East Sikkim Travel Guide

The “Corner of Sikkim”
East Sikkim is the ideal holiday spot in Sikkim, with its alluring landscape and mesmerizing setting. This Himalayan state’s southeast, one of its four districts, is the top travel destination with plenty of sites to see as well as interesting traditions and festivals to take part in.

The main center for travelers visiting East Sikkim is Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. In addition to serving as the state’s regulatory hub, East Sikkim is also the hub for Himalayan tourist operations

East Sikkim’s lush vegetation, charming valleys, charming lakes, and many ancient monasteries and temples make it a popular tourist destination.

These are the East Sikkim must-see locations

Gangtok

Generally, Gangtok should be the first entry on any page on East Sikkim. It’s the capital of Sikkim and unquestionably the most glamorous, bustling city. Located 1650 meters above sea level, Gangtok offers a thriving nightlife, plenty of gambling opportunities, a wide variety of delectable culinary options, and enough attractions across the area to keep the average traveler occupied for two to three days.

You must not miss seeing the unique city landmarks in Gangtok, such as the Sa Nagor Center and other attractions, as well as Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Enchey Monastery, White Hall, Tashi View Point, and Himalayan Zoological Park.

Gangtok provides an all-encompassing experience—an exhilarating fusion of shopping at Sikkim’s top mall, MG Marg. Gangtok has located 124 kilometers from Bagdogra airport and 120 km from NJP (New Jalpaiguri).

Best Time to Visit

The summer and winter seasons are the ideal times to visit Gangtok.

Also Read: Gangtok Travel Guide

Yakten Village

Yakten is a little hamlet about 34 kilometers from Gangtok, perched at an elevation of 5,300 feet. It is well-known for its pine forests, orchids, amazing avian animals, and butterflies. The village is situated against a backdrop of rising green mountains that provide sweeping vistas of the Kanchenjunga snow peaks.

There are a few homestays here, but the most are privately owned and operated by the residents. Taking a nature walk is one of the best things to do in this area. You’ll get to explore forests, pass by town cottages, mingle with locals, hear wildlife chirping, and see butterflies and orchids. A well-known location for one of these walks is Bojyetar, an open field area surrounded by pine trees.

You will go along paths through forests on the way back. Some interesting nearby places to explore include Parakha town, Barapathing, and Rolep town, where you may take a leisurely walk along the Rolep river’s bank.

How to Reach Yakten

Tsomgo Lake/ Changu

Only 35 miles from Gangtok, THE Tsomgo/Changu LAKE offers a stunning view of the Himalayas in its crystal blue water. Remarkably, this is one of India’s few high-elevation lakes. This lake was also a part of the previous Indo-Chinese exchange program.

A typical Changu Lake experience includes yak rides around the lake, a visit to the nearby holy site, and tea, cappuccino, and Tibetan noodles from the local small businesses.

Additionally, you may see the nearby Kyongnosla Sanctuary, home to pandas, Himalayan bears, and an amazing collection of orchids.

Nathula Pass

(HEIGHT 13,123 FEET) is still a part of the ancient silk route and is located where the Indo Chinese fringe meets the boundary. This location handles a significant amount of visitor traffic now, just as it did in the past while monitoring dealer movement.

Baba Mandir

THE Baba Mandir is located between the passes of Jelepla and Nathula. You may take part in a trip to Tsongmo Lake, Nathula Pass, and the Baba Mandir. The purpose of this mandir is to honor Indian Army veteran Harbhajan Singh. This location is revered and said to be blessed by Baba Harbhajan Singh’s ghost.

Best Time To Visit

Also Read: Aritar Travel Guide

Tukla Valley

Tukla Valley is a fortunate location with beautiful scenery that offers breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga and other snow-capped pinnacles. Tukla Valley’s grandeur is comparable to the excellent lands of Tibet.

This memorial is dedicated to the British soldiers who fought bravely in the Tukla skirmish. In late winter, this valley is a perfect white with snow, but in September and October, the abundance of surrounding blooms colors the valley crimson.

Kupup Lake

Near Tukla Valley, the rather regal blue Kupup Lake, sometimes called Elephant Lake, is another fascinating sight that just must be seen. Bitan Cho, as the locals refer to it, is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in this area.

Baba Mandir (Old)

The Samadhi of Baba Harbhajan Singh is purportedly kept at the Baba Mandir, which is located toward the end of a branched lane leading from Tukla. This Baba was an Indian warrior who died in a horrific accident there and came back to life in the imagination of a single soldier who asked that a sanctuary be erected in his honor.

Best Time to Visit

Also Read: Kupup Travel Guide

The Nathanang Valley

A portion of the incredible silk route also includes the Nathang Valley (also known as Gnathang Valley). It was formerly the residence of Tibetan yak herders and is still 13,500 feet high. Countless streams flow across the valley, with mountains of petition banners rippling around their borders.

It is reported that this valley changes color with the seasons, revealing new facets of its brilliance.

A flock of rare migratory birds visits the valley just before winter, drawing a lot of photographers and ornithologists. The Nathang valley is home to a small Hindu shrine and an ancient religious community.

One may see the nearby Sunrise View Point, which is 20 minutes distant (5 km away), from Nathang Valley.There are two of them: Sunrise View Point and Eagles Nest Bunker, which provide breathtaking views over Bhutan, Tibet, and the Kanchenjunga snow ranges.

Best Time to Visit

Rangpo

The lovely town of Rangpo is located in East Sikkim and borders West Bengal. It is situated suitably along the Teesta River and serves as the main town on the NH 10 route between Gangtok and Siliguri in Sikkim.

Rangpo is referred to be the “door” of Sikkim, and most cars entering the state must stop here to have their documentation and identity verified. If you’re an avid cyclist, you may participate in Sikkim’s most well-known cycling route, which runs from Gangtok to Rangpo.

The path passes across rugged Himalayan terrain with pockets of lush greenery in between. Rangpo is also a great place to go river boating. The pontoon will pick you up at the Makha waterway point and then transport you across Sirwani, stopping first at Rangpo.

Best Time to Visit

Also Read: Rangpo Travel Guide

Mankhim

Mankhim is a beautiful ridge located in Dalapchand town, which is part of east Sikkim’s Rongli district. Popular for its views of the mountains and direct reflection of the emerald-green Lamphokri Lake, this location is still in its infancy.

While some travelers heading to Mankhim plan day excursions to places like high-height green, Kupup Lake, Zuluk, and so on, others choose to visit nearby tourist attractions like Silery Gaon, Pedong, Kalimpong, and Reshikhola. The 1.5-mile Mankhim to Aritar Lake hike, a portion of the historic silk route, is the primary attraction here.

Aritar, a popular spot in Sikkim, is located around 4 kilometers away from Mankhim.

Lampokhri Lake

A great place to stop and have a nice trip is Love Dara, which is on the route to Lampokhri Lake. Many people who observe birds gather here. Once at the lake, enjoy paddle drifting and try your hand at mountain climbing in the nearby hills.

Best Time to Visit

Zuluk

Rising to a height of 10,000 feet in East Sikkim, Zuluk (also known as Dzuluk) is a resort that has gained interest recently. The main route of travel for the silk route between Tibet and India was Zuluk. This little village, home to around 700 people, is located next to a base camp used by the Indian military.

This is also the main location for house stays throughout the silk course. You are welcome to stay here and see neighboring attractions like Kupup and Nathang Valley. In the summer, Zuluk is a peaceful place with breathtaking vistas and plenty of rhododendron flowers.

Best Time to Visit

Also Read: Zuluk Travel Guide

Reshi Khola

It is about 37 kilometers away from Kalimpong to the riverside retreat of Reshikhola. The river Reshi is the source of this location’s name.

The term “Khola” in Nepali denotes a little brook. Reshi Khola is situated halfway between West Bengal and Sikkim. The forests that round the stream valley on all sides are teeming with avian life, making it a birdwatcher’s and ornithologist’s paradise.

Best Time to Visit

Also Read: Ranipool Tour Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many days are sufficient for East Sikkim?

Arrange a 6-day journey to Sikkim with NE Cab and discover the three treasures of Sikkim: Gangtok, Lachen, and Lachung. You will learn about well-known tourist destinations, cuisines, cultures, lifestyles, and much more with our 6-day Sikkim Tour Package.

Why is East Sikkim famous?

When traveling to the Indian state of Sikkim, many visitors choose to stay in East Sikkim. With its peaceful lakes, gorgeous valleys, and snow-capped mountains, this area exudes breathtaking natural splendor.

When to visit East Sikkim?

March to May or October to mid-December are the ideal times to visit Sikkim, according to Sikkim Tourism. The ideal time to go is in the spring, from March to May, if you want to see the natural splendor in blossom. However, autumn offers a good glimpse of the Himalayan Range.

How many places are there in East Sikkim?

Tourist Sites in East Sikkim
Nathu La Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Hanuman Tok, Tashi View Point, Gangtok Ropeway, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Ganesh Tok, Tukla Valley, Nathang Valley, Jelep La, and several more locations.

Which is the coldest place in East Sikkim?

Nathula Pass