Sikkim is one of the beauties in north eastern part of India. It is nicely tucked away and beautifully landlocked with immense natural beauty, it has all the components which would sooth you from the tiredness of vigorous day-to-day activities.
Apart from stunning sights, one can also experience the bliss of snowfall in Sikkim when on their Sikkim holiday. To make it a wonderful exploration, here are a few places to visit in Sikkim that must make it to your plan.
1. Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo lake which is located just 38 km away from the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, is among the most popular tourist places in Sikkim. A snaky road through rocky mountain topography and strident mountains which takes you to the Tsomgo Lake is a lot of adventure in itself.
Key Attractions:
- Migratory ducks like the Brahmini
- The beautiful flowers such as Primulas, Blue and Yellow Poppies, and Irish
- Yaks and ponies ride
Precautions: Start early to avoid late night travel; and roads are not properly laid out
How to reach: A cab ride from Gangtok will take 2 hours for you to reach almost all Sikkim tourist places
Best time to visit: Jan to Mar – for snow; April to May – for Rhododendrons and Orchids; and Oct to Dec.
Suggested Read: Seven Sisters Of India – An Introductory Guide For A Memorable North-East Tour In 2018!
Sikkim-Gangtok-Darjeeling Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Visit Sikkim and explore Yumthang valley, Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok, Nathula Pass, and Pelling. Experience peace and tranquility while exploring Buddhist monasteries, snow-capped mountains, and wildlife sanctuaries. Book packages inclusive of airport transfers, cab, resort, sightseeing, and meals.
2. Yuksom
Yuksom is an old historic town in west Sikkim bestowed with natural beauty and uninterrupted trail for trekkers. If you are looking forward to spending some quiet moments in the shadow of nature away from the hustle bustle of the city, then this is it.
Key Attractions:
- The historic Norbugang Park
- Tashi tenka, which was a historic royal palace promises wonderful views
- The oldest monastery the Dubdi Gompa
- Kathok Wodsalin Gompa – a newly constructed monastery, also famous for the statue of Guru Padmasambhava
- Goechala Trek
- Khangchendzonga National Park
Precaution: Poor lighting on the roads
How to reach: 6 to 7 hours by road via Jorethang from Jalpaiguri, the nearest railway stop. The nearest airport is in Bagdogra, 12 km west of Siliguri, about 170km from Yuksom.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
Must Read: 31 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit North East India
3. Nathula Pass
Nathula pass, located in the Himalayas, connects India with Tibet. The pass, at 4,310 m above sea level forms a part of a side-shoot of the prehistoric Silk Road. Definitely one of the places to visit in Sikkim without fail.
Key Attractions:
- Yak safari
- Border Gates of India and China
- A beautifully built war memorial
- Exhibition Centre of the Indian Army
- Mt Chomolhari
Precautions: Oxygen levels are low; and there could be traffic jams due to adverse weather conditions
How to reach:
Road – 4 to 5 hours by bus from the east of Gangtok (54 km)
Train – Nearest railhead is Siliguri, 165 km away, and takes 4.5 hours by taxi.
Flight – Nearest airport is at Bagdogra, 190 km from Nathula.
When to visit Nathula: May and October; Opens for Indians only from Wednesday to Sunday
Must Read: 10 Indian Destinations Where Your Domestic Trip Might Turn International
4. Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang Valley
Lachen is a distant village in North Sikkim and the winter home for Tibetan nomadic tribes. Lachung is also a high altitude village of Tibetan and Bhutia people in North Sikkim. And Yumthang is a beautiful valley bounded by snowcapped mountains. All three are extremely beautiful tourist places in Sikkim. One must visit this place for experiencing snowfall in Sikkim.
Key Attractions:
- The picturesque journey from Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake
- Gurudongmar Lake which is often frozen in winters
- The colorful rhododendron bloom
- Lachung Gompa where the largest Buddhist shrine is located
- Lachung Monastery, Handicraft and Lachung Village
- Mt Pandim, Mt Kabru, Mt Simvo, Mt Jopuno, Mt Khangchendzonga and Mt Siniolchu enroute Gangtok Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Sub-zero temperature and 360 degree snowcapped highlands at Yumesamdong / Zero-point
Precaution: Low oxygen levels
How to reach: Take a taxi from the nearest railhead in New Jalpaiguri (Siliguri). The nearest airport is at Bagdogra.
When to visit: March–June is pleasant; and December–January for snowfall
5. Ravangla
Furrowed by dense forests and outstandingly balanced on a ridge superintending an extensive swish of western Sikkim, Ravangla assures one of the most beautiful mountain views. It is a popular tourist place in Sikkim and draws many nature lovers every year.
Key Attractions:
- Tathagata Tsal, a Buddhist park
- Mane Choekhorling Gompa
- Pang Lhabsol, which displays religious prayers and songs
- Hikes and treks
Precaution: Forests are very dense, beware of wildlife.
How to reach: Take a cab ride after Jalpaiguri station, which is 94 km from Ravangla
Best time to visit: March–June
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6. Namchi
Namchi is blessed with fresh air which is fragmented with the aroma of lush flora. The beautiful sight of snowcapped mountains and the woodland mountain valleys adds to the scenery and makes it an important one among the places to see in Sikkim.
Key Attractions:
- Khangchendzonga range
- Sherdup Choeling Monastery
- The beautiful tea gardens
- Rock Garden
- Namchi Mahotsav in October
How to reach: Take a cab for 77 km from the Jalpaiguri metro station
Precaution: Roads are not properly laid out
Best time to Visit: March–June and October–November
7. Zuluk
One of the offbeat Sikkim tourist places, Zuluk is a small village located at a high altitude and has a very empowering history due to its connection with the Silk Route. It promises great views of the snowcapped mountain ranges especially during winter and is a fabulous place to visit for those looking for snowfall in Sikkim.
Key Attractions:
- Nag temple
- Mt Kanchenjungha
- Thambi View Point
Precautions: Be prepared for a foggy climate
How to reach: Take a cab ride for 91 km from Jalpaiguri railway station
Best Time to Visit: August and September
Must Read: 20 Road Trips Every Biker Ought To Take This Monsoon
8. Teesta River
A different one among places to visit in Sikkim, Teesta River is stunning to look at when it is frozen in winters. During spring, however, the river is shimmering in the sun rays and displays a perfect habitat for blooming flowers.
Key Attractions:
- River rafting and kayaking during the summers
- Bird spotting
- Lush green fauna and flower beds on the banks
- Sangam of river teesta with it tributary the Rangeet River
- Dikchu bridge on way to Lachung
Precautions: River can get a little rough and ice pieces are often found
How to reach: Take a cab for 33 km from Darjeeling railway station
Best time to visit: April–May; and November
9. Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and has loads of gems in its kitty; you would be awestruck by the never ending walking trails, gorgeous silver-fir trees and most importantly the hospitality by the locals. Make sure it is on your list of places to visit in Sikkim.
Key Attractions:
- Paragliding in the valley
- Jhakri Falls and Kyongnosla Water Falls
- Yak ride
- Lively nightlife
- Snowcapped ranges of Mt Kachendzonga
- Bird eye view from the ropeway
- Enchey Monastery
How to reach: Take a cab for 148 km from New Jalpaiguri railway station. Bagdogra airport is 124 km away
Best time to Visit: October to June
10. Pelling
Second most-visited attraction after Gangtok, Pelling will sweep you away with its lush forests and varied wildlife. Since it is a small town, you can easily discover it on foot. It provides a plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
Key Attractions:
- Sangachoeling Monastery
- Sewaro Rock Garden
- Singshore Bridge
- Rimbi Waterfall
- Kanchenjunga Fall
- Kaluk
Precaution: Even though the road conditions are fine, it is best to take a sumo vehicle to reach here.
How to reach: Bagdogra Airport (160 km) is the nearest airport from Pelling and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (152 km) is the nearest railway station.
Best time to visit: Mid February to June
Frequently Asked Questions About Places to visit in Sikkim
Which are the best places to visit in east Sikkim?
Nathu La Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Buddhist sites in Gangtok, and Zuluk are some of the best places to visit in Sikkim. Take the Gangtok Ropeway, enjoy river rafting in Rangpo, and birdwatching in Dzuluk.
Which are places to visit in Sikkim in February?
Even though the temperatures in February would be low, you can wish to explore Nathula Pass, Lachung, Gurudongmar, and Gangtok.
Which are places to visit in Sikkim in December?
Sikkim in December becomes a snowy heaven. Everything is frozen in the winter months yet looks fascinating. You can visit Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthan Valley, Zuluk, and Kaluk.
Further Read: 15 Secrets Of North East India Locals Have Been Keeping To Themselves
So, which of these places to visit in Sikkim will you be hopping away to first? Book your Sikkim trip with TravelTriangle and explore the best of the North East with these popular Sikkim tourist places. Why wait? Book now!
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