About Sikkim
Sikkim, India's mystical north-eastern state, is a land of soaring snow peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and warm-hearted mountain people. From the lively capital Gangtok with its MG Marg promenade and Kanchenjunga views, to the sacred Tsomgo Lake and the historic Nathula Pass on the Indo-China border, to the otherworldly Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake high up in North Sikkim — every corner of Sikkim feels like a different country. Add the spiritual towns of Namchi and Ravangla in the south, and you have one of the most complete Himalayan experiences in India.
Top Attractions
Gangtok — the Capital
Sikkim's vibrant capital at 5,410 ft. Highlights include the pedestrian-only MG Marg promenade, Tashi & Hanuman Tok viewpoints for Kanchenjunga sunrises, the sacred Do-Drul Chorten, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Banjhakri Falls and the Gangtok Ropeway.
Tsomgo (Changu) Lake & Baba Mandir
A sacred glacial lake at 12,313 ft that changes colour with the seasons, with yak rides on its shores. The route continues to Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a deeply revered shrine to an Indian Army soldier.
Nathula Pass
The historic Indo-China border pass at 14,450 ft — one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Open to Indian nationals (Wed-Sun) with permits. A deeply moving experience at the border post with the Indian Army.
Rumtek Monastery
The largest monastery in Sikkim and one of the most important seats of Tibetan Buddhism outside Tibet. Perched on a hilltop near Gangtok, it houses rare religious artworks, sacred relics and the famous Golden Stupa.
Lachung & Yumthang Valley (North Sikkim)
The 'Switzerland of the East' — a stunning alpine valley at 11,800 ft carpeted with rhododendrons in spring, and snow-bound in winter. Drive further to Zero Point (Yumesamdong) at 15,300 ft for breathtaking glacier views, with Lachung village as your base.
Lachen & Gurudongmar Lake (North Sikkim)
One of the highest lakes in the world at 17,800 ft, sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs. The journey from Lachen village through Thangu Valley and Chopta is among the most dramatic high-altitude drives in India.
Namchi (South Sikkim)
Famous for the towering 135-ft Samdruptse statue of Guru Padmasambhava and the Char Dham complex with replicas of India's four holy shrines and a 108-ft Lord Shiva statue. Sweeping views of the Kanchenjunga range.
Ravangla & Buddha Park (South Sikkim)
Home to the magnificent 130-ft Buddha statue at Tathagata Tsal, set against panoramic Himalayan views. Ravangla also offers Ralong Monastery, Temi Tea Garden (Sikkim's only tea estate) and serene pine-forest walks.
Things to Do
- 1Stroll along MG Marg in Gangtok and try momos, thukpa and Sikkimese cuisine
- 2Visit the sacred Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and ride up to Nathula Pass
- 3Explore Rumtek Monastery and its Golden Stupa
- 4Drive into North Sikkim to Lachung and the rhododendron-filled Yumthang Valley
- 5Witness the sunrise at Gurudongmar Lake from Lachen — one of the highest lakes on earth
- 6Pay your respects at the Char Dham complex and Samdruptse statue in Namchi
- 7Sit in silence before the giant Buddha statue at Tathagata Tsal in Ravangla
- 8Sip Sikkim's only home-grown tea at Temi Tea Garden
How to Reach
Nearest airport is Pakyong (Gangtok, 31 km) or Bagdogra (124 km). Nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP, 148 km). Shared jeeps and private taxis run regularly from Siliguri to Gangtok, with onward permits arranged for Tsomgo, Nathula and North Sikkim.
Gallery
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors (CC BY-SA / Public Domain).
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