Glimpse Of The World

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“Planning a trip to Sikkim? Are you thinking about the scenes to see and the activities to do during your trip in this little gem of North East India? Here is a detailed travel guide that will tell you about Sikkim’s main tourist attractions, activities, foods and shopping.”

Sikkim is a tiny hill state in North-Eastern part of India, Known for its mesmerizing mountains, beautiful villages, soothing scenery, holy lakes and vibrant Buddhist Monasteries, a holiday in Sikkim will bring you close to the nature providing you with ample peace and happiness. Sikkim is also a heaven for adventure freaks, trekkers and mountaineers. Whether you are looking for some break in between nature’s beauty or striving a fun-filled adventurous holiday, Sikkim will not leave you disheartened.

Listed below are some of Sikkim’s main attractions, adventure activities and festivals that you would like to be part of during your vacations in Sikkim:

Places to see in east Sikkim

Gangtok Also known as the ‘Land of Monasteries’, Gangtok is the beautiful capital of Sikkim. Hypnotizing views of the dominating peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga, fresh mountain air and fascinating climate; make it one of the best places to spend relaxing and peaceful vacation.

Here are some of the must-see tourist attractions in Gangtok:

Nathu La – Located at a distance of around 55 km. from Gangtok. Nathu La is an important trade link between India and China. Stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas from Nathu La attracts thousands of tourists every year to this beautiful place. Make sure you study the weather forecast well before heading towards Nathu La as the roads to the pass are likely to have landslides and avalanches. Also, the visit to Nathu La is not suggested for children and adults who are likely to have asthma or other breathing problems.

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Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial – The memorial is located at a distance of around 18 km. from the Tsomgo Lake towards the Nathu La. Popularly known as the ‘Baba Mandir’, the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial is dedicated to the brave Sepoy of Indian Army who lost his life around 30 years back in this region. It is believed that the soul of Baba Harbhajan Singh is still guarding the international boundary of India and China; he is believed to warn about dangers on the border through dreams of fellow army men. Even the soldiers on the other side of the border share stories of a human figure guarding the area during the night. The memorial is visited by many locals, families of the Army men and tourists who come here to pay their hearty respect to baba.

Enchey Monastery – Another significant Buddhist Monastery and one of the most famous tourist attractions of Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery lies at a distance of just 3 km. from the main city centre. Sights of the spinning prayer wheels, vibrant prayer flags and echoing chants of the monks, all this combined with peaceful surroundings is sure to fill your heart with deity and spirituality.

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Rumtek Monastery – The largest monastery in Sikkim, the ‘Rumtek Monastery’ is a must-visit place during your holidays in Sikkim. Located at a distance of 23 km. from Gangtok. The Rumtek Monastery is surrounded by green landscapes and small flowing streams. Built-in a traditional Tibetan style of architecture and decorated with colourful murals, the monastery houses the Golden Stupa that contains relics and ashes of the sixteenth Karmapa.

Tsomgo Lake– Enroute to Nathu La, you will come across the enchanting Tsomgo or Changu Lake. Crystal clear waters of the lake with the stunning background of the snowy ridges of the Himalayan peaks offer great dramatic sceneries. The lake gets completely frozen in winters, giving it an additional touch of artistic splendour. Tsomgo Lake is an ideal place to satisfy your taste buds by having hot tea made of special Yak milk and butter, accompanied by Maggi or delicious momos. The trip to Tsomgo Lake is incomplete without taking a memorable Yak ride in its area. An inner line permit needs to be obtained by all tourists from the Army authorities before visiting the lake.

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Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary and Water Falls – Located around the Tsomgo Lake area is another interesting tourist attraction, the ‘Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary’, which is one of the best high altitude scenic wildlife sanctuaries in India. Apart from being the home to some endemic species of Himalayan alpine flowers, the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is also famous for its Red Pandas and Snow Leopards. The breath-taking ‘Kyongnosla Waterfalls’ in the sanctuary, with the water plunging from the height of 10, 400 ft., is also a sight to observe.

Hanuman Tok – Hanuman Tok is the best point in Gangtok to get surreal panoramas of the Himalayan peaks and can be reached through a straight incline,  of 4 km. further up the Ganesh Tok. A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, maintained by the Indian Army is the major attraction of this place. You will be amazed to see the pujari of the temple dressed in the uniform of the Indian Army.

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Ganesh Tok – Located at a distance of 6 km. from Gangtok, Ganesh Tok is settled on a hilltop and is home to a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Besides the temple, the place is also considered to be one of the extraordinary points in Gangtok from where you can get best views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, other Eastern Himalayan peaks and the city of Gangtok.

Gangtok Ropeway – The Gangtok Ropeway is another interesting tourist attraction in Gangtok. The cable ride starts from the Deorali Market and takes you to the highest point of Gangtok, Tashiling. Providing you with the bird’s eye view of the Gangtok city and the surrounding Himalayan peaks, this ride is a must when you are in Sikkim.

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Ban Jhakri Falls – Situated amidst a dense green valley at a distance of around 4 km. from Gangtok, the Banjhakri Falls are an enchanting scenic site visited by many tourists. Enclosed within a beautifully landscaped park based on the Shamanistic theme and spotted with sculptures portraying the Jhakri (local Sikkimese) culture, these falls provide a perfect ambience to have a fun-filled day with family.

Places to visit in North Sikkim

Lachung
Located at a distance of around 120 km. from Gangtok, Lachung is another beautiful town in Sikkim. Known for its snow-covered peaks, gleaming waterfalls and trickling streams, the town makes for a perfect destination in Sikkim to have a relaxing stay amidst picturesque beauty.

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Following are some of the tourist attractions that must be included in your list during your visit to Lachung.

Yumesamdong (Zero Point) – From Yumthang Valley, tourists can further take a drive or trek up to the Zero Point(end of Yumthang Valley), which remains covered in snow throughout the year. If you are lucky enough, you can experience fresh snowfall even in the month of June. Snow and snow everywhere in the region is the major attraction for tourists visiting this place. Please note that you need to take the inner line permit from the Army authorities before visiting the Zero Point.

Lachung Gompa – One of the most beautiful Buddhist Monasteries in Sikkim, the Lachung Gompa is a must-visit during your vacation in North Sikkim. Situated on a hilltop amidst serene settings of apple and peach orchards with a stunning backdrop of overlooking Himalayan peaks, a visit to the Monastery will surely provide you with a feeling of peace and happiness.

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Yumthang Valley – Also known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’, this picturesque valley lies at the Winding mountainous roads from Lachung to Yumthang Valley take you through enchanting vistas of sparkling streams, lush slopes and spreads of colourful mountain flowers. As you reach the valley, you are sure to be taken away with its breath-taking sights of vibrant flowers spread across wide distances of the valley with a mountain river flowing through its middle and snow-capped peaks of ‘Pauhunri’ and ‘Shundu Tsenpa’ dominating the valley from a distance. The valley is also home to the ‘Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary’ that is famous for its numerous species of Rhododendrons. The valley and sanctuary get painted in shades of red during April-May when all these varieties of Rhododendrons are in full bloom; it really is a sight to behold.

Katao – Blessed with picturesque beauty, Katao valley lies at a distance of around 28 km. from Lachung and is often visited by adventure enthusiasts wanting to try their hands at activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Again, the area lies under a restricted zone and one needs to obtain Army permissions before visiting here.

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Lachen- Another picturesque city in North of Sikkim, Lachen lies at a distance of 125 km. from Gangtok. stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and tranquil settings of this small city attract thousands of tourists every year. Often included in lists along with Lachung, the town acts as a base to some of the popular Eastern Himalayan treks to Gurudongmar Lake, Chopta Valley and Mt. Kanchenjunga. Special permissions need to be obtained to enter Lachen. Here are some popular attractions that should not be missed during your visit to this place.

Cholamu Lake – Also known as the ‘Tso Lhamu’ Lake, this lake lies at a distance of 6 km. from the Gurudongmar Lake and is considered to be the highest lake in India. The trek to Cholamu Lake is really challenging with its rough geography and extremely cold weather conditions. But, as you reach the lake, the surreal experience just cannot be described in words; crystal clear blue waters, magnificent surroundings and amazing scenery of the dramatic mountains are enough to make your jaws drop.

Chopta Valley – Enroute to Gurudongmar Lake, lies the Chopta Valley which is a picturesque valley known for its alpine orchards, fascinating lakes and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. A stay at the valley for an hour or so is sure to make you feel the nature at its best.

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Gurudongmar Lake – One of the highest alpine lakes in the world, Gurudongmar Lake is not only known for its stunning beauty but is also honoured as a sacred lake by Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs. The lake can be reached via a rugged landscape with little vegetation and human population. Occasional views of high alpine meadows covered with rhododendrons and yaks and sheep grazing can be seen from a distance. As you reach the lake, you are welcomed by mesmerizing views of the emerald blue lake surrounded with snow-covered peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. Located in close vicinity to the China Border, visiting the lake is not allowed for foreign tourists and even Indian nationals require special permissions from the Indian Army.

Must Visit Places in West Sikkim

Pelling
Located in the West of Sikkim, Pelling lies at a distance of 115 km. from Gangtok. Snow-covered peaks of the Kanchenjunga range can be best viewed from this tiny city. The peaceful environment and picturesque sites of this fascinating town trap thousands of tourists from all across the country.

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Following are some of the major tourist attractions of Pelling.

Khecheopalri Lake – Highly worshipped lake by the Sikkimese Buddhists, the Khecheopalri Lake is located at a distance of 28 km. from Pelling. The incredible part of the lake is that it remains perfectly clean in spite of being surrounded by thick forest. Not even a single leaf can be seen floating on the surface of the lake. It is believed that before a leaf falls, it is caught by a bird thereby preventing it to fall on the surface of the lake. The local Sikkimese people often visit the lake to pray and get their wishes fulfilled. The nearby Khechepalri Gompa and a holy cave are worth visiting by tourists.

Dentam Valley – Located at a distance of 20 km. from Pelling, Dentam Valley is a scenic site surrounded with forests of rhododendrons. Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Eastern Himalayan peaks seem to be just feet away from this place. For trekkers, nature-buffs and bird watchers, Dentam Valley makes for a precise spot near Pelling to enjoy nature at its best. The ‘Sangay Waterfalls’ en route to Dentam Valley is another scenic spot to stop by for a couple of hours.

Pemayangtse Monastery – One of the oldest and most important monasteries of Sikkim, the Pemayangtse Monastery Lies at a distance of 2 km. from Pelling. Settled at a hilltop above the Rangit River, the monastery is surrounded with thick woods and fascinating views of the snow-clad mountains. Statue of Padmasambhava (main lord of Tibetan Buddhism), ancient sculptures, scriptures and paintings, beautiful Thangkas and murals in the monastery are worth taking a look.

Singshore Bridge – Located at 5 km. from Pelling, the Singshore Bridge is the second highest hanging bridge in Asia connecting two mountains. Feel of the swing across the bridge as you walk along combined with some mind-boggling sights around; make your visit to this bridge a memorable experience.

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Rabdentse Ruins– Former capital of Sikkim, Rabdentse was destroyed by the Nepalese invaders during 18^th The town and its royal palace now lies in spoils, close to the Pemayangtse Monastery. Surrounded with thick forest cover, stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range and widespread scenic beauty, a visit to the Rabdentse Ruins is a must when you are in Pelling.

Yuksom– The unspoilt realistic charm, peaceful environments and an undulated mountain air make Yuksom an ideal holiday destination for people craving extreme quiet and secrecy. Apart from the mesmerizing and calmness, Yuksom also offers a surplus of trekking options and hence, it is visited by large numbers of trekkers from all across the world. Some of the famous treks in Sikkim including the Kanchenjunga, Dzongri and Goecha La treks start from this quaint little village of Yuksom.

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Here are some of the major tourist attractions in Yuksom.

Tashiding Monastery – Another of the holiest monasteries of Sikkim, the Tashiding Monastery lies at a distance of around 15 km. from Yuksom. Scenic beauty and peace offered in the proximity of the monastery make it a lovely place to be visited by tourists. With everything appearing to be same as that of other Buddhist monasteries, it still has that magic and a feeling that cannot be described in words.

Norbugang Park – Holding a great religious significance for Buddhists, the park is visited by many Buddhist pilgrims and believers. Norbugang is considered to be the birthplace of Sikkim where it is believed that three lamas met and spread Buddhism. The Norbugang Park is the home to the famous ‘Coronation Throne of Norbugang’ where, as per the Buddhist beliefs, the first Chogyal or chief of Sikkim was crowned. Norbugang Stupa, a large prayer wheel and Kathok Lake are some of the additional attractions of this park.

Kanchenjunga National Park – The park is a must-visit for the nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Home to numerous glaciers, a huge variety of flora and fauna, rare varieties of birds and many wild animals like snow leopards, musk deer, red panda and Himalayan black bear; a visit to the Kanchenjunga National Park requires special permissions from the State Tourism Department or the Wildlife Education and Interpretation Centre in Yuksom.

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Dubdi Monastery – Located at a distance of 3 km. from Yuksom and perched on top of a hill, this is the oldest monastery of Sikkim. The Dubdi Monastery is also a part of the Buddhist pilgrimage path along with Tashiding Monastery in Yuksom and Pemayangtse Monastery in Pelling. Statues of three lamas who established Yuksom, old prayer wheels, Thangkas paintings and rare manuscripts and religious texts are the main attractions of this monastery.

Top Places to Visit South Sikkim

Namchi
Nearly 80 km. from Gangtok, Namchi is a tiny settlement in South of Sikkim that leads awe-inspiring views of Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal.

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 Namchi is gradually taking up as a major tourist destination in Sikkim with some of its following tourist attractions.

Solophok Chardham – solophok Chardham is one of the most unique places one can see in its lifetime. With an 87 ft. a tall statue of Lord Shiva surrounded by miniature models of 12 Jyotirlingas and four sacred pilgrim dhams of Hindu religion, this temple complex forms one of the most sacred sites in Sikkim. Located at a distance of 5 km. from the Namchi town, this is a must-visit place in Namchi.

Samdruptse Hill – Also known as the ‘wish fulfilling hill’, Samdruptse Hill is the major tourist attraction of Namchi town. Known for its tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava in the world, the place is visited by many tourists and pilgrims. Besides seeing and appreciating the skills of the craftsmen and artisans of this tall statue, tourists can also visit the prayer hall and a beautiful garden in the proximity.

Temi Tea Estate – This is the one and only tea estate in Sikkim and is known for its variety of organic tea plantations. Dramatic views of the Tendong Hills, Sikkimese women plucking the tea leaves with baskets at their backs and a fresh breeze circulating the aroma of tea in the air makes your visit to the Temi Tea Estate an unforgettable experience.

Ravangla
Another most popular destination in South of Sikkim, Ravangla is known for its calm atmosphere and incredible beauty. Snow clad mountains, streaming waterfalls, quaint villages and fresh mountain air attracts lots of tourists to have a relaxing holiday in Sikkim.
Following are some of the best sightseeing options in Ravangla.

Buddha Park – The Park is famous for its 130 ft. a tall statue of Lord Buddha that was blessed by the 14^th Dalai Lama in March 2013. Buddha Park now forms the part of the Buddhist pilgrim circuit and is visited by many tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. The temple inside the park exhibits paintings and murals portraying the life of Lord Buddha. Definitely, a must visit the place during your trip to Ravangla.

Ralong Hot water Springs – A very popular site amongst visitors, the Ralong Hot Water Springs are natural hot springs believed to carry curative properties. Not very far off from the city centre of Ravangla, these springs are located on the banks of the Rangit River. Many tourists and locals can be seen taking a dive in these springs.

Ralang Monastery – Located at 6 km. from Ravangla, the Ralang Monastery is host to the famous festival of Pang Lhabsol that is celebrated every year in August to pay tribute to Mt. Kanchenjunga which is honoured as the guardian deity of Sikkim. One can also see an extensive collection of Thangkas and paintings in this monastery.

Activities to Do in Sikkim

Apart from a relaxed stay and normal sightseeing, Sikkim is an ideal place to satisfy yourself in some adventure fun, thrill and excitement. With its plethora of adventure activities listed below, you can choose the one that satiates your adrenaline surge.

Get Ready For Some Trekking Fun

Sikkim is aptly said to be a trekker’s paradise because of the numerous scenic treks it offers in its plate. Picturesque landscapes, lush green slopes, sparkling waterfalls, blowing orchards, splashing streams and milky glaciers, is something you can only get on the trekking route of Sikkim. Ranging from ‘Yuksom-Dzongri-Goecha La Trek’, ‘Green Lake Trek’, ‘Kasturi Odar Trek’, ‘Sandakphu Trek’, ‘Rhododendron Trek’ to the world-famous ‘Kanchenjunga Trek’, you can choose any trek based on your fitness level and type of landscape and scenic beauty you want to explore along the trekking route.

Have a Thrilling Experience of River Rafting at the Teesta River

Experience of river rafting in River Teesta is something which will leave you spellbound and refreshed for many hours after you are done with this adventure of your lifetime. Strong rapids of the river make you traverse through deep forests, scenic villages, lush green terraced farms, and heavenly views of the huge peaks around. Nothing can be more fun and exciting than this adrenaline experience. Make sure that you go with a reliable and licensed tour operator for this thrilling activity.

Experience the Fun of Hang Gliding and Paragliding

Hang gliding and paragliding are another two adventure sports which you would like to indulge during your trip to Sikkim. Awesome views of lofty mountains, gleaming glaciers, thick forests, lush meadows and ranges of vibrant flowers as you float in the sky; is sure to make your heartbeat as fast as it can. The thrill and excitement of this adventure fun are just inexpressible in words.

Explore the Wilderness of Sikkim Through Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking is gradually taking up as one of the most sought after adventure activities in Sikkim. With mountain biking tours, you are free to take your own routes and discover the natural beauty of Sikkim’s unexplored countryside, listen to the sound of the wind as it wipes your face and gets a sneak peek into the simple lifestyle of Sikkimese people.

Take a Yak Safari

Your trip to Sikkim is incomplete without experiencing a Yak Safari which is a unique experience in itself. Tsomgo Lake, Dzongri and Chopta Valley are ideal places to have this unforgettable experience. Photo sitting atop of a Yak is the most cherished symbol that is taken back home by tourists from Sikkim.

What to Eat

Food is an important aspect and a crucial part of any trip to any part of the world. Gorging on to the local and traditional treats should always be included in your lists whenever visiting a new place. With an amalgamation of different ethnic groups consisting of Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalese, food in Sikkim have a strong influence of all these cultures. Besides rice, meat and poultry, traditional cooking of Sikkim also comprises of fermented food and beverages.
Here are some must-try traditional and local food delicacies of Sikkim.

Momos – These are steamed dumplings made of wheat flour stuffed with minced meat, cheese and vegetables. Served with a spicy sauce and piping hot soup, momos have made their mark in menus of roadside shacks to expensive restaurants not only in Sikkim but in different parts of the country.

Chupka – It is a soup comprising of noodles, vegetables and meat, made in traditional Tibetan style.

Kinema Curry – A curry made of fermented soybean served with rice.

Gundruk and Sinki Soup – A special soup made of fermented vegetables (radish, cauliflower and mustard leaves) which are then sundried and used in soups and curries.

Sel Roti – A special kind of round spiralled shaped Nepalese bread made of fermented rice batter and deep-fried. The roti is served with potato or meat curry.

Menu – Menu is the fermented bamboo shoot that is used to make curries, soups and pickles.

Pakku – Mutton curry made in Nepalese style and served with rice.

Vishnu – Traditional soup made with nettle leaves

What to shop

No trip to an exotic location like Sikkim is complete without shopping. Traditional Sikkimese handicrafts and woollens make for an excellent shopping experience during your visit to this place. Thangkas paintings, Tibetan crockery items, prayer wheels, bamboo artefacts, Lepcha weave bags, Choksee tables (foldable tables with exquisite Tibetan carvings) and woollen carpets and blankets embroidered with traditional Sikkimese motifs and dyes are some of the best stuff to purchase from various markets of Sikkim. Talking about the edible items, Temi Tea and Churpi, dried cheese made of yak milk, are some of the items that should not be missed in your shopping list.

Fairs and festivals

Fairs and festivals are a vital part of Indian culture and traditions; Sikkim is no less in it. The fairs and festivals in Sikkim are celebrated with great fervour and pomp. Predominated with Buddhist culture, most of the festivals in Sikkim revolve around Buddhist traditions and customs. Besides the religious festivals, the tourism department of Sikkim organizes various fairs during different times of the year to promote the state’s local cultures and traditions. These festivals are a great way to get a glance into lifestyle and customs of Sikkimese. Here are some of the major tourist festivals to look forward to during your trip to Sikkim.

Sikkim International Flower Festival– Showcasing an extraordinary range of fresh flowers including a large variety of rhododendrons, magnolias, roses and rare orchids, the festival is celebrated every year in the months of April-May. A visual treat to eyes, this festival is a must-see when you are in Sikkim during the summer months.

Gangtok Winter Festival – Organized by the Tourism Department of Sikkim, this festival is annually held during the month of December. Cultural folk dance and song performances combined with local Sikkimese cuisine are the major highlights of the festival. Promoting the rich cultural estate of Sikkim, this festival is a must-see when you are in Sikkim around the same timeframe.

Kanchenjunga Tourist Festival– Named after Mt. Kanchenjunga, the festival is celebrated every year from 24th December to 26^th December in Pelling. Flower exhibitions, traditional food, ethnic craftworks, fun activities of white water rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking are some of the major draws for tourists from all across the world to this grand carnival.

Khecheopalri Lake Festival – Held in March every year, this is one of the most famous festivals of Sikkim that brings out lots of tourists from across the country. A religious festival of Buddhists, the celebrations for this festival take place on the banks of the religious Khecheopalri Lake in Pelling. The fascinating sight of hundreds of butter lamps floating on the lake in the evening and air filled with Buddhist chants gives you a feel of extreme divinity and solitude.

Namchi Mahotsav – Celebrated in the month of October every year, Namchi Mahotsav is another festival that brings out many tourists to Sikkim every year. Flower exhibitions, cultural shows, musical nights and an ethnic food fair are the major attractions of this three days long gala affair. Besides enjoying the ethnic dances and food, you also get an understanding into the traditional handicrafts and textiles of Sikkim during the festival.

Losoong – Losoong festival marks the beginning of Sikkimese New Year and harvest season. Mostly celebrated by Lepchas and Bhutias in the month of December to enjoy the end of the harvest season and to pray for a better harvest the next season, Losoong fills entire Sikkim with a spirit of festivities and merry-making. Cham dances, colourful costumes and traditional Sikkimese food add to the charm of the high-spirited celebrations. If you want to have a taste of Sikkimese vital culture then this is the best time to plan your trip to Sikkim.

Few Handy Tips

Since most of the tourist areas in Sikkim lie in restricted zones, it is advisable to check for the authorizations needed to visit these areas. You may require permissions from the tourism department, forest department and Army authorities depending on the type of area you plan to visit; apply for the permits well in advance.

Respect cultural traditions and customs while visiting monasteries or temples.

The weather remains cool throughout the year so, it is always recommended to carry proper woollens along.

For adventure activities, always consider a licensed tour operator who provides you with all the necessary safety gears and equipment.

Respect cleanliness while visiting parks, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

For activities like trekking and mountain biking, it is always advisable to do it as part of groups rather than individually.

Hope the above travel guide helps you plan a comfortable and memorable holiday in Sikkim. For any more information or for any suggestions, you can always write to us through this blog.

Thank you for visiting here!