Things to do in

Sikkim

Tsomgo (Changu) Lake is a high-altitude glacial lake near Gangtok in East Sikkim, famous for its emerald waters, surrounding snow-clad peaks and colorful prayer flags. This activity combines a scenic drive from Gangtok with a leisurely lakeside walk, short local experiences (yak rides, local stalls) and a visit to the nearby Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. Suitable as a half-day excursion from Gangtok.

Nathula Pass is a historic mountain pass on the Indo–China (India–People's Republic of China/Tibet) border in East Sikkim. Situated on the old Silk Route, it offers dramatic Himalayan scenery, a glimpse of the border trade route, and a visit to the revered Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. The pass sits at high altitude (approximately 4,310 m / 14,140 ft) and is accessible as a day excursion from Gangtok subject to permit and weather conditions. Coordinates given are approximate.

Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest and holiest lakes in India, located in North Sikkim near the mountain hamlet of Lachen. This day trip is a high-altitude sightseeing drive offering surreal turquoise/ice-blue waters set against barren alpine landscapes and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The experience combines dramatic mountain driving, short walks at high altitude, cultural glimpses of local Buddhist areas, and strict permit-controlled access.

Yumthang Valley, often called the Valley of Flowers, is a high-altitude meadow near Lachung in North Sikkim. Nestled at the edge of the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, the valley is famous for expansive alpine meadows, seasonal wildflowers, grazing yaks and sheep, fragrant rhododendron forests, and sweeping views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks including views toward Kangchenjunga range on clear days.

Zero Point (Yumesamdong) is a remote high-altitude snowfield in North Sikkim that offers stark, otherworldly landscapes — vast snow plains, frozen streams, and panoramic views of the high Himalaya close to the India–China border. Located above the Yumthang Valley, this spot is prized for snow walks, close-up mountain vistas and photography. Expect thin air, biting cold and clear alpine light. The site sits at roughly 4,600–4,800 m (approx. 15,000–15,700 ft) and is accessible by a short ride/walk from the village of Lachen/Yumthang region during the tourist season.

Note: This is a border/closed area; visitors require valid permits and must travel with registered vehicles/authorized guides.

Old Silk Route is a historic trade road that once connected India to Tibet. The drive via the Zuluk hairpins follows a dramatic ridge road in East Sikkim, offering spectacular views of the Himalaya (including Kanchenjunga on clear days), high-altitude meadows, remnant caravan paths and a sequence of steep hairpin bends that make the route both scenic and adventurous. This is an accessible alpine drive combining heritage, photography and short hikes around vantage points.

A peaceful, easy stroll through the landscaped grounds surrounding the Tathagata Tsal (Buddha Park) in Ravangla. The park features a large seated Buddha statue, prayer wheels, meditation spaces and well-maintained gardens that offer panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks including the Kanchenjunga range. This activity is ideal for travelers seeking a short spiritual/sightseeing walk, photography and gentle immersion in local Buddhist culture.

Pelling Skywalk to Chenrezig Statue is a short, scenic sightseeing walk near Pelling in West Sikkim that combines panoramic Himalayan views with a visit to a large Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) statue and prayer area. The skywalk offers excellent vantage points for viewing the Kanchenjunga range, valleys and surrounding terraced landscapes, while the Chenrezig statue provides a peaceful cultural and spiritual stop.

Kanchenjunga Falls Viewpoint is a small but spectacular natural vantage point near Pelling in West Sikkim that offers sweeping views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and a cascading waterfall set in lush Himalayan forest. The site is popular for sunrise views, photography and short nature walks. It is accessible by a short drive and a brief walk from the nearest road, making it an ideal half-day excursion from Pelling.

Khecheopalri (also spelled Khecheopalri) is a sacred 'wish-fulfilling' lake located in West Sikkim. The circuit is a short, spiritually significant walking route around the lake that combines gentle trekking, pilgrimage, birdwatching and scenic views of the surrounding forested hills and distant snow-capped peaks. The lake is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus; locals perform circumambulation (kora) and make offerings. This activity is ideal for travelers looking for a peaceful half-day excursion from nearby hubs such as Pelling or Yuksom.

Important: Respect local customs — keep noise to a minimum, do not pollute the lake, and follow signs and the directions of temple caretakers.

Yuksom was the first capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim; the Norbugang Coronation Throne (Norbugang) is where the first Chogyal was crowned in 1642. This heritage walk explores the historic Norbugang site, ancient chortens and throne, traditional Lepcha and Bhutia hamlets, nearby monasteries (notably Dubdi), and offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range through rhododendron and pine forests.

Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre, is the principal seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in exile. Rebuilt in the 1960s, the complex features a large prayer hall, gilded stupa, stupendous thangka paintings, ornate prayer wheels, monastic quarters and a serene courtyard. It serves as a living monastery where monks perform regular pujas and rituals, and where visitors can experience Tibetan Buddhist culture, art and meditation in a tranquil hilltop setting overlooking the Teesta valley and eastern Himalayan foothills.

Enchey Monastery is a compact, serene 18th-century Nyingma Buddhist monastery perched on a hill overlooking Gangtok. It is known for its colorful murals, ornate prayer hall, and annual masked Cham dance festival. The monastery offers panoramic views of Gangtok and, on clear days, distant peaks of the Kanchenjunga range.

Visit to Ranka (Lingdum) Monastery, a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist monastery near Gangtok known for its colorful murals, prayer flags, traditional architecture, and a tranquil setting ideal for cultural immersion and photography.

Pemayangtse Monastery is one of Sikkim's oldest and most important Nyingma Buddhist monasteries, perched near Pelling in West Sikkim. Founded in the 17th century, it houses ancient murals, rare statues, and an important collection of Buddhist scriptures. Visitors come for both its spiritual atmosphere and the panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range from the monastery grounds. The site is active—expect prayer ceremonies and, on festival days, colorful masked dances (Cham).

Rabdentse Ruins — the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim (17th–19th century) — is an important archaeological and heritage site near Pelling in West Sikkim. Set on a ridge with terraced gardens, chortens, foundations of palaces and stone remains, the site offers historical insight into Sikkim’s monarchy along with sweeping views of the Himalayan ranges including Kangchenjunga on clear days. The site is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and is easily combined with visits to nearby Pemayangtse Monastery and Pelling viewpoints.

A short spiritual and scenic hike to the Tashiding Monastery, perched on a ridge in West Sikkim overlooking the confluence of the Rathong and Rangeet rivers. The trail passes rhododendron and oak forests, small alpine villages and offers panoramic views of river valleys and distant Himalayan peaks. The monastery is one of the holiest in Sikkim, known for its peaceful atmosphere, chortens, prayer flags and traditional ceremonies.

Namchi Char Dham (Siddheshwar Dham) is a modern pilgrimage complex in Namchi, South Sikkim, built to represent the four sacred Hindu Dhams—Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram—along with a prominent shrine to Lord Shiva (Siddheshwar Mahadev). The complex combines devotional spaces, landscaped gardens, a glass skywalk viewpoint and panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Kanchenjunga range. It is designed to offer pilgrims a convenient, accessible Char Dham experience in the Himalayan foothills.

Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology — a leading centre for research on Tibetan culture, Buddhism, and Himalayan studies located in Deorali, Gangtok. The institute houses an extensive collection of Tibetan and Himalayan artifacts including thangkas, statues, rare manuscripts, ritual objects, and ethnographic exhibits. The site combines a museum, a research library, and serene gardens with views across Gangtok.

Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park (Bulbulay) is a high‑altitude conservation zoo and wildlife park on the outskirts of Gangtok, East Sikkim. Set against the backdrop of the Himalayan foothills, the park focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and captive breeding of native Himalayan species — notably the red panda and other cold‑adapted fauna. The site also offers scenic viewpoints over Gangtok valley and opportunities for short nature walks and wildlife observation.