Sikkim is one of the most famous tourist destinations in North East India. Its marvellous landscape is dotted with high altitude lakes, rolling green mountains, colourful rhododendron groves, azure rivers, milky waterfalls, beautiful monasteries and unparalleled views of Mt. Kanchenjunga/Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world. The state is divided into 4 districts: North, South, East and West. There are 4 district capitals: Gangtok (East Sikkim), Mangan (North Sikkim), Namchi (South Sikkim) & Gyalshing (West Sikkim). The main capital of the state is Gangtok. Each of these districts has something unique to offer to the tourists.

East Sikkim: Cable car rides, monasteries & Gangtok!

The top tourism attractions in East Sikkim are Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La Pass & Zuluk. Gangtok attracts honeymoon couples in large numbers. It is beautiful and exciting, with a lot of activities on offer. You are treated to surreal views of Mt. Khangchendzonga. A sightseeing tour includes Buddhist monasteries, art & craft centers & cable car rides.

North Sikkim: Sightseeing overloaded!

North Sikkim is as fascinating as East Sikkim when it comes to tourism. It is also suitable for a family holiday for the numerous sightseeing opportunities involved. You could visit Lachung, a scenic village by the side of River Lachung. Yumthang is famous for being a valley of rhododendron flowers & hot springs.

North Sikkim also receives heavy snowfall during December. This is a good time to visit it to enjoy the snowfall. The temperature often falls below zero. The entire landscape is covered by snow. Everything is white!

Just near to Yumthang lies Zero Point, the last destination for civilians before China’s border. It’s also home to 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.

It’s both a national park and a biosphere reserve. You get to see rare Himalayan wildlife species like Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Himalayan Black Bear, Tibetan Wild Ass & red panda.

West Sikkim: The embodiment of Sikkim’s beauty!

West Sikkim has its own treasure of travel attractions waiting to be explored. There’s tourist attractions like Pelling, a small hill town. Its landscape is dotted with monasteries, lakes and waterfalls. You are offered mesmerising views of Mt. Khangchendzonga.

Other places to explore in Pelling are the holy lake & Asia’s second highest suspension bridge. Other tourist places are Kaluk & Rinchenpong, both drawing visitors for their dreamy beauty. Yuksom, which serves as the base for Dzongri & Goecha La treks, is also situated in West Sikkim.

South Sikkim: Culture, nature and adventure!

A Sikkim tour is incomplete without visiting South Sikkim. Its surreal beauty ensures that it’s included in any Sikkim travel guide. It is home to Namchi, famously known as the cultural & religious hub of Sikkim. Two famous tourist sites are the 108 feet statue of Lord Shiva & 118 feet statue of Guru Padmasambhava. Ornithologists & bird watchers definitely visit Ravangla in South Sikkim.

Several rare bird species like dark-throated thrush, babblers & cuckoos can be spotted. Sikkim’s only tea estate, Temi Tea Garden, is situated here. Go camping in Sikip, visit a holy cave in Rabong and enjoy trekking with spotting wildlife at Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sikkim: Name any adventure activity, Sikkim has it!

There are also opportunities for adventure tourism, with famous adventure activities being trekking, mountain biking, peak climbing, paragliding and river rafting. The thrill of white-water rafting can be experienced at the Teesta River, go bungee jumping at Singshore Bridge, enjoy a yak ride at Tsomgo Lake and enjoy cycling on Silk Route.

Some of the famous treks in Sikkim are Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Yuksom Goecha La Trek, Dzongri Trek, Green Lake Trek & Darjeeling Sandakphu Singalila Ridge Trek.

Culture in Sikkim: A mélange of cultures!

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 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, Jorthan Magey, 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.

Sikkim: To see the exotic & rare Himalayan wildlife!

Sikkim’s hills, forests & mountains harbour a variety of rare & exotic Himalayan wildlife. Many of these animals and birds are exclusively found at high altitudes. Spotting them in their natural habitat is a rare privilege.

There are several national parks & sanctuaries in Sikkim where you can observe its wildlife leisurely. The most famous of these is the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can spot animals like Himalayan Black Bear, red panda, Tibetan Wild Ass, Himalayan Blue Sheep, goral and takin. Among these, the red panda is a mammal species native to the Eastern Himalayas & southwestern China.

Other famous wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim are Fambong Lho, Varsey Rhododendron, Kyongnosla Alpine and Maenam.