Sikkim is a state in northeast India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, the area has a dramatic landscape that includes India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kangchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. Steep paths lead to hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse, which dates to the early 1700s.

Gangtok

City in Sikkim

Gangtok is the capital of the mountainous northern Indian state of Sikkim. Established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1840s, Today, it remains a Tibetan Buddhist center and a base for hikers organizing permits and transport for treks through Sikkim’s Himalayan mountain ranges.

Notable Buddhist sites include Rumtek Monastery, home of rare artifacts belonging to the Karma Kagyu order (also known as the “Black Hat”). Enchey Monastery is built in the style of a Chinese pagoda. Whitewashed Do Drul Chorten is a giant stupa constructed in the 1940s. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology contains a museum housing a collection of rare manuscripts and Buddhist arts and crafts. Passing nearby, the Gangtok Ropeway gondola offers panoramic views of the city. The region’s outdoor recreation includes hiking, camping, mountain climbing and white-water rafting.

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Located between Nathula and Jelepla pass at an altitude of 13,123 ft and about 52kms from Gangtok, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is popularly known as Baba Mandir. One usually covers this temple along with a visit to Tsongmo Lake and Nathula Pass.

There is a touching story associated with this temple.

Tsomgo Lake / Changu lake

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim, some 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the capital Gangtok. Located at an elevation of 3,753 m (12,313 ft), the lake remains frozen during the winter season. The lake surface reflects different colours with change of seasons and is held in great reverence by the local Sikkimese people. Buddhist monks prognosticated after studying the changing colours of the lake.

Nathula Pass

Located at an altitude of 14,140 feet and 56kms from Gangtok, Nathula Pass was the place through which the famous Silk Route used to operate until 1962. This used to be the silk trade route between India and Tibet. Lines of mules used to carry silk, gold and many other items from Tibet to India and take daily essentials back to Tibet. The route in Tibet goes down the Chumbi Valley to Yathung, a place about 30kms away which once used to be a major trading township (no longer so). In fact on a clear day you can see this route winding down the valley. If you look at the eastern horizon, you can see the magnificent peak of Chomolhari of Bhutan.

Tashi View Point

Tashi View gives excellent view of the surroundings of Gangtok and on a clear day the best view of Mount Kanchenjunga.

The Tasha View Point is regarded as one of the best viewpoints near Gangtok where on a clear sky day, one can see both the beautiful valley as well as the city of Gangtok from here.

Hanuman Tok

Run by Indian Army Clean Amazing view of Kanchenjunga Probably the highest Hanuman Mandir in India Pandit gave boodi ladoo & sindoor box from locked cupboard in sp red Hanuman Tok inscribed bag! Highly recommended.

Mesmerizing view & great temple maintained by army ( black cat)

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a museum that reveals the Buddhism practices, the information on the erstwhile rulers of Sikkim and the Tibetan culture.

This small museum has an outstanding collection of Tibetan Buddhist artifacts including scrolls, statuary and oddities like a human bone fashioned into a religious trumpet!

Pelling

Town in Sikkim

Pelling is a small town in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, at the foothills of Mount Khangchendzonga. The late-17th-century Buddhist Sanga Choling Monastery has mountain views. Pemayangtse Monastery features wall paintings, sculptures and a gold-plated statue of Guru Padsambhava. Overlooking a valley, the 17th-century Rabdentse Palace, now in ruins, still has evidence of the king’s bedroom and kitchen.

Pemayangtse Monastery

The intricate 7 tiered wooden sculpture of Rinpoche’s Paradise on the top floor took 5 years to make.

… in Pemayangtse, near Pelling in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, located 110 km west of Gangtok.It is one of the oldest and premier monasteries of Sikkim, also the most famous in west Sikkim.

Rabdentse Ruins

Yes, you have to walk 800mts from ticket counter one way, but walking through dense green forest will give you marvelous experience, It will take atleast minimum one and half hours to explore bird park and ruins f…
Sikkim’s ancient capital : Rabdantse… irrespective of whether you are a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this place will appeal to you.

Lachung

Town in Sikkim

Lachung is a mountain village close to the Tibetan border, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It’s divided by the Lachung River. The village is home to the 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery, surrounded by apple orchards. Nearby, the Yumthang Valley’s Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary protects many species of rhododendron. The valley is also known for its waterfalls, pine forests and hot springs.

Lachung Monastery

The picturesque mountain village of Lachung, at a height of >10000 ft, embraced by snowcapped mountain peaks. Lovely calm serene place

Amitabh Bachchan Falls

Amitabh Bachchan Falls lies on the road connecting Chungthang to Yumthang Valley in Lachung, North Sikkim district of Sikkim. It is one of the tallest waterfall shown to tourists by local tour operators and cab-drivers-cum-guides

Yumthang – THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS

The Yumthang Valley or Sikkim Valley of Flowers sanctuary, is a nature sanctuary with river, hot springs, yaks and grazing pasture on rolling meadows surrounded by the Himalayan mountains in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim state in India. It is at an elevation of 3,564 metres above msl at a distance of 150 kilometres from the state capital Gangtok. It is popularly known as ‘Valley of Flowers’ and is home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which has over twenty-four species of the rhododendron, the state flower. The flowering season is from late February and to mid June, when countless flowers bloom to carpet the valley in multicolored hues of rainbow. A tributary of the river Teesta flows past the valley and the town of Lachung, the nearest inhabited centre. Yumthang is closed between December and March due to heavy snowfall. There is also a hot spring in the valley. A forest rest house is the only permanent residence in the valley. During the spring months, the area blooms with rhododendrons, primulas, poppies, iris and other flora. During the summer months, villagers take their cattle to these heights to graze.

actually it’s in singba rododendron sanchuary .it’s better to visit yumthang in 3 different season .
in winter you will find a snow covered valley
in april-may you can get the colours of reododendron
in oct- nov you will find a rare “blue sky- green valley” combination .

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Located in Yumthang Valley, The sanctuary is surrounded on the east by chuba-sagochen mountain ranges and on the west by Chomzomei Tso (Lake) that extends till th… there is natural beauty all around.

Lachen

Town in Sikkim

Lachen is a town in North Sikkim district in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is located at an elevation of 2,750 metres. The name Lachen means “big pass”. The town is being promoted as a tourist destination by the Sikkimese government. The town forms the base to the Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. An annual yak race, the Thangu is held here in summer. Unlike other places in India, Lachen has its unique form of local self governance called the “Dzumsa”. Every household is a member of this traditional administrative system, this institution is in charge of governing and organizing activities within the village.

Lachen “Ngodub Choling” Monastery

There are a few interesting attractions you can visit such as Thangu Village, it is an hour ride from Lachen. Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake are also two most visited places located 2 to 3 hours away from Lachen. Sarva Dharma Sthala, known for being a temple for all religions is also a must visit located near Gurudongmar lake.

DARJEELING

A respite from the hot and humid summers of India, Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination in North-East India. Providing a heady mixture of splendid tea gardens on rolling mountain slopes, meandering toy train rides through the picturesque city, and delectable traditional Tibetan cuisine, Darjeeling works wonders to cater to the gorgeous panorama of the Himalayas. Darjeeling has come off age as one of the most sought after hill stations in India. Famous for its beautiful tea plantations and the quality of Darjeeling tea, Darjeeling is a delight for all kind of tourists. The toy train established back in 1881, still runs in this part and is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Beautiful colonial architecture including mansions and churches dot this little beautiful town. Filled with people from Tibet, Nepal, nearby Indian states and the Gorkhas, Darjeeling is brimming with cultural diversity. The third highest peak in the world and the highest in India, the Kanchenjunga peak is clearly visible from here and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the peak. Some of Darjeeling’s most popular attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car which happens to be the longest Asian cable car. Darjeeling is a wonderful place to walk around and explore the tea estates, villages, and markets.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway also referred to as the DHR, and lovingly called the ‘Darjeeling Toy Train’, is a 2 feet narrow gauge train that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, in West Bengal, India. The construction of this 88-kilometre long railway line took place between 1879 and 1881, and a ride on this train route has been a coveted experience ever since. A journey in the Darjeeling Toy Train has amazing sights with pleasing mountain views and pass by villages and local shops on the way, with children merrily waving at them.

Tiger Hill

Lying at an altitude of 2590 meters and a distance of 13 kilometres away from the Darjeeling, Tiger Hill is most famous for its splendid sights of sunrise from where you can see the peaks of Kanchenjunga illuminate before the sun is seen at lower elevations. The magnificent view of snow-capped mountains sitting amidst cotton clouds attracts tourists to Tiger Hill from all over the country. Interestingly, this is also the summit of Ghoom, which is the highest railway station in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Batasia Loop

Perhaps one of the most picturesque train routes in all of Darjeeling, the Batasia Loop is a lush green toy train pathway that is meant to minimise the elevation of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The unique design of this magnificent attraction allows the track to wrap around itself through a hilltop tunnel. One of the most enchanting aspects of the Batasia Loop is its unmatched natural beauty which is a wonderful sight to behold. Located on Hill Cart Road (NH 55), you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Darjeeling in all its verdant glory.

Darjeeling Ropeway

the Darjeeling Ropeway finds itself as a prime attraction of Darjeeling, giving its passengers an array of divine panoramic views as they travel across the magical valley. With 16 cable cars, each car accommodates 6 people as it travels from the North Point in Singamari to the Singla Bazaar, situated by the banks of the enchanting Ramman river, transporting passengers at an altitude of 7000 feet. The view of the numerous tea estates of Darjeeling, the cascading waterfalls, and the majestic Kanchenjunga makes this experience an essential to every tourist in Darjeeling. The gondola moves at a moderate speed, allowing travellers some good opportunities for some brilliant photo opportunities. At the bottom end of the trip, the cable car halts for a while, where travellers may explore the lovely tea gardens, or relax at the small mountain cafe, before proceeding back to the Singamari base station.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Located in Darjeeling, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is recognized as one of the best mountaineering institutes in the world. Established on 4th November 1954, the primary purpose of this initiative was to encourage, enhance and support the interest of the people in the sport of mountaineering, and to channel the abundant energy of the youth into a productive and self-awarding sport. Aspiring mountaineers from all over the world come to this institute to develop their skills. Besides being one of the best mountaineering institutes in the world, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute has become a significant tourist attraction on account of its picturesque setting in the hill station of Darjeeling. The magnificent view of the 8586-meter high peak of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, from this institute is genuinely mesmerizing.

Nightingale Park

Located in the mesmerising hill station of Darjeeling, the Nightingale Park is a public park area frequented by the tourists and locals to relish gorgeous views of the Kanchenjunga ranges. It serves as an ideal place to unwind and recharge amidst lush greenery and soothing winds. This park was earlier called ‘The Shrubbery’ when it was a private courtyard of Sir Thomas Tartan’s Bungalow, during the British reign. Flanked by a covered archway, the entrance leads you to pebbled walkways around this oval-shaped park. Since the Nightingale Park is at a slighted elevated terrain, you need to climb a few steps to reach the entry to this green haven. The park was closed for renovation for about four years and has reopened for the public since 2011. There is a giant statue of Lord Shiva, a musical fountain along with the great scenery.