Top 9 Tourist Attraction You Must Visit In Sikkim (India) In 2023

Sikkim is a paradise in India’s northeast, with eye-soothing views of the great Himalayas. If you haven’t explored the splendor of this magnificent state, you are truly missing out on something beautiful.

The state is a wonderland of green meadows, snow-capped and sky-piercing Himalayas, and the enthralling charm of its vibrant culture.

In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in Sikkim,

Tsomgo Lake
Goechala
Thangu Valley
Yuksom
Kanchenjunga Falls
Zuluk
Yume Samdong
Singalila National Park
Kartok Monastery

Let’s see each of these places in detail.

আর্টিকেলটি বাংলায় পড়তে ক্লিক করুন ▷

1. Tsomgo Lake (Gangtok)

Tsomgo Lake is locally known as Changu Lake and is one of the must-see destinations in Sikkim. This lake is oval-shaped and stretches roughly 1 km. It is 15 meters deep and surrounded by steep hills and gorgeous glacial valleys.

The lake is the source of several small and captivating brooks across the region. It is a birdwatcher’s dream and draws a broad range of birds, including the Brahminy Duck, a local species found only in this lake.

Poppies’ red, Irises’ blue, Rhododendrons’ whites, pinks, and purples, Primulas’ dark blues and yellows, and white and black colored migratory birds around the lake blend beautifully with nature.

The lake gets frozen during the winters, and the entire region is shrouded in a blanket of white.

During the spring, however, the lake sparkles like a jewel, with its turquoise surface glittering in the sunlight.

Its distinct beauty in different seasons draws lots and lots of tourists. It is also one of the many beautiful lakes you can visit in Sikkim.

2. Goechala (Ravangla)

Ravangla has many lush green forests and breathtaking mountain views. Among its many treasures, Goechala is a perfect destination to visit.

The high mountain pass of Goechala (Goecha La) stands at approximately 4940m above sea level and is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. It is an ideal destination for trekkers visiting Sikkim due to its proximity to some of the highest alpine mountain peaks filled with wild rhododendrons.

The best part about this location is that it offers a stunning view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

3. Thangu Valley (Lachen)

The Thangu Valley is a picturesque valley cradled at 3962 meters and enveloped with snow all year round. This valley comprises alpine meadows bordered by glittering streams of River Teesta and wooden cottages offering panoramic views. Thangu, Chopta, and Lassur rivers also traverse the green valleys.

You can also opt for short treks to the sacred and beautiful Gurudongmar Lake, as it is an ideal destination for thrill seekers. Here you can also have a sight of camps inhabited by tribes.

The best time to visit this location is between May and June. During this time, the entire valley remains covered in vibrant alpine flowers.

4. Yuksom (Geyzing)

Yuksom is a serene spot in Sikkim known for its breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and landscapes. This place is for those looking for solace from the fast pace of life and an ideal place to unwind and chill. The tranquil waterfalls, valleys, and lakes provide a haven for mind, body, and soul.

It is also known as the “Gateway to Khangchendzonga.” It provides a clear historical glimpse into monasteries and Buddhist heritage sites.

Everything is possible here, from adventure thrills and exploring historical landmarks to peaceful reflection and energetic celebrations.

5. Kanchenjunga Falls (Peling)

Kanchenjunga Waterfalls is a stunning waterfall located in the beautiful hill town of Pelling in Sikkim. It is one of Sikkim’s largest waterfalls, present among the bounties of nature.

This pristine waterfall, about an hour’s drive from Pelling in the direction of Yuksom, is thought to have originated from the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga. It cascades down from 100 feet into a pool.

Kanchenjunga falls were unknown to the general public until the 1990s. They only became famous after a local tour operator named Topjor Bhutia discovered them accidentally. Today, this location is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Sikkim.

The waterfall, known for its magnificent beauty and glory, is ideal for a picnic with family and friends. To reach the falls, located at a sharp bend in the road, you must climb approximately 50 steps.

Rope sliding is an option for those seeking adventure. You can take photos here and enjoy snacks at small food stalls selling chat, tea, and Maggie along it.

The fall is open all year because it is a perennial waterfall. The best time to visit in the fall is during the monsoon season.

6. Zuluk

Dzuluk or Zuluk is a small hamlet located around 10000 feet on the rugged terrain of the lower Himalayas in East Sikkim. This place is a relatively emerging and offbeat destination in East Sikkim. Today it is fast emerging as a new tourist destination.

It is popular due to the excellent view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range, including the Kanchenjunga. Thambi View Point, 14 kilometers from Zuluk, provides a panoramic view of the entire Khangchendzonga range. Zuluk is only accessible to Indian nationals who obtain a Protected Area Permit.

Many wild forests surround Zuluk. Sightings of deer, wild dogs, Himalayan bears, and red pandas are not uncommon. You can also spot Tigers in the area. Many species of birds, including Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, Snow Pheasant, and others, can also be seen here.

Thousands of Rhododendrons bloom in the area and surrounding hills during summer.

7. Yume Samdong (Yumthung)

Yumesamdong, Sikkim’s untouched beauty, is a valley on the Lachung River about 15 km from Yumthang. It is located at 4724 m altitude in the northeast of Sikkim and is popularly known as the Zero point. There are no roads further on, only snow-covered landscapes offering a majestic view against the patchy blue sky in between the fresh icy breeze.

Yumesamdong’s snow-capped mountains and ice-fed valley provide an ideal setting for capturing the best of nature in its frozen form.

Yumthang Valley and Katao are also worth visiting near Yumesamdong. It is also known as the Valley of Flowers due to its lush meadows and fragrant flowers covered with poppy, primula, and rhododendron.

If you want to learn about Sikkim’s native culture and traditions, you can visit Lachung village nearby.

8. Singalila National Park (Singalila Ridge)

The jungles of the easternmost states are home to some of the most valuable and unusual flora and fauna. Singalila National Park, located on Singalila ridge in Sikkim, is one such place.

The park was opened in 1986 and is one of the few places on the planet where you can see Red Pandas. The dazzling Kanchenjunga Massif adorns the clear blue skies above the park. Every twist and turn bombards a pleasant surprise of wilderness and scenic beauty.

You can see the towering mountains in Nepal and Bhutan from this location in the Eastern Himalayas.

Don’t forget to capture those through your lens. You may grow tired of taking photos with your DSLR, but the park will never cease to amaze you with its breathtaking vistas and natural wonders. It is a haven for wildlife photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

9. Kartok Monastery (Yuksom)

Kartok Monastery, Sikkim (dhillan chandramowli, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

The Kartok Monastery, located opposite Kartok Lake, is the prime attraction of the quaint Yuksom village. Hundreds of visitors frequent this red-colored monastery in the northeast to feel the ambiance of peacefulness.

The exteriors of the monasteries have yellow and gold designs symbolizing Tibetan art. Kartok is not only one of the most popular and sacred places to visit in Yuksom, in addition to Dubdi and Ngadak Monasteries.

Slow chantings of prayers with prayer wheels, fluttering colorful prayer flags, and the neighboring gorgeous Lake Kartok makes it a beautiful destination among nature enthusiasts and devotees eager to know more about the Buddhist way of worshiping.

This is one of the many monasteries you can visit in Sikkim.

These are some breathtaking places you can visit during your trip to Sikkim.

A beautiful vacation is incomplete without the experience of a true paradise to heal your body and soul.

So visit these places once in a lifetime to experience the blissful nature of North East.

Some other articles you might like

Disclaimer: Some of the links provided in the article may contain affiliate links. This means when you book or buy something using these links, you help support the website at no extra cost.