33 Places to Visit in Sikkim (2026): Tourist Spots, Timings & Entry Fees
Sikkim packs high lakes, snow passes and monasteries into a small state. Gangtok is the base for Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La; North Sikkim (Lachung and Lachen) has Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and Gurudongmar; West Sikkim around Pelling has the skywalk, Pemayangtse and Kanchenjunga views; and South Sikkim has Ravangla's Buddha Park and the Temi tea garden.
1.Tsomgo (Changu) Lake
East Sikkim, about 38 km from Gangtok
Tsomgo Lake, also called Changu Lake, is a glacial lake at about 12,300 ft, 38 km from Gangtok. It's the easiest place near Gangtok to see snow, on a permit filed the day before.
- Timings
- Open all week; the district lists about 10am–4pm
- Entry fee
- Permit about ₹200 per person; yak rides and cable car extra
- Distance
- About 40 km from Gangtok, 1.5–2 hours each way
- Time needed
- Half a day, or a full day with Nathu La
- Best time
- January–April for snow and ice, October–November for clear skies
2.Nathu La Pass
East Sikkim, 56 km from Gangtok
Nathu La is the India–China border pass at about 14,140 ft, a day trip from Gangtok with Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. It's open to Indian nationals only, on a permit filed the day before.
- Timings
- Wednesday to Sunday, roughly 8am to early afternoon; closed to tourists Monday and Tuesday
- Entry fee
- Permit about ₹200 per person (2026 reports); vehicle hire extra
- Distance
- About 56 km from Gangtok, 2.5–3 hours each way
- Time needed
- A full day from Gangtok, with Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
- Best time
- April–June and October–November
3.Gurudongmar Lake
North Sikkim, above Lachen
Gurudongmar is one of the world's highest lakes, at about 17,800 ft in North Sikkim, sacred to Buddhists and Sikhs. It's reached at dawn from Lachen, by Indian nationals only.
- Timings
- Early-morning visits only; vehicles leave Lachen around 4–5am
- Entry fee
- No separate fee; covered by the North Sikkim permit
- Distance
- About 65–70 km from Lachen, around 3 hours each way
- Time needed
- A full day from Lachen
- Best time
- April–June and October–November
4.Yumthang Valley
North Sikkim, 24 km above Lachung
Yumthang, the 'valley of flowers', is a meadow at about 11,800 ft above Lachung, full of rhododendrons in spring and snow in winter, with Zero Point higher up.
- Timings
- Visited in the morning from Lachung
- Entry fee
- No separate fee; covered by the North Sikkim permit. Zero Point costs extra
- Distance
- About 24–26 km from Lachung, 1–1.5 hours
- Time needed
- Half a day from Lachung; a full day with Zero Point
- Best time
- Late March–May for rhododendrons, January–March for snow
5.Zero Point (Yumesamdong)
North Sikkim, 23 km above Yumthang
Zero Point, or Yumesamdong, is where the civilian road ends at about 15,300 ft above Lachung. It holds snow when Yumthang has none. Here is the permit, cost, timing and how to fit it in.
- Timings
- Early morning start from Lachung; back by early afternoon
- Entry fee
- No entry fee; vehicle extra of about ₹2,500–3,500 over Yumthang (reported)
- Distance
- About 50 km from Lachung, 23 km beyond Yumthang
- Time needed
- Half a day from Lachung
- Best time
- March–June for snow and open roads
Zero Point (Yumesamdong): full guide, how to reach and tips →
6.MG Marg, Gangtok
Central Gangtok
MG Marg is Gangtok's car-free main street, a litter- and spit-free promenade lined with cafés, shops and benches. Here is what to do there, the rules, and where to eat and shop.
- Timings
- Open all day; most shops about 9am–8pm
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 120 km from NJP and Bagdogra
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Best time
- Evenings, all year
7.Rumtek Monastery
About 23 km from Gangtok
Rumtek is Sikkim's largest monastery, the seat of the Karmapa in exile, rebuilt in the 1960s in the style of Tsurphu in Tibet. It's about an hour from Gangtok.
- Timings
- Roughly 7am–7pm; the Golden Stupa room closes around 11:30am–12:30pm
- Entry fee
- About ₹10 per person (reported)
- Distance
- About 22–24 km from Gangtok, about 1 hour
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Best time
- October–May; Losar in February or March for ceremonies
8.Pelling Skywalk and Chenrezig Statue
Sangachoeling ridge, above Pelling
Pelling's glass skywalk leads to a 137-ft statue of Chenrezig on the ridge above town, with Kanchenjunga behind it. Here are the timings, fee, best light and what else is on the ridge.
- Timings
- Roughly 9am–5pm or 6pm (reports vary)
- Entry fee
- About ₹20 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners (reported; some sources give ₹50–100)
- Distance
- About 2 km from Pelling
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Best time
- October–April for mountain views
Pelling Skywalk and Chenrezig Statue: full guide, how to reach and tips →
9.Pemayangtse Monastery
Near Pelling, Gyalshing district
Pemayangtse, the 'perfect sublime lotus', is one of Sikkim's oldest and most important monasteries, founded in the 17th century near Pelling. Its seven-tier wooden model of Guru Rinpoche's paradise is the reason to go.
- Timings
- Roughly 8am–4pm or 5pm (reports vary)
- Entry fee
- Small fee reported (about ₹20); some sources say free
- Distance
- About 2 km from Pelling; 110–115 km from Gangtok
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Best time
- October–May; Cham dances in February/March
10.Buddha Park, Ravangla
Ravangla, Namchi district
Tathagata Tsal, the Buddha Park at Ravangla, centres on a 130-foot Buddha consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 2013, with Kanchenjunga behind it on clear days.
- Timings
- About 9am–5pm or 6pm daily
- Entry fee
- About ₹50 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners (2026 reports)
- Distance
- About 77–85 km from Gangtok; 44 km from Pelling
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Best time
- October–December for mountain views; March–May for flowers
11.Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
East Sikkim, on the Nathu La road
The shrine to 'Baba' Harbhajan Singh, a Punjab Regiment soldier who died near Nathu La in 1968, sits at about 13,100 ft on the Tsomgo–Nathu La road. Here is the story, the permit and how to fit it into a Gangtok day trip.
- Timings
- Roughly 8am–2:30pm (permit day trips return by early afternoon)
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 55–60 km from Gangtok, 2.5–3 hours
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Best time
- April–June and October–November
Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir: full guide, how to reach and tips →
12.Khecheopalri Lake
West Sikkim, about 25 km from Pelling
Khecheopalri is a still forest lake near Pelling, sacred to Buddhists and Hindus and known as the wishing lake. A short walk from the road leads to the prayer-flag jetty.
- Timings
- Roughly 8am–5pm
- Entry fee
- Free to about ₹20 per person (reports vary)
- Distance
- About 25 km from Pelling, around 1 hour
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Best time
- October–May
13.Zuluk and the Old Silk Route
Rongli subdivision, East Sikkim
Zuluk is a tiny army-and-homestay hamlet at about 9,400 ft on the old Kalimpong–Lhasa trade route, famous for its zigzag road and Kanchenjunga sunrise at Thambi. Here is the permit, route and when to go.
- Timings
- Day permits; most people stay a night in a homestay
- Entry fee
- No entry fee; permit charges via your operator
- Distance
- About 90 km from Gangtok via Rongli
- Time needed
- 1–2 nights
- Best time
- March–May and October–December
Zuluk and the Old Silk Route: full guide, how to reach and tips →
14.Gangtok Ropeway
Deorali to Tashiling, Gangtok
The Gangtok Ropeway is a cable car of about 1 km across the town, from Deorali to Tashiling, with views over Gangtok and the valley. Stations, timings, rough ticket prices and tips.
- Timings
- About 9:30 am–4:30 pm (check locally; weather permitting)
- Entry fee
- Roughly ₹110–130 per adult for a return ride
- Distance
- Deorali station about 2 km from MG Marg
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour including queue
- Best time
- October–May, clear mornings
15.Aritar Lake (Lampokhari)
Aritar, Pakyong district, East Sikkim
Lampokhari, better known as Aritar Lake, is a long, boot-shaped lake in the forested hills of East Sikkim, one of the oldest natural lakes in the state and one you can go boating on. Aritar is a quiet base for the Silk Route.
- Timings
- Daylight; boating in daytime
- Entry fee
- Small entry and boating charges
- Distance
- About 65–67 km from Gangtok; 14 km from Rongli
- Time needed
- Half a day; a night if doing the Silk Route
- Best time
- October–April
Aritar Lake (Lampokhari): full guide, how to reach and tips →
16.Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park
Burtuk, about 7 km from Gangtok
Banjhakri Falls is a 30-metre waterfall in a landscaped park on the edge of Gangtok, themed on Sikkim's forest shamans. It is an easy, family-friendly stop on a Gangtok city tour.
- Timings
- Roughly 8am–5pm or 6pm
- Entry fee
- About ₹50 for adults (reports range ₹20–100), extra for cameras
- Distance
- About 7–9 km from MG Marg, 20–30 minutes
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Best time
- March–May and October–November; fullest flow July–September
Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park: full guide, how to reach and tips →
17.Bhim Nala Falls
Chungthang–Lachung road, North Sikkim
Bhim Nala Falls is one of North Sikkim's tallest roadside waterfalls, on the road from Chungthang to Lachung. A quick photo stop on the way to Yumthang, at its biggest in and just after the monsoon.
- Timings
- Daylight
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- Roughly 15–20 km before Lachung
- Time needed
- 15–20 minutes
- Best time
- June–October for the most water
18.Char Dham, Namchi (Siddhesvara Dham)
Solophok Hill, Namchi, South Sikkim
Char Dham (Siddhesvara Dham) on Solophok Hill near Namchi has a giant Shiva statue above replicas of the four dhams and twelve jyotirlingas, with views over South Sikkim. Entry fee, timings and how to reach.
- Timings
- Roughly 7 am to 7 pm; check locally
- Entry fee
- About ₹50 per person
- Distance
- About 5 km from Namchi; about 75–80 km from Gangtok
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Best time
- October–May
Char Dham, Namchi (Siddhesvara Dham): full guide, how to reach and tips →
19.Chopta Valley
Above Thangu, North Sikkim
Chopta Valley is a high meadow above Thangu in North Sikkim, at roughly 4,000 m, with a river that freezes in winter and flowers in summer. Visited on the Lachen–Gurudongmar route. Altitude, permits and best time.
- Timings
- Daylight; visits are usually early morning on the Gurudongmar day
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- A few kilometres beyond Thangu; about 30 km above Lachen
- Time needed
- 30 minutes–1 hour
- Best time
- May–June for flowers; December–March for snow and the frozen river
20.Dubdi Monastery
Above Yuksom, Gyalshing district
Dubdi Monastery, on a forested hill above Yuksom, is traditionally called Sikkim's oldest monastery, founded around 1701. A steep stone path climbs to it from the village where Sikkim's first king was crowned.
- Timings
- About 7am–4pm reported
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 3 km from Yuksom; 38 km from Pelling
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours with the walk
- Best time
- October–May
21.Enchey Monastery
Gangtok
Enchey Monastery sits on a ridge above Gangtok, among pines and prayer flags, and is the town's best-known gompa. Timings, the Chaam masked dance, history and how to reach it from MG Marg.
- Timings
- About 6 am–4 pm
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 3 km from Gangtok's main market
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Best time
- Year-round; January–February for the Chaam dance
22.Ganesh Tok
Gangtok
Ganesh Tok is a tiny Ganesh temple on a hilltop above Gangtok at about 6,500 ft, with one of the best views over the town and, on clear days, Kanchenjunga. Timings, distance and how to pair it with Hanuman Tok and Tashi View Point.
- Timings
- About 6 am–7 pm
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 5–7 km from MG Marg
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Best time
- October–May, early morning
23.Hanuman Tok
Upper Gangtok, off the Nathu La road
Hanuman Tok is an army-run Hanuman temple on a hilltop above Gangtok, with one of the best Kanchenjunga views near the city. Here are the timings, the legend and how to fit it into a Gangtok sightseeing day.
- Timings
- Roughly 5am–7pm (some sources say 5pm)
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 8–11 km from MG Marg, 20–30 minutes
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Best time
- October–March for mountain views
24.Kanchenjunga Falls
Pelling–Yuksom road, West Sikkim
Kanchenjunga Falls is a 100 ft waterfall right by the Pelling–Yuksom road, about 24 km from Pelling, fed by Kanchenjunga's snowmelt and flowing all year. It's the easiest big waterfall stop in West Sikkim.
- Timings
- Daylight
- Entry fee
- About ₹20 reported; some guides say free
- Distance
- About 24 km from Pelling; 10 km from Yuksom
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Best time
- July–October for full flow; October–April for dry roads
25.Lachen Monastery
Lachen, North Sikkim
Lachen Monastery (Ngodub Choling) is a Nyingma gompa above Lachen village, the overnight base for Gurudongmar Lake. A short visit on the arrival evening. Timings, permit and how to reach.
- Timings
- Roughly daylight hours
- Entry fee
- Free; donations welcome
- Distance
- Short drive or walk from Lachen village; about 110–120 km from Gangtok
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Best time
- March–June and October–December
26.Lachung Monastery
Lachung, North Sikkim
Lachung Monastery is a small Nyingma gompa above Lachung village in North Sikkim, with views down the Lachung valley. Best visited on the evening you arrive or the morning before Yumthang. Timings, how to reach and permits.
- Timings
- Roughly daylight hours; prayer times vary
- Entry fee
- Free; donations welcome
- Distance
- About 2 km from Lachung village; about 120 km from Gangtok
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Best time
- March–June and October–December
27.Naga Falls
North Sikkim Highway, Mangan district
Naga Falls is a large roadside waterfall on the North Sikkim Highway between Mangan and Chungthang, the first big falls on the drive from Gangtok to Lachung and Lachen. A quick stop, at its best after the monsoon.
- Timings
- Daylight
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- Roughly 70–80 km from Gangtok
- Time needed
- 15 minutes
- Best time
- June–October for the most water
28.Rabdentse Ruins
Near Pelling, Gyalshing district
Rabdentse was the second capital of the kingdom of Sikkim, from 1670 until Gorkha invaders destroyed it in 1814. Its ruined palace walls and chortens stand in forest near Pelling, with views of Kanchenjunga.
- Timings
- About 8am–5pm
- Entry fee
- Free or a small fee; reports differ
- Distance
- About 3 km from Pelling
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Best time
- October–May
29.Ralang Monastery
Ralang, near Ravangla, South Sikkim
Ralang Monastery near Ravangla is one of Sikkim's largest Kagyu monasteries, with a richly painted prayer hall and masked dances in winter. Timings, festival dates and how to reach.
- Timings
- Roughly 7 am to 5 pm
- Entry fee
- Free; donations welcome
- Distance
- About 13 km from Ravangla; about 120 km from Gangtok
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour
- Best time
- October–May; the Pang Lhabsol and winter dances draw crowds
30.Samdruptse (Guru Padmasambhava Statue)
Samdruptse Hill, Namchi, South Sikkim
Samdruptse Hill above Namchi has one of the world's tallest statues of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), Sikkim's patron saint, facing Char Dham across the valley. Timings, entry and how to reach.
- Timings
- Roughly 8 am to 5 pm
- Entry fee
- Small fee, reported as about ₹20–30; check locally
- Distance
- About 7 km from Namchi; about 75 km from Gangtok
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour
- Best time
- October–May
Samdruptse (Guru Padmasambhava Statue): full guide, how to reach and tips →
31.Tashi View Point
North Sikkim Highway, Gangtok
Tashi View Point, on the edge of Gangtok, is the town's classic sunrise spot for Kanchenjunga. Timings, the free entry, the drive from MG Marg and when the mountain is most likely to be clear.
- Timings
- About 5 am–6 pm
- Entry fee
- Free; binoculars about ₹10
- Distance
- About 7–8 km from MG Marg, 20–25 minutes by car
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Best time
- October–December and March–May, at sunrise
32.Temi Tea Garden
Temi, Namchi district, South Sikkim
Temi Tea Garden is Sikkim's famous tea estate, set up in 1969 by the last Chogyal on a long hillside between Ravangla and Namchi, now growing organic tea. Walk the rows, visit the factory and drink a cup where it's grown.
- Timings
- Daylight; factory visits on working days
- Entry fee
- Free to walk the roadside rows
- Distance
- About 20–22 km from Ravangla and Namchi; 55 km from Gangtok
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Best time
- March–May and October–November
33.Thangu Valley
Thangu, above Lachen, North Sikkim
Thangu is a high valley and small settlement at about 3,900 m above Lachen, the breakfast and acclimatisation stop on the way to Gurudongmar Lake. Rhododendrons in spring, snow in winter. Altitude, permits and tips.
- Timings
- Early morning on the Gurudongmar day
- Entry fee
- Free
- Distance
- About 30 km from Lachen; about 35 km before Gurudongmar Lake
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Best time
- April–June for rhododendrons; October–December for clear skies
Best time to visit Sikkim
March to May for rhododendrons and pleasant weather, and October to December for the clearest mountain views. Snow is likely at Tsomgo, Nathu La and North Sikkim from December to March. June to September brings landslides that can close roads.
Sikkim weather month by month →How to reach Sikkim
Fly to Bagdogra or take the train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP); Gangtok is about 120 km, 4–5 hours by road. Pakyong airport near Gangtok has limited flights. Permits are needed for Tsomgo, Nathu La and North Sikkim, arranged through a registered operator.
See Sikkim with a local team
Private trips with a driver, hotels and permits arranged, built around the places above.
Sikkim tour packages →Sikkim: frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Sikkim?+
Six to seven days covers Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake and North Sikkim. Add two or three days for Pelling and West Sikkim.
Do I need a permit for Sikkim?+
Indian travellers need permits for Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, North Sikkim and a few other protected areas, but not for Gangtok, Pelling or Ravangla. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit to enter Sikkim.
When can I see snow in Sikkim?+
December to March at Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, Zero Point and Gurudongmar, and sometimes into April at the highest points.
Which are the must-visit places in Sikkim?+
Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, Yumthang Valley, Gurudongmar Lake, MG Marg in Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery and the Pelling skywalk.
More places to visit in Northeast India
- Places to visit in Darjeeling
- Places to visit in Meghalaya
- Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh
- Places to visit in Gangtok
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- Places to visit in Cherrapunji
- Places to visit in Tawang
- Places to visit in Pelling
- Places to visit in Guwahati
- Places to visit near Guwahati
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- Offbeat places to visit in Meghalaya
- Places to visit in Gangtok and Darjeeling
- Places to visit in North Sikkim
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