Sikkim
Sikkim is a beautiful state located in the northeastern part of India at the foothills of the Himalayas.
Sikkim is one of the smallest states in India, despite its small size, but its beauty is very captivating.
With its stunning natural beauty, adventure sports, and cultural and spiritual lifestyle, it is emerging as one of the most popular and eco-friendly states in India.
Sikkim attracts a lot of domestic and foreign tourists. Adventure
Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, is located in this region and is considered very sacred by the people there.
Its lush green valleys, pristine rivers, flowing waterfalls, hot springs, alpine lakes, and waterfalls are a treat for tourists.
One of the most visited places is Tsomgo Lake , also known as Changu Lake, which is a glacial lake at an altitude of 12,310 feet and changes color with the seasons. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, so It is a fascinating place, especially visited by tourists in winter.
Sikkim's cultural heritage is evident in festivals like Losar, Pangsol Sen and Bihar, through its traditional dance, music and cuisine.
Sikkim also has many Buddhist monasteries.
If you are a nature lover, spiritualist or spiritual person, there is a lot to see in Sikkim.
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. From Gangtok, you can see the stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. The bustling markets here are worth a visit. Gangtok is known as a city of rich Buddhist culture and a city of vitality.
Main Attractions :
* MG Marg (shopping & dining)
* Rumtek Monastery
* Tashi View Point
* Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
* Ganesh Tok & Hanuman Tok
* Banjhakri Falls
How to Reach :
By Air :
Gangtok is around 125 km from Bagdogra Airport
By Train :
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Bengal is 25 kilometers away.
By Road :
It takes 4 to 5 hours to reach Gangtok by road from New Jalpaiguri. Taxis or
Shared Jeeps are available.
2. Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
Tsomgo Lake ( Changu Lake ) is a beautiful glacial lake located at an altitude of 12,300 feet above sea level. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and remains frozen in winter.
Nearby is the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. This temple has an interesting legend attached.
How to Reach :
By Road :
It is well connected by road, 40 kilometers from Gangtok. These sites require
a special permit due to their proximity to the Indo-China border. Taxis are
available from here.
3. Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is once part of the historic Silk Route.
This pass connects India with China and offers a chance to see the scenic views and border gates from the heights.
How to Reach :
By Road :
It is well connected by road, 56 kilometers from Gangtok. A special permit is
required to visit it. The route is usually open from Wednesday to Sunday.
4. Lachung and Yumthang Valley
Lachung is a picturesque village surrounded by snow-capped peaks in North Sikkim.
From Lachung, one can also visit Yumthang Valley and Zero Point, which is known as the "Valley of Flowers". This is where the road ends and the snow begins.
Main Attractions :
* Zero Point (Yumesamdong)
* Yumthang Valley
* Hot Springs
How to Reach :
By Road :
Lachung is around 120 km from Gangtok. The journey takes 6-8 hours
via private cabs or shared jeeps arranged by local tour operators. Foreigners
require a special permit, and overnight stay is usually required due to distance.
5. Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake
Lachen is a beautiful and scenic village in Sikkim. It is home to Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. It is located at an altitude of 17800 feet above sea level. Buddhists and Sikhs consider this place very sacred.
Main Attractions :
* Lachen village
* Gurudongmar Lake
How to Reach :
By Road :
Lachen is 120 km from Gangtok.
Gurudongmar is 65 km from Lachen. Permits are mandatory for this trip and
only Indians can visit it. You can take a taxi from Gangtok. Overnight stay
in Lachen available.
6. Pelling
Pelling is in West Sikkim. From Pelling, you can see the scenic view of Kanchenjunga Range. There are also ancient monasteries, waterfalls and cultural sites in Pelling.
Main Attractions :
* Pemayangtse Monastery
* Rabdentse Ruins
* Sky Walk and Chenrezig Statue
* Khecheopalri Lake
* Singshore Bridge
* Rimbi and Kanchenjunga Falls
How to Reach :
By Road :
Pelling is 130 km from Gangtok by road.
It is 115 km from Siliguri.
Taxis are available from both these places. The journey takes about 5 to 6
hours as the roads are very winding and the scenic spots can be seen on this road.
7. Namchi
Namchi is the capital of South Sikkim. It is a religiously important place. You can also see the panoramic views of the mountain ranges from Namchi. It is also an emerging destination for spiritual tourism.
Main Attractions :
* Char Dham ( replicas of India’s four major pilgrimage sites )
* Samdruptse Monastery with giant Guru Padmasambhava statue
* Tendong Hill
How to Reach :
Namchi is 78 km from Gangtok and 95 km from Siliguri. Taxis are available
from both places. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours.
8. Ravangla
Ravangla is a small town in Sikkim, this town is known for its peace, beautiful and grand Buddhist garden, and a beautiful Buddhist monastery and the grand Buddha Park ( Tathagata Tsal ). It has a 130-feet Buddha statue.
How to Reach :
By Road :
Ravangala is 65 km from Gangtok by road and 80 km from Philling. Regular
taxis are available here and it is well connected to other cities by road.
9. Yuksom
Yuksom is also known as the historical capital of Sikkim. It is the starting point for Goechala Trek . It is a spiritual place with historical monasteries and ruins.
Main Attractions :
* Norbugang Coronation Throne
* Dubdi Monastery
* Karthok Lake
How to Reach :
By Road :
Yuksom is 125 km from Gangtok and 40 km from Pelling. Private taxis are available
from here.
10. Zuluk and Silk Route
Zuluk is a remote village in East Sikkim and the historic Silk Route passes through this village. This village is a part of the Silk Route.
How to Reach:
By Road :
Zuluk is 90 km from Gangtok.
Since it is close to the Indian border, permits are required for both
Indian and foreign tourists. Local tour operators arrange entire Silk
Route circuit trips.
Getting to Sikkim ( General Travel Information )
By Air :
Nearest Airport is :-
* Pakyong Airport is 30 km from Gangtok but flights are limited.
* Bagdogra Airport is 125 km from Gangtok with continuous flights.
By Train :
Nearest Railway Station is :-
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station ( NJP ) is the main railway
station near Siliguri which is connected to major cities in
India by train.
By Road :
Sikkim is connected to Siliguri by National Highway No. 10.
The roads in Sikkim are narrow and hilly but the scenic beauty
of Sikkim can be seen while travelling on that road.
Best Time to Visit :
March to June :
Ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and outdoor activities with pleasant weather .
October to February :
Perfect for cooler weather and exploring the state’s natural beauty .
Monsoon (June to September) :
Heavy rainfall might make it challenging for travel but is
the best time for waterfall lovers.
Inner Line Permits (ILP):
Indian citizens need permits for restricted areas like Nathula, Gurudongmar, and Zuluk.
Foreign tourists require a Restricted Area Permit ( RAP ) for trips to North Sikkim and East Sikkim, which is usually provided by travel agents.
Conclusion
If you are ready for a trip to one of the most beautiful states in India, then visit Sikkim. Sikkim is the perfect blend of its serene beauty, exciting scenery and spiritual retreat. Here, high-altitude lakes, ancient monasteries, lively markets and peaceful villages are all found at the foothills of the Himalayas. All the tourist places in Sikkim ensure an unforgettable experience for the travelers.
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