When it comes to quick or sudden vacation planning almost all of us suffer this dilemma regarding whether to visit a hill station or a beach. Well, if you have made your mind and your preference is a hill station, Sikkim must top your bucket list. Serene yet dazzling beauty in north-eastern India wrapped head to toe with the pristine beauty of nature, Sikkim can provide you with the much-desired calm of mind along with a little amusement that you seek amidst your mundane day-to-day life. Even if you are not exactly looking for a peaceful environment but rather some thrilling adventure to boost up your adrenaline and get high on life, Sikkim also has in store that much excitement for you.
This beautiful mountain village is encircled by apple orchards and houses the 19th-century Lachung Monastery.
The prime attraction of Lachung is Yumthang Valley or Valley of Flowers. This valley is famous for its treasure of waterfalls, hot springs, rivers, blooming flowers, verdant meadow pastures, dense forests of pine and silver fir walled by the wondrous Himalayan mountains. Yumthang Valley is a paradise on earth and skipping this place would result in a grave regret.
Yumthang Valley is also home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary having forty rhododendron species and birds belonging to hoary-throated brewing and wood-snipe species.
This town is not much populated and this is why the natural beauty here is unspoiled and worth praising. The major attractions here are Gurudongmar Lake,Tso Lhamo Lake, and Thangu Valley.
Positioned at an altitude of 17,800 ft, Gurudongmar Lake includes its name in the list of the highest lakes of the world. Along with its breathtaking scenic beauty, this lake also imparts religious significance, as the water of this lake is believed to possess healing powers. This lake also provides you with a beautiful view of Kanchenjunga that you’d cherish.
This is a glacial lake in East Sikkim and one of the popular tourist destinations. Apart from the lake itself, you’ll get to witness Brahminy ducks, exquisite flowers such as blue and yellow poppies, primulas and exotic yaks.
Yuksom is a historical town in West Sikkim. It’s a place where you can trek or if you want to spend some time in pleasant seclusion, Mother Nature here would offer you her bounteous lap in this town.
Other attractions of Yuksom: Norbugang Park, Tashi Tenka (ancient royal palace), Dubdi Monastery, Kathok Wodsalin monastery.
Prominent for its Buddha Park, featuring a 130-foot-high golden Buddha figurine, Ravangla is a tourist town that lies between Gangtok and Pelling.
There are other monasteries in this place where you can hear the Buddhist monks chanting their prayers.
Midway Ravangla to Namchi, you’ll come across Temi Tea Garden, flaunting its picturesque beauty with radiant greenery.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is the most visited city in Sikkim. You cannot just plan your trip to Sikkim without visiting Gangtok. The city blesses you with a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga’s towering snowclad peak. Gangtok is a noticeably clean city and it never fails to rejuvenate your soul. It is popular for its arrangements of trekking and hiking. You can also enjoy your time by paragliding and yak ride.
Other attractions in Gangtok includes Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, Kyongnsola Waterfall, Enchey Monastery.
Pelling is a small town at the foothills of Kanchenjunga. Though this town is less alluring than other places in Sikkim, yet you can witness here unrivalled views of Kanchenjunga during sunrise from the ridge. There are a few monasteries where you can visit for a spiritual enchantment. Also visit the Rabdentse Palace Ruins, Kanchenjunga Waterfall, Rimbi Waterfall, Changey Waterfall, Singshore Bridge, Sewaro Rock Garden.
One of the largest monasteries in Sikkim, Rumtek monastery, also called the Dharma Chakra Centre, holds immense significance. It is situated on top of a hill. Mountain range coated with lush greenery encircles this shrine. A perfect amalgamation of nature and spirituality will deliver you nothing but profound bliss loaded with utmost serenity. Rumtek Monastery also exhibits one of the finest architectural artistry in the world. A golden stupa and several other sculptures belonging to the 16th Karmapa are preserved in this monastery. It also stores some unique religious scriptures of the world.
Located in the Himalayas, Nathula Pass connects India with Tibet, elevated at 4310 m from sea level. It is one of the popular tourist attractions in Sikkim. Visit the shrine of Baba Harbhajan Singh, Tsomgo Lake, Mandakini Waterfall. Partake in yak safari.
If you’re an adrenaline-junkie, white water river rafting in the Teesta river is the perfect activity for you. The thrilling rapids will quench your adventure-thirst. There are also places alongside for overnight camping. During winter the river gets frozen and exhibits a splendid view. You can also partake in kayaking if you want to avoid the thrills of river rafting. Varied flora and fauna on the riverbank are another allurements. Visit Triveni Sangam, the confluence of Teesta and Rangeet river.
Trekking in Sikkim is among the most prioritized activities. Start trekking from Yuksom to Dzongri Peak, Rathong Glacier, Goecha Peak, and if your adventure-appetite is still not satiated, head to Mt. Kanchenjunga. On your trekking journey, you’ll be witnessing majestic parks of rhododendron, unentered, dense forests and mesmerizing scenic beauty. Sikkim is a beauty forever, so discover your own best time to visit Sikkim. The ideal time for trekking in Sikkim is from March to May.
Seven Sisters Waterfall in Lachung –seven different water cascades flowing down a rocky cliff; an ideal spot for picnic and photography.
Zuluk, a small Hamlet in Sikkim, it is a budding tourist spot, paved with wildflowers and snow along with an abundance of birds, this place is quite an exploration.
Phodong Monastery, in Gangtok is an 18th-century Buddhist shrine, preserving Sikkim’s remarkable history through ancient mural and paintings.
The above-mentioned places are some of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Sikkim. Now if you get time after exploring all of these places, then you can also visit Pemayangtse Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, Sanga Choeling Monastery, Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, and Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary.
So now with this list of places to visit in Sikkim, you can organize your trip based on your prioritized spots. And don’t just wander around and explore all about Sikkim – nature, indulge in some shopping as well. Bring home some precious souvenirs of Sikkim that will make you cherish your trip to Sikkim later on, in life. Also don’t forget to click amazing pictures of the mountains, rivers, waterfalls and other natural temptations. Enjoy your trip to the fullest, don’t keep any regrets. May Sikkim soothe your soul!
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