Sikkim · 6 destinations & hidden spots
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, 24 km from Gangtok, East Sikkim
Perched atop a hill facing Gangtok 24 km away, Rumtek Monastery is the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage in exile. Built by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1966, this magnificent four-storeyed monastery enshrines rare Buddhist artwork, golden stupas, and ancient silk thangkas.
Jawaharlal Nehru Road, East Sikkim
Nestled in the rugged mountains 38 km from Gangtok along the Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Tsomgo is a sacred glacial lake frozen solid during winter months. Revered by Lamas who once read future fortunes in its shifting hues, it features yak rides, alpine flowers, and the world-class Sikkim ropeway.
Indo-China Border, 54 km East of Gangtok, East Sikkim
Standing at an altitude of 4,310 meters on the Old Silk Route, Nathu La connects Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Indian travelers can gaze directly across the international border fence, view the Chinese military posts, and pay respects at the nearby Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple.
Gangtok Ridge, 3 km northeast of city centre, East Sikkim
Built in 1909 on a pine-crested ridge overlooking Gangtok, Enchey ('Solitary Temple') belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. It is believed that spirits of Kangchenjunga and Yabdean protect this monastery, famous for its vibrant Cham dance during the annual Detor festival.
Swastik, near Ranka, East Sikkim
Surrounded by lush forested valleys 7 km from Gangtok, Ban Jhakri Falls cascades down 30 meters amidst landscaped gardens celebrating indigenous Lepcha shamanic culture. The park showcases traditional statuettes of forest healers (Jhakris), solar-powered energy exhibits, and scenic footbridges.
Deorali, Gangtok, East Sikkim
Constructed in 1945 by Trulshik Rinpoche, this monumental stupa houses complete Kangyur reliquaries and 108 Mani Lhakor prayer wheels turned by devotees. Next door stands the world-renowned Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, housing one of the world's largest collections of Tibetan scriptures and artifacts.
