Enticing natural sights, adventurous activities, religious centers, and vibrant cultural festivals make up the big picture of Sikkim. Situated in the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is a storehouse of exclusive destinations; the snowy landscape of the century-old silk routes, pristine glacier-feeding lakes, virgin forests, and distant mountain villages. This Himalayan state houses the mighty Kangchenjunga and is muchly acclaimed for its rich biodiversity. Gangtok, the capital town of Sikkim, is famous for offering stunning nightlife. Surrounded by Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal, this beautiful small state has unbelievable landscapes.
Sikkim comprises six districts- Gangtok, Mangan, Namchi, Geyzing, Pakyong, and Soreng. Rumtek Monastery, Hanuman Tok, Namchi, and Do Drul Chorten Stupa are popular destinations in Gangtok. Other important tourist destinations include Rong Lungten Lee, Sirijonga Yuma Mangheem, and Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in Mangan, Char Dham Temple, Rose Garden Solophok, TndongGumpa, and Samdruptse in Namchi, Yangtey, Sanghak Choeling, Khepchori Lake, and Pemayangtse Monastery in Geyzing district. Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Pakyong, and Jamuni Bridge, Richenpong, and Barsey in the Soreng district are popular among tourists.
Sightseeing Places in Sikkim
Gangtok
Gangtok is the first choice for visitors who love to explore Buddhist culture, as it houses sheer number of monasteries. The capital town of Sikkim is situated at an altitude of 5500 ft. The Rumtek monastery is one of the most visited places in the state and a famous Buddhist pilgrimage center. Apart from its cultural & religious essence, Gangtok offers a scenic natural setting and vintage city life that attracts people around the world.
Khecheopalri Lake
Khecheopalri Lake, or the Sho Dzo Sho, is a prominent tourist destination and a sacred site for the Buddhist and Hindu community. It is supposed to be blessed by the Buddhist monk Guru Padmasambhava. The lake is located at a distance of 34 kilometers northwest of Pelling and 147 km from Gangtok. Believed to be a wish-fulfilling shrine, Khepchorilake is visited by countless devotees and couples for fertility blessings.
Buddha Park
The Buddha Park, also known as Tathagata Tsal, is situated near Rabong that features a 130 ft. high statue of the Buddha at the center. The scenic park was erected to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha and consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama in 2013. The Buddha Park houses the most gorgeous statue of Sakyamuni Buddha and is visible from many parts of west and southwest parts of Sikkim.
Yumthang Valley
Yumthang, the Valley of Flowers, is situated at an elevation of 3564 meters and is a famous site in Luchung. Along with beautiful topography, the valley offers Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary has 24 species of Rhododendrons. The stunning place comprises scenic river streams, orchids, wild ferns, magnolias, breathtaking meadows, and a perfect balance of wildlife cover.
Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is situated in the Dongkya Range that connects India and Tibet. The pass is a part of the famous Silk Route that controls the silk trade of India with the South Asian countries. This ancient pass is only accessible to Indian citizens with a proper license. Nathu La offers a magnificent natural view besides its international and historical importance.
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake is not only a beautiful water body, but famous for its religious significance. Tsomgo or Chhangu lake is attended by devotees and monks every year, who believe that the lake water has divine powers. People love to enjoy colorfully decorated yak ride around the scenic lake.
