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6 Best Offbeat Destinations To Visit In Sikkim (India)

Sikkim boasts many hidden treasures that are yet to be explored. No matter what kind of traveler you are, you will find something that appeals to you in these offbeat destinations that offer a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure.

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You can marvel at the majestic Himalayan peaks, soak in the serene monasteries, indulge in the local cuisine, and experience the thrill of rafting, trekking, and paragliding in some of these places.

In this article, you will get to know about some of the offbeat places that will make you fall in love with Sikkim,

  1. Borong
  2. Rolep
  3. Biksthang
  4. Rinchenpong
  5. Yuksom
  6. Singhik

Let’s see each of these places in detail.

1. Borong

LocationSouth Sikkim
Best time to visitDecember – February, April – May
Gangtok to Borong74 kilometers
New Jalpaiguri to Borong120 kilometers

The southern part of Sikkim has this blissful place named Borong. The village is near Ravangla and is quite charming. This mountain hamlet is easily accessible by renting a cab from the main town and driving through the scenic roads.

It is situated at an altitude of 1768 meters and offers a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Siniolchu, Mount Kabrue, Mount Pandim, and Mount Kanchenjungha. These majestic mountains look like heaven against the backdrop of the lush green valleys and the clear blue sky.

You will be enchanted by the natural beauty of Borong, which has many attractions for nature lovers. You can explore the verdant plantations of cardamom and orchids, visit the peaceful monasteries and temples, and admire the various sightseeing spots like waterfalls and caves.

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You can also have some adventure by trekking and hiking through the pristine alpine forests that are home to many exotic birds like black magpies and scarlet minivets. These colorful birds add to the charm of the misty landscape that will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.

One of the highlights of Borong is the Borong Tsa Chu hot spring, which is a natural wonder that is said to have healing properties. You can soak in the warm water and relax your body and rejuvenate. Borong is a place to cherish and remember for a lifetime.

2. Rolep

Tsongmo Lake
LocationEast Sikkim
Best time to visitDecember – February, April – May
Gangtok to Rolep52 kilometers
New Jalpaiguri to Rolep130 kilometers

Rolep is another hidden gem in the lush green mountains of East Sikkim. This offbeat destination is situated at an elevation of 1219.2 meters, 20 kilometers away from Rongli. It is part of the historic silk route circuit and is blessed by the Shokey Khola River that flows by it, offering a captivating view of nature, sightseeing opportunities, and adventure sports.

You can explore many attractions in and around Rolep, such as Buddha caves, where you can see ancient rock carvings and paintings; Menmecho Lake, where you can enjoy fishing and boating; Lampokhri Lake, where you can witness the rare phenomenon of changing water colors; and Buddha Waterfalls, where you can feel the spray of water and the rainbow. You can also visit the Dekiling Monastery, to experience the peace and serenity of Buddhism; and Tsongmo Lake, to admire the glacial beauty and the yaks. Each of these places has its own charm and ambiance that will leave you spellbound.

You can go trekking on the stunning trails through the woods that gives the feel of a totally different world. If you are a bird lover, you can indulge in bird watching and spot some exotic species like blood pheasants, satyr tragopan, Himalayan monal, etc.

The village itself is very peaceful and relaxing if you just want to unwind and soak in the beauty and don’t feel like going around. You can sit back and enjoy the delicious local food and the picturesque scenery of the mountains and the river. You can also go for a picnic by the river bank and have some fun in the water. You can splash around, swim, or raft in crystal-clear water.

3. Biksthang

LocationWest Sikkim
Best time to visitNovember – February, April – May
Gangtok to Biksthang119 kilometers
New Jalpaiguri to Biksthang120 kilometers

Commonly goes by the name Mangalbaray and Chechen, Biksthang is situated in West Sikkim. It is a serene and scenic destination amidst the mountains, about 119 kilometers from Gangtok.

This pristine Himalayan village offers a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga peak, which seems to glow in the sunlight. The place is surrounded by Deodar trees, colorful flowers, and butterflies. You will feel relaxed and happy in this blissful atmosphere.

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There are many attractions and activities to enjoy in and around Mangalbaray. You can visit the ancient Sanga Choeling Monastery, the lush Temi tea garden, the majestic Kanchenjunga Falls, the historic Dubdi Monastery, and the thrilling Shingshore Bridge. You can also go for nature walks, horse riding, river rafting, trekking, boating, and bird watching.

If you want to learn more about the local culture and history, you can chat with the friendly villagers. They will welcome you with warmth and hospitality.

4. Rinchenpong

LocationWest Sikkim
Best time to visitNovember – February, April – May
Gangtok to Rinchenpong115 kilometers
New Jalpaiguri to Rinchenpong127 kilometers

Rinchenpong is a picturesque town in West Sikkim that lies about 115 kilometers west of the state capital, Gangtok. Blessed with such pristine nature, the place is 1700 meters up in the lofty mountains.

The town is a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders. The 17th  and 18th-century monasteries in Sikkim like the Reesum Monastery and Rinchenpong Monastery are quite famed apart from the natural beauty of the place. The statue of Adi-Buddha inside the Rinchenpong Monastery in the Yab-Yum position is beautiful.

You can also look at the majestic peaks of Pandim, Kanchenjunga, Kabru, and Kumbhakarna from different vantage points, such as the Rabindra Smriti Van, which is a colorful flower garden above the Richen Chholing Monastery.

Other places to visit here are Poison Lake, which has a mysterious legend behind it, the Singshore Bridge, which is the second-highest suspension bridge in Asia, and the Hee Water Garden, which is a serene spot for picnics and boating. You can also explore the Uttare Village, a quaint hamlet with organic farms and homestays, and the traditional Lepcha houses, which showcase the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the indigenous people.

Rinchenpong is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can enjoy trekking along scenic trails and birdwatching in the dense forests. Also, do not miss out on the astounding sunrise at the Kanchenjunga range as it will leave you spellbound.

5. Yuksom

Yuksom
LocationWest Sikkim
Best time to visitNovember – February, April – May
Gangtok to Rinchenpong117 kilometers
New Jalpaiguri to Rinchenpong150 kilometers

Yuksom is a charming and serene town in West Sikkim with a rich cultural and religious heritage. This historic town was the first capital of Sikkim in 1642 when Phuntsog Namgyal became the first Chogyal or king of the state. You can see the historic coronation site, Norbugang Park, where he was crowned by three Tibetan monks.

The place is dotted with several ancient monasteries, such as Dubdi, Tashiding, and Kathok, that reflect the Buddhist influence in the region. You can also admire the natural beauty of Yuksom, with its scenic lake Khecheopalri, its lush valleys and waterfalls, and its majestic views of the Khangchendzonga National Park. All these enhance the region’s characteristics.

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Yuksom is the gateway to the famous Goechala trek, which takes you to the base of Mt. Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga), the third-highest peak in the world.

The quint town is also a great place to experience the local life and culture of Sikkim,  as the people are friendly and hospitable. You can stroll in the evening and enjoy life locally. You can chat with the friendly locals, shop for local handicrafts, taste the delicious local cuisine, and learn more about the history and legends of Yuksom.

6. Singhik

LocationNorth Sikkim
Best time to visitSeptember – October, April – May
Gangtok to Rinchenpong70 kilometers
New Jalpaiguri to Rinchenpong142 kilometers

Singhik is a verdant paradise in the Mangan subdivision of North Sikkim. Perched at 1560 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the untamed beauty of nature. You can gaze at the majestic snow-capped mountains, the rugged landscape, and the sparkling waters of the Kanaka and Teesta rivers as they meet.

The misty ambiance is mesmerizing. You will feel like you are in paradise when the clouds caress the ground.

There are cascading waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, ancient monasteries, lush forests, and serene valleys surrounding the village. Some of the attractions that you should not miss include Singhik View Point, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings; Tensong Monastery, where you can witness the Buddhist culture and architecture; and more.

You can also drive to nearby places that are equally fascinating and worth exploring. Some of them are the Kabi village, Phodong monastery, Seven Sisters Fall, Dzongu Valley, Naga Falls, etc. 

If you are looking for adventure, you can go hiking on short or remote treks that will challenge you and reward you with unforgettable memories.

There you go, folks! These are only a few of the many wonderful places that you can visit and explore in Sikkim. These untouched places will mesmerize you with their natural beauty and cultural diversity.

You can relax and rejuvenate yourself while discovering and photographing all the places that you crave to visit. The spectacular beauty will make you feel like you are in paradise.


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