Tucked away quietly at the foothill of Himalayas, Sikkim is a gorgeous destination that you cannot miss out on. Although it is the second smallest state in India, this doesn’t dim the beauty and charm that exudes out of every corner of this wonderful state. And with so many breathtaking places to visit in Sikkim, you will have a hard time leaving this state once your trip is over.
This is a place that will make you fall in love with traveling if you aren’t already. A place which will bestow upon you so much kindness and love and will display in front of you so many colors that you would fall in love with your life, all over again.
Although you might feel that since Sikkim is a small state, there might not be a lot to visit around. However, this is untrue. Even ten days are less to witness all the beautiful cities and valleys because there are just so many amazing places to visit in Sikkim.
Check out a few of these stunning places to visit in Sikkim to enjoy a blissful trip to this wonderland.
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Also Read: Souvenirs to Buy in Sikkim
Top Places to Visit in Sikkim
Gangtok, North Sikkim
Capital of the mountainous northeastern state of India, Sikkim, Gangtok is one of the cleanest hill stations in India and one of the top places to visit in Sikkim. A popular Tibetan Buddhist center, Gangtok is also the base for getting permits to hike and trek to other spots in Sikkim. But that is not all, the mall road in Gangtok is extremely clean and is a popular shopping hub over her. And this is one of the top Sikkim tourist places to admire, as, after the nightfall, the whole street is bathed in golden lights.
You will also find authentic Sikkimese food over here which makes it such a nice stopover. Moreover, this is the place from where you can reach the famous Tsomgo Lake and the Nathula Pass and can make your way further to the northern Sikkim.
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To know more about how to travel in and around Gangtok, read our North West Sikkim Guide
Lingdum Monastery (Ranka Monastery)
One of the best places to visit in Sikkim, Lingdum Monastery is not frequently visited by people because not many know or care about it. Also, if you are hiring a private taxi, the cab drivers won’t inform you about this monastery as it is not a part of the standard sightseeing packages.
However, if you have always been intrigued by the lives of monks and would delve a little deeper into the Buddhist culture then you should definitely plan a visit here. You can enjoy the mountain views and the prayer hymns that are constant at this monastery.
Ban Jhankri Falls
Another one of the top places to visit in Sikkim, especially in Gangtok is the Ban Jhankri Falls which is located inside Ban Jhakri Park. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy yet another beautiful fall in Sikkim. Although the waterfall is not in a natural environment like the Kanchenjunga waterfalls, it is still breathtakingly beautiful.
You will also find a few food and souvenir stalls nearby where you can dress up like a Sikkimese. And you can even get your pictures clicked in the traditional outfit for just 100 INR.
Tip Top Viewpoint
You must visit the Tip Top Viewpoint, also known as the Tashi Viewpoint, last but not least. Because you get to see the many mountains that surround you, this is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. Even though it is freezing cold at this point, a good, steaming cup of coffee while taking in the breathtaking view can do wonders.
Where to Stay in Gangtok
- For budget-friendly stay, Tagalong Backpackers (for backpackers and solo travelers) and Muscatel Bellevue.
- For mid-range stays, Bamboo Retreat, Netuk House, and Enchanted Forest Farmstay.
- For a luxury stay, Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino, Sikkim Villa Tosca – A Boutique Aparthotel, and The Elgin Norkhill – Resort and Spa.
You can even check for the suitable accommodations in the below Search box.
Rumtek Monastery, North Sikkim
Situated a ways off of 22 km from Gangtok is the Rumtek Cloister which is likewise one of the most outstanding spots to visit in Sikkim. This monastery is Sikkim’s largest and most important Buddhist monastery, situated at an elevation of approximately 5000 feet. Thousands of witness monks live in the monastery, where they learn more about Buddhist rituals and cultures.
This monastery will leave you speechless with its stunning architecture and colors, but nothing can compare to the view from its summit. You are sure to fall in love with Gangtok once you see it from the terrace.
Dzongu, North Sikkim
Inhabited by the Lepcha community, Dzongu Valley is another one of the most amazing places to visit in Sikkim as it offers the most majestic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain. A place that is bounded by the Teesta River in its southeast and Tholung Chu River in the North East, Dzongu is really green, beautiful, and peaceful. There is plenty of vegetation here, most houses are made of wood here, and you will find that their specialty consists of handloom clothes, cane and bamboo products.
Dzongu has a dreamlike setting as it is covered with a thick canopy of jungles and you can hear the birds chirping and enjoy the serene atmosphere whenever you visit this place. This valley is around 20-25 km from Mangan and one needs to take a permit. This offbeat place hardly receives any tourists which is why it is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim for some fantastic views and quiet time.
Where to Stay in Dzongu
Dzongu is not one of the most popular places to visit in Sikkim so there are not many accommodation options available for this place and you will mostly find camps and homestays available here. Here are a few options to consider:
- For a budget-friendly stay, you can consider NotOnMap – Adhomoo Homestay and NotOnMap – LokSummo Homestay.
- For a mid-range stay, you can check out NotOnMap – Lum Tshering Organic Farm, Camps at Dzongu, and NotOnMap – Dibongo Homestay.
- For a luxury stay, you have Munlom Nature Resort which will pamper you and is not expensive as well.
To know more about how to travel in Dzongu, read our Exploring East Sikkim Guide
Lachung, North Sikkim
Lachung is one of the most popular places to visit in Sikkim so you will find several good accommodation options available here if you are planning to go on your own. If you are taking a package, then you don’t need to find a separate accommodation in Lachung. Here are a few options to consider:
- For a budget-friendly stay, OurGuest Bichu Homestay and Hotel Green Tara.
- For a mid-range stay, OurGuest Lachung Homestay, Summit Alpine Resort, and Summit Khangri Karpo Retreat and Spa.
- For a luxurious stay, Etho Metho Hotel by RightClique and Jewel Kongchen Retreat & Spa.
You can even check for the suitable accommodations in the below Search box.
To know more about how to travel in Lachung, read our North West Sikkim Guide
Yumthang Valley, North Sikkim
Yumthang valley, aka Valley of Flowers of Sikkim, is situated at an elevation of 3,564 meters. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sikkim the valley is dotted with hot springs and rolling meadows. During the summer months, you can witness the blooming of several varieties of flowers, turning this place quite colorful and gorgeous.
This valley, surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, sees a lot of snowfall throughout the year. Also, the popular Teesta river flows through this valley, giving it a more magical and dreamlike feel. We so badly wanted to visit this place but it was closed during our time. So, if you get a chance, don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity.
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Where to Stay in Yumthang Valley
There are no hotels or homestays in Yumthang as such so, your best option would be to stay in Lachung for a couple of nights to visit Yumthang Valley and Zero Point.
To know more about how to travel in Yumthang Valley, read our North West Sikkim Guide
Lachen, North Sikkim
Lachen is one of the top places to visit in Sikkim if you are planning to spend time at the Gurudongmar lake. Lachen means ‘Big Pass’ and this is one of the most popular Sikkim tourist places that is promoted by the government as well. You need a permit to visit this town but it is worth it.
From here, you can not only go to the Gurudongmar Lake but also explore the Kanchenjunga National Park, trek to the valleys and hills around here, explore the monasteries, go wildlife sighting, and a lot more. This is why it happens to be one of the most amazing places to visit in Sikkim.
Where to Stay in Lachen
Lachen is one of the most popular places to visit in Sikkim so you will find several good accommodation options available here if you are planning to go on your own. If you are taking a package, then you don’t need to find a separate accommodation in Lachung. Here are a few options to consider:
- For budget-friendly accommodations, Hotel Eco Nest and Delight Lachen Heritage.
- For mid-range accommodations, Delight The Fortuna Lachen, OurGuest Dhatup Homestay, and Rufina Blue Pine.
- For a luxury stay, Summit Panghen Metok Hotel.
Gurudongmar Lake, North Sikkim
One of the most enchanting places to visit in Sikkim, Gurudongmar lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, situated at an altitude of 17,800 ft. This holy lake in Sikkim has many legends associated with it that makes this place quite mystical and a must-visit. This lake freezes during the wintertime and you will find a lot of Yaks, blue sheep, etc. moving around the lake during that time.
If you get a chance to visit Gurudongmar Lake, don’t miss out on it. Trust me, this place will definitely be the highlight of your trip. Unfortunately, the lake was closed during our time but, we will certainly go back to visit this magical lake soon.
Where to Stay near Gurudongmar Lake
There are no hotels or homestays close to Gurudongmar Lake so, your best option would be to stay in Lachen for a couple of nights to visit the lake.
To know more about how to travel around these places, total budget, stay and other essential information, read our other post Exploring North and West Sikkim
Katao, North Sikkim
One of the unconventional spots to visit in Sikkim while investigating the Northern Sikkim, Katao is a little town that is situated around 24 km from Lachung. This is one of Sikkim’s least-visited spots, but it should be on your list if you like snow and peace and quiet.
Most of the time, this location is covered in a thick layer of ice, making it hard to get to the actual village. Only army vehicles can cross these snow-covered roads. However, the journey itself is fantastic and must be experienced once by everyone.
You can travel to this location by paying your driver, who is taking you on the North Sikkim package, an additional 200-250 Indian Rupees. Simply request that he make a brief stopover at this charming village. It will be the best 200 INR you’ve ever spent, I promise you.
To know more about how to travel in Katao, read our North West Sikkim Guide
Ravangala, South Sikkim
Another one of those awe-inspiring places to visit in Sikkim, Ravangla will definitely take your breath away. With its blue cloudy sky, lush green mountains, and the colorful Tibetan flags, this place is special and quite magical. One of the best things about this small town is 130 ft. the statue, a tall and might statue of Buddha that looks utterly magnificent.
Located in South Sikkim, Ravangala is best-known for its Buddha Park, where you can stroll around the green trees and Tibetan flags and their huge prayer wheels, while the statue pales everything in its comparison.
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Underneath the statue, you will find a prayer room where you can sit and meditate for a while. There are also several beautiful paintings and statues of Buddha here, depicting his life so you can learn more about him.
In our opinion, this is one of the few places that has a touch of life, spirituality, and beauty, all packed together, which makes it one of the top places to visit in Sikkim.
Where to Stay in Ravangala
Since Ravangala is one of the most well-known places to visit in Sikkim, you will find several good accommodation options available here in different budget ranges. Here are a few options to consider:
- For a budget-friendly stay, you can check out Rain Drop Guest House, Hilltop Rabong Resort, Seven Mirrorlake Homestay, and Dokhampa Homestay.
- For a mid-range stay, you can check out Vamoosetrail Soshing and Tinkitam Farms.
Namchi, South Sikkim
Namchi, a well known journey community for Buddhists, is one of the top spots to visit in Sikkim. Namchi means “Top of the Sky” in the native Tibetan language, and when you visit this location, you will experience exactly that. A tea garden known as Temi Tea can be found here. It covers a considerable distance and gives the city an ethereal and mystical feel.
This is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim if all you want to do is get swept away by the natural beauty. In addition, you can take in the breathtaking views while sipping chai from one of the numerous roadside vendors.
Aside from that, you can accomplish harmony by visiting the Scorch Dham and the Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir. Shirdi The exterior of the Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir is golden, making it stand out among the lush vegetation. You can meditate in the prayer room. In a similar vein, Namchi’s Char Dham, complete with a massive Lord Shiva statue, has a stunning appearance. In addition, there is a café inside Char Dham where you can relax and unwind.
Where to Stay in Namchi:
Namchi is one of the top places to visit in Sikkim so, you will find a few good accommodation options available here in different budget ranges. Here are a few options to consider:
- For a budget-friendly stay, check out Hotel Oak Namchi, Capital O 69881 Hotel Lasso Regency & Spa, and 4seasons Homestay.
- For a luxury stay, check out Summit Sobralia Resort & Spa and The Temi Bungalow South Sikkim.
To know more about how to travel around these places, total budget, stay and other essential information, read our other post Exploring East Sikkim
Zuluk, East Sikkim
Zuluk, a small village in Sikkim, is very close to my heart and I will go ahead and say this, that this is the place that I can visit again and again. Situated at a height of approximately 10,000ft., Zuluk is one of the offbeat places to visit in Sikkim that will make anyone fall in love with it.
Why, you ask? Well, since there is a poor network connection here, you can take a break from social media and enjoy the natural beauty around it. Also, Zuluk is located on the ancient ‘Silk Route’ and offers a great vantage point to view the might Kanchenjunga mountain.
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Apart from looking magical, Zuluk is also one of the best places to visit in Sikkim for all adventure lovers as you have to cross over 32 hair-pin bends to reach here. You would need a permit to visit Zuluk but trust me, it will be completely worth it.
Where to Stay in Zuluk:
Zuluk is one of the most well-known places to visit in Sikkim so you will find a few good accommodation options available online here. However, there are several homestays available here that you won’t find online. You can check out Zuluk Dil Maya homestay and OYO 68576 Sherpa Retreat in Zuluk.
To know more about how to travel in Zuluk, read our Zuluk Travel Guide
Gnathang, East Sikkim
Gnathang or Nathang lies at a high altitude of 13,000 feet is popularly known as the ‘Ladakh of East India’ and is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Sikkim. This village is a part of the Old Silk Route and is surrounded by gorgeous mountains and snow-capped hills.
One of the Himalayas’ farthest habitations can be found in this remote valley, which is crossed by a meandering stream. Gnathang is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. The valley looks golden in the fall, white in the winter, and colorful in the monsoon. You can make the most of your time at this location by exploring the surrounding meadows.
Where to Stay in Gnathang
Gnathang is one of the least popular places to visit in Sikkim so there are no hotels or homestays available to book online. So, your best option would be to book a stay in Zuluk or look for offline stay options after reaching Gnathang.
To know more about how to travel in Nathang Valley, read our Zuluk Travel Guide
Tsomgo Lake, East Sikkim
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is one of the most beautiful and ethereal places to visit in Sikkim. When it is covered in snow, it looks even more magnificent. With a height of 12,400 feet, This is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations and one of the highest lakes. This amazing location is encased in snow for at least nine months each year, providing a traditional magical backdrop.
Even more fascinating is the fact that during the summer, the lake’s water takes on a turquoise hue and beautifully reflects the sky and nearby mountains. You can have the time of your life here by playing in the snow during the snowy months.
To know more about how to travel in Tsomgo, read our North West Sikkim Guide
Nathula Pass, East Sikkim
Nathula Pass, another popular tourist destination in Sikkim, gives you a rare chance to cross the border between China and India. As a result, Indian soldiers will be protecting their own land while Chinese soldiers will be stationed at one end of the border. Furthermore, in some cases (on the off chance that you are fortunate) you’ll observer them conversing with one another.
Nathula Pass is one of the highest motorable passes in the world and was once part of the “Silk Road” in the past. While this pass is available to Indians, you will require a license to enter this region. Additionally, foreigners are prohibited from entering the Nathula Pass.
To know more about how to travel in Nathula Pass, read our North West Sikkim Guide
Pelling, West Sikkim
On the off chance that you are a genuine Himalaya sweetheart, Pelling would without a doubt be for you one of the most mind-blowing spots to visit in Sikkim. Pelling is one of the most difficult places to leave in this state and offers the most stunning views of Kanchenjunga and the Himalayas.
With its historic palace, ruins, and hidden waterfalls, Pelling is a truly stunning Sikkim city. It offers you numerous heavenly spots to visit which incorporate the Kanchenjunga cascades, Wishing Lake, Sing Tune span, Rabidentse’s vestiges, Helipad region, etc.
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To know more about how to travel in Pelling, read our North West Sikkim Guide
Where to Stay in Pelling
Since Pelling is one of the most popular places to visit in Sikkim, you will find a few good accommodation options available here in different budget ranges. Here are a few options to consider:
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- For a budget stay, you can check out Khi Gha Thang, Hotel Snow View on Cloud Nine, and Udaan Olive Hotel & Spa, Pelling.
- For a mid-range stay, you can check out Yangthang Dzimkha Resort, Treebo Trip Pine Crest, and Jain Group Hotel Sonamchen.
- For a luxury stay, you can check out The Elgin Mount Pandim and Hotel Golden Sunrise & Spa.
Well, there you have it. Our list of the top places to visit in Sikkim. Trust me, you won’t regret including any of these places in your itinerary. So, what are you waiting for? Prepare your own list of top places to visit in Sikkim and start planning now!
Did you like our list of the top amazing places to visit in Sikkim? Comment below!
Very well defined blog with beautiful pictures! Sikkim is a state in East India in the Himalayan foot hills also bordering China (Tibet), Nepal and Bhutan. The name has been coined from the words su him, which mean “beautiful home”, reflecting the beauty of its snow-covered mountains and lush green valleys.
Hi, thanks for sharing your experience and also top beautiful places located in Sikkim. Your shared pictures are really beautiful, I have not visited Sikkim yet, but I want to visit this place after reading your post.