Sikkim & Darjeeling

Crowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Sikkim’s prized possessions, the Kanchendzonga National Park is home to the majestic Mt. Kanchendzonga, its namesake. Nestled in the laps of Himalayas, the park is also a biosphere reserve, housing rich biodiversity.

Stretched over an area of 1,784 sq.km, several trek routes, including those leading to Goechala, and Dzongri meander through the verdant hearts of this park. It also harbours 18 different glaciers, including the famous Zemu Glacier! Kanchendzonga National Park is one of the most favourite hiking trails amongst avid trekkers, who flock here from around the world to behold the splendour of Mt. Kanchendzonga, world’s third highest peak.

Location: Sikkim

Also known as ‘Changu Lake’, Tsomgo is a glacial lake perched atop a staggering 12,310 ft. in Sikkim. It falls enroute Nathula Pass, on the Jawaharlal Nehru Road. Besides the glacial beauty of the lake, what makes the waters truly mesmerizing is the undulating reflections of the bordering mountains. The trail used to be a treacherous climb, but proper roads have been built now. Plan your vacation here anytime of the year as all seasons are best seasons to visit in Gangtok.

The path leading to the lake makes for a steep, challenging drive, but the rewards are well worth it. The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary also greets you about 10 km into you road, bearing promises of sightings of rare mountain wildlife like the red panda!

Location:East of Sikkim, Near Gangtok, Sikkim

One of the most famous mountain passes in India, the Nathula Pass is linked to a brand of the magnificent Old Silk Route in Sikkim. Reigning atop 14,140 ft., Nathula Pass is an ancient trade route connecting India and Tibet. If you’re blessed with clear skies on your trip to Nathula, the beautiful Chomolhari peaks of Bhutan greet you. 

The Indo-China border here is guarded by the armies of India and China, giving you a fleeting glimpse of the winding trails of Chumbi Valley. En route Nathula Pass sits the world’s highest ATM at Thegu! Considering the extreme high altitude of Nathula though, it is advisable to carry portable oxygen cylinders in order to keep the risks of altitude sickness at bay.

Location: East of Gangtok, Sikkim

Flanked by Nathula pass on one side and Jelep La pass on the other, Baba Mandir, also known as Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, is perched at a height of 13,123 ft.. It stands as a tribute to Baba Harbhajan Singh, a soldier who had lost his life, but whose soul is believed to wander in the mountain surrounding the temple. In fact, many have confessed to having seen the ‘spirit’ of Baba Harbhajan Singh, standing guard and warning the army against foreign attacks.

The place has now been turned into a memorial and is visited by troops of devotees every year. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Gangtok and Darjeeling. 

Location: Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, East Sikkim, Sikkim

Fondly referred to as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ of Sikkim, Yumthang Valley sits at an altitude of 3,500 meters, about 25 km away from Lachung. The valley is home to rich biodiversity, sits under a lush carpet of floral species that crisscross its length. 

The famous Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is also a part of Yumthang, which makes it one of the most unmissable places to visit in Gangtok and Darjeeling. Tall and lofty peaks guard either flanks of the valley, while the gurgling Teesta river dissects its verdant heart, making it a mesmerising sight to behold and it is one of the beast tourist places in North Sikkim! It is also one of the top most choices for camping amongst hikers, owing to the expansive beauty and lesser explored trails of the valley.

Location: North Sikkim District, Gangtok, Sikkim 

Banjhakri Waterfall is nested inside the heart of a forest about 10 km away from Gangtok, and falls enroute Ranka Monastery. Cascading down from 40 meters, its roar is almost entrancing. Spanning nearly 2 acres of lush green land, the place is also famous as a picnic spot amongst natives. 

The name literally translated into ‘healer of the forest’ and is a reference to a myth which states that there dwells a man in the rocks of the forest, and guards it from evil. There is also a manmade lake which sits at the base, graced by a magnificent dragon at its centre. The park with guards the waterfall is steeped in Shaman culture and traditions, which its architecture clearly mirrors.

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 

A paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, the Himalayan Zoological Park in Sikkim is spread over an area of about 205 hectares and commands mind-boggling views of the mighty Mt. Kanchendzonga. It is essentially an alpine forest which is home to a stunning array of flora and fauna. The elusive Himalayan Red Panda, Monal Pheasant, Snow Leopard, Palm Civet and Black Bear are some of the most rare species that can be sighted here.

The forest of its kind in Sikkim, animals are kept in nearly natural conditions, and well looked after. If you visit the park is the summer or autumn, the medley of floral colours that grace the landscape will take your breath away!

Location: Bulbulay, East Sikkim, Gangtok, Sikkim

Founded in October 1958, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is one of the most eminent research centres in the field of Tibetan culture and language. Situated nearly 2 km from Gangtok, the institute is cradled by a lush forest of oak and birch. The institute also harbours a museum, containing a rich Tibetan library, fully stocked with books on Tibet and the endless Himalayan mountains. 

Another fascinating sight is the clear reflection of the fine Tibetan architecture that the building carries. You can spend endless hours here, perusing books on Tibetan history, manuscripts written in Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Chinese, along with art work, statues and coins that are exhibited inside. It is simply one of the most fascinating places to visit. 

Location: Deorali, Gangtok, Sikkim

Enchey Monastery is a 200 years old Buddhist monastery that is only a 10 minutes drive away from the main town of Gangtok. Formerly owned by Lama Dhrupthob Karpo, the architecture of the monastery is adorned by the classic Chinese Pagoda design, which has attracted countless tourists over the years. 

The cavernous prayer hall is adorned with numerous images of Gods and Goddesses, along with a handful of Tantric murals. One of the most astounding tourist places in Gangtok and Sikkim, the monastery is currently home to over 90 monks! Having been reconstructed during the reign of Sidkeong Tulku in 1909, the architecture of the monastery bears striking touches of the Chinese styles.

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim

Perched in the laps of Yumthang valley, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is sandwiched beautifully between the Chomp Zomei and Chiba – Sagochen ranges. As the name unmistakably conveys, it is applauded for its unprecedented range of various rhododendron species that it fosters! Sprawled over 43 sq.km., it is one of the most sought after camping sites in Sikkim. 

A vibrant layer of colours covers the ground during the spring season, when floral beauty is at full bloom. The crystal ribbon of Yumthang Chu snakes through the valley, while dozens of resident and migratory birds find respite here. Skirting the Tibetan Plateau, the valley experiences extremely cold winters, with heavy, sometimes incessant, snowfall.

Location: Yumthang Valley, North Sikkim District, Gangtok, Sikkim

Perched over a little hill that sits at a walking distance from the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, the Do Drul Chorten Stupa is designed with a massive golden dome that can be viewed from almost any spot in Gangtok! The hillock that the stupa rests on is believed to have been haunted by evil spirits, resulting in the death of several visitors. 

When the great and revered Guru Padmasambhava visited this place, and blessed it, cleansing it of all the evil spirits. Thus, in 1945, the Stupa was born. It is a shrine of Dorjee Phurpa, also known as Vajra Kilaya, making it one of the most revered tourist places in Gangtok and Darjeeling. There are 108 prayer wheels here, rotated in a clockwise direction by Buddhists while chanting ‘Om Mane Padme Hum’.

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim

Tashi View Point is lapped in the Tashi district of Gangtok, and is a window to expansive views of the Kanchenjunga Range. The sunrise from here is something you should not miss out on if you’re visiting. The Kanchenjunga range sits shrouded in a golden-orange hue at the break of dawn, as the day’s first sun rays hit the peaks.

 Make it a point to reach the view point before 05:00 AM if you wish to catch this heavenly sight. Throughout the day, the peaks keep changing colours, looking just as beautiful each time. It is advisable to carry a pair of binoculars if you wish to have a closer look.

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 

Another one of the most unmissable places to visit in Gangtok and Darjeeling is the Gangtok Ropeway. It is a dual cable, zig-zag ride which was inaugurated in the year 2003. The capacity of the cable car is 24 persons, but during offseason, you may find very less tourists here, making the ride that much more joyful. The cable ride is 1 km long, one way, and hovers at a height of 100 ft.. The ticket window to the ride can be reached from Deorali, situated near the Institute of Tibetology. 

During the ride, you can feast your eyes on the sweeping views of the sprawling landscape of Darjeeling, while lofty hills and mountains ride up on either side. It is a truly mesmerising experience.

Location: Deorali, Gangtok, Sikkim

Besides the sprawling Eastern and Greater Himalayas surrounding the beautiful state of Darjeeling, it is best known for its iconic tea gardens that have been the subject of admiration of tourists for several years! The verdant stretched of tea gardens speak of misty early mornings, and the intoxicating aroma of tea plants blending in the cool mountain breeze. 

The Puttabong Tea Estate is the biggest and oldest in Darjeeling, and its landscape is dominated by the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga. Another estate best known for its organic tea leaves in Risheehat. Sungma, North Tukvar, Balasun, Happy Valley, and Ging Tea House are some of the most famous estates to visit.

Location: Darjeeling

Standing tall at an altitude of 2590 meters, Tiger Hill is the most famous and beautiful destination in Darjeeling. The most breathtaking time of the day is early in the morning, though. That is when the early rays of the rising Sun break on the snow capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga Range, bathing everything in a soothing, golden hue! This is the sight that visitors yearn to see, flocking to Tiger Hill in large numbers every year, just for a glimpse of this magnificent phenomenon. To add to this allure, the Hill is also a vantage point to staggering views of Mt. Everest itself! 

Tiger Hill is also the sixth highest peak of West Bengal, in addition to being the summit of Ghoom. And it is amongst the most phenomenal places to visit in Gangtok and Darjeeling.

Location: Darjeeling.

A quaint, sleepy little town in Darjeeling, Mirik sits about 50 km away from the main town of Darjeeling, making for a two hours drive. It houses several sweeping tea gardens that Darjeeling is celebrated widely for. While travelling to Mirik, make it a point to visit the well known Thurbo tea estate of Goodricke, and the Gopaldhara tea estate. Apart from the iconic tea gardens, the town also fosters a vast range of orange orchards, spread over the rich grasslands. 

The Mirik Lake is yet another relatively unexplored sight, where you can spend the best part of your evenings, or early mornings if staying overnight. While you explore the untrodden paths of Mirik, the mighty mountain peaks keep a close watch over you.

Location: Darjeeling

The Bastia Loop is a stunning railway loop in Darjeeling, and sits about 4 km away from the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Located on Hill Cart Road on the NH 55, this beautiful loop was built in 1919, and can be visited either by a toy train ride, or by a cab. Surrounded by rich floral species, the lush greenery of the blooming garden reaches the peak of its beauty during the summer and autumn season. A medley of floral colours carpet the area, and breathe peace into the atmosphere. 

The loop is also home to some of the mesmerising panoramic views of the snowcapped Eastern Himalayan massifs, along with the majestic Mt. Kanchendzonga. Take a leisurely stroll around the length of the loop, and drink in the verdant beauty.

Location: Near Ghoom, Darjeeling

Founded in the year 1875, the Yiga Choeling Monastery in Ghoom, also known as the Ghoom Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Darjeeling. The exterior of the structure was designed by Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, a distinguished Mongolian monk and astrologer. It falls under the care of the Gelukpa sect of Buddhists, and is marked by a massive, 15 ft. high statue of the Maitreya Buddha, installed under the orders of Lama Domo Geshe Rinpoche.

The statue is one of the oldest and the most massive in Darjeeling, crafted with clay imported from Tibet! The neighbouring beauty that haloes the monastery makes it one of the most frequented places to visit in Gangtok and Darjeeling.

Location: Ghoom, Darjeeling

The Peace Pagoda sits in touching proximity to the beautiful Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. Established in 1972, the place is essentially a manifestation of Lord Buddha himself, and emanates peaceful and non-violent vibes. The pagoda also displays four magnificent avatars of Lord Buddha, which lures several travellers and devout who pay homage here. 

The pagoda top commands terrific views of the landscape of Darjeeling unfolding under the unwavering gaze of the sprawling Kanchenjunga Range. Fun fact – The Peace Pagoda is the tallest free standing building in all of Darjeeling!

Location: West Point, Darjeeling

Tenzing Rock, as is evident, is a natural rock named after the legendary sherpa Tenzing Norgay. It is also used by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute for training its students in rock climbing. The right flank of the rocks ideal for all climbers – amateurs and professionals alike, whereas the left face of rock is dangerously steep, nearly vertical, and can be scaled only by professionals. 

Right opposite the Tenzing Rock is another famous HMI climbing areas known as the Gumbo Rock, bearing the name of Tenzing Norgay’s nephew, sherpa Nawang Gombu who was the first one to summit Mt. Everest twice. Though it isn’t as steep and challenging as the left face of Tenzing Rock, Gombu Rock demands prior rock climbing knowledge. 

Location: Jawahar Parbat, Darjeeling