Things to do & places to visit in Sikkim, India

Sikkim #20 destination in India 2023. The average rating score is 4.24 based on 21.1k traveler reviews, of 113 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Kolkata, current date and time: Thursday, May 02, 2024, 21:31.

Top things to do (24)

Top destinations in Sikkim 6

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Gurudongmar Lake (543 reviews)
- Beautiful place but spoiled by diesel vehicles everywhere.
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water

To reach Gurudogmar lake, you must suffer both physically and mentally. It’s not an easy trip to make. Wake up early morning at Lachen in biting cold and struggle on difficult roads for half of the journey. But when you finally reach the lake, you will forget all the hardships. Be careful as this is guaranteed to cause you breathing difficulties due to its height. Don’t talk or waste your energy by walking or running around the lake. If you have any respiratory problems, carry a portable oxygen can available at military canteen at the final check point. You will feel nauseous and feel like you’ll lose consciousness if you experience AMS. Don’t take this lightly. Another sad thing is that, all the taxis and military vehicles around this lake are diesel and they are causing very high levels of pollution. This is just sad and a testament to the fact that humans destroy the natural beauty of anything. See more..
4.5 Nathula Pass (2.006 reviews)
- Must Must Visit place.
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Watching Indian army men guarding our borders in such Harsh weather is always an exhilarating experience. It’s a steep climb and some ppl may have breathing problems. Photography is strictly prohibited and one should respect rules and regulations. Weather changes quite often and it gets very cold after rain. Gloves, Caps & Jackets are available for rental few kms before Nathula. Carry an umbrella as it rains most of the time. Make sure you arrange for permits a day in advance. Only bigger vehicle goes till Nathu La. If you have hired small Taxi, they will club you in bigger vehicle 4-5 kms before Pass. Aadhar card does not work. Passport/Voter ID/DL are only valid docs. For kids Birth certificate works. Also carry few passport size photographs. We could not see anybody on Chinese side. I don't know if that's the normal thing. See more..
4.5 MG Marg (1.373 reviews)
- Crowded but good place to hangout
Neighborhoods

Visited on 25/Dec/2022 Went to this place after return form Changu Lake and teh time was 3.00pm. The sunshine created a perfect background to the ambience of the place. There are lots of shopping options and eateries line up this place. The place is crowded and if anyone want to avoid the crowds then take a seat on teh benches which line up this place and observe the energy around. The huge Tiranga at teh market entry makes us all proud Indian. Lots of good vibes at this place. Must visit. See more..
4.5 Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple (1.322 reviews)
- Temple built after an Indian Army solder
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I was surprised when I heard the story behind this place. It's up to you to believe it or not, but the fact remains that it has become a famous tourist spot. This is close to Nathula Pass and after visiting Nathula pass, your tourist guide will take you to this place. The story goes like this, Harbhajan Singh was an Indian Army Jawan, who was patrolling the border and carrying his duty. One day he dies while he was performing his duty, but people notice that his room, his bed all are soiled / being used by someone even after his death. The belief is that this person is still visiting this place and guarding the border. So, the locals have built a temple like thing around his living room with his artifacts. Everyone visit this place to pay homage to this great soul. See more..
4.5 Hanuman Tok (1.033 reviews)
- Must visit place for photographers
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

I have visited this place today i.e 25th December, 2021 so that you all would be able to make our this place is still open for most of the tourists unlike other places in and around Gangtok. For people planning to book for sight seeing through tour operators please make sure all the places are open. Currently for 10 point sight seeing through tour operators in and around Gangtok it’s 2500/- . Better you talk to any running taxi drivers and they would agree for 1600-2000. I went for 2000/- without much bargain and considering the driver good it’s quite ok for us. See more..
4.5 Yumthang Valley (753 reviews)
- Pictursque beauty
Spent < 1 hour Hot Springs & Geysers • Valleys

Such a lovely place! They call this place as valley of flowers, since we visited in the month of May just before monsoon, we couldn't witness that much yet I would recommend this place for it's beautiful and wonderful landscape. We started bit early around 7am and reached this picturesque valley from Lachung village in one hour. Be ready with your DSLR or any camera to take 'n' number of pics. Don't forget your thermal wear and umbrella as the temperature is around 5 deg in May and sometimes it drizzles also. Yaks graze everywhere and hot spring was also a different experience for us. On the whole we enjoyed this magnificent place! See more..
4.5 Yume Samdong (Zero Point) (606 reviews)
- Must visit place in Lachung-Heavenly experience
Mountains • Valleys

It's a very very beautiful place and has a heavenly experience. Very wide area So even if there are a lot of people, it doesn't look crowded.. you can play and walk over in the snow. May face trouble breathing in that place, and it's very cold there, so please carry proper warm clothes, gloves mufflers etc. And don't go empty stomach... always carry water, and carry some dark chocolate, Better to visit the pace in the first half itself.On the way back you can visit Yumthang Valley and spend 1-2 hour over there. See more..
4.5 Ranka Monastery (549 reviews)
- Serene Monastery
Religious Sites

Quite far from Gangtok but worth the effort. Very peaceful and beautiful Monastery. As its not one of the common site seeing point, this place is quite peaceful with very few tourist come here. One can enjoy the surrounding. See more..
4.5 Buddha Park (541 reviews)
- Must Visit!
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Religious Sites

This is a must visit place if you are in Rabongla. The grandeur of the Buddha Idol is truly something. The place is extremely neat and clean. The park is pretty big and spacious. One can see the Buddha Idol from different parts of the city and in the night it looks glorious. 50 Rs is the entry fee per person. There is an option of renting golf cart type vehicle (200 rs-5 people) with driver that pick you up from the gate and take you close to the monastery and bring you back as well. This is a good option if you have aged people in the group since there are quite a few stairs to get to the monastery and the base of the statue. The mountains and the misty clouds in the backdrop of the statue looks mesmerizing. One can easily spend 1.5 hours in there. Big thumbs up! See more..
4.5 Singshore Bridge (379 reviews)
- A marvel of technology
Bridges

Its a must see if u r in Pelling. U must WALK on the bridge from 1 end to the other, & admire the views on both sides! Let ur car cross over empty. See more..
4.5 Pemayangtse Gompa (368 reviews)
- Spiritual and divine!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

One of the main attractions in Pelling was also within walking distance from our hotel, The Elgin. Very spiritual, relaxing, and soothing. Spend some time there, closing your eyes and breathing fresh air, and enjoy the silence. See more..
4.5 Rumtek Monastery (345 reviews)
- Traditional and beautiful monastery- must visit from Gangtok!
Religious Sites

Dharma Chakra Centre consists of a beautiful temple, the famous Golden Stupa, and Tibetan Buddhist monastery that houses very important relics. See more..
4.5 Samdruptse Hill (185 reviews)
- Very attractive statue
Mountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks

This place has a 108ft long statue of Guru Padmasambhava. You can actually climb up and see the statue from very near. It is very peaceful out there. There is a I love Namchi board as well for taking photographs. Great views as well. See more..
4.5 Siddheswar Dham (149 reviews)
- "Siddheswar Dham- Where you find a solace to heart"
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues

It had been a religious and pilgrimage trip for us as we wanted to do so too....Siddheswar Dham or also known as Chardham in Namchi is a popular destination for both tourist and locals and has been a major pilgrimage site for the Hindu follower since its inception. It was also a trip to Chardham during which we were all exhausted due to long trip around but felt warmth, peace and relaxed once we reached. The solace of heart could be found...thats what i personally felt...Overall the architecture of all twelve Jyotilingams around the magnificent statue of Lord Shiva is amazing and must say magnificent. See more..
4.5 Tendong Hill (137 reviews)
- Short but refreshing trek
Mountains

Tendong hill sacred place for the Rongkup Romkups (lepchas ) .It is 3 hr trek , i along with my friend started our trek from chuba perbing village which is close to Namchi , it was a wonderful experience especially for a nature lover u can lost in the thick forest with the chirping sound of birds and enjoy the cool breeze. If u have short time nd want to trek then this will be the best place . From the top u can see the entire himalayan range . 8th day of august is declared as a goverment holiday in Sikkim and is celebrated as Tendong lho rum faat , people from all over the sikkim gather here to offer a Prayer . See more..
4.5 Temi Tea Garden (124 reviews)
- "The Temi Bungalow a must visit heritage place within the temi tea garden estate."
Gardens

Awestruck by the beauty of the tea garden and definitely a must visit to the heritage Bada Bungalow, The Temi Bungalow within the temi tea garden estate itself. Its cottages and beautiful bungalow rooms has its own charm and vintage feel. The snow capped mountain peaks of the Mt. Kanchenjunga is a breathtaking view from its deck. See more..
4.5 Char Dham (104 reviews)
- Peaceful
Religious Sites

A very serene and peaceful religious place, you will be surprised at how clean this huge place is. The Siddheshwar Dham (Char Dham) is located 5 km from Namchi town. Major attractions are of course the 87-ft statue of Lord Shiva and replicas of four Dhaams of the country. There is a grand statue of Kirateshvar Mahadev and a temple of Shirdi Sai Baba too. Should the weather be clear we can have a view of Mt Kanchenjunga, Statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse, Darjeeling etc. A must visit place! See more..
4.5 Zuluk Wildlife Area (96 reviews)
- Is zuluk safe with 4 years child
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Off-Road & ATV Trails

I am planing of PELLING, GANGTOK, NATHULA PASS, ZULUK, NATHANG VALLEY, KALIMPONG with my 4 years old Daughter and My 62 years old Mother. The Approximate Date will be March 2018. Will it be safe? See more..
4.5 Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (89 reviews)
- A Must visit when you go Lachung !!!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

The drive through this Sanctuary will give a feel like driving through a forest with lots of Rhododendrons and other trees .We've been there on 2nd December and so couldn't see any flowers.After a 30-45 min drive we reached the Yamthung valley, where there's a river on one side of the road and snow mountains on the other. From there we've been to the Zero point . See more..
4.5 Mt. Katao (82 reviews)
- Katao the ice peak
Mountains

Katao is a military base in North Sikkim located at the highest army point. The place is a home to Indian Army jawans who practice and guards the international border with China. The high altitude makes the place chill and the severe wind that blows over there make it shivering but exciting and enjoying. One needs to pay some extra money to the driver to go to these place beyond Lachung. You can or not depends on the permission granted by the Indian Army. This is a prohibited place and free access is denied. The place is always covered with snow and you would be shocked seeing how can the Indian Army jawans spend days after days there to protect us. You can even see them practicing firing there. Katao is a rough terrain and the road leads to the place is superb thrilling. See more..
4.5 Teesta River (81 reviews)
- River Rafting at Teesta
Bodies of Water

What a experience! If you want adventure definitely go through that, it is very safe and exciting. We did river rafting in March, we were 6 adults and 2 kids, and enjoyed a lot, that was the most memorable part of my trip. Govt. of Sikkim arranged a booth for river rafting at teesta town, it costs 3500/ per boat, definitely you must carry a extra pair of cloths for rafting and enjooooooooyyyyyyyyyy................... See more..
4.5 Sangacholing Monastery (76 reviews)
- Monastery on a viewpoint
Architectural Buildings

Situated high above Pelling in west Sikkim this monastery is one of the oldest in Sikkim. The stiff 3km road from Pelling helipad can be negotiated by only 4 wheel drive SUVs. But we went by food which took nearly 2 hours as we soaked in the unspoilt nature of the eastern Himalayas. Kanchanjunga and adjoining snow peaks are seen from all parts of the road and the lawn of the monastery itself. The monastery houses some exquisite religious articles related to Buddhism and colourful fresco painting. There is a cluster of old Chortens in the same premises. From the opposite side of the snow peaks the bird's eye view of Pelling town enchanted us. This is surely one of the best viewpoints in West Sikkim. See more..
4.5 Ralong Monastery (74 reviews)
- "Ralang Monastery-Serene and Beautiful"
Religious Sites

Ralang Monastery- One of the premium monastery in Sikkim belongs to the Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism.Though the one we visited is a new one which is in no doubt one of the most beautiful monastery in terms of architecture, wall Paintings etc. The drive through the beautiful countryside of Ralang Village is about 06 kms away from Ravangla town in South Sikkim. Our visit to this monastery was though not in our plan but while we were in Ravangla, we simply couldn't ignore this beautiful and important monastery so in this regard, we reached and there is nothing to regret as we could see one of the most beautiful wall paintings around...all well designed and marvelously touched and finished. While in South Sikkim, Ralang Monastery is a must visit place. See more..
4.5 Coronation Throne Of Norbugang (72 reviews)
- Old Capital city of Sikkim
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Yuksom is approx 25 Kms from Pelling by road its was earlier capital of Sikkim.The place is very beautiful in all sense like this place is excellent for trek,stay and photography, this place is very clam & quite compare to Pelling there are few hotels to stay and eat.There is a very good Monastery & Chorten surrounded by lush green mountains there are some some water fall and a helipad made to land.This also the border of India Tibet. You must stay at least 2 days to relax under the mountain..!! See more..
4.5 Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary (72 reviews)
- Must visit for nature lovers
Thursday: 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gardens

Barsey rhododendron sanctuary is located in west sikkim ,you will get to see variety of rhododendron and also the breathtaking view of mt kanchenjunga . See more..
4.5 Nathang Valley (67 reviews)
- Snow fall and white all around
Valleys

We have visited in mid February, wether was changing in every 10 minutes, sometimes it's suny, suddenly full of cloud then slight drizzle/light snow fall. White all around. Breth taking view and unexplainable in words. See more..
4.5 Menmecho Lake (58 reviews)
- Mystic beauty soothing
Bodies of Water

Menmecho lake has a mystic beauty surrounded with valleys, wild flowers. This lake is mostly popular for trout farming. We can reach Menmecho lake by small car, big car, two wheelers as well. But let me tell you the road are narrow, we took our alto car & had a successful drive towards lake. More than lake I liked the way to lake as it was silent, dried yet not dead trees, wild flowers. From the road it takes 20 mins walk to lake. Tourist don’t know much about this lake, and for this lake extra permit has to be taken and also the permission has to be granted from Fisheries dept. Well from Baba mandir there is another downwards way which leads to lake. And there army people will check your special permit & permission from fisheries sept. for Menmecho lake. Pls. Note : Menmecho lake and elephant lake are different & are not same. People get confused. Google sometime don’t give you exact information. Wanted to upload more pics but my net is slow so couldn’t. See more..
4.0 Ganesh Tok View Point (906 reviews)
- Do not miss the evening Aarti.
Lookouts

We wished to cover a few more places in Gangtok after our visit to the Nathu La Pass during the day, and so we started off for the Ganesh Tok Mandir at around 1630 hrs. It is a very beautiful and well maintained temple. Bappa was decked in these lovely bottle green clothes. We prayed and proceeded towards the souvenir store, when we heard the sound of the Aarti at around 1700 hrs. What that Aarti can do to you - you'll know only if you stand there in front of the lord, hands folded and eyes closed, surrounded by the sweet fragrance that only incense lit in evenings can give, and with the sound of the bells and bhajans ringing in your ears. Might sound dramatic, but it was the pinnacle of my entire trip. Transported me to a whole new world. Feels odd to rate something like this on a scale of five, but I must convey to people intending to visit Gangtok that this temple, especially the evening aarti - are not to be missed. See more..
4.0 Tashi View Point (794 reviews)
- Nice view point for obbserving hamaliyan Ranges.
Observation Decks & Towers

Tashi view point is nice place to see panorama of north-east himalayan ranges. one part see the city is another part see all the views. Here is also the telescope to see Seven sister waterfalls and other interesting points See more..
4.0 Kanchenjunga Falls (789 reviews)
- Kanchanjanga water falls
Waterfalls

Hi This is a wonderful experience visiting to kanchanjang water falls.Water is so cool and the intensity of the fall is also high,this water is directly from kanchanjanga parvath,Holy water. Nice experience one should compulsory visit this place if going to Pelling,don't miss. Thank you, Veena. See more..