When it comes to the holiday season, everyone does want to make the most of it. The reason – everyone needs a break from the hectic schedule of life. If you are someone who doesn’t like visiting and exploring the cliché travel destinations, then the several hill stations near Gangtok will blow your mind.
The unique thing about these hills stations is the fact that majority of the tourists don’t even know they exist because of how underrated they are. To help you pick the best, we have sorted through some of the most beautiful hill stations around Gangtok that are worth visiting.
11 Best Hill Stations Near Gangtok
It isn’t untrue that Gangtok is a beautiful travel destination but it is often overcrowded, especially during peak seasons. If you are looking for a recluse from the constant hustle of life, visiting Gangtok is not something you’d want to do. With that aspect in mind, here is a list of some of the best hill stations near Gangtok that carry the weight of an offbeat vacation:
- Aritar – A Pristine Hill Station
- Lachen – Scenic Environment And Natural Beauty
- Yumthang Valley – Touches The Limits Of Beauty
- Lachung – An Amazing Spot
- Yuksom – Base For Adventure
- Pelling – Heavy Dose Of Natural Splendor
- Legship – With An Abundance Of Natural Beauty
- Geyzing – Beautiful Hamlet In The Hills
- Zuluk – Village Above Clouds
- Mangan – The Magical Place
- Ravangla – Discover Breathtaking Scenery
1. Aritar – A Pristine Hill Station
Located in Sikkim, Aritar is one of the underrated yet mesmerizing hill stations near Gangtok which is known across the country and the world for its pristine beauty. The place is also doused with several temples and monasteries that you can visit and explore on your own. This is considered one of the best spots for solo travellers. It is located in the eastern part of Sikkim and is quite an important town.
The fact that Aritar is an untouched spot, you do get to witness the beauty of nature at its primal fear. The vibrant greens and the tranquil gush of water around do make this a place worth remembering. It is also quite close to Gangtok, so you can make a trip out of it easily.
Distance from Gangtok: 68 km
Best time to visit: Later summers or early winters
Things to do: Witness the beautiful waterfalls and visit the temples and monasteries
How to reach: You can take a private rental car from Gangtok
Special Attractions: Que Khola Falls, Lampokhari Lake, and Mulkharka Lake
Places to Stay: The Aritar Retreat, The Gyaltsen Home Stay, Mozaulay River Retreat
Must Read: Gangtok Honeymoon: A Handbook About This Ultimate Paradise In Sikkim!
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2. Lachen – Scenic Environment And Natural Beauty
Nestled in the beautiful northern part of Sikkim, Lachen is another one of the popular hill stations near Gangtok that you will notice around near Gangtok. The place is famous across the country for the Lachung monastery. The combination of the serene environment paired with the natural beauty of the place does make this a place worth spending your time in.
Majority of the people who do visit Gangtok visit Lachen as well. The place is a popular destination among the Buddhist tourists and is often visited by people who want some peace because of the small population of people around. Lachen is also known for the popular Tso Lhamo lake. The natural beauty and the lush greenery and vegetation do make this a place worth visiting and being in.
Distance from Gangtok: 120.4 km
Best time to visit: Winter months
Things to do: Explore the nature, visit the Lachung monastery
How to reach: Take a cab from Gangtok
Special Attractions: Lachen Monastery, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and Zero Point Yumthang Valley
Packages Starting From: ₹ 14,966/-
Places to Stay: Summit Panghen Metok Hotel, Delight The Fortuna Lachen, Delight Lachen Heritage
Suggested Read: 13 Honeymoon Places In Gangtok And Darjeeling For Your Romantic Trip
3. Yumthang Valley – Touches The Limits Of Beauty
Another one of the well known hill stations near Gangtok, in the north of Sikkim that is worth the visit is the Yumthang Valley. Also known as the Valley of Flowers, this is located very near to Lachen. The place is beautified with the presence of hot springs, rivers and the beautiful greenery of the area around. It is located 3564 meters above the sea level and offers some of the most breathtaking views that you just can’t miss out on.
The unique thing about the place is that it is believed that some of the hot springs around in Yumthang Valley have healing powers. The place is also closed for tourists in between December to March owing to the heavy snowfall it experiences. There are beautiful pine forests and a plethora of waterfalls around too that you can witness around and even during the journey to the Yumthang Valley.
Distance from Gangtok: 134.4 km
Best time to visit: Anytime except December to March
Things to do: Explore the hot springs and witness the waterfalls
How to reach: Take a cab from Gangtok
Special Attractions: Valley of Flowers and Yumthang Valley
Places to Stay: Apply Valley Inn, Yarlam Resort, Padma Resort
Suggested Read: Sikkim Wildlife: 8 Awe-Striking Top Sanctuaries and National Parks
4. Lachung – An Amazing Spot
Another one of the famous hill stations near Gangtok that is worth visiting in Lachung. Even this one is located in North Sikkim and accounts for one of the most popular sites to visit and explore. This is also the place where two tributaries, Lachen and Lachung meet. So, witnessing that can be a rewarding experience as well. The hill station is quite popular for the diverse range of waterfalls that it has. The view of the snow-capped majestic mountains that you can witness there makes this trip worth all the effort without any complaints.
If you visit during the season, you might also come across a wide range of apple orchards as well. This is also quite an amazing spot to indulge in some shopping, especially of the handmade crafts and items.
Distance from Gangtok: 115 km
Best time to visit: Winter months
Things to do: Witness the tributaries, waterfalls and the apple orchards, indulge in shopping
How to get there: Take a private rental car from Gangtok
Special Attractions: Zero Point, Yumthang Valley
Packages Starting From: ₹ 14,966/-
Places to Stay: Yarlam Resort, Snow Lion Mountain Resort, The Fortuna Resort
Suggested Read: 10 Beautiful Lakes Near Gangtok To Visit On Your Next Vacation
5. Yuksom – Base For Adventure
Another one of the underrated hill stations near Gangtok, Yuksom is nestled in the western region of Sikkim and the quaint village is known for its enigmatic and untouched natural beauty. It is located near the Khangchendzonga National Park and is covered in a thick blanket of greenery and vegetation. Yuksom serves as a popular spot and base camp for trekking journeys in Sikkim.
The village also holds important historical significance as the first Chogyal was crowned here back in the year 1642. Apart from natural beauty, you can also visit several religious spots around. The Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu monasteries are two of the most popular monasteries that are visited by tourists year-round. While there, make sure to visit and witness the popular Khecheopalri Lake as well.
Distance from Gangtok: 120 km
Best time to visit: Winter or Autumn months
Things to do: Explore the Khecheopalri Lake and the Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu monasteries
How to reach: Take a cab from Gangtok
Special Attractions: Fam Villa, Tashiding Monastery, and Kanchenjunga Falls
Places to Stay: Vamoosetrail Yuksom, Vamoose Mama’s Kitchen, Summit Newa Regency
Suggested Read: Gangtok Food: 5 Scrumptious Dishes To Try On Your Vacay!
6. Pelling – Heavy Dose Of Natural Splendor
If you want to be a cliché tourist and visit a hill station that every tourist visits, Pelling is the place you need to be in. The best thing about this place is its natural beauty and the kind of spots that you get to experience. It is located in the western part of Sikkim and is the second-largest tourist visited spot after Gangtok. The most important and popular site of attraction the Khangchendzonga and the peaks are surrounding that.
While you are there, make sure to visit the Pemayangtse monastery as well which is one of the most popular sightseeing spots. If you want a heavy dose of both nature and adventure at the same time, Pelling is the spot that you need to visit and explore without fail.
Distance from Gangtok: 129 km
Best time to visit: Winter months
Things to do: Witnessing the Khangchendzonga peak and the Pemayangtse monastery
How to reach: Take a private rental car from the city of Gangtok
Special Attractions: Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse Ruins
Packages Starting From: ₹ 11,119/-
Places to Stay: Hotel Snow View on Cloud Nine, Delight The Touristo, BluBen Alpine
Suggested Read: River Rafting In Sikkim: When On A Vacation, Just Go With The Flow
7. Legship – With An Abundance Of Natural Beauty
Legship is a hill town located in west Sikkim with an abundance of natural beauty. Located on the banks of Rangit river, Legship is blessed with a lot of natural springs, monasteries, temples and scenic views. A real treat to discover on your journey to an offbeat destination, Legship also contains trekking trails to satisfy your adventure lust. With a rich flora and fauna, your vacation could not get any better for a leisurely stay in paradise land.
Distance from Gangtok: 95 km
Best time to visit: February to May; September to December
Things to do: Visit the temples, monasteries and admire natural beauty
How to reach: Hire a cab or private car to drive through the scenic routes of Sikkim which takes about 3-4 hours of travel.
Special Attractions: Sanga Choeling Monastery, Bon Monastery, Bermiok
Places to Stay: Magpie Pachhu Village Resort, Martam Farmhouse, Magpie The Chestnut Retreat
Suggested Read: Check Out These 14 Places To Visit In Namchi, The Culture Capital Of Sikkim!
8. Geyzing – Beautiful Hamlet In The Hills
Geyzing is a small hill station in the western part of Sikkim and connected by a metalled road with Gangtok. Apart from getting widespread views of the Kanchenjunga peaks, Geyzing is mostly known for its spiritual side in the form of monasteries and temples. You will find a heavy influence of the Nepalese community here including in cottages, the food, people and items to buy in the markets.
Distance from Gangtok: 100 km
Best time to visit: April to June
Things to do: Visit the Rabdentse Ruins and monasteries, bath at the waterfalls
How to reach: Roads are the best option and either take a local bus which might take you more time than hiring a cab or taxi and reach within 4 hours.
Special Attractions: Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, Ralang Monastery
Places to Stay: Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa, Hotel View Point, Monal Heritage Home
Suggested Read: Guide To Dzongri Trek In Sikkim – A Glimpse Into The Heaven
9. Zuluk – Village Above Clouds
Image Credits: Madhumita Das for Wikimedia
Zuluk is a small hamlet located in the eastern part of Sikkim at a height of 10,000 feet above sea level at the Himalayan foothills. It is very popular by the phrase “village above the clouds” and rightly so. Catching a glimpse of the mountains from the village can be one of the best experiences during your visit. The valley is guarded by lush green trees, viewpoints and trekking trails. The best part about Zuluk sightseeing is that crowds are not its specialty, which is all the more reason to visit Zuluk.
Distance from Gangtok: 88 km
Best time to visit: All throughout the year
Things to do: Get picture-perfect shots from viewpoints and trek
How to reach: Hire a cab from Gangtok and take all important permissions
Special Attractions: Lungthung, Nathang Valley, Tukla, Memencho Lake
Places to Stay: Zuluk Snowlion, Zuluk Sojourn Homestay, Mukhia Homestay Zuluk
Suggested Read: 48 Places To Visit In Sikkim: Extraordinary Realms In The North East
10. Mangan – The Magical Place
Image Credits: Prabhat for Wikimedia
The unexplored, pristine and magical hill station of Mangan is another top hill station near Gangtok that is simply a natural haven. The charming village has acres of forests, green trees, snow-covered mountains which will attract nature lovers and vacationers. Mangan is also popular among spiritual seekers with Buddhist monasteries and chants that overpower the area. The soul-soothing ambiance of this hill resort might just be the perfect vacation spot during summers.
Distance from Gangtok: 65 km
Best time to visit: April to July
Things to do: Visit the heritage house, admire the natural splendor and get awesome views
How to reach: Hire a jeep or taxi to reach Mangan or take a bus if you like to spend a little less
Special Attractions: Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Labrang Monastery, Sirijonga Yuma Mangheem
Places to Stay: Munlom Nature Resort, Hotel Tamarind, Malawlee Homestay
Suggested Read: 28 Things To Do In Sikkim For Unbeatable Adventures In Breathtaking Landscapes!
11. Ravangla – Discover Breathtaking Scenery
Image Credits: Masum Ibn Musa for Wikimedia
Visit the southern part of Sikkim to discover the breathtaking scenery called Ravangla. Otherwise popular for a range of reasons like monasteries, sightseeing options, adventure sports and temples, Ravangla is one of the perfect weekend getaways near Gangtok. The colossal mountains and Himalayan forest will make you stay here for more than a weekend. The height and landscape gives rise to some of the best routes for trekking in Sikkim.
Distance from Gangtok: 70 km
Best time to visit: All year round
Things to do: Visit the monasteries and stroll through nature parks
How to reach: Hire a taxi from Gangtok
Special Attractions: Buddha Park, Rayong Sunrise View Point, Bhaleydhunga, Glass Skywalk
Places to Stay: Hotel Cloud’s End Retreat & Cafe, Hilltop Rabong Resort, Buddha Retreat
Further Read: Gangtok Travel Tips: 8 Essential Things One Must Remember To Have A Safe Trip To This Little Town!
If you have been excited to plan your trip to one of the hill stations near Gangtok then these are some of the best options you can look into. Make sure that you plan things ahead of time, mainly because of the kind of rush the spots experience. Irrespective of wherever you are visiting, you will only get the best experience. So, trip to Sikkim and get going!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations Near Gangtok
What are some of the best hill stations in Sikkim?
While the majority of the tourists tend to only know of Gangtok as the hill station in Sikkim, there are several other options that they aren’t aware of. Some of the most popular ones include Pelling, Lachen, Lachung and a lot more.
Does it snow in Pelling?
Pelling does receive snowfall, especially during December and January, so if you want to experience a fresh snow, visiting during that time is the best way to go.
Is it safe to visit Gangtok?
If you are planning on visiting Gangtok, be assured that the place is more or less safe to visit, even for solo female travellers. Just make sure the plan things accordingly so they aren’t all over the place.
Which hill station near Gangtok can be explored on a day trip?
If you want to visit a hill station from Gangtok on a day trip, Aritar is the best place to be in. This hill station is located around 60 km away from Gangtok which is quite nearby.
What is the best time to visit the hill stations near Gangtok?
Since the majority of the people visit Gangtok and Sikkim, in general, to witness the snow, visiting during the winter months is often considered the best option. The months between September to June are considered the peak months.
How many days are enough for exploring hill stations near Gangtok?
Well, if you are visiting Gangtok and then visiting the adjoining hill stations, it is best suggested that you do visit for at least 7 days to get the best experience.
Is it necessary to book the tickets to Gangtok beforehand?
If you are visiting during the peak season, it is a given that you should make all your bookings beforehand to avoid the rush and surged prices.
Which hill station is the best for shopping near Gangtok?
Apart from Gangtok, you will find amazing handicrafts around in Pelling as well, so you can explore there too. The woven items are one of the best there.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
