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The Northeastern state of Sikkim is in the foothills of the eastern Himalayan range, known for breathtaking mountain views and zig-zag roads, the famous Silk Route, or Silk Road, adds historical intrigue to this Himalayan paradise. Among the places to visit in East Sikkim are Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake and Rumtek Monastery. The spectacular scenery of Zuluk, the lively Gangtok markets, and the pleasant atmosphere of Aritar make East Sikkim an unforgettable travel destination for all kinds of travellers.
10 Places To Visit In East Sikkim
From panoramic mountain views to historical landmarks, East Sikkim is a treasure trove of destinations. Here are 10 places to visit in East Sikkim.
1. Gangtok
Photo: Aditya Deshmukh / Unsplash
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and enchants tourists with its peaceful religious communities and stunning views. Enchey monastery, dating back to the 1840s, offers a tranquil getaway with its corridors embellished with wall paintings and strict relics. In addition, the Rumtek Monastery, on a ridge, is a significant Tibetan Buddhist centre in the district and is known for its complex engineering and the brilliant Golden Stupa. These two monasteries provide insights into Sikkim’s social legacy.
Top Activities: Cable car ride, paragliding, river-rafting, camping, monastery-hopping, enjoy panoramic views from Tashi Viewpoint
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In West Sikkim
2. Tsomgo Lake
One of the most famous East Sikkim tourist places is Tsomgo Lake, which is a fascinating sight at an elevation of 12,400 ft. The frosty lake is popular among locals and guests alike and is surrounded by frosty peaks. Additionally, embellished with brilliant woollen covers, Yaks are available for a ride across the frozen lake, adding a touch of local culture to the experience. During the Losoong festival, the lake is a significant spot for the Chaam dances to drive away evil spirits and sustain local harmony.
Top Activities: Yak ride, photography, bird watching, trekking
3. Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass, at an elevation of 14,450 ft. on the Indo-China border, offers panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas. The pass is one of the best transit places for the East Sikkim trip and is covered with snow in December, creating a visually stunning landscape. Guests can visit the boundary exchange market and interact with the Indian Armed Forces faculty to learn of the area’s significance. Because of the high elevation and low oxygen levels, it is advisable to wear warm clothing and carry oxygen cylinders.
Top Activities: Bike ride through Nathula pass
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Sikkim
4. Zuluk
Photo: Dhruvin Pandya / Unsplash
An unlikely treasure on the memorable Old Silk Course, Zuluk offers gorgeous views of the Eastern Himalayas and a glimpse into the district’s rich social legacy. Thambi View Point is popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts for its morning views of snow-capped mountains. The winding streets of the Old Silk Route offer an exhilarating drive through rough territory and breathtaking scenery, with stops at Lungthung, Kupup Lake, and Nathang Valley.
Top Activities: Enjoy panoramic views of Kanchenjunga Peak from Thambi View Point, Stroll through Zigzag Road
5. Rumtek Monastery
The remarkable Rumtek Monastery, a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim, is a short drive from Gangtok. The structure is known for its complex Tibetan engineering and beautiful wall paintings and serves as the seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Kagyu organisation of Tibetan Buddhism. Rumtek Monastery’s quiet surroundings and rich social legacy make it a must-visit destination in the East Sikkim tourist places list.
Top Activities: Prayer session, explore the Golden Stupa, shop for souvenirs, learn about Tibetan Art and Culture
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South Sikkim
6. Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
Photo: Ambuj Saxena / Wikimedia Commons
Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir is between Nathula and Jelep La Pass and is dedicated to an Indian Armed Forces trooper. Baba Harbhajan Singh was known for his acts of courage and for protecting his soldiers in the dangerous landscape of the Eastern Himalayas. The Mandir has a tranquil environment and offers a quiet rest stop for travellers. Believers frequently leave notes and letters in exchange for Baba’s favours, trusting his magical powers to protect and guide them through life’s difficulties.
Top Activities: Visit the shrine, attend the daily flag-lowering ceremony, trek to the Mandir, and experience military tradition
7. Aritar
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Known for its picturesque green setting, Aritar is one of the finest tourist places in East Sikkim offering a quiet retreat amidst nature, which is also referred to as Lampokhari Lake. The lake’s clear waters mirror the blue sky and mountains that surround it, making it an ideal location for photographers and nature lovers. Aritar allows visitors to experience the rich Buddhist culture of Sikkim like the Lingsay religion.
Top Activities: Explore Lindsay Monastery and Ram Gauri Sangrhalaya, boating and picnicking
Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places In Sikkim For Your Next Surreal Trip
8. Ganesh Tok
Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu / Wikimedia Commons
Ganesh Tok is a sanctuary of Lord Ganesh only a couple of kilometres from Gangtok. Another thing that makes Ganesh Tok extraordinary is its area, offering stunning sights of the city of Gangtok and the surrounding mountains. You can enjoy the top view from the temple, perched atop a hill. From there, you can see the Himalayan range and witness stunning sunsets. Ganesh Tok is a popular destination with locals and tourists, due to its tranquillity and beauty,
Top Activities: Visit the Ganesh temple, explore the adjoining flower garden, enjoy local dance performances during festivals
9. Kupup Lake
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
Kupup Lake, also known as Elephant Lake due to its elephant-like shape, is a high-altitude lake near the Nathula Pass. The lake’s emerald-green waters and enormous mountains in the backdrop stand out against the natural scenery. The stunning views of the Himalayan peaks surrounding Kupup Lake make it a popular spot for nature lovers and picnickers. The lake freezes during winter and draws visitors looking to enjoy ice skating and other winter sports on its surface.
Top Activities: Visit nearby villages, boating, picnicking, photography, visit the nearby Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
Suggested Read: The Best Adventure Sports In Sikkim To Try On Your Next Vacation
10. Tinkitam
Photo: Garvit Nama / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tinkitam is known for its huge cardamom estates and is set amidst the rolling hills and lush vegetation of East Sikkim. You can go for a relaxed stroll through the beautiful scenery, where you can see cardamom plants in terraced fields and learn about the development cycle from the local people. Tinkitam is also renowned for its lovely views of the Kanchenjunga range and the nearby Tendong Hill and is a haven for nature lovers and photographic artists trying to capture the essence of Sikkim’s natural beauty.
Top Activities: Visit Cardamom plantations, visit Tendong Hill, bird watching, Try the local cuisine, interact with locals in Tinkitam Village
All the places to visit in East Sikkim are unique in their own right, enchanting visitors with their natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. A trip to this beautiful place in the North East is sure to impress all travel lovers. With TripXL, you can explore some of the best places in East Sikkim, from the stunning Nathula Pass to the serene Rumtek Monastery, Kupup Lake, and plenty more.
Cover Photo: Harsh Suthar / Pexels.
