Sikkim

Sikkim Tourism is one of the most popular tourist zones in the northeastern part of India.

Sikkim Tour Packages

The exceptional beauty and the friendly attitude of the people makes this place a very famous tourist destination. Sikkim is a harmonious medley of nature’s abundant beauty, cascading waterfalls, unhindered views of Mt.Kanchenjunga, lots of greenery, scenic streams and lots more. The coexistence of Buddhism, Hinduism and the Nepali community is remarkable.

Sikkim Road Map

Places to see in North Sikkim

Lachung

Lachung is a ravishing Himalayan hamlet within North Sikkim. Serpentine rivers, elephantine mountains, cascading waterfalls, etc. are sprinkled on this striking place. In fact, every nook and corner of Lachung exudes charm. Whether you are on a vacation with family, friends, partner, etc. or you are visiting the place as a nature lover or photographer, Lachung will be etched in your mind forever. This breathtaking destination with the ever gorgeous snow clad Himalayan Range will wrap you with eternal bliss. ‘Dr. Joseph Hooker in his ‘Himalayan Journal’ of 1855 mentioned that Lachung and Yumthang are the two most picturesque places in the whole of Sikkim and had even compared them to valleys of Switzerland.’

Places to visit in Lachung

Yumthang Valley

If you have come to Lachung and not visit the Yumthang Valley ‘Ho nahi sakta’.  The valley of flowers as it’s called is approximately 25km from Lachung. Feast your eyes on the different hues of Rhododendrons ranging from pink, blue, red, purple, yellow, etc. Oh, what a sight that would be!  Yumthang Valley has an elevation of 11,800 feet. Not only the nature lover but everyone ‘jo dilke aankhon se dekhte hain’ will find this place no less than a paradise. You need to walk to the Yumthang hot spring on the right side of Yumthang River which is a very popular tourist attraction. The surrounding forested areas dotted with silver fir and pine trees and the famous Teesta making its course in its own sweet pace paint a very charming picture. A further 6 km from Yumthang Valley is Shiv Mandir. It’s a perfect stretch for the trekkers. You can also drive to this place.

Zero Point

One of the major attractions of Lachung is the ‘Zero Point’ which is also called the ‘Yumesamdong’. If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, then a trek to this place ‘toh banta hi hain’. The civilian roads end here and therefore the name-Zero Point’. A rugged road from Yumthang Valley will bring us to the ‘Zero Point’. The scenic views that you will get here are an out of this world experience. You have to see it to believe it, it’s indescribable. Snow covers this area most of the year round and you will get to see yaks grazing on it. The astounding views of the snow capped mountains will enthrall your senses. You will find some local stalls selling everybody’s favourite snack-Maggi and Tea/Coffee. You should try a bowl of hot Maggi while you look at the sensational beauty all around. It is about 23 km from Yumthang Valley.

Hotels in Lachung

Yarlam Resort

Spend your summers and chilly winters in this beautiful Yarlam Wellness Resort. This magnificently built luxury hotel will provide all modern facilities as well as peace and calmness. Your tired travelling soul needs to energise for the tomorrow and this resort is the place to do it. The rich and vibrant well-appointed rooms of Yarlam Resort are nothing short of spectacular. You will remember your stay in Yarlam Resort in Lachung forever.

Lachen

Lachen nahi dekha, toh kya dekha?’ Lachen is beautiful. The spectacular scenery with streams rushing down, alpine grazing land, the unmissable Himalayan range, etc. are always there with you from dawn till dusk. Being an escapist is not very virtuous but if you want to escape from the clutches of commercialisation once in a while and run away to Lachen, fingers will not be pointed at you. Look up, close your eyes and inhale the natural air; open your eyes and look at the Eden all around you. Lachen is the personification of beauty.

Places to visit in Lachen

Gurudongmar Lake

Places like this will make you fall in love all over again. Gurudongmar Lake is the second highest lake in Sikkim apart from being one among the fifteen highest lakes in the world. The lake has an altitude of 17,800 feet. Surrounded by several infamous snowcapped Himalayan peaks with all its grandeur exhibits a view from the lake which will make time stand still. This snow-fed water is one of the prime sources of River Teesta.

Hotel in Lachen

The Apple Orchard

Apple Orchard is an eco-friendly resort in the lap of Mother Nature. The opulent scenic beauty encompasses the hotel. The rooms offer all the necessary requirements. The hotel is actually set amidst an apple orchard. Apple Orchard is the ideal place to put up while visiting the picturesque Lachen valley.

Places to see in East Sikkim

Gangtok

It is a paradise in the misty hills. Lush green valleys, a perfect mix of tradition and modernity, Tibetian culture with stupas and Buddhist monasteries are what make Gangtok so alive. There is the Himalayan Zoological Park for the animal lovers which is also the home of the elusive red panda and other exotic flora and fauna. Take out some to gaze at the Mighty Kanchenjunga. Gangtok provides the same charm as most of the quaint hill stations, still, it holds onto its own with its culture and supremacy over others.

Places to visit in Gangtok

Tsomgo (Changu) Lake

Verdant green scenery on all sides covers this lake. There is a little temple of Lord Shiva. On cloudy days, fogs mask the Changu Lake. This can be one of the best places in India and the entire world. Do not waste your time in hate and regret, rather soak up and absorb the beauty of the Tsomgo Lake even when it’s frozen which is the norm all year round. This place signifies the epitome of beauty. Beautiful flowers and plants encircle this stunning lake. Yaks rides are available for tourists. There is a Tsongo passenger ropeway at Tsongo Lake, on the way to Baba Mandir and Nathula.

Nathu La Pass

Crowned as one of the highest motorable roads in the world, Nathu La Pass is perched on the Indo-Chinese border. The place has an awesome atmosphere and spectacular sceneries all around. ‘Sun raha hain na tu’ that Nathu La means ‘listening ears.

Rumtek Monastery

It is not only one of the notable monasteries of Gangtok but also a very picturesque one. It sits atop a hill that is around 23km from Gangtok. Once known as Dharma Chakra Centre, this marvelous monastery is resplendent with art and architecture. Constructed in the 16th century, Rumtek Monastery is an important seat for Buddhists and preaches Buddhism all around the world.

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Placed between Jelepla pass and Nathula La Pass, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is a very famous temple and thronged by tourists from all over the world. This temple was built in loving memory of Sentry Harbhajan Singh.

Sikkim Silk Route

The Silk route or the Old Silk Route passes through East Sikkim. This ancient trade route was the main passage for trading commodities, mainly silk between India and China. The winding roads, mind-blowing environment transforms into a wintery paradise. Visit some stunning places such as Lungthung, Lingtam, Menmecho Lake, etc.

Reshikhola

It’s an off-beat destination on the borders of Sikkim in Kalimpong. It’s surrounded by bright green forests, cascading streams and sky-high thick mountains.

Aritar Lake

Touted as one of the oldest lakes in Sikkim, verdant green pine forests encircle Aritar Lake or Lampokhari Lake. There is a beautiful pathway around the lake for the visitors to stroll around and get views from different angles. Boating in this boot-shaped lake ‘ka mazaa kuch aur hain.’ Aritar Gumpa Monastery, Mankhim Temple, Aritar Dak Bungalow are some of the points of interest in Aritar.

Phadamchen

It’s situated at the silk route circuit of Sikkim. It’s a charming village with stunning vistas of hills and valleys. Butterflies and birds add a lot of colour to this place.

Zuluk

Zuluk’s heart is like an open highway. The serpentine roads, the green valleys, the dense mountains and the clouds passing over them to some other unknown land are few of the scenic beauties of Zuluk. Zuluk is a sheltered village sprinkled on the valleys and hills. Here you might feel the thrill of your life or the calmness of eternity but this surreal experience is life-altering.

Gnathang Valley

Would you like to watch the Sunrise from behind Mt.Kanchenjunga from a new destination which is at a height of 13200ft? Come to Eagle’s Nest Bunker in Gnathang Valley. This place showcases its different beauty in different seasons. If you want to see real ‘jannat’ up close and personal, Gnathang Valley is the place to be.

Rolep

Rolep is an off-beat destination. This little untouched village provides solitude amongst the green mountains and lush valleys. It’s situated by the side of the gushing Rolep Khola. Indulge in some fishing, village walks and bird watching here. Some fabulous spots in here include the Dekiling Monastery, Rolep Valley and Buddha Cave.

Places to Stay in Rolep

Wild Yetis Homestay

It’s a decent accommodation with basic facilities. This is placed in the center of luscious greens in charming Rolep.

Limbugaon

Limbugaon is an off-track destination that is close to Gantok. Peace finders and explorers will find it a Heaven.

Yakten

Yakten is a small peaceful hamlet in the elevated areas of the Himalayas. The mist wrapped land with pine forests and splendid views of Mt.Kanchenjunga and the other peaks illustrates the virgin beauty of this unconventional destination. You can hike along the Budaang Gadi & Jhandi Dara trails.

Places to Stay in Gangtok

Elgin Gangtok

This worldly hotel is located right on the heart of Gangtok. This hotel is like a time machine. Once you enter, you will be transported back to the era when Kings and Queens lived. This opulent resort has kept its authentic splendor intact. The author of ‘city of joy’- Dominique Lapierre and other renowned personalities such as Mark Tully, Prince of Sikkim, Michael Douglas among others have stayed here. This opulent hotel offers magnificent rooms with spectacular views of the Himalayas.

Mayfair Gangtok

Sprawling over an area of 48 acres, Mayfair Gangtok is one of the best resorts in Sikkim. Mayfair Gangtok provides lavish accommodations and peerless ambiance. This striking hotel has a lot of services to offer to its prestigious guests ranging from spa, casino, swimming pool, gym, etc. There are four eateries serving a delectable fare. The caring staff of Mayfair Gangtok is always there to ensure you have a flawless stay at the hotel.

Places to see in South Sikkim

Ravangla

The skyline of Ravangla looks stunning due to the majestic Himalayan Range. That’s not all. There are other features of Ravangla which makes this place so ravishing like the cascading waterfalls, pretty villages, tropical flora and fauna, verdant Tea Gardens, etc. Some of the beautiful places to visit Ravangla are the Buddha Park, Temi Tea Garden, Bon Monastery, Palchen Choeling Monastery, Old Ralang Gompa, etc.

Hotel in Ravangla

Buddha Retreats

This is a strategically located luxury resort amidst lush greens and the snow-crowned Himalayas. Wake up to the melodious tunes of the birds in the surroundings. The peaceful locales, the sweet breeze, make this retreat a perfect haven for the tourists. The spacious rooms with traditional Sikkimese architecture add grandeur to the retreat and provide all contemporary facilities.

Borong

Borong is a minuscule hamlet that emits an equal amount of charm and tranquility. It’s about 17km from Ravangla. Trees and hills enclose this picturesque village. The beautiful snow-crowned Mt.Kanchenjunga along with its besties- Pandim and Narsing, serve as a marvelous backdrop. This is also the Heavenly abode for birds. Trekkers, Hikers, nature enthusiasts and everybody else will love this place. Visit the Barmeli Bridge, Vanjan Valley, Fatam Village, and the quaint monasteries.

Barfung

This is a rural village near Ravangla. Barfung is only a 20-30mins drive from Ravangla. It is nestled amidst the luxuriant greenery of the surroundings. The Mighty Mt.Kanchenjunga towers over everybody, except for one and the magnificent vistas of nature all around will help you to de-stress and will urge you to ‘jee le zaara’.

Namchi

Namchi is snuggled among the breathtaking Himalayan Range. The virgin mountain settlement away from the chaotic cities gives a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city life. ‘In dino dil mera’ wants to go to the less traveled paths and offbeat destinations like Namchi. This panoramic place with gorgeous mountain ranges, verdant valleys, rich forests, temples, and monasteries can soothe you and provide you with solace. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, the humongous statue of Lord Siva which is the Char Dham, etc. are few places to see in Namchi.

Temi Tea Garden

The vast stretches of green lying on a sloping hill against the blue sky seem like a painting that’s come alive. Sikkim’s only Tea Garden till date happens to be one of the best in the world. The area is full of ferns and cherry blossom trees. ’Ek garam chai ki peyali ho’- sipping the flavourful Sikkim tea in the chill and watching the beauty of Mt.Kanchenjunga from your resort’s balcony is an unparalleled experience to cherish forever. Temi Tea Garden is an establishment by the Government of Sikkim since 1969.

Hotel in Temi

Cherry Resort

This mountain resort in Temi is wrapped by verdant tea gardens and the dense foliage all around. You will get a full circle view of Mt.Kanchenjunga. The Teesta River trickles down a gorge below. The rooms are expansive and have a private deck to look out at the horizon. This marvelous resort offers a bunch of facilities along with additional amenities of holding conferences and other special events. Cherry Resort maintains eco-tourism and high international standards of hospitality.

Chalamthang

This place is located at a distance of about 42 km from Gangtok, 98 km from Siliguri and around 17 km from Temi Tea Gardens. Chalamthang lies at an elevation above Singtam town facing the snow-covered ranges of Nathula and the valleys in front. The literal meaning of Chalamthang is ‘orange farm’.

Thasa

This picturesque place is near Temi Tea Gardens which offers some magnificent valley views. Completely out of this world, this place is still unknown and as such untouched by commercial tourism. An offbeat place in its truest term.

Baiguney

Baiguney is a biodiversity hub in the state of Sikkim. It lies on the fringes of West Sikkim. The panoramic landscape of Baiguney with profuse greenery and tall mountains all around is a perfect off track destination which will be admired by one and all. ‘Pyar to hona hi hain’ with this picturesque Eden of Sikkim.

Places to see in West Sikkim

Pelling

This place in West Sikkim has the loveliest vistas of the Mt.Kanchenjunga and its surrounding ranges. There is a quaint monastery called the Pemayangste monastery which is within one kilometer of Pelling. The Sanga Choling monastery which was constructed in 1697 lies on the opposite side of the hill of Pemayangste monastery. Other landmarks of Pelling are the Singshore Bridge, Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga Falls, etc. Pelling also has ideal spots for rock climbing, trekking, mountain biking, etc.

Hotel in Pelling

Elgin Pandim

Set on the lush green forest and manicured gardens, the Elgin Mount Pandim is a luxury retreat providing serenity and solitude among the Himalayas. All the lavish rooms offer beautiful vistas of the Singalila range. This state of the art lifestyle complex exudes royal charm. Elgin Pandim is beside Pemayangtse monastery which is 300 years old. This becomes the dwelling of all eminent personalities namely Mr.Narendra Modi, Aparna Sen, Amol Palekar, etc. when in Pelling.

Chumbi Residency

Chumbi Residency blends the contemporary with the conventional. This hidden gem lies in the Chumbi Mountain. The spacious rooms with beautiful décor reflect the old world charm. Mt.Kanchenjunga can be seen from the rooms. This lavish resort is the ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate in the tranquil surroundings of the charming nature.

Yuksom

Yuksom is pretty as a picture. This enchanting little village has snow-crowned mountains and an attractive landscape. Yuksom has Buddhist traditions and has a result has quaint monasteries. Yuksom translates into ‘meeting of the three lamas.

Rinchengpong

It’s a newfound tourist destination in West Sikkim. The place is famous for the breathtaking landscape of Mt.Kanchenjunga and its neighbouring peaks.

Kaluk

Kaluk is a charming village very near to Rinchengpong. This unconventional territory offers outstanding views of Mt.Kanchenjunga. Pristine nature, ample history and deep-rooted culture adorn this gem of a place in Sikkim.

Chayataal

Chayatal is located at a height of 600ft above the water level. This place is at a distance of 32km from Pelling. Chayatal is a secluded place amongst nature. Beautiful hillocks, verdant forests, gushing waterfalls, colourful Rhododendrons, Red Pandas, etc. covers this little settlement of Chayatal. The word ‘taal’ sometimes means lakes. There is a picturesque dark green lake which is a very popular tourist spot.

Hilley Varsey

This is an apt place for hikers and trekkers. The trail through the thick forest is mesmerising. There is also a Barsey Rhododendrons Sanctuary. When the Rhododendrons blooms it sets the area alight with its vibrant colours.

Hee Bermiok

Hee and Bermiok are twin hamlets that lie cozily at the base of Chayatal. The glistening waters of Chayatal Lake reflect the statue of Sirijanga. The major attractions are Sirijanga Holy Cave, Sirijanga Yuma Mangheem, Ban Jhankri Falls, Hee Khola Water Garden, etc. Adventure lovers can indulge in mountain biking. This place is the natural abode of over 65 species of birds.

How to reach Sikkim?

The newly constructed airport in Pakyong, Sikkim has made travel very easy. So you can travel by air or else take a train to NJP Railway Station. From there if you already have a booked car, you can avail that or hire a car.