10 Places To Visit In Sikkim On Your Next Himalayan Trip

Sikkim is popular among tourists for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture.Among its many attractions, Gangtok stands out as a lively place, where tradition meets modernity seamlessly. There are plenty of places to visit in Sikkim, such as the serene Tsomgo Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and Pelling that captivates the visitors with the breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak. Sikkim invites visitors to explore its ancient monasteries steeped in history and have spiritual significance.

10 Places To Visit In Sikkim

Here are 10 places to visit in Sikkim, each seamlessly blending culture and nature, ideal for travellers searching for a rejuvenating getaway.

1. Gangtok

Photo: Pritam Laskar / unsplash

Gangtok is a city in the eastern Himalayas renowned for its beauty and culture. Gangtok, among the most popular places to visit in Sikkim, has serene monasteries like Rumtek and Enchey, reflecting the region’s spiritual heritage. The main street, MG Marg, is bustling with local cafes and shops and is one of the great tourist attractions in Sikkim to buy local souvenirs, such as Sikkimese tea cups. For nature lovers, Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass offer spectacular views and rejuvenating trips to the snowy mountains.

Best Time To Visit: March to May and October to November

2. Pelling

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Pelling is one of the top tourist places to visit in Sikkim. Pelling’s captivating beauty and serene atmosphere attract many visitors from all across the country. Situated approximately 211 km from Gangtok and 73 km from Darjeeling, Pelling is easily accessible from other well-known tourist places in Sikkim. Some of the must-visit destinations of Pelling include Pemayangtse Monastery and Sangachoeling Monastery, known for their stunning architecture, serene ambience and spiritual significance.

Best Time To Visit: December to May

3. Nathula Pass

Photo: Aditya Deshmukh / unsplash

During your Sikkim trip, you can explore Nathula Pass, one of the most adventurous places to visit in Sikkim. With its deep-rooted historical ties to the ancient Silk Route, this location holds great political importance for the state. It also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the well-known Sherathang border commerce marketplace, where you can purchase souvenirs for your loved ones. Also visit The Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial, located nearby, which has historical and spiritual significance.

Best Time To Visit: Late April to early June and September to October
Timings: Wednesday to Sunday (8 AM – 12 PM), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

4. Tsomgo Lake

Photo: Noor Salim / unsplash

Located about 40 km from Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake is one of the most popular places to visit in Sikkim. This stunning glacial lake, known as “Source of Water” in the local language, is a highlight of Sikkim’s natural beauty. Tsomgo Lake captivates visitors with its serene and pristine views. The journey to Tsomgo Lake is an adventure along the winding mountain roads offering spectacular views of snow-capped mountains which reflect into the lake.

Best Time To Visit: March to late May and from October to mid-December
Timings: 8 AM – 3 PM

5. Zuluk

Photo: Dhruvin Pandya / unsplash

Zuluk is one of the most interesting places to visit in Sikkim in winter, the lake often freezes, creating a magical allure with stunning views of the surrounding mountains that captivate its visitors. Zuluk also has a unique temple dedicated to Nag Devta (Mountain Snake God) which has a King Cobra symbol and is shaped like a lair or cave, giving the impression of walking into a snake hole. Other major tourist destinations in Zuluk include the Thambi View Point from where the breathtaking Mt. Kanchenjunga can be seen.

Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

6. Lachen, Lachung And Yumthang Valley

Photo: Rupesh Jaiswal / unsplash

Make sure to add these three amazing villages to your list of places to visit in Sikkim. Situated in North Sikkim, the small hamlet of Lachen is worth checking out. It is the place to explore if you are looking for some peace. After Lachen, your next destination should be Lachung or Yumthang Valley. Yumthang is famous for its beautiful flower valley, while Lachung is ideal for enjoying snow.

Location: North Sikkim near the border with Tibet
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM

7. Kanchenjunga Base Camp

Photo: Rudra Gupta / unsplash / Image for representation only

Travelling is the best way to understand different cultures. No book, movie, or anything can teach you about the new culture the way travelling does. One way to explore the culture of Sikkim is to head to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, one of the most adventurous tourist places to visit in Sikkim, here you will get to see the entire state while trekking up to 14,000 feet above sea level. Camping near Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world will surely fill you with pride.

Best Time To Visit: March to May

8. Goecha La

Photo: SANDEEP PUNDIR / unsplash

Goecha La, a popular mountain pass for trekking and skiing in Sikkim, is a delight for adventurers and one of the most sought-after places to visit in Sikkim by trekkers. This trek will satisfy the spirit of visitors seeking an exhilarating experience. The climb up to Goecha La is demanding yet enjoyable, as it takes you through lush forests, beautiful lakes, and colourful valleys. Even if you are not a frequent climber or trekker, the incredible views of Mt. Kanchenjunga make this site much more appealing.

Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to mid-December

9. Gurudongmar Lake

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Pangong Tso Lake in Leh and Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim share a striking resemblance. At an altitude of 17,800 feet above sea level, Gurudongmar Lake, with its beautiful turquoise waters, ranks among the top places to visit in Sikkim. A fascinating aspect of Gurudongmar Lake is that it is significant for three religions: Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. Several rare wildlife species, such as blue sheep and yaks, inhabit this specific region of Sikkim.

Best Time To Visit: March to June

10. Teesta River

Photo: Rabhimbh Bardhan / unsplash / Image for representation only

The Teesta River captivates visitors with its dazzling wilderness as it flows endlessly, offering a delightful spectacle. In the summer, the waters of this river sparkle under the sun while vibrant flowers bloom along its banks, creating a picturesque scene. During winter, the river’s frozen appearance adds to the season’s beauty, transforming the landscape into a wonderland, Whether you are seeking adventure or serenity, the Teesta River is among the top places to visit in Sikkim, offering a captivating experience year-round.

Best Time To Visit: October to March and July to September

Sikkim, a beautiful hilly state with crystal-clear lakes like Gurudongmar and Tsomgo, waits to reveal its stories to visitors. It promises an unforgettable experience with its harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements. If you are looking for places to visit in Sikkim, TripXL can help you plan the ideal itinerary to see some of the most beautiful locations and famous tourist attraction spots.

Cover Photo: Debarghya Meikap / unsplash

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