Search
» » Sikkim at a Glance: Places to See

Sikkim at a Glance: Places to See

By Rupkamal

A contrasting mosaic of snow covered mountains and lush green valleys, Sikkim welcomes the traveller with the spirit of adventure as well as the sense of calm and offers all varied places to see. Perhaps the last Himalayan Shangri La, soak in the atmosphere of Sikkim as you mingle amidst the shy yet friendly locals, gaze at the world's third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga or simply see the colourful prayer flags that welcome you to the many abodes of Buddha. Embark on a journey to Sikkim and see places which might seem to leap straight out of the covers of a fairy tale.

How to Reach

How to Reach

Most travel in Sikkim is done by bus or jeep on road. Trekking is also a popular option. There are no airports or railway stations in Sikkim and the only way to access Sikkim from rest of India is travel by road from West Bengal. Sikkim State Government buses with fixed rates and fixed schedules ply between Siliguri and Gangtok. The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is four hours drive from Gangtok, capital of Sikkim. Here are options for stay in Sikkim. 

Photo Courtesy: proxygeek

Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery

This is the main seat of the Karma kagyu school of Buddhism in Sikkim. This was originally built in 1740 by the 9th karmapa Wangchuk Dorje but later became a deserted ruin. It was rebuilt in 1959.

Photo Courtesy: Vikramjit Kakati

Tsongmo Lake
 

Tsongmo Lake

40 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, Tsongmo lake is a large lake in the East Sikkim district of India. Considered a sacred lake by locals, it is hidden by a forest and popular sayings have it that the birds here do not permit even a single leaf to fall on the surface of the lake. This lake is home to Brahminy ducks and also to various migratory birds. Inner Line Permit is required to visit as this is a restricted area. Foreign nationals are not allowed to visit this lake without special permisson.

Photo Courtesy: Ravinder Singh Gill

Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake

A sacred and pristine lake the way to which lies through a cold desert, a visit to this lake requires special permission from the government as this is close to the Chinese border. The whole area is controlled by the Indian army. Due to its high altitude, visitors require acclimatization and are not allowed to stay beyond 2 pm in the afternoon as wind speeds pick up and can carry stones in it.

Photo Courtesy: Sivakumar

Dzongri Trek

Dzongri Trek

Trekking is one of the star attractions of Sikkim and this particular route is one of the easier ones suitable for trekkers looking at a short trek. The mesmerizing landscape will keep you company on the way.

Photo Courtesy: carol mitchell

Baba mandir

Baba mandir

Built in the memory of Major (Baba) Harbhajan Singh, an Indian soldier who died near the Nathula Pass in the Indo-Chinese war, he is revered by soldiers of the Indian army as a 'hero of nathula' and it is believed that spirit still protects the soldiers on duty there and guards the borders.

Photo Courtesy: Ambuj Saxena

Nathu La Pass

Nathu La Pass

This pass closes in winter and opens in May. The Nathu La Pass lies on the Indo-Chinese border and is not open to visits by foreign  nationals. If Indians want to visit the pass, they have to get special permission one day in advance. The pass is not open on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

Depending on the seasons, many more activities can be planned by tourists which include rafting, kayaking, trekking, yak safari and mountain biking.

Photo Courtesy: Giridhar Appaji Nag Y

Eat and Drink

Eat and Drink

A non-vegetarian's paradise, momos and phagshapa( a strip of pork stewed with radishes and dry chillies) should be definitely on your palate. Vegetable momos are also available. For those in love with the spirits, Chang/ Thumba/Chee - Locally brewed millet beer is a must try. HIT beer is another local favourite coming from the brewery owned by Bollywood actor Danny Denzongpa.

 

Photo Courtesy: kushal goyal

Read more about: sikkim
-->