In India map, Sikkim looks like a small elevation jam-packed between Nepal and Bhutan. Yet it plays a significant role in North India tourism. Diverse ecosystem with a backdrop of Kanchenjunga Peak completes the picture. Hilly landscapes, patches of grasslands, valleys, Himalayan peaks invite us to scout around. Especially, the hill stations are worthwhile to visit here. In this article, we are listing out some of the top hill stations in Sikkim that blow us away by their beauty.
Pelling
Photo Courtesy: Shivali Chopra
Pelling
Entrenched beauty of Pelling has made it one of the top destinations in Sikkim. Major attraction being the views of Kanchenjunga peak; it seems as if the peak is right next to Pelling! It is also serves as a base camp for many trekkers.
Tourist Places in Pelling
Kanchenjunga Falls, the Rock Garden, Singhshore Bridge, Pemayangste Monastery and Khecheopalri Lake are the major tourist attractions in Pelling.
How to Reach Pelling
The state capital of Gangtok is around 117km from Pelling. This hill town is well-connected through road to the other parts of the state. Several buses from places like Siliguri, Jorethang and Gangtok are available to go to Pelling.
Yumthang
Photo Courtesy: Joginder Pathak
Yumthang
Yumthang is an untouched pasture land surrounded by mountains. Locals use it as a grazing pasture for their cattle. One prominent attraction of Yumthang is the variety of Rhododendron flowers that bloom around the valley. Hence, it is also called as the 'Valley of Flowers'. Yumthang is devoid of human settlement and can only go there as a picnic spot. Accommodations and other facilities are only found in Lachung which is about 26km.
Tourist Places in Yumthang
The bounty of nature itself is a great attraction. However, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is the prominent tourist spot in Yumthang.
How to Reach Yumthang
Yumthang is reached via Lachung; Travellers have to hire private vehicles from the main cities like Gangtok to reach Yumthang.
Gangtok
Photo Courtesy: Giridhar Appaji Nag Y
Gangtok
The capital town of Gangtok itself is a most prominent tourist place in Sikkim. This hill town is the largest and major commercial center in the state. Being located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Gangtok has pleasant climate which supports tourism year-round. There is a lot to explore and enjoy in this enchanting capital.
Tourist Places in Gangtok
Enchey Monastery, the Himalayan Zoological Park, Thakurbari Temple, Rumtek Monastery and Ban Jhakri Falls are the best tourist places in Gangtok. The famous Nathu La pass is around 54 km from Gangtok.
How to Reach Gangtok
Gangtok is a well-developed town with roads connecting to other parts of the state. To travel within Gangtok, taxis are the major mode of transport. It is also connected to the neighboring states through railways.
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Aritar
Photo Courtesy: Sikkimonline
Aritar
Aritar is a virgin hill station at the tip of the Himalayas. The serene nature of Aritar is photogenic and a treat for nature lovers. Aritar is an offbeat yet a charming destination in Sikkim. In fact, the vistas of rural Sikkim can be experienced here. Aritar is surely one of the best hill stations in Sikkim.
Tourist Places in Aritar
Surprisingly, there are many things to see in Aritar. Lampokhari Lake, Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir, Aritar Gompa (monastery), Dak Bungalow, Kali Khola Falls, Nirmal Dham and Mankhim (a shrine) are the tourist attractions in Aritar.
How to Reach Aritar
Aritar is accessible via Rangpo or Pakyong. Aritar is around 68km from Gangtok and can reached by private cab or taxis. Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station to reach Aritar.
Be a vagabond and traverse through the untouched lands of Sikkim!