Gangtok – Draped in clouds, Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim located at an altitude of 5500ft gives a phenomenal view of Kanchendzonga. The mild and temperate climate and pleasantly exuberant nature of this city attracts tourists throughout the year. Gangtok sets its preference among the tourists for its monasteries, sanctuaries, lakes, and temples.
Pelling OR Pemayangtse – The little town Pelling is located at an altitude of 6,800 ft is famous for a majestic view of the entire range of ice-capped Kanchenjunga including Koktang, Kumbhakaran, and others. A heavy influx of tourists is witnessed in the summer season for its pleasant nature. The attraction of Pelling includes waterfalls, lakes, rolling hills, and ancient monasteries.
Lachung – A small and beautiful town of North Sikkim located at an altitude of 9600 ft is the gateway to the Yumthang Valley. The beautiful snow-capped peaks of Lachung arrests the attention of tourists all over the world. Apart from its scenic beauty and historical significance Lachung is famous for its apples, peaches, and apricots.
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Lachen – A remote village in the northern district of Sikkim located at an altitude of 9000 ft is known for its rich wildlife, spectacular view of the Himalayas. Lachung witnesses a stream of tourists during winter and the onset of summer. The Lachen Gompa gives an insight into the simple lives of the villagers.
Tsomgo Lake – A glacial lake also known as Changu Lake located at an altitude of 12,310 ft, arrests the attention of the tourists with the reflections of the surrounding hills on the water. Tsomgo or Changu Lake can be counted as one of the few high altitude lakes in India.
Rumtek Monastery – The largest Monastery in Sikkim located at an altitude of 5800 ft at Rumtek, 24 km away from Gangtok. The Sixteenth Karmapa built this Monastery to preserve his relics and hold remnants in the Golden Stupa in the main building.
Pemayangtse Monastery – A Buddhist Monastery located in Pelling, 140 km away from Gangtok is considered to be one of the oldest and premier monasteries of Sikkim. The scenic backdrop of snow-capped mountains on two sides captivates the tourist's heart. Statues of saints and Rinpoches and paintings are depicted on the walls of the monastery thus showcasing a rich past & legacy.
Rabdentse Ruins – This archaeological site was once acknowledged as the second capital of Sikkim. Gradually with the course of time Rabdentse was desolated and this royal capital turned into ruins. Rabdentse reflects the history of Sikkim for which the ruins have been preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Dubdi Monastery – A Buddhist Monastery of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism is the first capital of the state of Sikkim at Yuksom. Tourists can get an insight at Dubdi Monastery established by Chogyar Namgyal wherein various pictures of divinities, saints, and other symbols and collection of manuscripts and texts of the period.
Orchid Sanctuary Visit. – There are over 200 varieties of Orchids found in Sikkim in Deorali Orchid sanctuary, Gangtok. The Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary near Lachung in the Yumthang Valley, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West Sikkim not only offer spectacular view when the flowers bloom – these sanctuaries also house-wide range birds and animals.
Lakes: - Lakes in Sikkim are not just beautiful locations and many of them have historical, ecological and religious significance. Gurudongmar near Lachen in North Sikkim is one of the highest lakes in India at an elevation of 17800ft above sea level; the Khecheodpalri lake near Pelling is considered of religious importance – surrounded by a forest the nearby birds ensure that a single leaf does not fall in the water; Tsomgo Lake near Gangtok is of religious importance to both Buddhists and Hindus, the lake is also of immense importance in tourism because of the beauty of the location. There are several other lakes which are not as easily accessible as the aforementioned lakes.
Monasteries :- Sikkim is the land of Mahayana Buddhism and more than 77 monasteries have been found in this little state. Rumtek Monastery the largest monastery in Sikkim; Pemayangtse Monastery the oldest in Sikkim; Phodong Monastery believed to the most beautiful in the state; and several others like the Dubdi Monastery, Sanga Choeling Monastery, Tashiding Monastery are also some of the important monasteries. The monasteries house various important relics like thankas, ancient murals; and texts which provide a view into the various aspects of Buddhism. Chaam or Lama Dance is performed on Losar – festival celebrating the first day of the Tibetan new year is celebrated in many of the monasteries.