attraction: The main attraction of Yuksom is Dubdi Monastery. It’s the oldest monastery in Sikkim. Other attractions are Kathok Lake, Coronation Throne of Norbugang.

• • Accommodation Options: Homestays, Hotel Demazong, Yuksom Residency all are good with affordable budget.

• • Time Required: 1-2 days are needed for Yuksom exploration.

12. Rumtek Monastery: Spiritual Heart of Sikkim

Rumtek Monastery is one of the unique please to visit in Sikkim. It is famous for Buddhist architecture, colourful flags and the environment. It is a perfect combination of peace and culture. This spot is perfect for nature lovers. It’s excellent for photos.

• • Location: East Sikkim.

• • Key Attractions: Great monastery architecture, Golden Stupa and Buddhist relics.

• • Accommodation Options: Rumtek Monastery provides accommodation for all price range. The Elgin Nor-Khill has nice rooms. Mayfair Spa Resort is also a good choice. They have amazing views. For smaller budgets, try Hotel Rumtek Dzong. You can pick local homestays too.

• • Entry Fees: INR 20-30 per person.

• • Time Required: 2 to 3 hours.

13. Kanchenjunga Falls: Gorgeous Tumbling Beauty

Kanchenjunga Falls is another top spot in Sikkim. It is known for its powerful water flow and green surroundings. Nature fans and photographers will like it here too.

• • Location: West Sikkim.

• • Key Attractions: Powerful waterfall with greenery surroundings are main attractions on this spot.

• • Entry Fees: INR 20 – 30 per person.

• • Time Required: 30 to 45 minutes needed.

Best time to visit Sikkim

• • March to June ( Spring – Early summer) : Temperatures stay between 15°C and 25°C. This weather is perfect for sightseeing. Enjoy car rides and photography. Comfortable weather, clear sky, rhododendrons and orchids in bloom, best for Gangtok, Pelling, Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Nathula Pass.

• • September to November (Autumn) : Another time of year offers cooler air. Temperatures sit between 10°C and 20°C then. Post-monsoon clear sky, stunning Himalayan views perfect for tourists.

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How to reach

• • By Air: Pakyong Airport (PYG), Gangtok is the nearest airport. Direct flights are few from Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. If PYG is not an option, use Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Siliguri. It offers many flights from major Indian cities. You can take cabs(INR 500-700), local taxi(INR 3000-3500) in Bagdogra to reach in Sikkim.

• • By Train: In Sikkim, there is no railway station. The two nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Siliguri and Siliguri Junction.

• • By Road: Sikkim is well connected roadway from West Bengal, cabs & buses are easily available.

What makes Sikkim a Must-Visit destination

Sikkim is a heaven for every tourist, every nature lovers and adventure explorers. From the lively street of Gangtok, the stunning views of Nathula pass, the serene monasteries of Pelling, to the colourful flowers of Yumthang Valley, each chapter of Sikkim offers a unique adventure. This is what causes Sikkim a must visit destination, calling you to explore its treasures and feel its beauty with each step you take.

Pack your bags. Charge your camera. Explore the true beauty of Sikkim.

Also read my another blog: ” 5 places to visit in Rajasthan“.