Sikkim is one of the most beautiful places situated in the North East of India. It is the second smallest states in India and if you are an avid traveller you must visit this place. Nature at its best from rough mountains and deep valleys, to dense forest, flowing rivers and waterfalls, divine surroundings, humble people and delicious food  are the key signs of Sikkim.

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim state and the central location for all your travels. By air the nearest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri, 120 km from Gangtok. For train travel the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (188 km) and Siliguri (145 km) away from Gangtok, you have to further board a bus or hire a taxi to reach Sikkim.

Let's check out the top 10 destinations you must visit in Sikkim.

 
1.    Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park
Ban means ‘forest’, and Jhakri means ‘healer’. This park has a 100-foot natural waterfall, paved pathways, footbridge around the park with many trees and flowering plants. There is also a manmade lake here with a dragon in the center which makes it an ideal picnic spot. You can click many photos here in traditional apparels which are available at a very nominal rate.

2.     MG Marg, Gangtok
MG Marg is one of the must-visit places of Sikkim. This place has all sorts of shops including souvenir & gift stores, clothing stores, handicraft items, shoe shops, pharmacies and convenience stores. There are numerous restaurants and cafes too where you can enjoy some delicious traditional food. 

3.    Hanuman Tok
It is believed by the locals that Lord Hanuman had rested here for a moment when he was on his way to Lanka from the Himalayas carrying the Sanjeevani Buti to cure Lakshman. ‘Tok’ means temple, so it’s a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is popularly also known as the wish fulfilling temple and is maintained by the Indian Army.
 

4.    Ganesh Tok
It is one of the most popular Ganesh temples in Sikkim situated at 6500 meters above sea level on a beautiful hilltop. You can see Gangtok town and the snow- capped mountains including Kanchenjunga from a viewing lounge with glass panels just next to the temple.  

 
5.    Flowers Exhibition Centre
Nature Lovers must go and visit this place. A variety of flowers will bring a smile on your face. The best time to visit this place is between March to June when the Orchids are in full bloom and put on display with a collection of other flowers too. This place can be visited any time between 9am to 5pm.

6.    Nathu La Pass
This pass is one of the open trading border post between India and China and is located at an altitude of 4310 meters above sea level. Only Indian nationals with a valid permit from the Tourism and Civil  Aviation Department can visit this pass. Enroute this pass you get to experience nature at its best with snow covered mountains, waterfalls the Tsongmo Lake and much more.

7.    Tsongmo Lake
Tsongmo Lake also known as Changu Lake is a glacial lake in Sikkim located at an elevation of almost 3780 meters above the sea level. This lake falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit issued by the Police Check Post is required by Indians to visit this place. This lake is oval in shape and 15meters deep and remains frozen during the winter months. You can also hop on a yak and go for a yak ride or click some pictures against the spectacular view.

8.    Baba Mandir
Baba Mandir is a holy shrine constructed to show reverence to Baba Harbhajan Singh, a soldier of the Indian Army. Hundreds of people visit this shrine which is believed to have wish-fulfilling powers. Locals still say that Harbhajan Singhji comes in the dreams of soldiers to direct them to safety. You need a permit to visit this place too and the best way to get it easily is through a local travel agency.

 
9.    Namchi
Namchi also known as Namtse is the capital of South Sikkim. Namchi is known for its natural beauty, nestled at an altitude of 1315 meters in the lap of the Himalayan range this place is blessed with pleasant climate and green mountains with lots of trees as far as one can see. 

In Namchi you can explore Ngadak Monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries and Ralang Monastery which has an extensive collection of paintings and much more. 

The Major attractions are Char Dham also known as Siddheswar Dham famous for the Shiva temple which has a towering statue of Lord Shiva in a sitting posture almost 108-ft tall. 

The world’s largest statue of the Buddhist Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) the patron saint of Sikkim with a height of 118 feet is on the Samdruptse hill just 5km away from Namchi.
 

10.    Khecheopalri Lake
The Khecheopalri Lake originally known as ‘Kha-Chot-Palri’ which means the heaven of Lord Padmasambhava is a sacred lake situated in the Khecheopalri village. The lake is a pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus. An interesting feature of this place is that leaves are not allowed to float on the lake, which is ensured by the birds that pick them up as soon as they drop into the lake surface. 

Also, explore other exciting places - 

1.    Himalayan Zoological Park
2.    Ropeway
3.    Khangchendzonga National Park
4.    Pemayangtse Monastery
5.    Rumtek Monastery
6.    Phodong Monastery
7.    Trekking at Mt. Kanchenjunga
8.    Namgyal Institue of Tibetology - 1958
9.    Do Drul Chorten Monastery

For more information on group or customized Sikkim tour packages please visit www.trinityairtravel.com or call us on 1800 266 5588.