Sikkim is definitely one of the smallest states in the country, but it can offer bigger wonders for mountain lovers. Let’s find some beautiful places in Sikkim.
Hill destinations are one of the most popular and demanding places of interest for most travel enthusiasts, and when it comes to the most picturesque state in India, Sikkim remains at the top of the list. Sikkim is one of the smallest states in India, yet it is packed with a handful of beautiful destinations clad with mountains that can take your breath away. Best known as the North-Eastern corridor of India, there are many destinations you can visit in 2026. Let’s find the top 15 destinations among them.
- Gangtok
Gangtok is the most appealing capital city of Sikkim, which is nestled in the Eastern Himalayan region. This kaleidoscopic tourist place is visited by millions of people every year, and it is the first choice for most people who are going to Sikkim. Although you can visit the place all year, the best time for visiting is considered to be March to April and October to November. This place can become very cold during the winter, but the warm welcome of the people will keep you toasty. You can also visit the Nathula Pass from here.
- Yuksom
Yuksom is one of the breathtaking destinations of Western Sikkim, which is best known for its magical views. There are many majestic treks that you can start from Yuksom that lead to the trails of the Himalayas or the magical Kanchenjunga. This pristine place was previously the capital of the city, which is also famous around the world as the ‘Meeting place of Three Lamas’. This Sikkimese village carries a lot of cultural and spiritual significance, and you can see some of the oldest monasteries here. The natural beauty of this place is unparalleled.
- Tsomgo Lake
The Tsomgo Lake is absolutely ethereal, and visiting this lake at high altitude will make you feel like you have entered a different dimension. Also known as the Changu lake, this place lies at an altitude of 12,400ft, and it is one of the highest lakes in India. The lake is located around 38 kilometers from Gangtok, and you can easily visit the place by car or jeep. It stays frozen during the winter, and its real charm comes out in the summer season. However, you would require a special permit to reach the lake and a guide, if possible.
- Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is a part of the historic ‘Silk Road,’ and this is a must-visit destination if you are in Sikkim. It is one of the highest motorable passes in the world, and the pass is situated at a height of 4,310m above sea level. This is the place where Sikkim connects with Tibet, and you can find some splendid views of the Chumbi valley of Tibet, along with snow-laden mountains. During the winter, it is best to avoid the place as it stays covered with heavy snow.
- Pelling
The name of Pelling comes along with Gangtok, as most tourism packages for Sikkim include this place. This place offers an amazing view of the captivating Himalayan Range. You can find here the views of the Himalayas and the Kanchenjunga Peak, and the best part is that you can enjoy the views directly from your hotel or homestay. This beautiful town is situated at a height of 7,200ft above sea level, and it consists of a handful of breathtaking views, natural beauty, several waterfalls, and many other attractions. This can be a gem of a place of the adventure lovers and outdoorsy people.
- Lachung
Lachung has its own way to make you fall in love with the place. This snow destination in Sikkim is situated at a height of 8,610ft, and it is best known for its surreal beauty, which sometimes feels unworldly. This scenic and charming hill destination is located in the northern part of Sikkim, and this quaint village is situated right beside the Lachung Chu River, which is better known as the Lachung Gompa. Want to know more about this place? Start reading ‘The Himalayan Journal’ written by British botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker.
- Ravangla
This place is situated among the Maenam and Tendong Hills. It is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim, especially in the southern part of the state. This scenic destination can be visited from both Gangtok and Pelling, and it also offers plenty of popular treks that people enjoy the most. This place is also known as a paradise for bird watchers, as you can witness some of the wildest and most diverse species of mountain birds. It is highly recommended to visit during April and May, when you can witness a full blossom with beautiful weather.
- Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek is one of thelargest monasteries in Sikkim, which is also one of the oldest and the most beautiful ones in the state. This monastery lies in the epitome of the Buddhist cultures and traditions, and people from many countries come to visit here. Visiting the place is quite easy as it is situated close to Gangtok. The monastery is also known as the ‘Dharma Chakra Centre’, where people come to sanctify their souls. The spiritual appeal of this place is quite high, and it offers an opportunity to know more about Buddhism. It is definitely a must-visit if you are in Sikkim.
- Namchi
Namchi, the cultural heart of South Sikkim, rests amid rolling hills and misty valleys. It is highly revered as the gateway to spiritual landmarks. The place hosts the towering Statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse and the serene Char Dham complex. Namchi blends tradition with calm town life, offering travelers quiet walks, local cuisine, and festivals that reflect Sikkim’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage and warm hospitality. Surrounded by forests and clouds, the town invites reflection, photography, and peaceful escapes year-round for nature-loving visitors alike.
- Do-Drul Chorten
This is the largest stupa in Sikkim and is considered to be a significant monument of their culture. This monument was built long ago in 1945 under the leadership of Truslshi Rimpoche, and it has a high prominence among all the other religious sites in India. This unique stupa is comprised of 108 Mani Lhakor prayer wheels and is considered to be the most peaceful place where one can connect with the inner self. This is a calm and spiritual place where you should not act disgracefully by dancing or playing music, which is done by most other Indians, and that is a huge shame for the country.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
This botanical garden is situated in close proximity to the Rumket Monastery, and it offers a magical experience. This garden is home to numerous rare and exotic species of plants and trees. Enriched with diversified flora and fauna, this garden also holds high medicinal value, and many plants are used for commercial purposes as well. It is a part of sustainable business and showcases how people and nature can work together. The best time to visit the garden would be from March to May, when you can witness the vibrant colors of the flowers.
- Zuluk
Zuluk, a quiet mountain village in East Sikkim, sits along the historic Silk Route, surrounded by dramatic Himalayan landscapes. Known for its winding hairpin bends, especially the famous zigzag road, Zuluk offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, including Mount Kanchenjunga on clear days. The village is rich in history, once serving as a transit point for traders. With its cold climate, alpine forests, and untouched beauty, Zuluk feels remote and serene. Simple homestays, starry nights, and misty mornings make it a perfect retreat for travelers seeking solitude, nature, and raw mountain charm
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
If you are trying to learn more about the Buddhist culture, practices, and traditions, the best place to learn them would be the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which was established back in 1958. This house is the largest institute of Tibetan culture that can be witnessed outside Tibet. Here you can find the rare relics from the 11th and 12th centuries, which show how ancient this culture is.
- Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley, known as the Valley of Flowers of Sikkim, lies at a high altitude in North Sikkim. It is cradled by snow-covered peaks, and during spring, the valley blooms with vibrant rhododendrons, primulas, and alpine flowers, painting the landscape in brilliant colors. A gentle river flows through lush meadows, offering a serene beauty. In winter, Yumthang transforms into a white wonderland. Remote, pristine, and peaceful, the valley offers breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and a rare connection with untouched Himalayan nature. It attracts photographers, nature lovers, and travelers seeking silence, beauty, and adventure.
- Gurudongmar
Gurudongmar is definitely one of the most beautiful glacier lakes in the world. It is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, situated at an altitude of 17,800ft. It is known as Tso Lhsmo Lake in the local language, and thousands of people come here to witness its ethereal beauty. This sacred lake is considered to be a blessing of nature, where a part of the lake never freezes.
