Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is an incredibly alluring and pleasantly boisterous hill station that is wreathed in clouds. It is one of the most popular destinations in India, attracting adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Standing tall at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level, Gangtok offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, especially during its bright sunny days.
Gurudongmar Lake, nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, is a breathtakingly beautiful high-altitude lake situated in the Indian state of Sikkim. At an elevation of 5,425 meters (17,800 feet) above sea level, it is one of the highest lakes in the world, and its stunning natural beauty draws visitors from near and far. This crystal-clear lake is a sacred site for Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus alike, and it is believed to have miraculous healing powers.
Pelling, a stunning town situated in the West district of Sikkim, confidently holds the position of the second biggest tourist destination in Sikkim, after Gangtok. Located just 10 km from Geyzing and 130 km from Gangtok, this town is renowned for offering an awe-inspiring view of the Kangchenjunga and its neighboring peaks.
Ravangla, nestled at an elevation of 7000 feet, is an extraordinary retreat from the monotony of city life. Its high altitude brings the clouds so close that you can almost touch them. This charming town is adorned with a breathtaking landscape and is a dream destination for adventure enthusiasts. The place boasts of marvelous scenic beauty, attracting visitors from far and wide to explore all the amazing places Ravangla has to offer.
Namchi, the district headquarters of the South District, is a prosperous market town which has quickly developed into a tourist hotspot. Namchi literally means "Top of the Sky" and the main tourist attractions of Namchi are the two gigantic statues. These two gigantic statues are facing off from opposite hillsides across Namchi and attract several tourists every year. Set in a scenic environment, Namchi provides you a beautiful view of the Kangchenjunga range and the Rangit valley. You can also visit the Sherdup Choeling Monastery and the Dichen Choeling monastery over here.
Nathu La stands as a spectacular high-altitude pass situated on the historic silk route at the Indo-China border. It is a popular and much-coveted tourist destination for visitors exploring Sikkim.. Every year, numerous visitors come here to relish the scenic trek to the valley while basking in the musical waterfalls that adorn the road from Gangtok to Nathu la.
Lachen is an exceptional destination that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning landscape and snow-clad peaks around Sikkim. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to witness the natural beauty of the hill station. Lachen is an absolute must-visit destination, with its stunning hill station, picturesque views of neatly sequenced alpine pastures, quaint monasteries, and gushing water streams from scenic valleys.
The Yumthang Valley, situated at an elevation of 3564 m in the North of Sikkim, is an incredibly picturesque destination that undoubtedly ranks among the top tourist hotspots in the region. It is popularly known as the ‘valley of flowers’ because of its unique location above the tree line. The shrubby slopes of the snow-clad mountains around the valley, the long stretches of land covered with flowery meadows, and the scented environment make this place a nature's wonderland that attracts tourists from all corners of the world.
Pakyong Airport is the only operational airport in Sikkim that connects the state with the major cities of the country. The airport is located at a distance of 124 km from the capital city of Gangtok.
To date, there are no railway routes in the state and therefore tourists need to land at the nearest NJP railway station located at a distance of 118 km from the city of Gangtok. However, the state is soon going to have its first railway route that will connect Sikkim with West Bengal through a 50 km long rail route.
Travelling to Sikkim by road is possibly one of the most preferred ways among tourists due to its accessibility and affordability. People can hop onto taxis or private buses from Siliguri that include 112 km of journey which includes travelling along the beautiful valleys of Sikkim.
Often regarded as home to the Kanchenjunga, Sikkim is one of the most unique states of India and a major name when it comes to tourism in India. The state is also known for its rich culture and diversity which can be seen through its landscapes and traditions that have been passed on by generations. Sikkim is among the highly visited hill stations of northeast India that attracts people from all over the world with its glaciers, high altitude lakes, ancient monasteries and temples that offer a unique experience on its own.
With more than 84 glaciers and 227 high-altitude lakes, the northern part of Sikkim is highly popular among devotees of Hindu and Buddhist religions. Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and it is one of the most beautiful cities of the state. Apart from the scenic beauty, there are wide ranges of exciting and thrilling activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and rafting that lure adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts from all over the world.
Sikkim is widely known for its rich and unique traditions that are composed of an amalgamation of diverse communities and religious beliefs. Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese are the oldest inhabitants of the state and have a major role in the development of the culture and ethnicity of Sikkim. Most of the people belong to the Buddhist religion followed by Hinduism and Islam. Dance and Music are a major part of their tradition that is performed on the eve of various festivals and religious events. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the people of Sikkim along with tourism acts as the major source of revenue for the state.
The food and cuisine of Sikkim is generally a combination of Nepalese and Chinese cuisine along with similarities to the north Indian cuisines. Chillies and Spices are used in the majority of dishes due to which most of the foods may be a bit spicy for the people of other continents. Meat and fermented vegetables are the major part of the cuisines consumed all over the state. Some of the popular dishes of Sikkim include Momo, Thukpa, Sha Phaley, Gundruk Ko Jhol, Dal Bhaat, Kinema and many more.
The vibrant festival and religious ceremonies are what attract people from all over the world. The festivals are based on the diversity of the community and are equally celebrated all over the state with zest and fervour regardless of the community and religion. Some of the popular festivals of Sikkim include Maghe Sankranti, Sonam Losar, Dasain, Diwali, Drukpa Tshechi, and many more.