General Information

East Sikkim

Places of Tourist Interest in and around Gangtok

• Enchey Monastery
• Flower Show Complex
• Directorate of Handlooms and Handicrafts
• Do-Drul Chorten, Deorali
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
• Sri Sidheshwar Mandir
• Rumtek Monastery
• Gangtok Ropeway
• Khangchendzonga Cultural cum Village Tourism Complex, Ranka
• Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal Park
• Pal Zurmang Kagyud (Lingdum) Monastery
• Saramsa Flower Pavilion & Conference Centre
• Water Garden
• Banjhakri Falls
• Tashi View Point
• Ganesh Tok
• Hanuman Tok
• Himalayan Zoological Park
• Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
• Gonjang Monastery
• Bakthang Waterfalls
• Sikkim Science Centre, Marchak
• Sa-Ngor-Monastery
• Aritar Lake
• Zaluk

Excursion in East Sikkim

• Tsomgo Lake
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
• Nathula Pass

Details

• CHOGYAL PALDEN THONDUP NAMGYAL MEMORIAL PARK

  It is dedicated to the memory of Miwang Chogyal Chempo Polden Thondu Namgyal, 17th in the line and 12th consecrated Denzong Chogyal (King of Sikkim). Born in 1923 he succeeded as Chogyal in 1963 and died in 1982 Deeply inspired by his cherished dream of welfare for his country, he dedica Deeptire efforts for a clear, effective and timely fruition of the precious plans. He was the founder president of the Namgyal Institute of Tibetan studies of Datopa (Gangtok) and President of the Maha Bodhi Society of India.

• GANGTOK ROPEWAY

  One can enjoy the panoramic view and thrilling rise as the Cablecar goes the hills and meadows. It takes the passengers 7 minutes to travel a 1 km ride.

• RUMTEK DHARMA CHAKRA CENTRE

  About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24 kms away, is the Rumtek Dhorma Chakra Centre, the seat of the Kagyud order, one of the four major Tibeton Buddhist sects. Since the 1960s, after the arrival of his Holiness the XVIth Gyalwa Karmapa, the centre houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and rare objects. Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the original Kagyud headquarter in Tibet.

• BANJHAKRI FALLS

  Located en-route to Ranka and 4 kms from Gangtok, Ban Jhakri Falls Energy Park lies amidst a lush green valley spread over 2 acres. It is surrounded by trees and gushing mountain streams. The park has a Shamanistic theme. The pork spreads towards the forest and seeks to enhance the essence of the occult and the unknown. The place itself is decorated with ethnic sculptures and figurines of the Jhakri culture.

• PAL ZURMANG KAGYUD MONASTERY (LINGDUM)

  Zurmang Kagyud Monastery, located at Lingdum, East Sikkim is at a distance of about 20 kms from Gangtok. The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the 12th successive incarnation of the glorious emanation of Zurmang Gharwang. A place worth visiting for its religious and exquisite architecture and serene atmosphere.

• KHANCHENDZONGA CULTURAL CUM VILLAGE TOURISM COMPLEX, RANKA 

  A multi facility Khangchendzonga Cultural cum Village Tourism Complex located at Ranka at 12 kms from Gangtok is a destination for tourist to get away from hustle and bustle of the town area. The facilities include sports, shopping complex, handicraft and handlooms, amusement park for children and adults, cafeteria and many other attractions.

• SIKKIM SCIENCE CENTRE, MARCHAK

  Sikkim Science Centre at Marchak, East Sikkim has been set up under Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology in collaboration with National Council of Science Museums, (Gol). There are three main galleries having thirty nine exciting and most interactive exhibits and an inflatable dame planetarium. Beside these galleries a lush green park holds exhibits on simple mechanics, sound, optics, pendulum, turn pulleys lifting loads, sound echoing devices, swings, dinosaurs and busts of eight eminent Indian scientists.

• BABA HARBHAJAN SINGH MEMORIAL TEMPLE 

  Built in the memory of Harbhajan Singh, a sepoy in the 23rd Punjab Regiment, the temple lies between the Nathu-La and the Jelep-La. Legend has it that he appeared in a dream a few days after he went missing while patrolling the border, and expressed a desire that a monument be built in his memory. His fellow soldiers then built a monument that has over the years acquired the status of a pilgrimage centre. Believers leave a bottle of water to be collected a week later to be used for its healing powers.

• NATHULA

  56 kms from Gangtok is Nathula Pass, situated at an altitude of 14,450 ft at the border of India and China. It has one of the highest motorable roads and is richly covered with varieties of alpine flora and fauna. A tranquil place to visit, Nathula is open only for Indian Nationals from Wednesday to Sunday. The visitors require to procure permit from the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department through a Travel Agent registered with the Department.

• TSOMGO LAKE

  It literally means the "Source of the Lake" and is located at a distance of 38 kms from Gangtok. This serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12400 ft. The lake is about 1km long, oval in shape, and is considered sacred by the local people. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months. Variety of flowers like Rhododendrons, Primulas, Blue & Yellow Poppies, Iris sway magically in the cool breeze. It is also an ideal habitat of Red Panda and birds. It is open for both the Foreigners and Indians. Foreign visitors are allowed in a group of two or more with a permit obtained through Travel Agents registered with the Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim.

• DUBDI MONASTERY

  This was the first monastery established soon after the the first Chogyal. The monastery is located on a hill top above Yuks surrounded by verdant forests. It can be approached only by trekking throug steep slopes for about half an hour. It is an ideal place for meditation,ng ceremony consecrationLocated between Yuksam and Gerethang this highest waterfall of West S presents a magnificent scenario especially during monsoons. A gentle groen footpath takes one to a viewpoint for a closer view of this cascading waterfall.

• TASHIDING MONASTERY

  This monastery is constructed on a heart shaped hilltop of the backdrop of Khangchendzonga. According to Buddhist scriptures, Guru Padma-Sambo blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in the 8th century AD from this spot. The monastery was built in the 18th century AD by Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one the three lamas who had performed the consecration ceremony of les Chogyal. Tashiding is also famous for the holy Chorten known as Thong-WoRang-Dol which literally means 'Saviours by mere sight'. It is believed that the mere addf beholding it is supposed to wash away all the sins of the devotees. Every year on the 14th and 15th day of the first Lunar month, the Bhumchu ceremony (sacred water festival) is organised with devotees coming from far and near to get the blessing of the holy water. The sacred holy water is taken out once a year on an auspicious occasion and the level of the water predicts prosperity for the coming year.

• KONGRI-LABDANG

  There are other attractions around Tashiding like Sinon Monastery, TsoNim Dawa (Pokhri Danra), Hungri Monastery and Pao-Hungri. The Paha Khola falls on the way to Kongri is worth visiting. The wild beehive on the side of the folls makes the visit more interesting. It is also an important point for the trekers visiting Kasturi Orar adjoining Khangchendzonga (Dzongri) trail. One can also visit Lhari Nyingphu, one of the most sacred caves of Sikkim from Labdang.

• UTTAREY VALLEY (7,600 ft.)

  Uttarey, is a base camp for the Singalila Range Tenzing Hillary Ecotourism Trekking Trail towards Khangchendzonga National Park. The village is surrounded by hilltops, waterfalls, frothing rivers, evergreen forest, medicinal herbs and mountain hamlets. Accommodation in hotels and homestays facilities is also available.Some of the tribal villages which offers homestay facilities with traditional Sikkimese hospitality include the following. 1. Bandukey Limboo Tribal Heritage Village, 2. Sherpa Gaon Tribal Heritage Village; and 3. Ferek Lepcha Tribal Heritage Village.

• PHOKTEY DARA-SINGALILA PEAK (12,980 ft.)

  Located at Singalila Range, Phoktey Dara is a Hilltop View Point from where one can get a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and its ranges on Nepal side and Mt. Khangchendzonga and its ranges on Sikkim side and fascinating Chola range on the eastern part. Phoktey Dara is also an ideal viewpoint for Sunrise.

• CHEWABHANJYANG PASS (10,300 ft.)

  Chewabhanjyang Pass is also one of the important and popular passes in the Indo-Nepal border. The name Chewabahnjyang is taken from the old name Cheewa-Fangzong which means a peeping valley' in the local Limboo language.

• SINGALILA RANGE TENZING-HILLARY ECO-TOURISM TREKKING TRAIL TOWARDS KHANGCHENDZONGA (6,700 ft. to 17,000 ft.)

  Uttarey Singalila-Dzongri Trek Route is one of the most picturesque trek in the Sikkim Himalayas. The trekking trail runs along the ridge on Singalila range and inside Khangchendzonga National Park. All through the trek one can have a stunning view of some of the world's greatest mountains and may also sight some rare wild animals as one passes through some tranquil high altitude. Trek starts from Uttarey and ends at Yuksom.

West Sikkim

Places of Tourist Interest in and around West Sikkim

• Pelling
• Rabdentse Palace Ruins
• Permayangtse Monastery
• Sanga-Choling Monastery
• Darap Cherry Village
• Khangchendzonga Water Falls
• Khecheopalri Lake
• Yuksam
• Dubdi Monastery
• Tashiding Monastery
• Kongri-Labdang
• Shiv Mandir, Legship
• Soreng
• Chakung
• Limboo Cultural Centre
• Jureli Dara Viewpoint
• Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
• Rinchenpung-Kaluk
• Hee-Bermiok
• Dentam Valley
• Singshore Bridge
• Uttarey Valley

Other Tourist Destination In the area are

• Mainbaas Falls
• Ram Rukh (Tree of Lord Rama) (7,800 Ft.)
• Ranidhunga-Queenrock (8,400 Ft.)
• Chhangay Waterfalls (5000 Ft.)
• Sita Dham (6700 Ft.)
• Tinsuray-three Hills (8200 Ft.)
• Gitang Saat Changey (7100 Ft.)
• Neydham Holy Cave (12500 Ft.)
• Jhakri Dhunga - Local Healer Rock (7800 Ft.)
• Cultural Village at Tharpu
• Water Garden at Hee Pul
• Tenzing Hillary Park Uttarey
• Juriley Dara View Point

Details

• PELLING

  Pelling is about 133 kms away from Siliguri and 125 kms from connected by bus and jeep services. A major stopover destination Gangtokond Sikkim, one can get a panoramic view of the mountains which Khangchendzonga, Koktang, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Kabru, Pandim, Jom Simvo, Narsing, Siniolchu and others. Waterfalls, lakes, soft trek routes villages in the vicinity of Pelling is an ideal get away for the tourists.

• RABDENTSE PALACE

  In the year 1814 A.D., the King of Sikkim ruled from this place. The palace ruins how been reconstructed for the visitors for a memorable experience and diskut been recorcheological Survey of India. The scenic view from the top of the scanning across the valley to the mystic heights of Khangchendzongo something to be cherished and etched in memory.

• PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY

  This ancient monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa Sect has been considered as one of the premier monasteries in the State. It was entrusted with the tosk perform all religious functions of the erstwhile monarch. Originally, it established as a high class monastery for "Pure Monks' (Ta-Sang). Inside the monastery there is a wooden structure depicting the "Maha Guru's heavenly palace" (Sang-tok-palri), which is considered a masterpiece created by Late Dungzin Rimpoche. The Monastery, located on a hill top at an altitude of 6300元 commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan range, the surrounding hills and the countryside.

• SANGA-CHOLING MONASTERY

  This monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling facing the Pemayonghe Monastery. Built in 1697 A.D. it is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries of the State.

• DARAP CHERRY VILLAGE

  It is a small village in West Sikkim set in tranquil and verdant greenery. The village also has homestays facilities and offers an insight into the culture of Limboo. Bhutia, Nepali and Lepcha, Tourist attractions in the area are Sirijunga Yuma Manghim, Rani Dhunga, Limboo museum, Sukpabong Lingbit, Rimbi waterfalls, Sewaro rock garden, Neytham and Sindrong.

• KHANGCHENDZONGA WATER FALLS

  After an hour and a half drive from Pelling, one comes across Khongchendzonga Twin Water Falls known for its breathtaking beauty and grandeur.

• KHECHEOPALRI LAKE

  Situated at a distance of 25 kms. from Pelling, it is considered to be one of the sacred lakes of the State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The Lake remains hidden under the rich forest cover. There is motorable road from Permayangtse right up to the lake area. For those interested in spending a night or two in the peaceful environment, a trekker's hut is available.

• YUKSAM

  Yuksam was the first capital of Sikkim, where the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1642 A.D. by the three learned lamas. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still intact at Norbugang in the form of stone seats and a foot print of the head lama on a stone. Yuksam is also the gateway to Khongchendzonga National Park and a popular base for trekkers to Dzongri and Gochela trek route. Several categories of accommodations are available at Yuksam for those desiring to spend few days in quiet and serene surroundings.

• SHIVA MANDIR, LEGSHIP

  Also known as Kirateshwar Mahadev temple, it is situated on the banks of beautiful Rangit river. A foot suspension bridge takes the devotees to its attractive location. People from all over the state visit this holy place of eminence.

• SORENG

  Soreng is a picturesque village with beautiful landscape. It is about two hours drive from Pelling and Melli. A trek to Jhandi Dara starts from here where one can get to see a variety of flowers and birds.

• CHAKUNG

  A picnic spot, cafeteria, easy trail for short walks through the forest, Durpiney Dara Viewpoint (also a paragliding takeoff point) overlooking Darjeeling and Jorethang is worth a visit. Visitors can spend a day in these ecofriendly surroundings.

• LIMBOO CULTURAL CENTRE, THARPU

  In this centre on 23rd August every year, a function depicting the rich culture and heritage of Limboo and other various communities is organized. This Centre houses a hall, a museum and a library.

• BARSEY RHODODENDRON SANCTUARY

  It lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft. and has a road access upto Hilley. An easy 4kms trek from Hilley takes one up to the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary which is in bloom from March to April. One can also trek from Soreng and Dentam. The place provides a magnificent view of the mountains. Visitors can halt at Guras Kunj trekkers' hut.

• RINCHENPONG-KALUK

  Situated at an altitude of 1700meters, the drive from Gangtok to Rinchenpo takes about four hours via Zoom. It is also accessible from Siliguri ond Darjeeling. It is a picturesque village with beautiful landscape and a panoram view of Khongchen-dzonga range. A visit to Resum Monastery is an interesting experience. One can also trek to Jhandi Dara/Melanpso, a rich forest re known to be the home of various species of wild animals and birds Accommodation is available at Kaluk and Rinchenpong. A night spent in an i Guest House or a newly built Resort could be a memorable experience.

• HEE BERMIOK

  Journey to Hee Bermiok takes about four and a half hours from Gangtok O can also reach there from Pelling. The main attractions are mountain bileng nature walk, visit to villages, Sirijunga Yuma Mangheem, Sirijunga holy care Martam, Mahatma Sirijunga Statue and Study Centre, Chhayatal lake (reflecting the image of the Sirijunga statue), Phang Dorji Falls (Ban Jhankri Foll Himalayan Botanical Garden Hee Goucharan, Hee Khola Water Garden, Panda Gate. The adventure lovers can enjoy two and a half hours trek to Bormey Apart from having an Annual Tourist Festival, impressive village tourism facilities are available. Hee- Bermiok also offers other places of tourist interest which include Sirijungs Phocku And Wadhan (cave), Bajratey Devithan And Holy Cave (7,800 Ft.), Teen Changay (three Tier) Falls (7,200 Ft.), Jor Pokhari (twin Lake-8,200 Ft.).

• DENTAM VALLEY (4,800 ft.)

  The Dentam or Ten-Nem', means a flat terraced land in the Limboo language. This valley is located in a very unique topography. One ancient and a holy Jalpa Devi Mandir, Durga Mandir and a Shiva Mandir is located in the heart of Dentam bazaar and is belived to guard and bless the people. This beautiful valley is well known for Alpine Gouda Cheese Factory, a product of Indo-Swiss collaboration.

• SINGSHORE BRIDGE (6,500 ft.)

  With a span of 198m and 220m in depth, located in the mid-way to Uttorey from Dentam, Singshore Bridge is the 2nd highest Suspension bridge in Asia, and first of its kind in Sikkim. Singshore Bridge has been specified and declared as o Special spot for Bungee Jumping, introducing and promoting a unique and a new discipline in the field of adventure tourism.

North Sikkim

Places of Tourist Interest in and around North Sikkim

• Lachung
• Lachen
• Gurudongmar Lake
• Yumthang Valley
• Chungthang
• Zero Point
• Thangu Valley

Excursion in North Sikkim

• Gurudongmar Lake
• Yumthang Valley
• Zero Point

Details

• LACHUNG

  Lachung is a mountain village close to the Tibetan border, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It's divided by the Lachung River. The village is home to the 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery, surrounded by apple orchards. Nearby, the Yumthang Valley's Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary protects many species of rhododendron.

• LACHEN

  OLachen is a town in North Sikkim district in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is located at an elevation of 2,750 metres. The name Lachen means "big pass". The town is being promoted as a tourist destination by the Sikkimese government. The town forms the base to the Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake.

• TSO LHAMO LAKEE

  Tso Lhamo lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 5,330 m. It is situated in North Sikkim, India, about 4 km southwest of the international border with China. It is fed by waters from Zemu glacier, Kangtse glacier or Pauhunri glacier, and is the source of the Teesta river.

• YUMTHANG VALLEY

  Yumthang Valley is a paradise on earth, which is full of natural wonders and picturesque beauty. It is home to a zillion flowers, spectacular mountains & a serene river, and is often also called as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ like the one located in Uttarakhand. Needless to say, its breathtaking and magical surroundings make it a must-visit place for every traveler.

South Sikkim

Places of Tourist Interest in and around South Sikkim

• Tarey Bhir, Sadam
• Sai Mandir, Namchi
• Buddha Park, Ravangla
• Siddheshwar Dham(Char Dham), Namchi
• Samdruptse, Namchi
• Tendong
• Temi Tea Garden
• Rose Garden
• Borong Hot Spring
• Ralang Monastery
• Jorethang

Excursion in South Sikkim

• Tendong
• Borong Hot Spring
• Tarey Bhir

Details

• TAREY BHIR

  One of the amazing place in Sikkim which is almost 110 Degree Slove to 1000 Ft Down and no single trees can be found. Green grasses are available during summer for deer, rabbits, and other animal. This is a total rocky mountain from where you can watch all the views of Kalimpong Gangtok, Siliguri Darjeeling, and front view of Mount Kanchengunga.Added with Gari Garden and Herbal Garden. A Luckiest can see a pair of Ghoral dancing on the top of the rock. Never miss to view Tareyvir!

• SAI MANDIR

  Not far from the Char Dham, in the Asangthang locality of Namchi, is a majestic temple of Sai Baba and other Hindu deities. An architectural endeavour of the Shirdi Sai Baba Trust of South Sikkim under the patronage of Government of Sikkim Tourism, it was opened for to the public on 3rd November 2010. The exterior of the temple has gold accents, while the interior has been built into two storeys with two halls on each floor.

• SAMDRUPTSE

  Samdruptse Hill; the 'wish fulfilling hill' is just 5 km away from Namchi, situated at an altitude of 2134 m (7000 ft). This epic hill is ornamented with a giant statue of the Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche); the patron saint of Sikkim who has been showering its blessings since more than 1,200 years. It is a 45 m tall statue, overlooking the whole city, and is gilded with gold that glitters when the sunlight falls over it. The hill offers the vista of the magnificent Mt. Kangchenjunga amongst the richly forested hills under the blue painted sky.

• BORONG

  Borong is a charming village located in the southern part of Sikkim and it offers an ideal place to escape from the city humdrums. Oozing with charm and beauty, this place is one of the best destinations to visit if you want to spend some quality time in the midst of nature. Its soothing aura and ambience attracts a number of nature lovers from across the globe.