Tourist Destinations Sikkim

Situated on the foothills of the Himalayan Ranges, Sikkim is an extremely beautiful state that was once a former Himalayan kingdom and was later integrated into the country. Sikkim is bounded by Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and West Bengal in the south and tourist attractions in Sikkim are many. Endowed with exotic natural surroundings, tropical green forests, magnificent mountain views and rich cultural attractions – Sikkim is a land of mystical aura and beauty. The places to see in Sikkim are many, as it offers innumerable opportunities to those who share a penchant for the outdoors, as one can choose to enjoy trekking expeditions across this beautiful state.

The plethora of Sikkim tourist attractions are undoubtedly numerous, as Sikkim is extremely rich in natural beauty and cultural treasures.

Gangtok: Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is a beautiful hill station where the word Gangtok means ‘hilltop’. It is an ideal destination to marvel at the beautiful surroundings and is one of the most serene and pristine places to see in Sikkim.

Rumtek Monastery: This is one of the most important tourist attractions in Sikkim not only because of its religious and spiritual significance, but this place also exudes a mystical aura. Constructed in the 16th century, Rumtek Monastery is an important center of Kagyu school of Buddhism outside Tibet. Surrounded by hills and cascading waterfalls and exotic orchid gardens make this quite a delightful place to visit.

Himalayan Zoological Park: Among the various Sikkim tourist attractions, this one is also a favorite for many especially wildlife lovers. The park is designed in a manner that it replicates natural conditions and a part of the park that is home to Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Black Bear and Barking Deer and Red Panda is a kind of an open zoo.

Phodong Monastery: This is regarded as one among the six most important monasteries in Sikkim that belongs to the kargyupa sect. Constructed in the early 18th century and again rebuilt in the 20th century, Phodong is regarded as one of the most remarkable monasteries in Sikkim.

Nathula Pass: Situated on the Indo-Chinese border, this pass is a kind of a trade link between the two countries. Situated at a distance of 56km from Gangtok, Nathula Pass is known for its alpine flora and fauna and the drive is truly magnificent. Though a special permit is required to visit this place, it is completely worth it because here one can see Chinese armed forces protecting their side of the border. On some specific days such as Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, Nathula pass is open to the visitors.

Lachung: This particular Sikkim tourist attraction is extremely popular with tourists as this Bhutia village retains its distinctive culture and tradition. It is also one of the popular places to see in Sikkim due to the Yumthang Valley, which is just 25km from Lachung. The Lachung monastery is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Sikkim and should be part of one’s travel itinerary.