Sikkim packs monasteries, glacial lakes and high-Himalayan valleys into a small state — here are its best-known stops, from Gangtok to the high passes of the north.
Sikkim's capital, mixing Himalayan views with markets and monastery culture.
Things to Do at Gangtok:
A West Sikkim town known for close-up Kanchenjunga views, and home to Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim's oldest, with detailed murals and a carved wooden depiction of Guru Rinpoche's heavenly abode.
Things to Do at Pelling:
Near Gangtok, this is the seat of the Karmapa Lama of the Kagyu sect and one of Sikkim’s most important monasteries, with elaborate murals, gold statues and sacred scrolls.
A glacial lake at 12,400 ft that freezes over in winter and reflects the surrounding snow peaks the rest of the year.
Things to Do at Tsomgo (Changu) Lake:
A historic Indo-China border post at 14,140 ft, once part of the ancient Silk Route.
Things to Do at Nathula Pass:
One of the highest lakes in the world, sacred to both Buddhists and Sikhs, and partially frozen even in summer. The village of Lachen, with its own monastery and Bhutia community, is the usual starting point for the journey up.
Known as the “Valley of Flowers,” with rhododendrons, orchids and primulas blooming across the valley in spring, plus therapeutic hot springs. The gateway village of Lachung, sometimes called the “Switzerland of the East,” adds apple orchards and the Yumesamdong hot springs nearby.
A South Sikkim town centred on Buddha Park, home to a 130-ft Buddha statue.
Things to Do at Ravangla:
Meaning “Sky High,” home to the 135-ft Guru Padmasambhava statue at Samdruptse and a Char Dham complex replicating India's four major Hindu pilgrimage sites, with views over Kanchenjunga and the Rangit River Valley.
Known as the “Gateway to Kanchenjunga” and Sikkim's first capital, where the first Chogyal (king) was crowned in 1642.
Things to Do at Yuksom:
A lake in West Sikkim considered sacred and wish-fulfilling by both Buddhists and Hindus; local birds are said to keep its surface clear of fallen leaves.
A Hanuman temple near Gangtok at 7,200 ft, maintained by the Indian Army, with panoramic views over the city and Kanchenjunga.
A demanding trek from Yuksom to the foothills of the world's third-highest mountain, through glaciers and high-altitude meadows.
A snow-sports spot near Lachung, close to the Indo-China border, offering skiing, snowboarding and ice climbing. A special permit is required.
A high-altitude village at 13,000 ft on the way to Gurudongmar Lake and Zero Point, green in summer and icy in winter.
At 15,300 ft, the road's end, with snow most of the year and noticeably thinner air — best visited slowly.
Whichever stops make the cut, a Sikkim itinerary usually threads together Gangtok, a lake or pass in the north, and at least one monastery town — plan for altitude and permits on the high-altitude routes.
