Sikkim is a nature paradise and among the best places to visit in India. This picturesque northeastern state is best known for its natural beauty and India’s highest lake Gurudongmar Lake. Lying in the foothills of the Great Himalayan Range, Sikkim offers panoramic views of Khangchendzonga, Singalila Ridge, Dongkia Range, Tibetan Plateau, and Chola Range.
Sikkim is considered one of the untouched locations in India. It is best for those travelers who want to explore unique yet mesmerizing places in India. If you are also planning to escape from the hustle and bustle of your city life, book Sikkim tour packages and start your northeast expedition.
To make your Sikkim trip more fascinating, we have compiled a list of 10 best places to visit in Sikkim. These places are worth visiting and hold great significance in boosting Sikkim tourism.
Top 10 Tourist Places in Sikkim
Sikkim is one of the most beautiful northeastern Indian states with great natural beauty and rich tribal culture. Sikkim culture is totally different from other Indian state cultures. Its uniqueness and diverse culture make this place more engaging for travelers.
Gangtok
Gangtok is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. It is the capital city of Sikkim with great tourist attractions including Gangtok Ropeway, M.G. Marg Market, Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park, and more. Here you can see the great influence of Buddhist culture through their temples, culture, food, and daily day-to-day routine.
Places to see in Gangtok: Hanuman Tok, Gangtok Ropeway, Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park, Ban Jhakri Falls Park, Enchey Monastery, Lingdum Monastery
Best time to visit Gangtok: March to May
Buddha Park
Buddha Park is the iconic landmark of Sikkim. It is among the best tourist attractions in Sikkim. During the monsoon season, the entire area is covered with fog which makes this place more eye-pleasing. It is located in Ravangla in South Sikkim district. It is a 40 m tall statue of the Buddha, erected to mark the 2550th anniversary of the birth of Gautama Buddha.
Location: 8977+P8R, Ravangla, Sikkim 737139
Timing: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: INR 50 (Indian) and INR 100 (Foreigners)
Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. Your Sikkim trip is incomplete without seeing this mesmerizing freshwater lake situated at an elevation of 5,430 m. It holds the record for one of the highest lakes in the world and India. During winter, the entire lake gets frozen due to extreme cold weather. You’re advised to reach this place only if you don’t have any breathing or heart problems. The oxygen level is less here.
Location: Sikkim 737120
Timing: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free (only need a permit to visit Gurudongmar Lake)
Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in the world. If you’re on your Sikkim bike tour expedition, a road trip to Nathula Pass is a must. This high-altitude pass is located at a height of 4,310 m above sea level. Do you know, it was a major trade route between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962 during the Sino-Indian War?
Location: Nathula Pass, Sikkim
Timing: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park
Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Sikkim. It has a wide range of flora and fauna including the Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Himalayan Red Panda, Snow Leopard Cat, Goral, Himalayan Palm Civet, Himalayan Black Bear, and Crimson-Horned Pheasant. This zoological park offers a jaw-dropping view of Mount Khangchendzonga.
Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
Timing: 8 am–3 pm (Thursday closed)
Entry Fee: Free
Khangchendzonga National Park
To explore the Khangchendzonga National Park, you can book the Khangchendzonga Package. Khangchendzongha or Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve is a national park and biosphere reserve located in the Sakyong region of Sikkim. This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national park offers breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga Peak. It is also home to nearly half of India’s bird diversity, wild trees, rhododendrons, and orchids.
Location: M88F+VRV, Sakkyong, Sikkim
Timing: 10 am–4 pm
Entry Fee: INR 350
Lake Tsomgo Chho
Tsomgo Chho is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim for first timer. This place must be in your Sikkim travel itinerary. It is a glacial lake located at an elevation of 3,753 m above sea level. Its average depth is 4.58 meters (15.0 ft) (average) and spread over 24 ha of area. The lake remains frozen during the winter season.
Location: Changu, Gangtok district, Sikkim
Timing: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free (Need inner line permit)
Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is one of the most unique places to visit in Sikkim. The temple is located at a height of 13,123 feet. The temple lies between Nathula Pass and Jelepla Pass. This temple is dedicated to Indian army soldier, folk hero, and Saint Baba Harbhajan Singh. The temple can be accessed by public transport as it is just 60 km from Gangtok city.
Location: 9R8Q+85V, Phadamchen, Sikkim 737131
Timing: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Zero Point Sikkim
Zero Point Sikkim is among the best places to visit in Sikkim with family and friends. This is the last civilian destination before China’s border. It offers scenic mountain views from 15,300 feet. People travel to this place just to catch the mesmerizing view of snow-capped mountains.
Location: WPJM+6R7, Sikkim 737120
Timing: 7 am to 1 pm
Entry Fee: Free (Need inner line permit)
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a famous museum in Sikkim. The museum is located in Tadong town of Gangtok. It is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim to understand the past and glory of Sikkim. The foundation stone of the Institute was laid by the 14th Dalai Lama in February 1957.
Location: 8J83+9WF, Deorali Rd, M.P.Golai, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Timing: 10 am to 4 pm (Sunday Closed)
Entry Fee: INR 25
Key Takeaways
Sikkim, with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene monasteries, offers an unforgettable travel experience. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas at Gurudongmar Lake to the lush greenery of Yumthang Valley, each destination captivates with its unique charm.
The spiritual ambiance of Rumtek Monastery, the adventurous treks in Goecha La, and the serene beauty of Tsomgo Lake are just a few highlights. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or cultural immersion, Sikkim has it all. As you explore these 10 Best Places to Visit in Sikkim, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the state’s natural beauty and rich heritage, making your visit truly memorable.
FAQ
To experience the major attractions of Sikkim, 3 days are enough for you. If you add any high-altitude trek or pass, maybe you require more days in Sikkim.
- Gangtok – Capital city, cultural hub, and gateway to Sikkim.
- Tsomgo Lake – High-altitude glacial lake with stunning scenery.
- Nathula Pass – Historic mountain pass on the Indo-China border.
- Pelling – Town known for breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range.
- Yumthang Valley – Valley of Flowers, hot springs, and scenic beauty.
- Lachung and Lachen – Picturesque mountain villages offering serene landscapes.
- Ravangla – Hill station with panoramic views and Buddha Park.
- Gangtok
- Tsomgo Lake
- Nathula Pass
- Yumthang Valley
- Lachung
- Lachen
- Gurudongmar Lake
- Pelling
- Ravangla
- Zuluk
- Namchi
- Rumtek Monastery
- Yuksom
- Teesta River (for rafting)
- Dzongu Valley
Sikkim has no airport and railway stations. To reach Sikkim, you need to reach Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal and if you’re coming by train, New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest railway station to Sikkim.
Between March and May or October and mid-December are the best months to visit Sikkim. And if you want to experience snowfall, after December to March is the ideal time to visit Sikkim.
To book cheap Sikkim tour packages, you’re suggested to contact ASAPHolidays, India’s leading travel agency. We provide affordable Sikkim tour packages for daily, couple, group, or solo trips.
