Popularly known as the ‘Window unto the Himalayas, the picturesque state of Sikkim in North East India, was known as the Mountain Kingdom until 1975. The city has a very distinctive personality and is a quintessentially secular state where people from many faiths co-exist in the most harmonious way possible. The second smallest state in India, Sikkim is beautifully tucked away in the laps of the mystical Himalayas. When you a make a trip here, be sure these places are on your list of things to see in Sikkim.
Sikkim – Tourist Attractions
Gangtok
The capital city of the state of Sikkim, Gangtok has an alluring charm that no one can deny. One of the most Kaleidoscopic destinations with a scenic view in every direction, Gangtok is comfortably nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. Gangtok is a nature lover’s paradise with its lush forests, serene rivers or enchanting beauty. For people looking to get away for some peace, Gangtok with its combination of natural beauty and picturesque scenes in every frame is the ideal destination. What makes it even more exciting is that this city also caters to people looking for some adventure on the various activities such as river-rafting, mountain climbing and cable car rides.
Tsomgo Lake
If you are in Gangtok, then you musn’t skip a visit to the Tsomgo Lake. Located only 38 kms from Gangtok, the lake lies at an altitude of 12,400 feet and is said to be among the highest lakes in India. Due to the harsh winters in the North East of the country, this lake remains frozen during the winters. However, come summers, you can witness the lake in all its magical glory. The turquoise coloured lake water reflects an amazing view of the peaks nearby with the azure sky above!
Buddha Park
On the way to Ralong Monastery, and at the foot-hills of Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary is the Buddha Park of Ravangla. Known to the locals as Tathagata Tsal, this gigantic 41m-tall Buddha statue in the backdrop of the Himalayas is said to contain holy-relics from more than 10 countries. This Park was blessed by the Dalai Lama himself in 2013. You have the option to either take the stairs or go by the electrical buggy, to the top.
Yuksom and Dubdi Monastery
If your idea of a vacation is to go on enthralling treks into the Himalayas and the Mystical Kanchenjunga, then you must head to Yuksom. Yuksom is known for its rustic appeal coupled by its immaculate beauty. Yuksom is known as the ‘Meeting place of Three Lamas’ is also home to the Dubdi monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim which was established in 1701. The Dubdi monastery is named after its ascetic founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme and is also called the Hermit’s Cell.
Nathula Pass
One of the highest motor-able passes in the world, the Nathula Pass is located at a height of 4,310m above the sea level. Once a part of what was the historic ‘Silk Road,’ the pass connects Sikkim with Tibet. While the pass is open to Indians, to visit it, one needs to obtain special permission from the tourism department. Foreign visitors are prohibited on the Nathula Pass.
Pelling
At the foot-hills of Mount Khangchendzonga, Pelling is a small town in the West of Sikkim. It is from Pelling that you can get the best view of the Kanchenjunga Peak and the Himalayas. At an altitude of 7,200 feet, Pelling is home to some of the most ancient monasteries; the Pemayangtse Monastery along with the Sanga Choeling Monastery being the most prominent ones. The famous holy rock of Rani Dhunga, and the holy Buddhist Khecheopalri Lakeare are also important places to see in Pelling. If you love conquering heights, you must visit the iconic Singshore Bridge.
Lachung
Close to the Tibetan Border, Lachung is a small mountain village at an elevation of 9600 feet. The stupendous 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery that is surrounded by apple orchards is located in Lachung. Lachung is also popular as Sikkim’s snow-destination. This quaint mountain village of Sikkim is best visited between the months of October to May. Lachung is also known to trekkers as the base camp for Rhododendron Valley Trek.
Rumtek Monastery
One of the oldest and the largest monasteries in Sikkim, the Rumtek Monastery is located about 23kms from Gangtok and is also known as the Dharmachakra Centre. The monastery is an example of great Tibetan architecture and is considered an ode to Buddhist cultures and traditions. The Rumtek Monastery is a perfect place to learn about Buddhism as well as attain mental piece.
Gurudongmar Lake
One of the highest fresh-water lakes in India, the Gurudongmar Lake, also known as the Tso Lhsmo Lake is located at a height of 17,800ft. The lake is considered to be sacred in Sikkim. Legend has it that even in below degree temperatures, while the rest of the lake remains frozen; a small portion of it never freezes. It is said that this portion is blessed by blessed by the holy Guru Padmasambhava which is why devotees consider the waters of this lake, sacred.
You can also add the Yumthang Valley, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and the Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Gardens in your list of things to see in Sikkim.
The charm and beauty of Sikkim makes you wonder if you have stepped into a magical realm where time stands still. Sikkim, the gateway of the North-Eastern corridors of India, is home to some of the most beautiful Tibetan monasteries, steep valleys and lush sub-tropical woodlands.
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