Sikkim is a state located in the
northeastern part of India. Though it is a small state, the region is filled
with plenty of beauty places and scenic views that attract a large number of domestic as well as international tourists all around the year. Here is a list of top ten must visit destinations in Sikkim.
Gangtok- Gangtok is the capital
city of the state and also the largest town of the region. The place is
regarded as one of the popular tourist destinations in the state, which
receives a large number of crowds. Gangtok is filled with several Buddhist
monasteries, stupas, parks and charming gardens. Some of the popular
attractions of this place are Tashiding Monastery, Nathu La Pass, Rumtek
Monastery, MG Marg etc.
Pelling- Pelling is a scenic town
in West Sikkim, which is located at a distance of about 10 km from the
district
headquarters of Geyzing. There are plenty of tourist attractions to be visited
in and around the Pelling town, such as the rock garden, waterfall near Rimbi,
Khechuperi Lake, Kanchenjunga falls etc. The Pemayangtse Monastery found at
this place is regarded as one of the most ancient monasteries in Sikkim. One of
the less visited yet a scenic spot to be visited at this place is the Sangay
waterfall, which is located at a distance of about 10 km.
Lachung- Lachung is a small town
located close to the border of China, in north Sikkim. Placed at a height of
about 3,000 m above sea level, the town is situated at the meeting point of
Lachen and Lachung Rivers, the tributaries of Teesta River. One of the chief
attractions of this place is the Lachung monastery, which is located at a
distance of about 25 km from the main town. Structured in 1880, the monastery
is regarded as one of the oldest monasteries in the state. Another popular
attraction of this place is a trek to the Katao Mount, which is located at a
distance of about 30 km from the town.
Ravangla- It is a small town in
south Sikkim district, which is placed at a height of about 7,000 ft. It is one
of the most beautiful locations in the state, nestled amidst the Maenam Hill
and Tendong Hill. Tourists can enjoy the fascinating views of snow covered
mountains along with the peaks like Mount Pandim, Mount Kabru, Mount
Kanchenjunga and Mount Sinialchu. Ravangla is also popular for adventure
activities like trekking and hiking.
Namchi- It is the capital of south
Sikkim district, which is situated a height of about 1,315 m above sea level.
The name is derived from the local words, ‘Nam’ and ‘Chi’, which means ‘sky’
and ‘high’ respectively. The major attraction of this place is the annual
flower festival, which is celebrated on the month of February at this place.
Besides this, the place also holds the Namchi Mahaotsav in October, which
includes tourism, cultural programs and food festival. The place is also a
popular pilgrimage centre of the state. Some of the significant tourist
attractions of this place are the Tendong Hill, Namchi Monastery and Ralong
Maonastery.
Zuluk- Placed at a height of
about 10,000 ft above sea level, Zuluk is a village located in the eastern part
of the state. It is one of the less explored destinations of Sikkim, which has
gained importance because of the Old Silk Route and its closeness to the
Indo-China border. Some of the popular tourist attractions of this place are
the Tsomogo Lake, Sunrise Point and is also regarded as a scenic picnic spot.
Other attractions of this place are the Adi Baba Mandir and the Nag temple.
Besides this, one can also find a variety of rhododendrons at this place.
Yumthang
Valley- The
valley is a grazing pasture, located in the north Sikkim district of the state.
It is located at a distance of about 150 km from Gangtok and is surrounded by
Himalayas from all sides. The chief highlight of this place is the Shingba
Rhododendron Sanctuary, which houses around 24 species of rhododendron. Another
chief attraction of the place is Chunthang, which is a country side. Tourists
can also visit Lachung and Kangchendzonga National Park from here as they are
located nearby. Trekking can also be enjoyed at this place.
Lachen- It is a hill station,
located in the northern part of the state, close to the Indo-Tibetan border.
The place is mostly inhabited by Bhutia and Tibetan tribes. The special feature
of this hill station is that it a perfect place for retreat, as it is not so
crowded by tourists.
Nathula- It is a mountain pass in
the Himalayan peaks that connects Sikkim and China. It is one of the top
tourist destinations not only in Sikkim but also in India. Placed at an
altitude of about 14,000 ft, it is one of the popular trekking destinations of
the state. The pass is located at a distance of about 54 km from Gangtok and
430 km from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The place cannot be reached during the
winter season, as the passage is blocked with heavy snowfall. While travelling
from Gangtok to Nathula, you will come across several scenic waterfalls. From
the Nathula Pass, one can also view the snow peaks. Another popular attraction
of this place close to the Chinese side is the Baba Harbhajan Singh site.
Changu Lake is also located close to this place.
Aritar- It is a small town located
in the east Sikkim. The place is regarded as one of the most scenic
destinations in Sikkim as it is featured with dense woods, lakes, green
vegetation and rivers. Aritar Lake and Lampokhari Lake found at this place are
the prominent picnic spots, where tourists can also enjoy boating. Aritar is
also known for Lampokhari Tourism Festival, which initiates from the last week
of March and lasts till the early April. The festival attracts a large number
of tourists from near as well as far destinations. The festival includes a
flower show, traditional cultural show and a food corner, where you can taste
some delicious cuisines.
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