Destination guides
Best Places to Visit in Sikkim: 20 Destinations by Region
The 20 best places to visit in Sikkim by region – East, North, West and South – with altitudes, highlights, days needed and who each place suits.
By Sikkim Tour & Travel Team, SiliguriUpdated 6 min read
Quick answer
The best places to visit in Sikkim are Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake and Nathula in the East; Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung and Yumthang Valley in the North; Pelling, Khecheopalri Lake and Yuksom in the West; and Ravangla and Namchi in the South. First-time visitors with a week usually combine Gangtok with either North Sikkim or Pelling.
Sikkim is small – you can drive across it in a day – but it packs subtropical valleys, Buddhist monasteries, glacial lakes and the third-highest mountain on Earth into that space. The trick is knowing which places suit your time, your fitness and the season.
This guide groups Sikkim's 20 best destinations by region, because that is how you'll travel: roads radiate from Gangtok and link the regions in a loop, so planning by region saves hours of driving.
| Region | Best for | Base town | Days needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Sikkim | First trips, lakes, high passes | Gangtok | 2–4 |
| North Sikkim | Big Himalayan scenery | Lachen / Lachung | 2–3 |
| West Sikkim | Kanchenjunga views, monasteries | Pelling | 2–3 |
| South Sikkim | Giant statues, tea, easy day trips | Ravangla / Namchi | 1–2 |
East Sikkim: Gangtok and the high lakes
1. Gangtok
Sikkim's capital sits on a ridge at about 1,650 m and is the natural base for your first nights. Walk the car-free MG Marg, visit Enchey Monastery and Do Drul Chorten, and catch the Kanchenjunga range from Tashi View Point or Ganesh Tok on a clear morning. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology has one of the finest collections of Buddhist art in India. See our Gangtok sightseeing guide for a full day plan.
2. Rumtek Monastery
About 24 km from Gangtok, Rumtek is the largest monastery in Sikkim and an important seat of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Go in the morning when monks are at prayer, and carry ID – there is a security check at the gate.
3. Tsomgo (Changu) Lake
A glacial lake at about 3,750 m, roughly 38 km from Gangtok. It freezes in mid-winter and is ringed by rhododendrons and primulas in spring. Indian and foreign visitors both need a permit, which a registered agency arranges.
4. Nathula Pass and Baba Mandir
Nathula, at about 4,310 m, is a border pass between India and China and one of the highest points you can reach by car. It is open only to Indian nationals, on specific days, with a permit. On the way you pass Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a shrine maintained by the Indian Army. Read our permit guide before planning this day.
5. Zuluk and the Old Silk Route
Zuluk (about 2,900–3,000 m) is famous for the dramatic hairpin bends seen from Thambi View Point, and for sunrise over Kanchenjunga. Nearby are Kupup Lake, Nathang Valley and the Old Baba Mandir. Homestays are basic but warm. A separate permit is needed, arranged through local agents.
6. Aritar
A gentle, green village near the West Bengal border with the boat-friendly Lampokhari Lake and the Mankhim viewpoint. It is a good overnight stop on a Silk Route trip or a peaceful extra night after Gangtok.
North Sikkim: the high Himalaya
North Sikkim is the most spectacular part of the state, but it needs at least two nights, a permit and some tolerance for long, rough drives. Roads close from time to time after landslides or heavy snow, so always check access before you book. Our North Sikkim guide covers it in detail.
7. Lachen
A quiet village at about 2,750 m and the base for Gurudongmar Lake. You'll sleep here before the lake visit, which helps your body adjust to the altitude.
8. Gurudongmar Lake
At around 5,180 m (17,000 ft), Gurudongmar is one of the highest lakes in India and is sacred to Buddhists and Sikhs. Expect a pre-dawn start, thin air and an unforgettable view of turquoise water under snow peaks. Foreign nationals are not permitted here.
9. Lachung
A larger village in a deep valley at about 2,600–2,700 m, surrounded by waterfalls and apple orchards. It is the base for Yumthang Valley.
10. Yumthang Valley
Known as the "Valley of Flowers", Yumthang (about 3,560 m) is carpeted with rhododendrons from roughly April to early June and snow-covered in winter. There are hot springs on the riverbank.
11. Zero Point (Yumesamdong)
About 23 km beyond Yumthang, Zero Point sits at roughly 4,600–4,700 m and is snowbound for much of the year. It is an optional add-on with an extra vehicle charge, and only possible when the road is open.
12. Seven Sisters Waterfall and Dzongu
On the drive north, the tiered Seven Sisters Waterfall is the classic photo stop. Dzongu, a reserve for the indigenous Lepcha community, is a fascinating detour for slow travellers but needs a special permit.
West Sikkim: Kanchenjunga country
13. Pelling
At about 2,100 m, Pelling faces the Kanchenjunga massif head-on. Highlights include Pemayangtse Monastery (founded in the early 1700s), the ruins of Rabdentse, the old royal capital, and the Pelling Skywalk with its giant Chenrezig statue. Our Pelling guide has a full itinerary.
14. Khecheopalri Lake
A forest-ringed lake sacred to Buddhists and Hindus, about an hour from Pelling. Locals say birds keep its surface clear of leaves. Walk quietly – this is a place of worship.
15. Yuksom
Sikkim's first capital, where the first Chogyal (king) was crowned in 1642. Today it is the trailhead for the Dzongri and Goecha La treks, and home to Dubdi Monastery, one of the oldest in the state.
16. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
A short forest walk from Hilley leads into one of the best rhododendron forests in the Himalaya. Visit from late March to April for peak bloom.
17. Rinchenpong
A small village with sweeping Kanchenjunga views, a historic monastery and a calm, unhurried feel. Good for travellers who find Pelling too busy.
South Sikkim: statues, tea and easy day trips
18. Ravangla and Buddha Park
Ravangla's Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) has a giant Buddha statue set against the mountains. It is an easy stop between Gangtok and Pelling.
19. Namchi
The district headquarters of South Sikkim is known for Char Dham (Siddhesvara Dham), a pilgrimage complex with replicas of India's four holy shrines, and the giant Guru Padmasambhava statue at Samdruptse.
20. Temi Tea Garden
Sikkim's only tea estate rolls down a hillside between Ravangla and Namchi. Stop for a cup of the local tea and views over the valley.
How to choose: a quick shortlist
- First trip, 5 days: Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake and Nathula – see our Gangtok, Tsomgo & Nathula tour.
- Mountain lovers, 7–8 days: add Lachen, Gurudongmar, Lachung and Yumthang – see the North Sikkim tour.
- Views without high altitude: Pelling and Darjeeling – see the Darjeeling & Pelling tour.
- Offbeat: Zuluk and the Silk Route, Aritar, Rinchenpong, Dzongu.
Offbeat places worth knowing
Beyond the classic list, Sikkim has many quieter corners: Lingee and Payong near Ravangla, Uttarey near the Singalila range, Borong with its hot springs, Rolep for river walks, and the Dzongu villages for Lepcha culture. These suit slow travellers who have already seen the main sights or who want homestays rather than hotels.
About this guide: written by the Sikkim Tour & Travel team in Siliguri, who plan road trips across Sikkim, Darjeeling and the Dooars. Permit rules, road access and fees change often – always confirm the latest position before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
