Explore Destinations
Gangtok
Pelling
Lachung
Ravangla
Yuksom
Nathula Pass
Zuluk
Gangtok - Capital of Sikkim
About
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is a picturesque hill station situated at an elevation of 1,650 meters. It seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, featuring Buddhist monasteries alongside vibrant markets and cafes. The clean, well-planned city offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and serves as a gateway to other parts of Sikkim.
Top Attractions
- Rumtek Monastery - Largest monastery in Sikkim
- Enchey Monastery - 200-year-old Buddhist shrine
- MG Marg - Pedestrian-only shopping zone
- Hanuman Tok - Panoramic views of Gangtok
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology - Research center for Tibetan studies
Activities
- Cable car ride for stunning city views
- Shopping for Sikkimese handicrafts at MG Marg
- Day trip to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La pass
- Taste traditional Sikkimese cuisine
- Visit the flower show at Ridge Park
Best Time to Visit
March to June for pleasant weather and October to December for clear mountain views and moderate temperatures.
Pelling - Gateway to Kanchenjunga
About
Pelling, located in West Sikkim at an altitude of 2,150 meters, is renowned for offering the closest views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. This small town combines natural beauty with rich cultural heritage, featuring ancient monasteries, magnificent waterfalls, and lush forests. It's an ideal base for trekking and exploring West Sikkim's attractions.
Top Attractions
- Pemayangtse Monastery - One of Sikkim's oldest and most significant monasteries
- Rabdentse Ruins - Former capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim
- Kanchenjunga Falls - Spectacular waterfall named after the mountain
- Singshore Bridge - Second highest suspension bridge in Asia
- Khecheopalri Lake - Sacred wish-fulfilling lake
Activities
- Trekking to Dzongri and Goecha La
- Sunrise view of Mt. Kanchenjunga
- Mountain biking through forest trails
- Visit to the Sewaro Rock Garden
- Cultural tour of traditional Limboo and Lepcha villages
Best Time to Visit
September to May offers pleasant weather. March-April for rhododendron blooms and October-November for clear mountain views.
Lachung - Mountain Paradise
About
Lachung, situated at an elevation of 2,900 meters in North Sikkim, is a pristine mountain village known for its apple orchards, peach trees, and stunning landscapes. The name "Lachung" means "small mountain," though the natural beauty here is anything but small. It serves as the base for exploring Yumthang Valley and Zero Point.
Top Attractions
- Yumthang Valley - Known as the "Valley of Flowers"
- Zero Point (Yumesamdong) - Snow-covered landscape at 15,300 feet
- Lachung Monastery - Centuries-old Buddhist shrine
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary - Home to over 40 species of rhododendron
- Naga and Bhim Nala Waterfalls - Picturesque cascading falls
Activities
- Trekking to remote villages and mountain viewpoints
- Photography in Yumthang Valley's flower meadows
- Snowball fights and snow activities at Zero Point
- Hot spring bath at Yumthang
- Experience traditional Sikkimese village life
Best Time to Visit
March to May for rhododendron blooms and September to December for clear skies. Winter (December-February) for snow lovers.
Ravangla - Land of Festivals
About
Ravangla (also Rabongla) is a small tourist town in South Sikkim, situated at an elevation of 7,000 feet. It's known for its stunning views of the Himalayan range, including Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Sinialchu, and Kabru peaks. The town is culturally rich and serves as a transit point between Pelling and Gangtok.
Top Attractions
- Buddha Park - Featuring a 130-foot Buddha statue
- Ralang Monastery - Ancient monastery with Tibetan architecture
- Rayong Sunrise View Point - Panoramic mountain views
- Maenam Hill - Highest point of Ravangla offering 360° views
- Tathagata Tsal - Beautifully landscaped Buddhist park
Activities
- Trekking to Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bird watching - spot over 120 species
- Attend the annual Buddha Jayanti festival (May)
- Photography of panoramic mountain vistas
- Visit tea gardens and organic farms
Best Time to Visit
March to June and September to December. The Buddha Jayanti festival in May is a spectacular time to experience local culture.
Yuksom - First Capital of Sikkim
About
Yuksom, meaning "meeting place of three learned monks," was Sikkim's first capital established in 1642. This historic village in West Sikkim sits at an elevation of 5,840 feet and serves as the gateway to the Kanchenjunga National Park. With its rich cultural heritage and untouched natural beauty, it's a paradise for history enthusiasts and trekkers alike.
Top Attractions
- Norbugang Park - Site of the first King of Sikkim's coronation
- Dubdi Monastery - Oldest monastery in Sikkim
- Kathok Lake - Sacred lake with religious significance
- Tashi Tenka - Former royal palace
- Kanchenjunga Falls - Magnificent waterfall near the village
Activities
- Trekking to Dzongri and Goecha La (base for Kanchenjunga)
- Explore the Kanchenjunga National Park
- Learn about Sikkimese history and culture
- Bird watching - spot rare Himalayan species
- Visit local cardamom plantations
Best Time to Visit
March to May and September to mid-December. Trekking seasons are March-May and mid-September to November.
Nathula Pass - Indo-China Border
About
Nathula Pass, located at an elevation of 14,140 feet, is one of the highest motorable roads in the world and an important border trading post between India and China. Part of the ancient Silk Route, this mountain pass offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges and represents a blend of strategic importance and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
- Indo-China Border Meeting Point - Where soldiers from both nations meet
- Tsomgo (Changu) Lake - Sacred high-altitude lake at 12,400 feet
- Baba Mandir - Shrine dedicated to "Baba" Harbhajan Singh
- Memencho Lake - Less crowded pristine lake
- Kupup Village - One of the highest inhabited villages
Activities
- Photograph the Indo-China border and mountain landscapes
- Yak rides around Tsomgo Lake
- Play with snow (winter months)
- Visit the war memorial
- Experience local Sherpa culture in nearby villages
Best Time to Visit
May to October when the roads are open. Closed during heavy snowfall in winter. Special permits required for Indian nationals (foreigners restricted).
Zuluk - Hidden Gem of East Sikkim
About
Zuluk (also Dzuluk) is a small hamlet in East Sikkim located at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Once a transit point on the historic Silk Route between Tibet and India, this offbeat destination offers stunning landscapes, zigzag roads, and authentic mountain village experiences away from mainstream tourist circuits.
Top Attractions
- Thambi View Point - Sunrise spot with panoramic Kanchenjunga views
- Lungthung - Offers breathtaking mountain vistas
- Ganek - Viewing point for the famous Zuluk loops
- Old Silk Route - Historic trade path with 32 hairpin turns
- Nathang Valley - High-altitude valley often called "Ladakh of East Sikkim"
Activities
- Photography of the stunning zig-zag roads
- Sunrise viewing from Thambi View Point
- Bird watching - spot Himalayan birds
- Experience local Sherpa culture and hospitality
- Seasonal flower viewing (rhododendrons in spring)
Best Time to Visit
March to May for spring blooms and October to December for clear skies. July-August offers green landscapes but occasional road blocks due to monsoon.
Extraordinary Experiences
Himalayan Treks
Dzongri, Goecha La, Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Embark on unforgettable treks through Sikkim's pristine landscapes, from rhododendron forests to alpine meadows leading to the base of mighty Kanchenjunga. These journeys offer incredible biodiversity, stunning mountain vistas, and interactions with remote mountain communities.
Pro Tip: The Goecha La trek offers the closest views of Kanchenjunga. Acclimatize properly by spending a day in Gangtok before starting high-altitude treks. March-May and mid-September to November offer the best trekking conditions.
Monastery Experiences
Rumtek, Pemayangtse, Enchey, Tashiding
Immerse yourself in Sikkim's Buddhist heritage by visiting ancient monasteries set against dramatic mountain backdrops. Witness colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, elaborate thangka paintings, spinning prayer wheels, and monks performing sacred rituals that have continued for centuries.
Pro Tip: Visit during festival seasons like Losar (Tibetan New Year) or Saga Dawa to witness spectacular masked Cham dances and religious ceremonies. Always move clockwise around religious structures as a sign of respect.
Yak Safari
Tsomgo Lake, Dzongri, Thangu
Experience a traditional Himalayan mode of transport as you ride these gentle giants through snow-covered landscapes and high-altitude meadows. Yak safaris offer a unique perspective of Sikkim's terrain and a glimpse into the lifestyle of mountain communities who depend on these animals.
Pro Tip: Wear warm layers as temperatures can be quite cold at high altitudes. The areas around Tsomgo Lake offer shorter yak rides suitable for beginners, while multi-day yak treks are available in more remote regions.
Hot Spring Therapy
Yumthang, Reshi, Borong
Soak in naturally occurring thermal springs believed to have therapeutic properties. Set amidst stunning landscapes, these sulfur-rich waters are considered sacred and are said to cure various skin ailments and physical disorders while providing relaxation after mountain adventures.
Pro Tip: The Reshi hot springs near the Rangeet River are accessible year-round, while the Yumthang hot springs are part of the Valley of Flowers tour. Bring a change of clothes and a quick-dry towel for comfort after bathing.
River Rafting
Teesta, Rangeet Rivers
Navigate thrilling rapids on the Teesta and Rangeet Rivers as they flow through deep gorges and lush forests. These white-water adventures offer an adrenaline rush combined with breathtaking scenery, ranging from gentle stretches suitable for beginners to challenging rapids for experienced rafters.
Pro Tip: The stretch between Dikchu and Rangpo offers the best rafting experience with Grade II-IV rapids. March to May and October to December provide ideal water conditions and comfortable temperatures for rafting.
Culinary Journey
Throughout Sikkim
Discover Sikkim's unique culinary heritage influenced by Tibetan, Nepali, and indigenous traditions. From steaming momos and thukpa to fermented specialties like gundruk and kinema, Sikkimese cuisine offers distinctive flavors using local ingredients, many of which are grown organically.
Pro Tip: Try chaang (millet beer) served in a bamboo container with a bamboo straw, and sel roti (rice bread) for breakfast. Visit the organic markets in Gangtok to sample local produce and traditional foods like chhurpi (hardened yak cheese).