Sikkim - Where Nature Smiles

Sikkim - home to India’s highest mountain, 8,586mts Kangchenjunga. It lies in northeast region of India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows and thousands of diversities of wildflowers. It is also home to hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse, which dates to the early 1700s.

Its picturesque landscape is sprinkled with high altitude lakes, rolling green mountains, colourful rhododendron groves, blue rivers, milky waterfalls, beautiful monasteries and unparalleled views of Mt. Kanchenjunga/Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world.Sikkim also has a rich culture which can be seen in its villages, monasteries, festivals & cuisine. The traditional dresses of the people are as fascinating as the buildings built in the traditional style or architecture. Various cultures, customs & traditions of different communities exist harmoniously. The three main tribes are the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.

The Sikkim state is divided into 04 districts: North, South, East and West. Each of these districts has something unique to offer to the tourists.

East Sikkim: famous for cable car rides, monasteries

The famous tourism attractions in Eastern Sikkim are Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La Pass &Zuluk. Gangtok attracts honeymoon couples in large numbers. You can enjoy surreal views of Mt. Khangchendzonga. Also visit Buddhist monasteries, art & craft centers & cable car rides.

North Sikkim: Snow & Wildlife

Visit Lachung, a scenic village by the side of River Lachung. Yumthang is famous for being a valley of rhododendron flowers & hot springs.

The mountains are white snow-capped. Yumthang- Zero Point, is the last destination for civilians before China’s border. It is famous for one of the highest lakes in the world- Gurudongmar Lake, at almost 17.800 feet.

Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in this district. You may also see rare Himalayan wildlife species like Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Himalayan Black Bear, Tibetan Wild Ass & red panda.

West Sikkim: The embodiment beauty

Pelling - a small hill town is famous for its landscape, is dotted with monasteries, lakes and waterfalls. Also witness mesmerising views of Mt. Khangchendzonga.Other places to explore in Pelling are the holy lake & Asia’s second highest suspension bridge. Other famous tourist places are Kaluk&Rinchenpong, both drawing travellers for their beauty.

South Sikkim: Culture & nature

It is home to Namchi, famously known as the cultural & religious hub of Sikkim. There are 02 famous tourist places – the statue of Lord Shiva – 108 feet high & statue of Guru Padmasambhava - 118 feet high. Ravangla in South Sikkim is famous among ornithologists & bird watchers. You can find rare bird species like dark-throated thrush, babblers & cuckoos can be spotted. Sikkim’s only tea estate, Temi Tea Garden, is situated here.

The people believe that the spirits of the land reside in its mountains, rivers & forests. Nature plays a big role in its everyday lifestyle. One way of getting an insight into its rich culture is attending its famous fairs & festival. Some of the famous ones are Saga Dawa, Losar, JorthanMagey, Losoong, Bhumchu, Dentam Rhododendron Kagyed Dance.

A lot of the famous festivals in Sikkim are marked by masked dance, performed by lamas adorned in colourful robes & accessories. The glittering swords, jewellery, beating of drums & trumpeting of horns really lifts the spirits, almost resulting in euphoria.

Capital: Gangtok, Location: North East India

Best time to visit

October to June is best time to travel to Sikkim

Why to visit Sikkim

For its culture, mountains, wildlife, natural beauty, calmness.