Sikkim is one of the best tourist destinations renowned across India that has lush green forests, famous monasteries, scenic lakes and also a glimpse of the Indo-Chinese border. Sikkim has also received recognition as one of the top 30 destinations to be visited in Asia for 2024 as per National Geographic. Sikkim has something for everyone who travels there to spend their leisure time.
This smallest state in terms of population lies in the northeast region of India and has a rich culture and history. Around Sikkim, there are numerous places that will leave you astounded. Sikkim is also considered as the gateway of the Northeastern region of the country. Here are the 13 best tourist places around Sikkim that attract a large number of people from different parts of India.
Here are the list of Best 13 Tourist Places around Sikkim
- Tsomgo Lake
- Mahatma Gandhi Marg
- Yumthang Valley
- Kanchenjunga National Park
- Gurudongmar Lake
- Rumtek Monastery
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
- Thangu Valley
- Hanuman Tok
- Pelling Skywalk
- Do Drul Chorten
- Chopta Valley
- Pemayangtse Monastery
Table of Contents
Tourist Places around Sikkim
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake is also known as Changgu lake, which is situated at an elevation of 12400 feet above the sea level. In Bhutia language, Tso means lake and Mgo means head, which means source of the lake. The lake is surrounded by religious mysticism, scenic natural beauty glaciers and snow capped mountains. The scenic allure of the lake is sure to leave you stunned and combined with the myths associated with the locals, as they believed that monks can predict the future by the changing colour of the lake with the changing seasons. During the monsoon season, you can witness the aquamarine lake, whereas during winter you will find a frozen lake.
Mahatma Gandhi Marg
Mahatma Gandhi Marg or MG Road is one of the popular tourist attraction in Gangtok which mainly attracts pedestrians, as vehicular activity is strictly restricted in that area. The road is around 1 km long and is considered to be the litter free, smoke free and spit free zone.
The road attracts a number of visitor due to the lined hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars and shops. Moreover, this place is also considered as one of the best shopping destinations where you will find various items, such as souvenirs, handicraft items, local cuisines and many more. The place also offers an experience of vivid nightlife that are highlighted by the presence of nightclubs, bars and pubs.
Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley is yet another popular tourist attractions in Sikkim that is situated at an elevation of 3500 meter above the sea level and offers you stunning picturesque scenery. This valley is also known as the valley of flowers as it has over 24 species of rhododendrons, which when bloomed offers you a mesmerizing sight. The best time to visit Yumthang valley is between March and June, to witness the valley of flowers, colorful shades of flowers. This valley is also considered as a natural reserve that helps in preserving the natural flora and fauna. British Botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker has also compared this valley with that of the valley of Switzerland.
Also read: Vegetarian Indian Restaurants in Sikkim
Kanchenjunga National Park
Kanchenjunga National Park is located in the northwest region of Sikkim and is also listed in UNESCO’s world heritage sites. This park is located at an elevation of 8586 meters above the sea level and is spread across a vast area of 850 square kilometers. This place also has a unique diversity and is treated as the country’s first Mixed Heritage site.
This park also adjoins Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in Nepal and Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet. You can also find a number of glaciers within the premises of the natural park, however, the most noted glacier is the Zemu glacier that has an extravagant length of 26 kms.
Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the 15 highest lakes that is present in the world, which is situated at an elevation of 17100 feet above the sea level. The breathtaking view of the lake attracts tourists from different parts of India. The lake also has a religious significance as it is believed that the water of the lake has healing powers. According to local myths, a part of this holy lake remains unfrozen despite a severe drop in temperature, as that part is believed to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. This lake is treated as sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists.
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is also called Dharma Chakra Centre, which is the largest Buddhist monastery in Sikkim, which stands as a testimony to the rich culture and traditions of Buddhism. This center belongs to the Kargyu sect of Buddhists that originated back in the 12th century in Tibet. The monastery remains open from 6 am to 6 pm and requires an entry fee of worth Rs 10. Moreover, this monastery is the replica of the original monastery that is located in Tsurpu, Tibet. The monastery also offers Kargyu teachings and has captured attention across the globe. The interior of the monastery is decorated with paintings, frescos and murals. There is also a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha that is 10 feet high.
Also read: Things To Do in Sikkim
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a home to old Tibetan Buddhist history and culture. This institute offers a deep insights into the rich and glorious past of the country that is represented by the exquisite collections that are present at the museum as well as the library, which has a number of manuscripts and books. This institute supports, preserves and promotes Tibetan philosophy, religion, architecture, literature, art and others. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was named after the 11th king of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal in the year 1958. The institute is opened to tourists from Monday to Saturday , in between 10 am and 4 pm. .
Thangu Valley
Thangu Valley is located at an elevation of 3900 meters above the sea level. You can travel to this destination from Lachen by driving a distance of 32 kms. This serene valley is a perfect getaway for nature lovers, as it offers panoramic vistas and is decorated with alpine flowers. It is best for you to visit this valley during the months of May and June, when you can witness the colorful flower beds and during October to March, you can witness the snow covered landscape. Moreover, this place also serves as base to some of the popular trek routes that attract adventure enthusiasts.
Hanuman Tok
Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple that is devoted to Lord Hanuman, as it is believed by locals that during the epic battle of Ramayana, Lord Hanuman rested at this point while carrying back the Sajeevani herb for reviving Lakshmana, who was severely injured in the battle. This temple area was handed to the Indian army back in 1968 and is now maintained by them. This temple is located near to Gangtok, at a distance of 7.9 km. The breathtaking panorama and serene ambience surrounded by mysticism attracts the travellers to visit this point.
Also read: Most Beautiful Sikkim View Points
Pelling Skywalk
Pelling Skywalk is situated at a height of 7200 feet above the sea level that will offer you one of a kind experience. The skywalk will offer you a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range which during the time of sunrise offers a surreal scenery. The skywalk has an entry fee worth Rs 25 for children’s ad Rs 50 for adults. The soothing and calm aura of this best tourists destination is worth a visit. Moreover, you will also be able to witness the Chenrezig statue from the skywalk which is a 137 feet tall statue.
Do Drul Chorten
Do Drul Chorten is a renowned stupa that is located in Gangtok and was built by Trulshik Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, back in the year 1945. There are 108 prayer wheels or Mani Lhakor that have prayers and mantras engraved on them, which are being chanted while rotating the wheel. The deity that is situated on the top of the stupa is Vajra Kilaya, who is considered to be the most prominent chortens in Sikkim, who is believed to shun evil. The calmness and serenity that surrounds this place attracts devotees and tourists to visit this stupa.
Chopta Valley
Chopta Valley in comparison to other valleys of Sikkim is relatively untouched and unexplored, which is located in the north east region of Sikkim. This destination is a very popular site for trekkers as well as for nature lovers, as the valley offers sightings of rare species of birds, plants and animals. This valley is located at an altitude of 13200 feet above the sea level, offering you a pleasant climate to visit the valley.
Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse Monastery is a Buddhist monastery that is situated in Pemayangtse, near Pelling. Pemayangtse Monastery is a three storied building that holds different statues of Rinpoches and saints. The main prayer hall in the building has beautiful drawings painted on windows and doors in a traditional Tibetan design. It is also one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim and stands on a hilltop that sights the historical Rabdentse ruins, which was the former capital of Sikkim. You can visit this monastery from 9 am till 6 pm and the entry fee costs Rs 20. The word Pemayangtse means “Perfect, Sublime Lotus”, which represents one of the four networks of nerves in a human body.
Also Read: Locations in Sikkim to not Miss
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