5 best places to visit in Sikkim

5 best places to visit in Sikkim

If you are planning for your holiday trip and want to explore the beauty of Northeast region of India, Sikkim is probably the best destination to make your holiday better than ever. Sikkim is referred to as the brother of the seven sister States of Northeast India. The home of many pilgrimage sites of Buddhist population, rich culture and traditions. With all the beauty of mother nature and love of the friendly natives, Sikkim is a place which is always full of surprises.

The state which connects India with three other countries (China, Nepal and Bhutan) carries a lot  of stories of myths and legends from the past. Kanchenjunga the world's third  highest peak lies in the border of Nepal and Sikkim, India. The mesmerising view of the Kanchenjunga peak enhances the beauty of the place. Get ready to fall under the spell of the beauty of Sikkim.

This article focuses upon the 5 best places to visit in Sikkim.

Tsomgo Lake

Among all the lakes and glaciers in Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake is one of the most visited lake with a huge number of tourists visiting every year. Located 39 km from Gangtok at the height of 12,300 ft, Tsomgo lake, also known as Changu Lake is a glacial lake in East Sikkim which remains frozen during the winter season. The surface of the lake changes its colours with the change of seasons. With all the stories of legends and myths this lake is considered as a  sacred lake for the Sikkimese people. The holy lake and the beautiful scene provides a perfect background for a holiday picture. As the lake is located in the restricted area it is mandatory for everyone to obtain permit to visit. Special permit is required in case of foreigners.

Major attraction:

1. Ride of Yaks and ponies.
2. The beautiful species of flora and fauna.
3. Rocky mountains covered with snow.

Best time to visit: January to March - for Snow; April to July - for pleasant weather condition and beautiful orchids and rhododendrons.

Ravangla

Ravangla is a small tourist town located at a distance of 65 km away from Gangtok. Ravangla is not only famous for its pleasurable sights but also for its Merchandise. The traditional carpets, shawls and wooden carvings available here are the best one can buy. It also acts as a starting point for Trek to Mainam Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Just a glance of this place is enough to attract anybody from any part of the world. Enriched with amazing beauty and traditional charm, the place never fails to welcome the tourists with its warm hearted people. The temples, monasteries and all the adventure spots attracts all kinds of people. It is a popular tourist attraction which draws a large number of tourists to itself every year. Ravangla is one of the place where one can enjoy the best of Sikkim.

Major attraction:

1. Large number of Exotic flora and fauna
2. Buddha Park, Bon monastery, Temi Tea Estate, Ralang Monastery
3. Snowy mountains and gusting waterfalls
4. Starting point for Maenam trek

Best time to visit: March to June

Gangtok

The heart of Sikkim is its capital Gangtok. It is the centre of all trading. No matter if the person is a nature lover, adventure enthusiast or a holiday seeker, he will definitely fall in love with this beautiful city and take that tonnes of memories with himself. Soaring Himalayan peaks , peaceful glacial lakes, beautiful weather and the top class trade is what defines the proud of the place which definitely fits to be the capital of Sikkim. This small town is considered as one of the most peaceful destination for holidays and attracts uncountable tourists everyday every year. From sightseeing to adventure, natural beauty to pilgrims the place has everything to offer that the one can never forget.

Major attraction:

1. Paragliding from the valley
2. An Eagle Eye view of Gangtok from cable car
3. Lovely Nightlife
4. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
5. Hanuman Tok Temple and Enchy monastery

Best time to visit: October to June

Pelling

Pelling is one of the best hill station with a stunning charm of its own. Pelling is the second most visited place after Gangtok. A trip to Sikkim is not complete without a tour to Pelling. There are numerous magnificent places one can visit and find himself in heaven. Embraced within the green carpets of mountain, Pelling offers a stunning view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Koktang, Kumbhakarna and Dom. During winter the hill station disappears with the blanket of snow.

Major attraction:

1. Pemayangtse Monastery, Sangachoeling Monastery
2. Kanchenjunga waterfall
3. Skywalk and Singshore Bridge
4. Kaluk

Best time to visit: February to June

Nathula Pass

With the historic importance and the war memorials, a visit to Nathula is a must for anyone visiting Sikkim. Nathula is a mountain pass located in the Himalayas in East Sikkim district at an altitude of 14,450 ft . It connects India with China's Tibet. The pass is around 58 km away from the capital Gangtok and can be visited and return on the same day. The border was the major doorway for trade between India and Tibet but it was closed in 1962 at the time of war between India and China. The rules are strict and only the citizens of India can visit this area obtaining a special permit. The place is coated with snow. The snacky roads and Rocky mountains are challenging and adventurous. The oxygen level of this place is low as it lies on the higher altitude area.

Major attraction:

• The War Memorials
• Border of India and China
• Yak Safari
• Army Exhibition Centre

Only time to visit: May to October. Only for Indian citizens from Wednesday to Sunday.