Sikkim remains eternally beautiful, exuding an indescribable charm and showcasing the unique allure of the Himalayas specific to the region. The eastern part of the Himalayas stands out for its breathtaking beauty, receiving ample rainfall and adorned with lush green vegetation. In winter, Sikkim transforms into a captivating snowy landscape, offering a haven for those seeking a winter retreat. Conversely, during the scorching summer months, it becomes a heavenly escape from the relentless sun beating down on the northern plains. Whether it’s the high-altitude lake of Gurudongmar, the renowned Nathu La Pass, the vibrant yet picturesque capital city of Gangtok, or the quaint hill towns of Lachen and Lachung, Sikkim’s charm is boundless and enduring. It never fails to captivate visitors, promising a memorable vacation experience. To assist those planning a trip to Sikkim, Here we curated a list of the top 10 Places to Visit in Sikkim that must be on your bucket list!
Top 7 places to visit in Sikkim
Introduction
Sikkim is a small state in Northeast India. It is bordered by Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal. The capital city is Gangtok. Sikkim is a popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty. There are many places to visit in Sikkim such as the Tsomgo Lake, the Kanchenjunga National Park, the Rumtek Monastery and the Nathula Pass.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Sikkim
1. Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and is one of the most popular places to visit in Sikkim.It is situated at an elevation of 1,650 metres (5,410 ft) and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Gangtok is a bustling town with a mixture of modern and traditional architecture. The main attraction in Gangtok is the Tsomgo Lake, which is a sacred lake for Buddhists and Hindus. Other places to visit in Gangtok are the Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten Stupa, Enchey Monastery, Flower Exhibition Centre and the Cable Car Ride.
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2. Lachen
Lachen is a beautiful town located in the north of Sikkim. It is the starting point for many treks and hikes in the area, and is also home to the Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in India. Lachen is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and to enjoy some peace and quiet in nature.
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3. Lachung
Lachung is a village in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim, India. It is located in the Lachen Valley at an elevation of 2,750 metres (9,020 ft). Lachung is about 125 kilometres (78 mi) from the state capital Gangtok. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport which is about 204 kilometres (127 mi) away.
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Lachung experiences a subtropical highland climate (Cwb) under the Köppen climate classification. The temperature ranges from −4 °C (25 °F) in January to 26 °C (79 °F) in August. Precipitation is very high, and averages 5,618 mm (221 in) annually.
4. Tsomgo Lake
Situated at an altitude of 3,780 m, Tsomgo Lake is one of the most popular places to visit in sikkim. The lake is fed by melting snow and is surrounded by mountains. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the top of the nearby hill to get a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding area.
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5. Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is a mountain pass in the eastern Himalayas in the Indian state of Sikkim. It connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. The pass, at an elevation of 4,310 m (14,140 ft), forms part of an offshoot of the ancient Silk Road. Nathula is one of the three open trade routes between India and China.
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Nathula Pass was closed to foreigners after the 1962 Sino-Indian War until 2006 when it was reopened for tourism. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nathula Pass as part of his trip to Sikkim.
The pass is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and because it allows visitors to get a rare glimpse into Tibetan culture. Visitors can see yaks and Tibetan soldiers in their traditional dress. There are also several Buddhist monasteries in the area that are worth visiting.
6. Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley is a beautiful valley located in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim. The valley is situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level and is home to some of the most beautiful places to visit in Sikkim. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is home to several glaciers, including the Yumthang Glacier.
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The valley is accessible by road from the town of Lachung and is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty. The valley is also home to several hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.
7. Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, located at an altitude of 5,180 m (17,000 ft) in the Sikkim Himalayas. The lake is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs, and is a popular place to visit in sikkim for both religious pilgrims and tourists.
The Gurudongmar Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Sikkim. It is situated at an altitude of 5, 180 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and provides a stunning view. It is a popular destination for both religious pilgrims and tourists.
The lake is named after Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. He visited this place during his travels through India and was so impressed by its beauty that he blessed it with eternal life. As a result, the water in Gurudongmar Lake never freezes even during winter when the temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius.
This lake holds great importance for Sikhs as Guru Nanak Dev Ji blessed it with eternal life. For Hindus, this place has mythological significance as it is believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji had visited heaven from here. Buddhists also visit this place as it offers peace and tranquility.
If you are planning to visit Sikkim, then do not miss out on visiting Gurudongmar Lake!
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Kanchendzonga National Park
Kanchendzonga National Park, located in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim, is a world-famous tourist destination. The park is spread over an area of 1,784 sq km and is home to a variety of rare animals and plants. Some of the popular attractions in the park include the Kanchendzonga Glacier, Tsomoriri Lake, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Namchi Gompa and Yumthang Valley.
Conclusion
Sikkim is a stunning place in India with plenty of things to do and explore. The top 10 places we discussed are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what this region has to offer. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or culture, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t miss out on a chance to experience some of India’s most beautiful landscapes and meet its warmest people – make sure you add Sikkim to your next holiday itinerary!
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