Sikkim is situated in Northeastern India that offers a breathtaking view of snow capped mountains, lush green valleys, alpine forests and gushing rivers. Sikkim has borders with West Bengal in the south, Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east and Tibet in the north.
Sikkim offers some of the stunning beauty that helps in attracting a number of tourists from different parts of India. Sikkim is located near Kanchenjunga, world’s third highest peak. There are a number of attractions around Sikkim that offer a pleasant view to the tourists along with a wide array of local cuisines that would offer delicious treat.
Table of Contents
List of Top 11 Best Places to Visit in Sikkim 2024
Gangtok
Overview
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and also one of the most populous state of Sikkim. This hill station offers a unique combination of cultural richness, historical significance and natural beauty. A large number of tourists visit this place every year to witness the serene environment and pleasant weather conditions.
Travel Tips
The best time to travel to Gangtok to enjoy different tourist attractions is between March and April and October and November. It is advised to avoid visiting Gangtok during the monsoon, as there are chances of facing landslides, which will disrupt the tour. The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) that is located at a distance of 114 km and may take around 4 hours and 30 minutes. The nearest airport to Gangtok is the Bagdogra International Airport that is 124 km away and will take around 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Facts
The name “Gangtok” means Top of the Hill and in the year 1840, it was established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site. Gangtok highlights the serenity and culture of Buddism along with panoramic vistas.
Highlights
Mahatma Gandhi Marg has beeen considered as the first spit free and litter free town in Sikkim. Moreover, there are also number of festivals that occurs throughout the year such as Daga Dawa, Guru Rimpoche’s Thunkar Tshechu, Gangtok Food and Culture Festival, Sikkim Red Panda Winter Festival and others.
Tsomgo Lake
Overview
Tsomgo lake is also called Changgu lake that is situated at an altitude of 12,313 feet above the sea level. You can find this lake in the east Sikkim district, where the lake appears majestic with the surrounding mountains. The lake is open to visitors throughout the year.
Travel Tips
Tsomgo lake being situated at a high altitude, may affect the tourists with altitude sickness or breathing problem. Tsomgo lake is located at a distance of 41.5 km and may require a travelling time around 1 hour and 8 minutes.
Facts
The interesting fact about this lake is that the colour of the lake changes with the change in season. The temperature of the lake during winter may drop below zero degree celsius.
Highlights
According to myth, Buddhist monks were able to predict the future by the changing colours of the lake. You can also find a number of migratory birds, especially the Brahminy ducks.
Pelling Skywalk
Overview
The Pelling Skywalk is an amazing tourist destination in Sikkim that offers majestic views of the surrounding hills and a 137 feet tall statue of Chenrezig.
Travel Tips
Travelling to Pelling skywalk via flight will require you to land on Bagdogra International Airport (IXB), situated at a distance of 138 km with a travelling time of approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes. The New Jalpaiguri Railway Staton (NJP) is the nearest railway station at a distance of 132 km which would require around 4 hours and 40 minutes to reach. Similarly from Gangtok, it would take around 4 hours and 20 minutes to travel a distance of 109 km. The entry to Pellin skywalk is Rs 50 for adults and Rs 25 for children.
Facts
The Pelling Skywalk is 55 feet high, 6 feet wide and 200 feet long with a glass bottom, which amuses the visitors. It is also the highest skywalk in India that is situated at a height of 7200 feet above the sea level.
Highlights
The skywalk has been built at an elevation of 7200 feet above the sea level. The 137 feet tall statue of Bodhisattva Chenrezig is another amazing attraction that you can witness when visiting Pelling skywalk.
Hanuman Tok
Overview
Hanuman Tok is a Hindu temple that is located in the upper Gangtok. This temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman. The amazing view offered from this temple attracts a lot of visitors. Moreover, the spiritual significance also attracts a number of pilgrims and spiritual seekers.
Travel Tips
After arriving at Siliguri, you can directly reach Elling either by flight or train or by road. The distance between Gangtok and Hanuman Tok is 7.9 km that will take around 20 minute to reach.
Facts
Hanuman Tok was established back in the year 1952. At present, the temple is being maintained by the Indian army, as the area was handed to the army back in 1968.
Highlights
According to locals, Lord Hanuman has rested in this place while carrying back the Sanjeevani herb for reviving Lakhshmana who was injured during the epic battle of Ramayana.
Buddha Park
Overview
Buddha Park is a renowned park located in Ravangla. This park is also known as Tathagata Tsal. There are numerous statues of Lord Buddha but the centerpiece of this park is a 130 feet tall statue of Gautam Buddha.
Travel Tips
The park is situated at a distance of 1.1 km from Ravangla and 64.7 km from Gangtok, that will take around 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach. The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm and has an entry fee of Rs 25 for children and Rs 50 for adults.
Facts
The Budha park was inaugurated by the 13th Dalai Lama in year 2013. This park was built to celebrate the 2550th birthday of Lord Buddha in 2006 and was completed in the year 2013.
Highlights
This Buddha park also has a lake located within the compound named Cho Djo lake. This Buddha park also stand as a testimony towards the Buddhist community that lives in Sikkim.
Do-Drul Chorten
Overview
Do-Drul Chorten or Do-Drul Stupa is a renowned tourist destination located near Gangtok. The peaceful ambience, historical significance and cultural immersion attracts spiritual enthusiasts.
Travel Tips
Do-Drul Chorten is located at a distance of 2.5 km from Gangtok that requires around 15 minutes of travel time. The stupa is open to public from 8 am to 6 pm and requires no entry fee.
Facts
In the year 1945, Truslshi Rinpoche built Do-Drul Chorten, when he was invited by the Queen of Sikkim after World War 2 was over. The stupa highlights the local Tibetan Buddhist traditions and practices.
Highlights
Do-Drul Chorten depicts the strong bond between history and spirituality. The stupa is surrounded by 108 Mani Lhakors that devotees rotate to earn spiritual merit. Moreover, the complex also offers shelters to over 700 monks.
Also, Read: 7 Most Beautiful Sikkim View Points
Rumtek Monastery
Overview
Rumtek Monastery is considered to be one of the largest monasteries of Sikkim and also one of the oldest monasteries. Rumtek monastery is also called Dharma Chakra Centre and stands as a testament to the rich Buddhism traditions and cultures.
Travel Tips
Rumtek monastery is located at a distance of 34.6 km that requires a travel time of 1 hour and 43 minutes. The monastery remains open from 6 am to 6 pm and requires an entry fees of Rs 10 per person.
Facts
Rumtek monastery is considered as a replica of the original monastery at Tsurpu. This monastery also offers Kagyu teachings to the disciples and is also considered to have 1001 miniature golden models of Lord Buddha, which is the rarest religious artwork collection of Buddhists that was brought by Rangjung Rigpe Dorje in the year 1963.
Highlights
The monastery has a golden stupa located, which is 13 feet high. Moreover, this monastery also symbolises Tibetan architecture and is a renowned centre offering Kagyu teachings.
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Overview
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden offers a collection of exotic and rare plant species such as rhododendrons, cacti, orchids and others. The lush green walking trail attracts a number of tourists from different parts of Indian to visit this place.
Travel Tips
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is located at a distance of 21.2 km from Gangtok and requires a travel time of 52 minutes (approx.) The park is open from 8 am till 6:30 pm. The entry ticket costs Rs 5 for children and Rs 10 for adults.
Facts
In Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, there are over 1.5 lakh species of plants. The rich flora and fauna of the garden also includes over 500 species of orchids. The garden also has over 200 species of cacti.
Highlights
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is located near Rumtek Monastery, within a distance of 600 meters. In the year 1987, thi garden was inaugurated and at present is maintained by Forest Department under Government of Sikkim.
Yumthang Valley
Overview
Yumthang valley or the valley of flowers, as the name suggests offers a picturesque view of the valley bloomed with flowers. Situated at an elevation of 3500 meter above the sea level, this valley is an ideal location for photographers, nature lovers and tourists.
Travel Tips
In order to witness the valley of flowers, it is suggested to visit the valley in between March and June, when the flowers in the valley bloom. Yumthang valley is located near Lachung, at a distance of 25.8 km and consume travelling time around 57 minutes.
Facts
The valley has a collection of over 24 types of rhododendrons. In order to travel to Yumthang valley, you must collect the necessary permit.
Highlights
The valley is also considered as a natural valley that helps in preserving the flora and fauna of the region, which comprise flowers like rhododendrons, poppies, primulas, cobra lilies, irises, louseworts and others.
Must Read: 11 Best Locations in Sikkim to not Miss
Gurudongmar Lake
Overview
Gurudongmar lake is also called Tso Lhsmo lake and is said to be one of the highest freshwater lake around the globe. The lake is located 5430 meters above the sea level that offers a serene environment and breathtaking vistas.
Travel Tips
Gurudongmar lake is near to Lachen, at a distance of 63.9 km that may require upto 2 hour and 16 minutes. You must also ensure carrying the necessary medications and portable oxygen as the oxygen density at that height is low.
Facts
The temperature in Gurudongmar lake may drop below -20 degree celsius. The lake is considered sacred by Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs.
Highlights
As per locals, this lake has been blessed by Guru Padmasdambhava while his journey to Tibet, for which a part of the lake remains unfreezed despite severe cold.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Overview
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a renowned institute around India that is dedicated towards offering the culture, language and history of Tibetology.
Travel Tips
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is located at a distance of 2.2 km far from Gangtok. The institute remains open to public between 10 am to 4 pm from Monday to Saturday.
Facts
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was established by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and 14th Dalai Lama. The institute was named after Palden Thondup Namgyal, the 11th King of Sikkim on 1st October 1958.
Highlights
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in 2018 expanded to bring the Department for the Study of Tibetan Medicine. The institute also consists of a rich collection of various things that are associated with the Tibet and Himalayas.
Read More: Top 7 Things to know before going Sikkim (No One Talks About)