Attractive Tourist Places
Gangtok
Situated in the Shivalik Hills and lying at an altitude of 1437 m, it’s an important Buddhist Pilgrimage Centre. Gangtok is full of gompas, stupas, parks and gardens. Some of the major attractions in and around Gangtok are the Rumtek Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La Pass, Hanuman Tok etc.
Pelling
Pelling is a picturesque town. Places to visit include the local monastery, the rock garden and waterfall near Rimbi, the double-pronged Kanchenjunga Falls, Singshore Bridge, Changey Waterfalls and Khecheopalri / Khechuperi Lake. The Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Another attraction of Pelling is Sangachoeling Monastery. Khecheopalri Lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim. The lake is actually hidden in the forest. Another place to visit in Pelling is the Rabdengtse Ruins.
Lachung
Lachung is located at the confluence of River Lachen and River Lachung, which are tributaries of the Teesta River. The term Lachung means ‘small mountain’. The main attractions of Lachung tourism include the Lachung Monastery, which is also known as the Lachung Gompa, and the Yumthang Valley. Mount Katao is also a popular tourist destination near Lachung.
Ravangla
Located at an altitude of 7000 feet, Ravangla is a small town. Situated amidst the Maenam Hill and Tendong Hill, the destination has beautiful views of snow clad mountains and peaks such as Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Pandim, Mount Sinialchu and Mount Kabru. This destination is also one of the ideal locations to engage in activities like trekking and hiking. Some of the major attractions of Ravangla are Ralong Monastery and Bonn Monastery. In addition, travellers can also head towards the old historic market of Kewzing. Rayong Sunrise View Point is one of the most popular attractions.
Yumthang Valley
The valley is bounded by the Himalayas situated at an altitude of 11800 feet and close to Tibet. Yumthang Valley is known for its Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. It has around twenty-four species of rhododendron and primula flowers. The road between Lachung and Yumthang stays covered with rhododendron flowers on both sides, during the month of April and May, due to which it is called the Valley of flowers. The road to Yumthang from Gangtok moves alongside the Teesta River and passes over the Rang Rang suspension bridge. One of the major tourist attractions of this place includes Chungthang, the Sikkim countryside.
Namchi
Namchi, located at an average elevation of 1,315 metres. The Namchi Monastery, Ralong Monastery and Tendong Hill are some of the most prominent attractions of the destination. The world's largest statue of Buddhist deity Lord Padmasambhava, with a height of around 118 feet is located at the Samdruptse hill, which is another popular attraction. Namchi Rock Garden is another major attraction of the destination. In the month of February, the Namchi garden hosts an annual flower show which is famous for exotic and rare orchids.
Lachen
Lachen is a less-crowded scenic holiday retreat, known also as the gateway to the sacred Guru Dongmar and Tso Lhamu lakes, which belonged to the erstwhile Himalayan Kingdom, remained undiscovered for many years. Lachen is noted for its lush vegetation that consists of grasslands and shrubs. Apple orchards also attract the attention of visitors. The pine covered valleys and black cliffs of snowy-white peaks of the Eastern Himalayas start from Lachen which makes it the base station for many trekking destinations in the North Sikkim.
Nathula
Nathula, one of the highest drive roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks that co-joins Sikkim and China. In winter the place experiences heavy snowfall and the pass is blocked with snow. Many tourists come here every year for trekking in the valley. There are many waterfalls that come between the routes from Gangtok to Nathula. It also provides a chance to view snow peaks on the way. Near the pass, there is a lake called Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu.
Rumtek
Rumtek, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, is located in Gangtok. The structure of the monastery is huge and located atop a hill in the north-east of Gangtok on Nathula road. From there the Kanchenjunga range is clearly visible. The Enchey Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries of the region. Apart from the monastery, there are other tourist attractions in this place like Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary and Do Drul Chorten.
Pemayangtse
Pemayangtse is a popular Buddhist pilgrim centre in the western part of Sikkim. Surrounded by the Eastern Himalayas, the destination is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Pemayangtse Monastery, which is the main attraction of the region, is situated at an altitude of 2,085 metres. Tourists visiting the destination also visit Sangacholing Monastery. With several hiking and trekking trails within the close vicinity of Pemayangtse, this place is popular vacation destination among adventure lovers.