Table of Contents
Sikkim is a small hill station located in Northeast India. Famous for its quaint towns, lofty peaks, Buddhist monasteries, exotic flora and fauna, and pristine lakes, Sikkim is a state that will bring you closer to nature. Bordered by Tiber, Bhutan, and Nepal, Sikkim is rich in biodiversity. With its untouched and magical beauty, Sikkim is on the bucket list of every nature lover. It is one of the top travel destinations for people who want to vacation in a calm and serene environment away from the hustle of city life. Gangtok is its capital city, and it is the largest town in Sikkim.
The closest airport to Gangtok, Sikkim, is Bagdogra in West Bengal. This airport is only 4 hours away from the city of Gangtok. A good alternative is to take the 20-minute helicopter ride offered by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation from Bagdogra to Gangtok.
The city of Gangtok is well connected by road to other cities like Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong. Bus service is easily available, and you can also hire private cabs or taxis to commute from these cities to Gangtok.
The railway station at Jalpaiguri is the closest rail service you can find. It is at a distance of 4 hours from Gangtok. The rail service is well connected to all other major cities in India.
Amongst Sikkim tourist places, Tsomgo Lake is the most visited. This is one of the favourite tourist places for people heading to Nathula in Sikkim. The crystal clear water of the lake against the stunning backdrop offers a picturesque view to relax and rejuvenate. The lake gets completely frozen in winter, offering a breathtaking view. You can enjoy a cup of hot tea made with yak milk here. If you are looking for South Sikkim tourist places, this lake should be on your bucket list.
This palace is definitely on the bucket list of people visiting Sikkim. This building follows Tibetan architecture and is one of the finest institutes dedicated to Tibetan culture and language. The top tourist attraction of this place is Manjushri, the “Bodhisattva of Knowledge”, which was brought from Tibet. It is one of the top seven tourist places in Sikkim.
It is one of the highest lakes in the world and one of the best tourist places in North East India. Enriched with breathtaking beauty and nestled among snow-capped mountains, it is also known as one of the most sacred lakes in Sikkim.
It is one of the top tourist destinations in Sikkim. Popularly known as one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, this monastery was built for monks of pure Tibetan lineage and follows the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. This place exudes serenity and tranquillity. This place is a must-visit for a soul-enriching travel experience.
Popularly known as Dharmachakra Centre, Rumtek Monastery is dedicated to Kargyu Buddhists who originated in the 12th century. This monastery has a beautiful shrine temple and a stunning golden stupa. It is one of the most popular tourist places in North East India.
This valley is a natural sanctuary of a free-flowing river, hot springs, and grazing pastures on rolling meadows blooming with rhododendrons. The Teesta River tributary flows past this valley, turning it into a paradise during the spring season. Against the backdrop of the Himalayas mountains, this valley is on the bucket list of every tourist.
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is a must-visit for every nature lover. This garden is maintained by the forest department of the government of Sikkim and is an abode of many species of plants.
This stunning and majestic stupa is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels and was built by Trulshik Rinpoche in the year 1945. This place is filled with serenity and is an ideal place for meditation.
This national park is named after the world’s third-highest peak and is a well-known biodiversity hotspot. The stunning landscape and enthralling wildlife is the top attraction of this park. You can find rare and endangered species of plants and animals here.
Set against the backdrop of Himalayan mountains and Everest and Kanchenjunga peak, this park is home to exotic flora and fauna. This spot is also famous for trekking. It is a must-visit for photography lovers.
Usually, the ideal time to visit Sikkim is from April to Mid-June, as you will be welcomed by pleasant weather and clear skies. From late September to November, the temperature is usually moderate, and the beautiful cherry blossoms are in full bloom. You can also plan a visit during this time as the mighty Kanchenjunga peak is visible due to clear skies. However, since this is a peak tourist season, you can expect higher hotel prices. From February to March, the temperature begins to drop, and it gets freezingly cold. The monsoon lasts from June till September, when there is plenty of rain.
Given below is a list of some of the best cosy places to stay in Sikkim.
This beautiful place was built for the Sikkimese Royal family. The grand hotel is decorated in the Bhutia Style and is one of the most majestic and palatial places to stay in Sikkim.
It is the newest luxury hotel located on the outskirts of Gangtok. With a breathtaking view of the Himalayas, it offers a perfect getaway to relax and enjoy your leisure-filled time.
This stunning luxury hotel is located on 48 acres of forestland. It is a perfect place to pamper yourself amid the lush greenery and soak in the luxury of this grand hotel.
If you want to get a taste of farm life, then it is a perfect place to stay. You can do a lot of fun activities here, such as work in the fields, go for a picnic by the stream, enjoy birdwatching or simply enjoy the bonfire and clear skies at night.
This honesty offers a perfect home-like feel. You can enjoy the authentic local cuisine here with spotless and clean rooms. Located amidst the mountains, it is a quaint little homestay with a homely vibe.
If Sikkim has been on your bucket list for a while, then it’s time you start planning a trip with this detailed travel guide. Abundant with natural beauty and offering an ideal escapade, Sikkim is a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. Visit Cleartrip to get the best flight deals and hotel recommendations. It will also help you with all the necessary information about tourist places in Sikkim. You can also check Northeast Sikkim tour packages and plan your trip accordingly. If you are on your honeymoon, you can check the North Sikkim tour package for couple and avail all the details to plan a perfect couple trip to one of the travel destinations of India.
You will need a minimum of 12 to 15 days if you want to explore all the top destinations in Sikkim.
The months of March to May and October to December are considered ideal for visiting Sikkim.
No, there are no restrictions to travel to Sikkim. All the COVID restrictions are now lifted.
Yes, Sikkim is one of the safest states in the country to visit. The people are friendly and hospitable.
Situated at a height of about 3500m above sea level, the valley of flowers at Yumthang is definitely one of the most beautiful parts of Sikkim.
