Gangtok
Sikkim's capital, mixing Himalayan views with markets and monastery culture.
Things to do
- Shop and eat along MG Marg, the city's main pedestrian street
- Visit Enchey Monastery, around 200 years old
- Ride the Gangtok Ropeway for aerial views of the city
- See the Buddhist manuscripts and artefacts at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Pelling
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
- Visit Pemayangtse Monastery
- See the Rabdentse Ruins, remains of Sikkim's former capital
- Walk the Pelling Skywalk, India's first glass-bottomed skywalk
Rumtek Monastery
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.
Tsomgo (Changu) Lake
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
- Take a yak ride along the shore
- Visit the nearby Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
Nathula Pass
A historic Indo-China border post at 14,140 ft, once part of the ancient Silk Route.
Things to do
- Visit the border post with the special permit required for Indian tourists
Gurudongmar Lake
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.
Yumthang Valley
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.
Ravangla
A South Sikkim town centred on Buddha Park, home to a 130-ft Buddha statue.
Things to do
- Visit Ralang Monastery
- See Temi Tea Garden, Sikkim's only tea estate
Namchi
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.
Yuksom
Known as the “Gateway to Kanchenjunga” and Sikkim's first capital, where the first Chogyal (king) was crowned in 1642.
Things to do
- Start the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek from here
- Visit the Coronation Throne, Dubdi Monastery and Norbugang Park
Khecheopalri Lake
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.
Hanuman Tok
A Hanuman temple near Gangtok at 7,200 ft, maintained by the Indian Army, with panoramic views over the city and Kanchenjunga.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
A demanding trek from Yuksom to the foothills of the world's third-highest mountain, through glaciers and high-altitude meadows.
Mt. Katao
A snow-sports spot near Lachung, close to the Indo-China border, offering skiing, snowboarding and ice climbing. A special permit is required.
Thangu
A high-altitude village at 13,000 ft on the way to Gurudongmar Lake and Zero Point, green in summer and icy in winter.
Zero Point
At 15,300 ft, the road's end, with snow most of the year and noticeably thinner air — best visited slowly.
Month by Month: Where to Go in Sikkim
January
Winter (October to February): Cold, with heavy snowfall in North Sikkim, Lachung and Yumthang Valley.
February
Winter (October to February): Cold, with heavy snowfall in North Sikkim, Lachung and Yumthang Valley.
March
Summer (March to May): Pleasant and mild, with valleys warming up and skies staying mostly clear.
April
Summer (March to May): Pleasant and mild, with valleys warming up and skies staying mostly clear.
May
Summer (March to May): Pleasant and mild, with valleys warming up and skies staying mostly clear.
June
Monsoon (June to September): Heavy seasonal rain and high humidity, with landslide risk on mountain roads.
July
Monsoon (June to September): Heavy seasonal rain and high humidity, with landslide risk on mountain roads.
August
Monsoon (June to September): Heavy seasonal rain and high humidity, with landslide risk on mountain roads.
September
Monsoon (June to September): Heavy seasonal rain and high humidity, with landslide risk on mountain roads.
October
Winter (October to February): Cold, with heavy snowfall in North Sikkim, Lachung and Yumthang Valley.
November
Winter (October to February): Cold, with heavy snowfall in North Sikkim, Lachung and Yumthang Valley.
December
Winter (October to February): Cold, with heavy snowfall in North Sikkim, Lachung and Yumthang Valley.
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.
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