When people think about Sikkim, they often imagine the bustling capital Gangtok or the snowy peaks of North Sikkim. But let me tell you a secret South Sikkim is a secrete that deserves your attention when you’re searching for a peaceful yet culturally rich experience, this location will melt your heart. In our guide, we’ll share you the best South Sikkim tourist spots, how to plan your South Sikkim tour, and what makes this beautiful district of Sikkim truly special.
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All About South Sikkim Tour Guide
Where Is South Sikkim?
South Sikkim is one of the districts of Sikkim there are 3 other districts which is North, East, and West. South Sikkim located in the lower Himalayas and is known for its mild weather, amazing villages, and ancient monasteries. The headquarter of this district is Namchi a clean, organized town with beautiful views of the mountains.
How to Reach
Reaching South Sikkim is very simple, and the journey itself is a visual treat through the hills and valleys of the Eastern Himalayas. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, which is well connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati.
Once you land, you can easily hire a private taxi or shared cab to Namchi or Ravangla, the main towns in South Sikkim. The drive takes around 4 to 5 hours and offers amazing views through out your journey.
If you prefer to travel by train, the closest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), located in Siliguri. From NJP, you can continue your journey by road via a pre booked cab or shared taxi.
South Sikkim is well connected by beautiful mountain roads from Gangtok (roughly 75 to 90 km away) and Siliguri (about 100 to 120 km). Whether you’re flying in, taking the train, or enjoying a road trip through the hills, getting to South Sikkim is part of the adventure.
Must see South Sikkim tourist places
Namchi
Currently the most popular tourist attraction in South Sikkim, Namchi has developed into a functional hub for religious tourism. In Namchi, one may see replicas of all four of India’s holy dhams as well as a massive statue of Guru Padmasambhave. Samdruptse Hill is another essential religious attraction in Namchi.
In Namchi, there are two important festivals held annually. The primary event is the Gold Cup football match, which takes place at Baichung Stadium.
The second takes place in February and is the largest flower festival in Sikkim, with an incredible display of orchids. Various mid scale social and sustenance festivities take place in Namchi throughout October. A great area to relax is the Namchi town plaza and Central Park.
Best Time To Visit
The weather in Namchi is beautiful from March to May, and September to November is a fantastic time to visit.
| Season | Ideal Times to Visit |
|---|---|
| March to May | Beautiful weather |
| September to November | Fantastic time to visit |
Ravangla
Ravangla, a sleepy village in South Sikkim, has recently gained a lot of attention because of its enormous, brilliantly sparkling Buddha statue. Another notable initiative by the Sikkim government aimed at promoting religious tourism is the newly constructed Buddha Park. The village of Ravangla is perched on a hill and has stunning surroundings. The town’s mountain ranges are visible from every angle.
A lively market, parks, restaurants, and well known monasteries are available in addition to the ancient buildings. Yungdrung Kundrakling, Palchen Monastery, Mane Choekhorling Gompa, and the venerable Ralang Gompa are notable examples of these.
For hikers, Ravangla is a fantastic starting point for routes like the Ravangla Maenam and Ravangla Khechupelri treks. Using Ravangla as a base for Pelling, Namchi, Kaluk, and other places is yet another amazing reason to visit.
Here, the ideal seasons are from March to May during the summer, and from September to October during the harvest.
| Season | Ideal Times to Travel | Avoidable Period |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | October to February | |
| Harvest Seasons | September to October | |
| Summer | March to May | |
| Monsoon | July to September |
Sikip
One of the most well known locations in South Sikkim is Sikip, which is pleasantly situated on the banks of the Rangeet River. It will be described as a fishermen’s paradise. This area has several streams full of angles, and the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for long day outings.
Here, riverboating on the Rangit is a popular pastime. A lot of visitors like camping here beneath the stars.
Best Time To Visit
The finest times of year to appreciate it are from March to May and from October to December.
Jorthang
One of the biggest settlements in South Sikkim, Jorethang is spread out at the base of the hills along the Rangit River. Because it is not very high only 300 meters above sea level—it has a warm atmosphere all year round.
Jorethang’s Akar Suspension Bridge is its main attraction. If you go around 500 meters north of this addition, you will come to the Sisne Mandir, a beautiful sanctuary. Jorethang hosts the wonderful Maghe Mela in January, which features a ton of social activities including handicrafts, food festivals, and musical parties.
Best Time To Visit
But all year long, the winters are magnificently better.
The State Biodiversity Park and Tenong Hills
Tendong has proven to be a very popular hiking location in the state of Sikkim. Starting at Damthang, 13 kilometers away from Ravangla, is where the Tendon Hill walk takes place. The walk starts from the Damthang market and goes 6 kilometers to the top of Tendong Hill; it takes 5–7 hours to finish.
This is a little area of land atop a ridge with lush forest cover on each side. Tendong is said to have a strong connection to otherworldliness. Tendong was chosen by the lamas as the location of their seclusion because they have dedicated their lives to introspection. This is a unique location to enjoy the beauty of the natural world and go on leisurely walks to the nearby attractions.
Best Time To Visit
Here, the best seasons are spring and summer, which run from March to June.
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
Should you find yourself in Tendong, a trip to the Maenam sanctuary is an absolute need. This enormous asylum spans around 37 square kilometers and is located just over Tendong hill. This asylum’s varied terrain and high elevation make it ideal for nature walks, bird watching, and trekking.
Within is an amazing variety of wildlife. Red pandas, marble cats, woofing deer, normal slope partridge, civet cats, goral, and other creatures may be found there. There is also an incredible variety of birds, such as jaybirds, blue-necked Pittas, and other types of poultry.
Best Time To Visit
A good period to see the mountain summits clearly is from November to May. Anyhow, this place gets a lot of snowfall in the winter.
Sumbuk
The Kitam Bird Haven is said to terminate in the spectacular expanse of tropical backwoods found in the more well-known Rangeet zone of south Sikkim. This zone, which includes soak valleys and deep canyons, is located in the lowest parts of the external Himalayan area.
Alongside lush pine covers, you will find wild orchids, enormous bamboo shoots, and wild bananas in abundance here.
Best Time To Visit
Winters, harvest seasons, and summers are ideal times to travel. Avoid this area between July and September since there are heavy downpours around that time.
Temi Tea Garden
Temi Tea Garden is a fantastic place to come if you’re looking for something different to do. The flavors of the tea, which are delicate and have a completely distinct twist that allows them to be distinguished from Darjeeling tea, are sent out in large quantities from this 453-acre expansive garden.
Starting from the Tendong slope, the tea plantation stretches out over a gentle slope. There are many of pine trees along the roadway and in the surrounding area, and there are several walking routes.
Best Time To Visit
If you want to take in the mountain views, visit between October and February. The best months for those who enjoy the outdoors and want to see the magnificent cherry blossoms are November and December.
| Visit Purpose | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Mountain views | October to February |
| Cherry blossoms | November and December |
Why Choose South Sikkim?
If you’re someone who craves more than just sightseeing someone who wants to feel a place, not just visit it then South Sikkim is where your heart will find peace. this place welcomes you with calm hills, warm smiles, and a pace of life that helps you slow down.
Unlike noisy crowds, this peaceful district of Sikkim which offers antique monasteries, beautiful tea gardens, and amazing views that stay with you long after your trip ends. there is not a particular reason to choose South Sikkim there is lots of things, you have to come this location for satisfy your soul
And if you’re looking to experience all of this without the stress of planning, consider choosing a thoughtfully designed Sikkim tour package that includes the best of South Sikkim. It’s an effortless way to explore the beauty, culture, and peace this region has to offer.
Where to Stay
South Sikkim offers a variety range of stays from cozy homestays to luxury hotels here you can get everting according to your preference :
- In Namchi: Hotel Mount View, Seven Hills Resort, or boutique homestays.
- In Ravangla: Buddha Retreat, Barfung Retreat, or family-run guesthouses.
Travel Tips
- Carry warm clothes, even in summer. Weather can shift quickly in the mountains.
- Respect local culture – remove shoes when entering monasteries and ask before taking pictures.
- Support local businesses and try regional dishes like Phagshapa, Gundruk, and Sel Roti.
Final Words
We hope this South Sikkim Travel Guide helped you plan your trip better and gave you a clear idea of what to see, where to go, and how to enjoy the beauty of this peaceful district. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, South Sikkim has a charm that stays with you.
Also Read: Places to visit Sikkim
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for South Sikkim?
We would recommend an itinerary of seven nights and eight days to see the most stunning locations in Sikkim. Including Yumthang Valley, Pelling, Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake, Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake), Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, and Gangtok are all included in this itinerary.
How to go South Sikkim?
The state of South Sikkim lacks a railway line. About 116 kilometers distant, New Jalpaiguri, is the closest train station. The closest airport is located 119 kilometers away at Bagdogra. The closest large town, Siliguri, has several bus trips to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
Which airport is near to South Sikkim?
Airport in Bagdogra
There is no airport in South Sikkim; the closest airport is Bagdogra Airport, 110 kilometers distant by national route 31 A, taking three to four hours to reach.
What comes under South Sikkim?
South Sikkim is well-known for some lesser-known tourist spots. Namchi is home to the district office. Ravangla is the other major tourist attraction. Borong is one of the several South Sikkim village tourist spots.
