Offbeat Sikkim: 12 Quiet Places Away From the Crowds (2026)

Most Sikkim trips are Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and North Sikkim, and in season those roads are busy. But Sikkim is full of quieter corners: lakes in the forest, the old capitals of its kings, a monastery you have to walk up to, and a tea garden on a hillside. These are 12 of our favourites, grouped by region so you can plan them.

The 12 places at a glance

East Sikkim

1. Aritar Lake (Lampokhari)

Aritar Lake is a long lake in the forest near Rongli, about 65–67 km from Gangtok, described as one of the oldest natural lakes in Sikkim and the only one set up for boating. Walk up to Mankhim for the view, and see the 1895 British dak bungalow. A calm night before the Silk Route.

2. Zuluk and the Old Silk Route

Zuluk is a village at about 10,000 ft on the old trade route to Tibet, famous for its zigzag road. Stay a night in a homestay and watch sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range. Indians need a permit, arranged through a registered operator; read our Zuluk in winter and Sikkim permit guides.

West Sikkim

3. Dubdi Monastery

Dubdi, on a forested hill above Yuksom, is traditionally called Sikkim's oldest monastery, usually dated to 1701. A stone path of about 1.2 km climbs to it; allow 45 minutes to an hour.

4. Yuksom

Yuksom is where the first Chogyal was crowned in 1642, at the Norbugang coronation throne. Today it's a quiet village and the starting point of the Goecha La trek. Read our Yuksom and Pelling in 2 days plan.

5. Khecheopalri Lake

Khecheopalri is a sacred lake in the forest, believed to grant wishes. Walk the short boardwalk quietly; prayer wheels line the path.

6. Kanchenjunga Falls

Kanchenjunga Falls is a 100 ft waterfall by the Pelling–Yuksom road, about 24 km from Pelling, flowing all year.

7. Rabdentse Ruins

Rabdentse was Sikkim's capital from 1670 until the Gorkhas destroyed it in 1814. A forest walk leads to the palace walls and chortens, with Kanchenjunga behind on clear mornings.

8. Pemayangtse Monastery

Pemayangtse, next to Rabdentse, is one of Sikkim's oldest and most important monasteries. Go early, before tour groups arrive from Pelling.

South Sikkim

9. Temi Tea Garden

Temi Tea Garden was set up in 1969 by the last Chogyal on a long hillside between Ravangla and Namchi. Walk the rows in the morning when the pickers are out.

10. Buddha Park, Ravangla

Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) has a giant Buddha statue looking towards the mountains. It's peaceful early in the day. See things to do in Ravangla.

Around Gangtok

11. Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok is a hilltop temple above Gangtok with one of the best views of Kanchenjunga near the city. Go at sunrise.

12. Banjhakri Falls

Banjhakri Falls is a landscaped waterfall park a short drive from Gangtok, themed on the shamans of local tradition. Quiet on weekday mornings.

How to plan an offbeat Sikkim trip

Our offbeat Sikkim itineraries for 5, 7 and 10 days put these into routes. In short:

• 5 days: Aritar and the Silk Route.
• 7 days: South and West Sikkim (Ravangla, Pelling, Yuksom) with a night in Gangtok.
• 10 days: both, or West Sikkim plus North Sikkim.

Permits

• Indians: no permit for West or South Sikkim, Gangtok or Aritar. The Silk Route (Zuluk), Tsomgo, Nathu La and North Sikkim need permits through a registered operator.
• Foreigners: a Restricted Area Permit for Sikkim, with extra permits for protected areas. See our RAP guide.

Best time

• October–December: the clearest mountain views.
• March–May: rhododendrons and pleasant days.
• June–September: heavy rain and landslides; West Sikkim roads suffer most.

Getting there

Fly to Bagdogra or take the train to NJP. Gangtok is about 4.5 hours by road (NJP to Gangtok cab); Pelling is about 5 hours from Gangtok (Gangtok to Pelling cab).

Sources

• Wikipedia: Aritar, Sikkim
• Wikipedia: Dubdi Monastery
• Wikipedia: Rabdentse
• Wikipedia: Temi Tea Garden
• Ministry of Tourism: Kanchenjunga waterfalls

Timings, fees and permit rules change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.