Sikkim is small state, located in the Eastern Himalayas and known for snow-clad mountains, pristine lakes, Buddhist monasteries and rich biodiversity. Kangchenjunga, the sacred and highest peak of India is also located in this state. Sikkim is an important destination for nature tourism, adventure tourism and Buddhist pilgrimage. The capital city of Sikkim is Gangtok and its main airport is Pakyong Airport near Gangtok, while the nearest major airport is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. Sikkim is also known for organic farming, scenic mountains and vibrant Buddhist culture.
District-wise Tourist and Pilgrimage sites in Sikkim:
Tourist attractions in Gangtok District:
Gangtok District is the administrative and tourism hub of Sikkim, known for Himalayan views, Buddhist monasteries, lakes and cultural attractions. The district (HQ: Gangtok) attracts tourists throughout the year; key Tourist and pilgrimage attractions are:
- Tsomgo Lake: A hight altitude sacred glacial lake surrounded by snowcapped peaks, famous for scenic beauty and yak rides at 42 kms from Gangtok.
- Nathula Pass: A historic India-China border pass and major tourist attraction at heigh altitude.
- Rumtek Monastery: A most important Buddhist monasteries in India, featuring grand architecture and beautiful murals at 22 kms from Gangtok.
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple: Revered shrine dedicated to an Indian Army soldier at heigh altitude near Nathula Pass and Jelep Pass at 52 Kms from Gangtok.
- Hanuman Tok & Ganesh Tok: Two popular Hindu temples at high altitude at 8 Kms and at 5 kms from Gangtok, know for panoramic mountain views and Sunset & sun rise views.
- Other Attractions: MG Marg (vibrant market in Gangtok), Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (Research center of Tibetan culture), Banjhakri Fall, Gangtok Ropeway (cable ride offering panoramic views).
Tourist attractions in Mangan District:
Mangan District is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and spiritual seekers, known for high-altitude valleys, waterfalls and remote mountain villages. (HQ: Mangan). Key Tourist & Pilgrimage Sites in Mangan district:
- Gurudongmar Lake: One of the world’s highest lakes and sacred to Buddhists and Sikhs.
- Lachen village: A scenic Himalayan village and gateway to Gurudongmar and Chopta Valley.
- Yumthang Valley: Known as ‘Valley of Flowers’ with alpine meadows and hot springs.
- Lachung: Beautiful Mountain village and base for Yumthang Valley.
- Zeo Point (Yume Samdong): A high-altitude scenic point offering views of snowcapped peaks of Himalaya near Indo-China border.
- Chungthang Town: Important Buddhist pilgrimage town associated with Guru Padmasambhava. Chungthang town also have a Sikh Gurudawara.
- Singhik Viewpoint: Excellent viewpoint of Mt. Kangchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu and base point for short treks.
- Othe attractions: Rong Lungten Lee (Lepcha house & museum), Thangu Valley & Chopta Valley, Naga waterfall, Bhewma Falls, seven sisters Fall, Labrang Monastery, Phodong Gompa, Lachen Monastery.
Tourist attractions in Namchi District:
Namchi District is a major religious and cultural destination of Sikkim. Namchi district is famous for giant statues, monasteries, pilgrimage complexes and scenic mountain landscapes. (HQ: Namchi) Major Tourist and Pilgrimage Sites in Namchi district:
Siddhesvara Dham (Solophok Char Dham): A popular Hindu pilgrimage complex located on Solophok Hill at 5 Kms from Namchi town, featuring a giant 108 feet statue of Lord Shiva, replica of 12 jyotirlingas and four sacred temples of Char Dham.
Samdruptse Hill: Site of a massive statue of Guru Padmasambhava at 7 kms from Namchi town.
Temi Tea Garden: This is the only tea estate of Sikkim at 29 Kms from Namchi offering scenic views.
Other Attractions: Ngadak Monastery, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Namchi Rock Garden, Tarey Bhir.
Tourist attractions in Gyalshing District:
Gyalshing (also spelled Geyzing) district is known for heritage monasteries and nature & adventure tourism, (HQ: Gyalsing city) keytourist & pilgrimage sites:
- Pelling: Popular hill station with magnificent mountain views.
- Pemayangtse Monastery: One of the oldest and most revered monasteries in Sikkim.
- Rabdentse Ruins: Archeological site of remains of the former capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim.
- Khecheopalri Lake: A sacred wish-fulfilling lake highly revered by Buddhists and Hindus.
- Singshore Bridge: One of India’s highest suspension bridges.
- Other Attractions: Pelling (a scenic town), Dubdi Monastery, Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.
Tourist attractions in Pakyong District:
Pakyong District is known for scenic valleys, monasteries, rural tourism and the state’s only airport. (HQ: Pakyong) Major Tourist & Pilgrimage Sites:
Pakyong Airport: India’s engineering marvel airport amidst mountains.
Rolep: A scenic village known for waterfalls and trekking near old silk route at 20 Kms from Rongli.
Rorathang: A scenic small town as gateway to eastern Sikkim attractions.
Other Attractions: Deorali Monastery, Karthok Monestary, Rumtek Monestry, Pangolakha Wildlife sanctuary, Jhandi Dara (view point), Saramsa Garden, Dikling Mane & Shivalaya Temple (Dikling village).
Tourist attractions in Soreng District:
Soreng district is known for lush green hills, traditional villages, eco-tourism and cultural heritage. (HQ: Sreng) Major Tourist & Pilgrimage Sites:
- Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary: Famous for rhododendron blooms and trekking.
- Gumba Dara: a scenic hill featuring caves, a monastery and hill-walking trails.
- Uttarey: A scenic mountain village, gateway to Himalayan trekking routes.
- Tashiding Monastery: Holiest and sacred Buddhist monasteries on hilltop between Rathong Chhu and Rangeet River at 36 Kms from Pelling.
- Other Attractions: Jhandi Dara Viewpont, Ramidham (religious site on hill), Jor Pokheri Mandir (scenic temple with twin lakes), Daramdin (scenic village), Bhir Dara (view point), Dentam Valley ( a scenic valley).