Why Visit Sikkim: Explore the Top 10 Places In Sikkim

What Are The Top 10 Places To Visit In Sikkim?

While planning your visit to any place, it is necessary to know the best places that you can visit. Talking about Sikkim, it is one of the most incredible places in India. There are many amazing Sikkim Tourist Places where you can travel with your family and friends. We have mentioned the top 10 places below:

• Gangtok

• Tsomgo Lake

Picture yourself at a lake that is bounded by snow-white mountains, with clouds appearing to be connecting with the hills! This is Tsomgo Lake, one of the finest spots in Sikkim. The lake also goes by the name of Changu Lake and is known for changing colors and quiet surroundings. In winter, it appears frozen, while in summer lots of beautiful flowers can be seen at its shore. Visitors can also experience exciting yak rides and enjoy splendid views. In addition to that, people consider the place holy, and thus, Tsomgo Lake attracts a lot of visitors every year.

• Pelling

One of the most famous hill stations of West Sikkim. After visiting, you will feel so refreshed. With the perfect misty and cloudy weather, you will get peace of mind. If you are traveling with your partner, then Pelling is the perfect place to visit. The main reason to visit there is that you will get a view of the peak of Mount Kanchenjunga. In Pelling, you will also see the Pemayangtse Monastery that was built in the 17th century. With the beauty, you will also explore the history.

• Nathula Pass

Have you ever seen a place that literally touches the sky and kisses the border of China? So Nathula Pass is that place. Not only a mountain view, but there you'll get various things such as history and mystery. It is the story of Baba Harbhajan Singh, a soldier who died long ago but is considered alive and is known to be guarding the border. He receives a salary, a promotion, and the army keeps polishing his uniform. It is a legend of its own that gives everyone goosebumps and makes it one of the best places to visit in Sikkim.

• Yumthang Valley

The valley of flowers that turns into a vibrant canvas in the months of March to May. More than 24 species of rhododendrons bloom in shades of pink, red, and purple. Before you enter the valley, there is a small pedestrian bridge that will take you to the river, which is also known as a natural hot spring. It is believed that the water is rich in sulfur, that have medicinal and healing elements.

• Ravangla

If you love to travel to a place that will be quieter, then Ravangla is for you. With the spectacular 130 ft tall copper statue of Lord Buddha, it is the crown jewel. If you are an adventure lover, then you can do a trek from Ravangla that leads to Maenam Peak through dense forests of oak and rhododendron. If you want to know more about Tibetan culture, then this place is perfect for you.

• Lachung

Lachung is an idyllic mountain village located in North Sikkim. It rests at an altitude of 8,600 feet and makes for an ideal base for tourists travelling to the prominent Yumthang Valley, as well as Zero Point. The village of Lachung is divided by the fast-flowing Lachung River, and the mountainous area boasts many orchards as well as pine forests, beautiful mountain ranges, and snow-capped peaks. Being in Lachung is a great opportunity to learn about the local customs and traditions of the Bhutia and Lepcha communities.

• Rumtek Monastery

It is also called the Dharma Chakra Center and is one of the biggest and most famous monasteries of Sikkim. This is a global center of Tibetan Buddhism. This is the place with the most uncommon Buddhist relics, the Golden Stupa, which has the relic of the 16th Karmapa, Tibetan murals, and so forth. It possesses such remarkable architecture that you can even have an amazing view of the city of Gangtok from above.

• Namchi

Namchi, a city in South Sikkim, is located at a height of 5500 feet and is renowned as the religious and cultural capital of the state, owing to the fact that it is well-known for its well-laid-out gardens as well as the stunning views of the Kanchenjunga ranges. Namchi is basically a city of religion and modern eco-tourism put together. By far the most important spot in Namchi is the Siddhesvar Dham, consisting of a large pilgrimage site with a tall 108-meter statue of Lord Shiva along with an imitation of four important sacred sites of India. A few kilometers away on the Samdruptse hills is the striking 135 feet gold and copper statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the deity of Sikkim, that will attract your attention from miles away.

• Do-Drul Chorten

Do-Drul Chorten, one of the most notable stupas in Sikkim, is just a short distance from Gangtok. The beautiful but noteworthy feature of this stupa is its white walls. It was built in 1945 by the Nyingma school's Trulshik Rinpoche to remove evil spirits. The gold spire of the stupa is topped with 108 prayer wheels. It is believed that individuals who turn the prayer wheels in a clockwise direction and chant the prayers will purify their negative karma.

"Sikkim is one of the most beautiful in India. This place is filled magnificent mountain, clean river and organic farmer. If you are planning a trip with your family or friends then a well-organised Sikkim Tour Package will help you in exploring all the major attractions"

Why Visit Sikkim? What Is So Special About This Place?

One of the rare Himalayan sanctuaries where nature meets a deeply conscious and ancient soul. You may have seen many mountain resorts that offer good views. But this resort is an example of sustainable living in the lap of Kangchenjunga, which happens to be the third-highest mountain in the world.

What Makes Sikkim Special?

• Magnificent Mountains: The grand Himalayan mountain range is an excellent example of itself, as within this range lies the third tallest mountain in the world called Mountain Kanchenjunga.
• Organic Farming: Sikkim is the pioneer Indian state which began organic farming, which means that this state farms using no chemicals as pesticides.
• Clean and Green State: Being naturally beautiful, Sikkim is also one of the cleanest places, with lots of greenery and fresh air to breathe.
•  Culturally Rich Land: Sikkim comprises different tribes such as Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalis. Lots of colorful festivals are celebrated in the area.
•  Having countless scenic lakes: Many beautiful lakes are present in Sikkim, including Tsomgo and Gurudongmar, etc.

What To Do In Sikkim?

No matter if you are traveling with your family, friends, or even with your partner to Sikkim, there is something for everybody. Sikkim Tourist Places are fantastic, but there are a number of things that you can do with your loved ones. We have mentioned some wonderful things that you can enjoy in Sikkim:

• River Rafting: Get an experience of the thrilling river rafting trip on the Teesta River as you enjoy going with the flow of the rapids amidst the majestic mountains.

• Paragliding: Soar to heights in the sky and get panoramic views from above of the verdant valleys and hills of Gangtok.

• Mountain Biking: Enjoy your time riding a bicycle on the roads of the beautiful mountains of Sikkim.

• Trekking: Enjoy your experience of the beauty of nature by trekking on the forest trails, green valleys, and mountains. There is also a variety of popular treks in Sikkim like Goechala and Dzongri for those who love adventure.

•  Yak Ride: Go on an innovative experience through a yak ride close to Tsomgo Lake.

•  Ropeway: Enjoy yourself on the Gangtok Ropeway ride along with the wonderful view of the city and valleys.

•  Camping: Relax in the camp surrounded by mountains in a peaceful environment, see the stars, and experience nature's beauty.

• Winter Activities: Get involved in activities related to snow, such as building snowmen and playing snowball fights, and click some awesome photos during winter.

• Bird watching: Watch the vibrant birds of Sikkim in their natural surroundings.

• Photography: Take wonderful pictures of the snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, flowers, lakes, monasteries, and many other picturesque places.

What Festivals Are Celebrated In Sikkim In Winter?

If your next vacation destination is Sikkim in winter, it must be a very good decision because the place becomes a cultural paradise during this season. In this season, there are many Tibetan Buddhist festivals celebrated in the state.

• Kagyed Dance Festival: It is a religious dance performed by monks, which presents the tales of Buddhist mythology. It ends with the destruction of flour and paper effigies symbolizing the destruction of evil powers.
• Losoong: It is celebrated in the month of December after harvesting. Both Bhutia and Lepcha communities celebrate this festival by performing traditional Chaam, which is a masked dance. Chann is performed by both Phodong and Rumtek monks to ward off evil spirits and welcome the new year.
• Losar: Losar is usually celebrated in the month of February, but it is celebrated with great dedication in all monasteries of Sikkim. It includes Gutor Chaam, performed before the new year, and feasting and cleaning in households.
• Tamu Lochar: Observed in either late December or early January among the Gurungs, this marks the commencement of their New Year. This festival involves several community programs as well as ethnic games.

North East Highlights: Sikkim to Darjeeling Experience

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North East Panorama: Gangtok, Pelling & Darjeeling

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Fascinating Sikkim & Darjeeling Mountain Escape

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Darjeeling & Gangtok Himalayan Retreat

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When Should One Visit Sikkim?

• March to May (Spring): It is the best time to visit Sikkim when one can enjoy clear weather and the blooming of flowers.
• October to November (Autumn): It is the best time to visit Sikkim when one can see the mountains covered with snow.
• December to February (Winter): It is the best time to visit Sikkim to see the snowfall and cold weather.
• June to September (Monsoon): It is not the right time to visit Sikkim.

Quick Tips

• Perfect time overall: March to May and October to November.
• For snow: December to February.
• For sightseeing: October to November.
• For flowers and greenery: March and April

Sikkim Travel Itinerary: 7 Days for First-Time Visitors

Planning your first trip to Sikkim? This 7-day itinerary covers the top 7 tourist places in Sikkim, including Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Lachung, and Yumthang Valley.

What Are The Ways To Visit Sikkim?

There are a lot of different ways that you could get to Sikkim. It all depends on you, and you decide which one suits you better.

• By Road: There is excellent road infrastructure in Sikkim, connecting Sikkim to neighboring cities like Siliguri and Darjeeling. You could take a bus, taxi, or a private car.

• By Train: There is no major railway station in Sikkim. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), West Bengal. From there, you can go to Sikkim by taxi or bus.

•  By Air: The nearest major airport is the Bagdogra Airport, West Bengal. There are flights from all major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. One can travel to Sikkim via a taxi or bus from Bagdogra.

Why Sikkim is a Perfect Place To Visit For Everyone?

This specific state of India is perfect for everyone who visits it because of the mixture of nature, adventure, and peace that the state provides. The reason why Sikkim is so attractive to tourists because of its location in the Himalayas region, where people can see everything from snow mountains to monasteries.

Individuals who love adventure will be amazed by the activities that are there, including river rafting and hiking. People who love nature will be excited about being in an environment where they can enjoy peace, whereas people who love food and culture will be able to enjoy the culture and eat the local food.

There are perfect spots for tourists to spend their holidays with their families. Couples will get a chance to explore romantic mountain views, whereas groups of friends can enjoy themselves during their visit. There isn’t any place in Sikkim that doesn’t attract tourists. People’s friendly nature, along with the environment, sights, and culture of the state, makes it even more alluring to visit.

How To Choose the Right Places In Sikkim?

The choice of the destination for exploring the state of Sikkim depends on various things, like your preference, travelling expenses, and the time period of your travel. Think of what is your preference and whether you like mountains, lakes, monasteries, valleys, adventure, and the weather conditions; in addition to that think about the distance of travel and take the tour according to that. If you have a love for nature and want to visit many different places, then you should know some of the best places to visit in Sikkim. These places include Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Pelling, and Lachung.

Tips to be followed before visiting Sikkim

• Government-Valid ID Proof: Carry your government-issued valid ID proof such as Aadhaar card, voter ID card, passport, etc.
• Permit Check: Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, and North Sikkim require a permit.
• Pack Warm Clothes: Pack some warm clothes as there will be a lot of cold there, including jackets, sweaters, gloves, and woollen socks.
• Check Weather Forecast: You should always check the weather forecast, as there are chances of weather variation due to monsoon and winter.
• Booking Accommodation in Advance: Make sure you book accommodation in advance to ensure that you get accommodation in your destination place.
• Carry Basic Medicines: Pack some basic medicines as there may be problems such as fever, headache, and altitude sickness, etc.
• Altitude Preparation: Prepare yourself for the altitude change.
• Maintain Cash: There may be a scarcity of ATMs in the remote area; hence, carry cash with you.
• Pack Food and Water: Pack enough water and food for your trip.
• Check Road Conditions: Sometimes, due to landslides or snow, there can be problems with road conditions.
• Always Travel with Buffer Days: Travel with a flexible itinerary.

Places To Stay In Sikkim

There is a variety of accommodations available in Sikkim catering to the pocket and comfort level of every tourist. Tourists may select an appropriate place and relax in the midst of the wonderful mountain surroundings.

• Hotels: There are many hotels available in Sikkim that provide well-equipped rooms along with some basic amenities for an enjoyable stay.
• Resorts: Resorts are a good choice for individuals who like nature and peaceful surroundings.
• Homestays: This is one way of staying in Sikkim where one gets to stay with locals and experience Sikkim culture.
• Guesthouses: Guesthouses provide inexpensive accommodation facilities which are ideal for travellers.
• Cottages: Cottages provide a comfortable and peaceful stay amidst mountains and greenery.
• Luxury Stays: Individuals can have premium accommodations in Sikkim with modern facilities and services.
• Budget Stays: Many budget accommodation facilities are also available in Sikkim for students and families.

Conclusion

Sikkim is a beautiful place that provides all the required elements for making a vacation memorable. Starting from the mesmerizing views of the mountains from Gangtok, the serene environment at Tsomgo Lake, the picturesque beauty of Yumthang Valley, and the small village of Lachung, every destination is unique in its own way. 

In case you have the idea of taking a family vacation, romantic vacation, or an adventurous vacation, then there is nothing like Sikkim that can suit your purpose. You can get to experience the beauty of the monasteries, the adventurous outdoor activities, take part in the festive events, and taste the cuisine. 

Given its cool weather, friendly people, natural environment, and culture, Sikkim could be considered one of the best vacation places in India.

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