The second smallest state of India, Sikkim is home to glistening glaciers, countless waterfalls, beautiful valleys, meandering rivers, and varieties of flowers. Sikkim is one of the beautiful states in the Northeast region of India that sits pretty in the lap of the Himalayas and offers surreal sceneries that none can refuse. There are many places on earth that can keep you enamoured for a long time with its spectacular views, and Sikkim is one such place. Nestled in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is one destination in India that attracts tourists from all around the world. Sikkim has so many places to visit, and these beautiful places can be counted as some of the many assets of the country. Among its mountains is the majestic Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world. Also, Sikkim is the least populous state bestowed with a greater variety of vegetation and undisturbed valleys, five climatic zones, total sanitation, a peaceful environment, hospitable and humble people, and rich cultural heritage.
Tourism is a huge factor in Sikkim and is taken quite seriously to give tourists reasons to visit year after year. Sikkim is beautifully landlocked with immense natural beauty and has everything that will help you relax from the tiredness of vigorous day-to-day activities. There are many places you can visit and explore in Sikkim and be stunned by the beauty of these places. Sikkim is a small wonderland and is one of the most popular places tourists visit in the Northeast region of India. This state has a total of four districts, and each district of Sikkim has many different places that you can visit and be totally awed by the beauty that it offers.
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is in the East district, and this district alone has so many places to visit. Some of the famous places to visit in East Sikkim include MG Marg in Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Ganesh Tok, and Hanuman Tok to name a few.
While there are so many things to do in East Sikkim, you will be stunned by the mesmerizing views of the valleys and mountains in the West district of Sikkim. Some of the popular places to visit in West Sikkim are Pelling, Yuksom, and Khecheopalri Lake.
The beautiful state of Sikkim in India is a slice of heaven, and you can witness it clearly in the north of Sikkim. The North district of Sikkim is one of the places unlike any other in the country. Like other places in Sikkim, the north of this state will take your breath away with its spectacular views of the mountains, snowfall, the fragrance of a variety of flowers, and gushing waterfalls. Visiting places in the north of Sikkim will give you the peace of mind you have been looking for. Some famous places to visit in the North district of Sikkim are Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang Valley, and Gurudongmar Lake.
South Sikkim also has quite a number of places to visit where you can enjoy the countryside and the hills in all its glory. Some places tourists love to visit in South Sikkim are Ravangla, Namchi, and Temi Tea Garden. There are more places you can visit in Sikkim and explore; here is a list of the most popular places to visit when you are in Sikkim.
Places to Visit in East Sikkim:
Gangtok: One of the best hill stations in the country is this beautiful capital city of Sikkim. Gangtok in Sikkim is one of the popular places that give spectacular views of Mt. Khangchendzonga in the distant skyline.
Bird's eye view of Gangtok city from the ropeway
Some of the famous places to visit in Gangtok Sikkim are:
• MG Marg: MG Marg in east Sikkim is the most happening place in the capital. There are many cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy good food. You will not be able to resist shopping at MG Marg as well as spending time wandering around places nearby.
• Tashi View Point: Just 8 km away from the capital, Tashi View Point in Sikkim is one of the few places from where you can get the perfect view of the sunrise at dawn and color-changing sunset at dusk.
• Bakthang Waterfalls: On your way to Tashi View Point you can visit this amazing place with a beautiful waterfall. Bakthang Waterfalls in east Sikkim close to the roadside and in the middle of a green valley. There are some cafes nearby. This is one of the places you should visit in Sikkim to enjoy delicious tea while enjoying the view.
• Ganesh Tok: Ganesh Tok is a popular Ganesh temple just 15 minutes away from Gangtok. The place where the temple is located is a place of tranquility with a fresh breeze always passing by. This is one of the places you must visit in Sikkim. You will also be able to get a good view of the town from here.
• Hanuman Tok: Not very far from Ganesh Tok is Hanuman Tok; it is the temple of the god Hanuman, and people from all over Sikkim come to offer their prayers here. It is also one of the places tourists love to visit.
• Cable Ride in Deorali: The cable ride in Gangtok provides visitors a bird’s eye view of the town. This is located in a place called Deorali.
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: After enjoying your ride in the cable car at Deorali you can visit this religious/educational place. It is one of the most peaceful places to visit and is cradled by lush green forests of birch and oak trees. This is one of the most honored research centers of Tibetan history and culture around the globe.
• Ban Jhakri Falls: This is a steep waterfall in east Sikkim and is a popular tourist spot. This place is also associated with the history and stories of jungle priests.
Tsomgo Lake: Sikkim is blessed with immensely beautiful landscapes, a variety of vegetation, snow-draped mountains, fresh flowing water, and many stunning lakes. Tsomgo Lake is one of those stunning places to visit in Sikkim. Most of the year, the lake and its surroundings come alive with a carpet of flowers. During winter, the lake freezes, and snow covers everything, which looks equally stunning. This is one of the places in Sikkim you must visit.
Nathu La Pass: Nathu La Pass is one of the main attractions in east Sikkim. This pass was used to link India and Tibet and used to be a part of the old silk route in ancient days. Nathu La Pass is one of the many places that require an Inner Line Permit for Indian tourists to visit due to the close proximity of the neighboring countries. It is also the second-highest mountain pass and one of the must-visit places in Sikkim.
Zuluk: Zuluk or Dzuluk is also known as the famous “Silk Route” and is one of the most popular places among tourists to visit in Sikkim. Zuluk has roads with a large number of turns, and the views below the valleys look just out of the world. During winter, the place is totally covered with snow, and in spring and summer, the hills are covered with a variety of flowers.
These are just a few places in east Sikkim but there are more and you must visit them all. When you are in Sikkim, you can always explore places and find yourself somewhere stunning among humble, good-hearted people. Some of the other famous places to visit in other parts of Sikkim are:
Places to Visit in West Sikkim:
Pelling: Pelling is a small town beautifully settled in the west district of Sikkim. This town has many places visited by people from around the globe. One of the popular places to visit in Pelling, Sikkim, is the famous skywalk. A high glass bridge has been constructed as the main attraction for tourists in front of Sangacholing Monastery.
Yuksom: Yuksom is an old small town in Sikkim and is perfect to visit for people seeking a quiet retreat in the hills. This place is surrounded by lush green hills and dense vegetation. This place is also a base camp for trekking to Mt. Khangchendzonga and not very far from the one and only national park of Sikkim – Khangchendzonga National Park.
Barsay Rhododendron Sanctuary: Barsay is one of the important places in Sikkim and a popular spot that travelers love to visit. It lies in the southwest of Sikkim, and people also come here to trek. The sanctuary is enriched with 600 varieties of rhododendron and many other species of flora. During full bloom, this place feels no less than heaven.
Goecha La: There is a place for everyone in Sikkim—from people who love to visit places and enjoy wildly, people wanting to spend their holidays quietly in the hills of a village, to people who live for adventures. Sikkim offers it all and strikes a perfect balance between admiring the beauty and exploring it. The Goecha La trek is a famous trek route and takes more than a week to complete. It provides you the perfect thrill you’ve been seeking.
Rabdentse Ruins: Rabdentse Ruins in west Sikkim is an archeological site that sings the glory of Sikkim’s history. When you visit this place, you will be able to see the historic ruins and the remains of long wars between three princes of Sikkim in the past. During summer, the weather is exceptionally pleasant, and the temperature remains moderate, which is perfect to move around and explore the place and other places nearby.
Rabdentse Ruins: The palace area
Places to Visit in North Sikkim:
Gurudongmar Lake: Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and in India. This Lake is considered to be very holy and is encircled by snow-capped mountains. It is one of the must-visit places in North Sikkim.
Yumthang Valley of Flowers: Yumthang Valley is a paradise on earth. It is full of natural wonders and picturesque beauty and is one of the must-visit places in Sikkim in the north. Like many other places in Sikkim, you will see a segment of heaven in this valley; home to a zillion beautiful flowers, spectacular mountains, and a fresh serene river, this valley is often called the “Valley of Flowers.”
Lachen/Lachung: Lachen and Lachung are small villages in the north of Sikkim and are popular tourist places because of the many waterfalls that are present there. Also, Lachen has some of the most historic places to visit like the Nyingma order of Himalayan Buddhism and the Lachen Monastery. While you visit these places, you will see glimpses of snow-covered mountains that offer spectacular views.
The tiny hamlet of Lachung in North Sikkim
Places to Visit in South Sikkim:
Namchi: Namchi is a town set in a picturesque location of south Sikkim that offers spectacular views of Khangchendzonga and Rangit Valley. There are many places tourists love to visit in this part of the state, and some of them are:
• Samdruptse: This place in south Sikkim has a giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava and is considered as the wish-fulfilling place by everyone. It is one of the famous places tourists visit in Sikkim.
• Rock Garden: Rock Garden in the south district of Sikkim is located between Namchi town and Samdruptse. This place has many attractive flowers, plants, and varieties of trees. Many waiting sheds and viewpoints can be found here.
• Siddheswar Dham / Char Dham: Siddheswar Dham, popularly called Char Dham in Namchi, is one of many religious places in Sikkim and is also a famous tourist spot to visit. The place replicates four popular pilgrimages in India - Badrinath, Jagannath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram.
• Sai Mandir: Not very far from the Char Dham is a Sai Mandir, a huge beautiful sai temple that tourists never miss visiting.
Ravangla: This dainty town in south Sikkim with phenomenal views of rolling valleys, village huts, and high-forested hills makes this place an ideal holiday destination. When you visit Ravangla, you can see the majestic mountain Khangchendzonga. During winter, snowfall occurs and adds to its beautiful landscape. There are many places to visit in Ravangla and one of the famous places is:
• Buddha Park: The Buddha Park in Ravangla hosts a beautiful statue of Sakyamuni Buddha clearly visible from everywhere in southwest Sikkim. The statue is on top of the hill surrounded by a beautiful park with ample walkways, gardens, and open space for visitors to enjoy the serene surroundings.
The towering statue of Guru Padmasambhava in Namchi
There are countless reasons why you should visit this beautiful state of Sikkim. You must visit Sikkim to witness the natural beauty of the state and enjoy your holidays in the hills. During spring and summer, you can see the state blooming, and in winter you can experience the chill and enjoy snowfall in Sikkim. This state has become one famous dream destination for people all around the world, and Sikkim gets visitors in large numbers every year. Though small, Sikkim is the best and the richest when it comes to its natural splendor. Sikkim stands out for its unparalleled natural beauty, bewitching and dramatic landscapes, majestic mountains, dazzling waterfalls, beautiful green hills and rivers in shades of green hue, and not to forget the warm hospitality of the convivial people welcoming everyone. Your visit to Sikkim will be unforgettable and you’re sure to take home wonderful memories with you.
