things to see in sikkim india
Sikkim, often referred to as the “jewel of Northeast India,” is a mystical land located in the Himalayas that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual essence. From trekking snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, and serene lakes Sikkim has it all. Being home to warm hearted locals, the region is bound to leave travelers mesmerized whether they are culture enthusiasts, adventurists, or peace seekers.
Magnificent Sikkim Sceneries
Among the breathtaking places to see in Sikkim India, Mount Kanchenjunga takes the crown as the 3rd highest mountain across the globe. Sikkim Tours would be incomplete without adding Tsomgo Lake, the serene glacial lake perched 12,310 feet above sea level. Both Sikkim Tours and Sikkim tourism wouldn’t be complete without adding Tsomgo lake, one of the most elevated lakes in the world cradled by mountains. I personally find the scenic change of the lake during different seasons as one of the best things to experience in Sikkim.
When thinking about what to see in Sikkim India, Nathula Pass should pop to mind as it is situated on the Indo-China border. With permits, it is open to Indian tourists. In the past, this pass was a part of the Silk Route and now has captivating views of the Himalayas.
The Fascinating Monasteries and Religious Havens
Sikkim has a certain charm which is the reason it attracts tourists. One of the most magnificent things to see in Sikkim India is Rumtek Monastery. The place is considered a masterpiece of Tibetan Buddhist architecture. This monastery brings in all types of people who are seeking spirituality due to the captivating energy it possesses along with the traditional architectural structures and ancient scriptures present there.
Other places of worship one needs to see in Sikkim India are Pemayangtse Monastery and Enchey Monastery. These two monasteries are well known for their calm surroundings, vibrant celebrations, and ideal geography. These monasteries are important for people to comprehend the culture of Sikkim which portrays religion.
Charming Towns and Cities
Considered as one of the capitals of Sikkim India, Gangtok has a lot to offer. From electric local markets, flavorful local food, cable car travel, to an active nightlife. MG Marg is the heart of Gangtok and is a great place for an evening walk where you can have some shopping and other activities. Also, if you want the best urban experience of Sikkim India, you can use Gangtok as a base.
In the West Sikkim region you will also find the lovely Pelling, which is ideal for sightseeing in Sikkim India. Pelling has one of the best views of Kanchenjunga and also has the first glass skywalk in India which is a northern overlook of a 137 ft tall statue of Chenrezig. That experience is one that is breathtaking when you visit Pelling and it is definitely among the must-see places in Sikkim India.
Tranquil Lakes and Waterfalls
Sikkim India is known for the Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world alongside things to see in Sikkim India, being at a height of 17800 ft makes it the 4th highest in the world. The stillness and surrounding views make this an awe inspiring place.
One of the major attractions in Sikkim, India, is the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, a waterfall that descends in seven stages. Other attractions include Banjhakri and Bakthang waterfalls, which are located near Gangtok. Both serve the dual purpose of being popular dining venues as well as photo hot spots.
The Relaxing Surreal Experiences and Observation
Yumthang Valley, known as the Valley of Flowers’ is a must visit place in Sikkim India for every nature enthusiast. It truly is a heaven for flower lovers in the spring time as the entire valley fills with flowering rhododendrons as well as other types of alpine flora.
Around this location lies the Zero Point which, unlike other regions decaying under the sun, is blanketed in snow throughout the year. From an attraction point of view, the Zero Point region is one of the most eye-catching places in Sikkim India. The beauty of this snowbound paradise is sure to enhance the experience of visiting Sikkim.
Festivals Celebrations and Tours
Also, local fairs and festivals like Losar, Saga Dawa, and Pang Lhabsol are captivating and culturally unique experiences. Marks the most stunning sight visiting Sikkim India immersed in the powerful traditions of the region’s Buddhism. These festivals are an integrated part of things to do in Sikkim, India as they offer a rich experience globally revered.
Like other places in the globe, Sikkim India also has its own traditional dances, handicrafts, and cuisine including momo, thukpa, and churpi cheese which makes Sikkim incredible. We highly recommend the views from gigantic religious statues placed on the hills in Namchi and Ravangla to experience the culture in all its glory.
Off the Beaten Track in North and South Sikkim
Sikkim Lachen and Sikkim Lachung located in North Sikkim stand as one of the highlights for the wonders to marvel in Sikkim India. These towns rise high to some of the most extreme apple orchards, pine forests, and stupas.
Temi tea garden is also the only thing offered in South Sikkim, and it has astounding features to explore in Sikkim India: a tea estate in the Himalayas. It presents the only tea garden in the state and opens to the breathtaking view of the peaceful looking and snow crowned hills pona rolling plantations.
Wildlife and Eco Tourism Attractions in Sikkim
If you are an eco traveler, rest assured for the things to see in Sikkim India are rich in biodiversity. Parks like Khangchendzonga which is a UN world heritage site and famous for red pandas, Himalayan bears and Snow leopards as well as a whole bunch of birds are must see places for nature walks and bird watching.
As part of the things to see in Sikkim India, we recommend Fambong Lho wildlife sanctuary and Maenam sanctuary for observing untouched nature.
Sikkim India – Begin the most remarkable journey to the Himalayas
An undiscovered treasure – this is how one can describe Sikkim, a state located in the cradle of the Eastern Himalayas. There is so much to see in Sikkim India such as its breathtaking landscapes, captivating cultural heritage, serene atmosphere, and rich biodiversity. The entire northeastern state boasts of untold stories of mysticism and beauty, right from the snow capped mountains, tranquil monasteries, serene lakes to vibrant festivals. Fambong Lho sanctuary and Maenam sanctuary are perfect spots for nature lovers and adventurers. Exploring Sikkim opens the doors to tranquility, adventure, spirituality and peace all at once.
Exploring the Stunning North Sikkim
In North Sikkim, you can find the most beautiful places to visit in Sikkim India. From breathtaking Gurudongmar Lake (one of the world’s highest lakes) to eclipsed Yumthang Valley of Flowers, each place had an other-worldly feel to it. Gurudongmar Lake is of great importance in the Hindu and Buddhist cultures, and even Sikhs revere it. A journey to the picturesque mountain villages of Lachen and Lachung lets the tourists enjoy the Himalayan culture alongside savoring the tranquil beauty surrounding them.
North of Indo-Tibet border is home to Chopta Valley which has amazing places to visit in Sikkim. Paradisiacal in winters, this beauty turns into a white blanket with frozen rivers underneath, making it one of the newest attractions to see in Sikkim India.
East Sikkim’s jaw-dropping beauty
In Sikkim India, this region offers some unique places to visit in Sikkim India. Having the state capital of Gangtok in this region is a cherry on top. Tsomgo Lake is one of the eastern gems that sits at an elevation of 12,313 feet, making it the highest glacial lake in the world. Bounded by snow-capped peaks, it turns into flowers during the spring season.
Intertwined with the history of Sikkim, Nathu La Pass with Tibet is of great importance. As a part of the historic Silk Route, it serves as an example for trade routes and world history. Do not miss paying homage to Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, a significant spiritual location.
While the capital city Gangtok is home to MG Marg, a shopping and restaurant hub, it also accommodates several other locations of interest such as Enchey Monastery, ideal for people looking for some peace, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which is the place to go for learning deeper about Buddhist culture.
The Wonders and Adventures in West Sikkim
Nature and spirituality and history find a confluence in West Sikkim, a repository of astonishing sights. If you are one of the many who are unsure on what to see in Sikkim India, the town Pelling should top your list. With splendid glimpses of Mount Kanchenjunga, the town is also home to historical sites such as Rabdentse Palace and the serene Pemayangtse Monastery.
Also described as the ‘wish-granting lake’, Khecheopalri Lake is a holy monument for Buddhists and Hindus. The enchanting calm of the water and the woods that surround turn it into yet another breathtaking location.
Yuksom, located in the state of Sikkim, marks the place where the first king (Chogyal) of Sikkim was crowned. It is the gateway to Dzongri-Goechala trek, which is among the most popular treks in the Himalayas, thus making it an ideal location when listing places to visit in Sikkim India.
Calm and Scenic Beauty of South Sikkim
People looking for a calm getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life will find South Sikkim to be the perfect place. Ravangla and Namchi are two major towns here which stand out for their religious tourism as well as their natural beauty. Buddha Park in Ravangla is one of the places to visit in Sikkim India as it has stunningly beautiful gardens with a huge statue of buddha placed in the center.
Siddhesvara Dham of Namchi is a religious complex known for having replicas of Char Dham and twelve Jyotirlinga which serve as a one stop pilgrimage/spiritual India center for devotees. The Samdruptse Hill with its stunning statue of Guru Padmasambhava is another jaw dropping religious site and among the places to visit in Sikkim India.
Flora and Fauna – An Ecological Paradise
The list of places to visit in Sikkim India goes beyond the offerings of architecture and scenic views, as the place is also a biodiversity hotspot.
Kanchenjunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit Sikkim tourist place. The park features red pandas, Himalayan tahr, snow leopards, and numerous endemic plant species.
The Sanctuary is a great Sikkim tourist spot in spring, where you can find the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary which brings in tourists from all over to see the valleys filled with primulas, rhododendrons, and orchids.
Cultural Festivals and Local Traditions
Festivals are an inseparable part of the culture while considering what to visit in Sikkim India. Losar (Tibetan New Year), Pang Lhabsol (celebrating the guardian deity of Sikkim), and Saga Dawa (marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha) are equally important Sikkim tourist attractions.
The beauty of these community-driven, spiritual festivals is the opportunity to experience local Sikkimese traditions and cuisine, mask dances, traditional music, and the vibrant culture of Sikkim.
Local Cuisine – A Treat for the Taste Buds
Enjoying the local cuisine is among the most overlooked and yet essential highlights to experience in Sikkim India. Sikkimese cuisine is as diverse as its culture, ranging from gundruk and to momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup). While soaking in the scenic views, don’t forget to sip on authentic Sikkim tea.
Spiritual Experiences You Can’t Miss in Sikkim
Neither does Sikkim lack in natural beauty nor is it an area void of spirituality. The state is home to a number of ancient monasteries, sacred lakes and wondrous legends that add a divine element to the travel experience. If you are creating a bucket list of things to see in Sikkim India, Rumtek, Tashiding, Enchey and Ralang should be on the list. In addition to serving as religious centers, these breathtaking monasteries also double as tranquil retreats, showcasing Tibetan Buddhist architecture, rituals and chants.
Be sure to check out Dubdi Monastery which was built in the 1700s, making it one of the oldest monasteries in the region which is located at Yuksom. This retreat is perfect for people in search of calm since its surrounded by mountains and forest. Attending dawn services at monasteries in Sikkim India is truly a heavenly experience unlike any other—you will hear the chants, colorful prayer flags, and strong winds while feeling calmness wash over you.
Sikkim is Sikkim’s Pristine Culture and Arts
Sikkim, and its cultural tourism, is rapidly developing, especially after the merging of the Bhutia, Lepcha, and Nepali communities. Exploring the indigenous way of life from rural homestays is the biggest highlight of visiting Sikkim India; walking into the ancestral homes of locals, who are extremely welcoming, feasting on the native food prepared on a wooden stove, and even indulging in local customs create a lasting impression.
Local markets in Sikkim sell a wide variety of handicrafts including carved wooden decorations, Thangka paintings, shoes woven from wool, woven bags, and handmade paper. In Gangtok, you can support local artisans by buying the crafted pieces at the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom.
Exciting Adventure Sports Available In Sikkim
Those seeking adventure will look forward to Sikkim. It looks like a scene straight out of an action movie. The gushing rivers, the stunning deep valleys, trekking, snow-covered mountains are some of the things Sikkim is famous for. For trekking enthusiasts, Sikkim has it all. Sikkim is home to some astonishing trekking routes such as Goecha La Temple Trek, Green Lake Trek, and Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek.
Along with trekking, Sikkim does not fall short in providing white-water rafting facilities in Rangit and Teesta rivers. One can also paraglide from the hilltop of Gangtok or ride a mountain bike through the mesmerizing scenic trails and in winter ski and snowboard in places like Katao and Yumthang.
Lakes, Waterfalls and Breathtaking Natural Attractions
Apart from Tsomgo and Gurudongmar, Sikkim is also known for Menmecho lake. Unlike many local attractions, this lake puts Goecha La temple in the dust as it is quiet and not heavily populated with tourists. It is the target song bird lovers dream as the lake and its surroundings are famous for their variety of highland flora.
One more wonderful place is Tendong Hill, which is believed to have saved the Lepcha tribe people from the great flood. It is now a quiet place that is densely forested, providing breathtaking vistas of the mountains and their ranges. If you are a waterfall enthusiast, you must visit Banjhakri Falls, Bhim Nala Falls, and Seven Sisters Waterfall, for they are some of the most picturesque places in Sikkim India.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Travel in Sikkim
As the first fully organic state of India, Sikkim stands out in sustainable tourism. As a traveler, there is a green travel policy in place that is highly recommended to be followed; avoid using single-use plastics, respect cultural traditions, and practice eco-tourism. There are numerous eco-friendly self-guided tourism opportunities available, ranging from organic farms and eco-lodges to nature walks conducted by local community members.
Another notable place is Dzongu – an eco-tourism designated area with authentic natural sceneries and local culture while being non-intrusive to the site. It showcases good practices of sustainable tourism by providing authentic experiences while preserving nature and culture. Exploring Dzongu is one of the more meaningful things to do in Sikkim India.Traveling to Sikkim and Getting Around
Visiting Sikkim is more easy now than it has ever been, with access to Pakyong Airport about 30 km from Gangtok, which serves direct flights from Delhi and Kolkata, as well as Bagdogra airport in West Bengal, which offers a scenic bus trip through Siliguri and Gangtok.
Within Sikkim, the majority of inter-town travel is done through shared jeeps and taxis. For the North Sikkim region, one may consider guided tours, as self driving is often reminiscent of iconic American road trips, especially in rural areas.
Conclusion: Every step is a story in Sikkim
For those yearning to experience a blend of adventure, deep rooted culture, and extreme tranquility can look forward to finding everything and more in Sikkim, India. The experience speaks for itself in all ways possible, be it gazing over the gigantic Kanchenjunga mountain, enjoying local delicacies, finding peace at century-old monasteries, or wandering in the valleys filled with blooming flowers. Sikkim, India is full of stories waiting to be discovered through the empathy that is evoked, and with nature and heritage comes that calm feeling which acts like an anchor.
FAQs
Q1: What is the best time to explore things to see in Sikkim India?
A: The best time is between March to June and September to December for clear skies and pleasant weather.
Q2: Are permits required for all things to see in Sikkim India?
A: Some areas like Nathula Pass and Gurudongmar Lake require special permits, especially for foreign tourists.
Q3: How many days are ideal to cover the main things to see in Sikkim India?
A: A 7-10 day itinerary is ideal to experience the top things to see in Sikkim India without rushing.
Q4: Can things to see in Sikkim India be explored with family?
A: Yes, Sikkim is a family-friendly destination with options for adventure, nature, and culture for all ages.
Q5: Are the things to see in Sikkim India budget-friendly?
A: Yes, with various homestays, budget hotels, and local transport options, it can be explored on a moderate budget.
About The Author
