Top 10 Places Sikkim

 Top 10 Places of SIKKIM

Paradise of the Botanists

10. Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is a large monastery located about 24 kms away from Gangtok. It is a Centre of learning of the Kagyupa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The XVIth Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorjee founded this monastery in 1962.

9. Namchi

The appellation Namchi means Sky (Nam) High (Chi) in Sikkimese. Namchi is situated at an altitude of 1,675 m (5500 feet) above sea level. It is situated at a distance of 78 kilometres (48 mi) from the state capital Gangtok and 100 kilometres (62 mi) from the town of Siliguri, the nearest railhead and airport. Namchi lies off the road between Melli and Jorethang. Namchi is well connected to other towns in Sikkim and West Bengal. Jeeps and buses regularly ply between Namchi to Gangtok, Pelling, Jorethang, Kalimpong and Siliguri.

Do make a visit to Ralang Monastery, Doling Gompa, Namchi Monastery, Ngadak Monastery, Serdup Choling Monastery and Char Dham.
Best time to visit Namchi
This region experiences three major seasons in a year; summer, winter and rain storm.

 BEST TIME TO VISIT

March to May is a good time to visit Namchi when the temperature remains moderate. Another good time is between the months of September to November.
If you want to attend the flower show festival, then visit during the month of February. Numerous species of Himalayan flowers bloom in beautiful shades.
The annual tourism, culture and local food festival is held on the month of October.

8. Pelling

View of Kanchenjunga From Pelling

Elevation: 8,586 m (28,169 ft)

Pelling, a beautiful town in the West district of Sikkim, has become the second biggest tourist destination in Sikkim after Gangtok. The famous Pemayangste monastery is less than a kilometre from here and is a major tourist hotspot. Pelling also has sites for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations, apart from serving as a base for a number of treks in the region. The scenic town of Pelling is a perfect holiday destination for all nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

A destination for all seasons, Pelling has hotels and resorts catering to all budgets. Named after the guardian deity of Sikkim, Khangchendzonga Festival is held at Pelling every year.

 BEST TIME TO VISIT

Pelling is at the altitude of 2000meters, where the temperature in summer goes up to 25 degrees Celcius and comes down to 1 degree Celcius in winters. It is quite warm and pleasant in summer. The monsoon season is from July to September. Pelling can be visited at all times of the year, however, it is best to avoid a trip in the monsoon season.

7. Yumthang valley

Witness the magic of the nature with the natural beauty of the impeccable mountains and the surroundings full of flowers with the Yumthang valley. Situated in North Sikkim and offers numerous serene beauties that nurture soul. It is located 140 km away from Gangtok. Get bewildered with picturesque view and breathtaking surroundings by doing Yumthang Valley tour.

 BEST TIME TO VISIT

This place is surrounded by flowers and has been called as the “Valley of Flowers”. The rare view and exotic location is mind blowing. This place is situated in 3564 meters and perfect view for the natural lovers and it houses the Shingba Rhododendron flowers that bloom from February to June.

PERMIT

Yumthang valley is under army control so protected area permit is must to visit this place which you grant from Gangtok Tourism office. There are alternative also through tour operators also you can arrange the permit.

6. Zero Point

Located at a height of 15,300 feet, there is no reason to visit Yumesamdong than for the sheer gorgeousness of its landscape. It has earned the nickname, Zero Point, since it is here that the road comes to a literal end. The Indo-Chinese border is a stone’s throw away from Yumesamdong and tourists are not allowed to go any further beyond this point.

Yumsesamdong is usually covered as a park of a three-point tour that takes you across North Sikkim to Lachung, Yumthang Valley and Yumesamdong/Zero Point. Only government registered vehicles are allowed in this part of Sikkim. The best way is to halt at Lachung overnight and head to Yumsesamdong early next morning.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Take a taxi to Zero Point early morning from Lachung since visibility is better around this time at such high altitudes. The best time to visit is between April and May

5. Nathula Pass

Nathu La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that co-joins Sikkim and China. Situated on the Indo-Tibetan border 14450 ft. above sea level, Nathu La is one of the most important Himalayan passes in the country. Nathu means 'listening ears', and La means 'pass'. Nathu La is one of the three open trading border posts between India and China and is famous for its picturesque beauty and beautiful environment. The temperature here remains low for most parts.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Nathula Pass experiences heavy snowfall during winter. The temperature of this area may drop down to -25 degrees Celcius. If you really love snow, you can visit Nathula Pass in winter with thick woollen garments. May to mid-November is the summer season when the temperature ranges around 10 degrees Celcius.

HOW TO TAKE A PERMIT?

A valid permit to visit Nathu La Pass is given to only Indian Nationals. The permit is obtained by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. This can be done with the help of a registered travel agency. Valid identity proof and two photographs are necessary for the same.

4. Tsomgo Lake

 Height  12303 ft 

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim, some 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the capital Gangtok. Located at an elevation of 3,753 m (12,313 ft), the lake remains frozen during the winter season. The lake surface reflects different colours with change of seasons and is held in great reverence by the local Sikkimese people.
Key Attractions
Yaks and Mules ride .The beautiful flowers such as Yellow and Blue Poppies, Primulas, and Irish .Migratory ducks like the Brahmini.

BEST TIME TO VISIT  - January to March

3. Gurudongmar lake

One of the most beautiful, pristine lakes in Sikkim, Gurudongmar lake sits in close proximity to the Tibetan and Chinese border in the north. Nested amidst the mountains at 5,183 meters, the freezing alpine lake is amongst the major sources of the river Teesta. The lake takes its name after the eminent guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have traversed this region during his visit to Tibet. At an elevation of 17000 ft, Gurudongmar Lake is probably the most astounding lake on the planet.

 BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake is from March until June as the weather is pleasant and one can see clear crystal blue skies, with lush greenery in the surroundings along with beautiful and divine Gurudongmar Lake. The temperature during these months fluctuates between 5°C / - 5°C. The peak tourist season is from March until June.

2. MG Marg

Without visit this place Gangtok is incomplete. 'MG Marg' means Mahatma Gandhi Road is the town center of the hill town. The road and the area around it has transformed over the years. It is now more like a long stretch of open mall or boulevard square where locals and tourists take leisure stroll or just sit and relax on one of the many benches laid along the middle and both sides of the road to soak in the ambience. The road is lined up with glittering shops, restaurants, cafes & bars on both sides. Many tourists take a table on a roadside restaurant and watch the activities on the street. It's like a carnival like atmosphere out here. The annual Gangtok Food and Culture Festival is held here at MG Marg in December. 

1. Gangtok Ropeway

Gangtok is the most popular holiday destination of Sikkim, It is frequented by travellers all over the globe due to its scenic charm and beauty. apart from Tibetan buddhist centre, Gangtok is considered to be the base of hikers and trekkers for going through Sikkim's Himalaya mountain ranges. The starting point of the ropeway is Deorali Bazar which is situated in the heart of the city and easily accessible by most. Built in the year 2003, it connects to the Tashiling Secretariat via Sikkim Legislative Assembly. The visitors can have a panoramic view of the full Gangtok city while taking a ride in this ropeway. The ropeway also serves to de-congest the city, as people can traverse two parts of the city using the ropeway alone. 

          TIMINGS, BOOKING, PRICE

          Prices of a round trip journey (inclusive of taxes) are as follows:
          Differently abled person: Nil
          Children up to 3 years: Nil
          Children between 3 to 5 years (Both ways) : Rs. 68
          People above 5 years (Both ways): Rs. 130
          Monthly Pass (30 Days): Rs. 959        

Note

        * Online tickets are valid only up to 4:30 pm on the date of the journey.
        * Monthly pass need to be collected and applied for in person only at the ticket counter. You will     need to submit 2 stamp-size photos and a govt issued ID proof. The pass will be valid on all working days of the state government and is applicable for one 2-way ride per day for a period of 30 calendar days. Each month the process will need to be repeated for a new pass. The pass is non-refundable/non-transferable. Unused days/rides will not be carried forward.
        * The CABIN has a capacity of 24 persons + ropeway cabin attendant.
        * Ropeway Service is available from 9.30 AM TO 6.00 PM. Depending on sunlight and weather conditions the timings may be slightly adjusted on a day-to-day basis.

Weather in Sikkim

5°C to 25°C

Summer

(March to june)

5°C to 20°C

Monsoon

(July to September)

-7°C to 5°C

Winter

(October to Feburary)

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