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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.
15 Popular Places To Visit In East Sikkim
From panoramic mountain views to historical landmarks, East Sikkim is a treasure trove of destinations. Here are 15 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: Offbeat Places Near Gangtok
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 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: Popular Things To Do 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. Along with other historic sites like Dubdi Monastery, Rumtek’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: Tholung Monastery
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: Glacial Lakes In Sikkim
10. Hanuman Tok
Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu / Wikimedia Commons
Hanuman Tok is one of the serene temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located on a hilltop. It is famous for its peaceful ambience and panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and is one of the most spiritual spots in East Sikkim. Managed by the Indian Army, the temple is surrounded by lush greenery and quiet surroundings, making it a popular place for meditation, sunrise views, and enjoying the breathtaking mountain landscape.
Top Activities: Offer prayers at the Hanuman temple, enjoy sunrise views of Kanchenjunga, photography, meditation, and peaceful walks
11. Enchey Monastery
Photo: Wingedtree / Wikimedia Commons
Enchey Monastery is a 200-year-old Buddhist monastery belonging to the Nyingma order. It is known for its beautiful architecture, colourful murals, and religious significance. The monastery hosts the vibrant Chaam dance during religious festivals, attracting both devotees and tourists. The monastery, like Pemayangtse Monastery, is surrounded by pine forests and offers splendid views of Kanchenjunga, making it one of the most revered Sikkim monasteries.
Top Activities: Explore monastery architecture, witness Cham dance during festivals, spin prayer wheels, and soak in spiritual vibes
Suggested Read: Ranka Monastery
12. Banjhakri Falls
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Banjhakri Falls is a stunning 100-foot waterfall set amidst a landscaped energy park. Surrounded by lush greenery and forest trails, the falls combines natural beauty with cultural heritage. The park showcases statues of shamanic healers and Sikkimese folklore, making it both scenic and educational. Wooden bridges, gardens, and pathways enhance the experience, while the refreshing waterfall provides a perfect photo spot.
Top Activities: Trek through landscaped gardens, enjoy the waterfall, visit energy park, click photos at sculptures, and relax in nature
13. Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, located near Rumtek, is a lush green haven offering a wide collection of temperate plants, oak varieties, and rare orchids. Spread across landscaped grounds with a peaceful atmosphere, it is a perfect spot for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts. The garden is also a popular picnic spot where visitors can enjoy fresh mountain air and scenic views. Its orchid house, seasonal blooms, and carefully curated plant collections make it a peaceful destination.
Top Activities: Stroll amid orchids and rare Himalayan plants, picnic, photography, birdwatching, and explore themed gardens
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South Sikkim
14. Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park
Photo: Regan Dsouza / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park is located opposite Ganesh Tok. It is home to rare and endangered Himalayan wildlife. Spread over natural forested slopes, the park offers a semi-natural habitat for animals such as the red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and clouded leopard. You can also explore the nature trails and witness the views of Kanchenjunga.
Top Activities: Spot red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan bears, and pheasants, nature walks, photography, and birdwatching
15. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
Photo: Ivan Cujic / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, located on the way to Tsomgo Lake, is a protected area rich in alpine flora and fauna. The sanctuary is famous for rare plants like rhododendrons, primulas, and the state flower, noble dendrobium. It also shelters red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan monals. Spread across high-altitude terrain with pristine landscapes, it is a paradise for trekkers, botanists, and nature enthusiasts, much like Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, which is another well-known nature reserve in Sikkim.
Top Activities: Trekking, spotting rhododendrons and alpine flowers, birdwatching, wildlife photography, and nature trails with mountain views
Suggested Read: Your Travel Guide Into Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary
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
