Main Destination – Gangtok, Pelling, Yuksom, Lachung, Lachen, Ravangla, Namchi
The Main destination of the Sikkim is Gangtok, Pelling, Yuksom, Lachung, Ravangla, Namchi, Aritar, Richenpong, Mangan, Khangchendzonga National Park, Geyzing/ Gyalshing.
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Gangtok
Located at an altitude of 1437 meters, Gangtok is the capital and the largest town of Sikkim. This place is situated in the eastern Himalayas that is pleasantly boisterous and extremely beautiful.
From culture identities to urbanization, Gangtok is undoubtedly a breathing and dynamic bit of paradise of Sikkim. It has several natural attractions such as Ban Jhakri falls, Tsomgo Lake, Tashi viewpoint and more. Also, this place is known as the land of monasteries as it has got maximum number of monasteries in the whole world such as Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Do Drul Chorten Rumtek Monastery, etc. Due to its natural beauty and amazing sightseeing points, Gangtok is considered as one of the most popular tourist places in Sikkim.
Pelling
Pelling is the second most visited town after Gangtok in the northeastern state. The foremost reason for that it has been developed rapidly to become one of the best tourist places in Sikkim. With some amazing hotels and sightseeing options, Pelling is definitely a place to stay.
Located at an elevation of 6800 feet, it is a perfect place to get the closest view of the world’s third highest mountain Khangchendzonga. Apart from this, tourists can also visit Changey waterfalls, Khecheopalri Lake, Pemayangtse Monastery, and Sanga Choeling Monastery.
Yuksom
Yuksom is a very small but beautiful village in West Sikkim. The word Yuksom means that “meeting place of three Lamas”. This place has a great historical importance to the Sikkimese. It was here that the first ruler of Sikkim was consecrated in 1642 by the three lamas. The evidence of this ceremony is still present in Norbugang Chorten. This place is reckoned sacred since the history of Yuksom started from here. Also, it is the base camp for the trek to the famous Mt. Khangchendzonga. Other than that, there are some popular sightseeing destinations such as Mount Yuksom, Tashi Tenka, Norbugang Park, Kathok Wodsallin Gompa, and Dubdi Gompa.
Lachung
Situated at a height of 8600 feet, Lachung is a tiny village that is famous for its beautiful valleys and sights. It takes more than 6 hours to reach there from the capital city of Sikkim because the road is not always in a good condition. However, the scenic beauty of this small yet beautiful village makes this place worth watching. Apart from this, Lachung Monastery is another place that one should definitely visit. The best time to visit this place is from April to May. Early December is also a good time to witness the snow-capped mountains.
Lachen
Without a doubt, Lachen is one of the perfect tourist places in Sikkim to soak the natural beauty of the hill station. Picture perfect view of alpine pastures, attractive monasteries, and water streams are some of the major tourist attractions in Lachen. This town forms the base to Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. An annual Yak race, the Thangu is held here at Lachen during the summer time. However, Lachen is typically visited with Lachung.
Ravangla
Ravangla is one of the best tourist places in Sikkim that offers unmatched views of the beautiful Himalayas. Situated at an elevation of 7,000 ft, this place is located on a ridge between Tendong Hill and Maenam. Tourist can visit several sightseeing attractions there such as Buddha Park, Old Ralang Monastery, Mangrum Gompa View Point, Doling Gompa, Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute, Ralong Hot Water Springs, and Rayong Sunrise View Point. Also, Ravangla hosts the Pang Lhabsol festival at a very big level every year around the month of August-September.
Namchi
Namchi is blessed with the natural beauty that offers the panoramic views of the Rangit valley and the Khangchendzonga range. Namchi lies in close proximity to the Dichen Choeling monastery and the Sherdup Choeling Monastery. There is also old Ngadak Monastery which has been now renovated. Located on a hill just above Ngadak Monastery, there is a Rock Garden which is full of beautiful flowers. Namchi also hosts the very renowned Namchi Mahotsav, a Cultural, Tourism, and Food Festival during the month of October, every year.
Aritar
Located in east Sikkim, Aritar is known for its enchanting views, placid lakes, entrancing waterfalls, and beautiful hills. The Lampokari Lake at Aritar is surrounded by the lush greenery is one of the oldest lakes in Sikkim. There are several activities happens in and around the Lampokhari Lake such as leisurely boating in the lake, traditional archery competition, horse riding around the Lake. A short trek leads you to Mankhim Dara which offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding areas. The Aritar Gumpa is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim.
Richenpong
Being one of the most popular tourist places in Sikkim, Richenpong offers the magnificent mountain views, flora and fauna, sunrise and sunset, village tourism, the heritage of Resum Monastery, and several short treks. Located at an elevation of 5576 feet, Richenpong is the latest addition to the tourist map of the western part of the Sikkim. The place is mainly famous for the enchanting view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. In addition to this, it is also known for the historical point of view.
Mangan
Mangan is the district headquarters of North Sikkim. This place offers amazing views and is a base point to access Dzongu region treks. Mangan is very close to Phodong Monastery, one of the six main monasteries of the northeastern state. It is also known for the Large Cardamom which is grown here. Singhik is located 4 Km away from Mangan towards the north.
Khangchendzonga National Park
The Khangchendzonga National Park lies in Sikkim which is also known as Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve. The park has been named after the 3rd highest mountain in the world which makes an amazing background in the national park at an imposing 8586 meters in height. However, the park itself is on the high elevation at 1829 meters with 18 glaciers like the Zemu Glacier dotting its landscape. This national park is home to various flora and fauna. The area of the park begins from the cold deserts of the Lhonak Valley and the Lachen ridges to Yuksom.
Geyzing/ Gyalshing
Geyzing is the district headquarters of West Sikkim. Located at a distance of 117 Km from the capital city of Sikkim, Geyzing is the most populated area of this region. This place is close to Pemayangste as well as Rabdentse, these are the Sikkim’s premier monasteries. Just like other beautiful tourist places in Sikkim, Gyalshing too has the essence of natural beauty in its vicinity.