Gangtok to Pelling- Yuksom- Namchi
Sikkim is one of the most favorite tourist destinations of India among tourists and travel enthusiasts. Because of its beauty and habitation in Himalayas, it provides a lot of diverse tourist destinations. The picturesque landscapes of Himalayas may fulfill your enthusiasm or may increase your desire of travelling vigorously.
Sikkim has distinguished biodiversity, lakes, rivers, valleys and mountain peaks etc. It also hosts Mt. Kanchenjunga which rises to 8,586 m or 28,169 feet from the sea level. It is the 2nd highest Mountain peak of India after K2 Mountain and third highest mountain peak on the Earth.
The Gangtok is considered to be a base for hikers and trekkers for going through Sikkim’s Himalayan mountain ranges. So fuel your craving of travelling or wanderlust by picking some tourist destinations of Sikkim for your next trip to the nature. Prepare your favorite bucket list from a variety of very well-known to some hidden jewels of Sikkim.
There are 3 different sectors or set of tourist places to visit in single journey of one week. If you want to visit all the places of Sikkim then you have to take at least 2 or 3 visits or one visit of 2-3 weeks.
1st Set: Gangtok (MG Market), Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Enchey Monastery, Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Bakthang Waterfall, Ridge Flower Park, Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park
2ndSet: Lachung, Lachen, Zero Point, Yumthang Valley, Gurudongmar Lake, TsoLhamo, Thangu valley, Mangan, Phodong Monastery, Teesta River
3rd Set: Ravangla, Geyzing, Rabdentse Ruins, Pemayangtse Monastery, Pelling, Rimbi Waterfall, Kanchenjunga Waterfall, Yuksom, Dubdi Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Biksthang, Singshore Bridge, Namchi, Temi Tea Garden, Chardham, Tendong Hilltop.
Best time to visit:
April to June or September to October
The best time to visit Sikkim starts through from April to June and September to October as the weather is pleasant and temperature ranges from 28-30 degree Celsius.
The monsoon months i.e. July and August are not considered very well for travelling because of heavy rain and landslides etc.
The weather during the winters i.e. from November to March is very harsh with temperature drops to subzero in some parts of Sikkim.
How to reach Gangtok, Sikkim:
By Air
The Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri, West Bengal is the nearest airport which is about 122 kms away from the capital of Sikkim i.e. Gangtok. The private taxi may charge around INR 2500-3500 from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok.
The Pakyong Airport, Sikkim is just 28 KM away from Gangtok. SpiceJetis the only airline which operates its flights from Kolkata and Guwahati under Government’s UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme.
By Rail
The New Jalpaiguri is the nearest Railway Station which is about 120 kms from Gangtok. It is well connected with major cities of the country like Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.
By Road
There are regular bus services from Bagdogra or Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok which almost take 4 hours to reach there.
Where to stay:
There are several high-range, mid-range and Budget hotels available in the Gangtok which can be chosen according to the need and budget. Always consider your priorities like distance from the main market or tourist attractions, serene and calm environment or great landscapes or from the hotel you may see Mount Kanchenjunga Peaks.
The Government Circuit House, CPWD Guest house and State Guest House are also available which can be booked as per their procedure.
Important Suggestion:
Decide your itinerary in advance because you have to take inner-line permit from the concerned authorities for visiting some important places in Sikkim. Accordingly, after reaching to Gangtok, talk to the Hotel Management Staff or your travel agent about your plan or go to Sikkim Tourist Centre, located at MG Road, for inner-line permit. The issuance of permit may take, atleast, a day. Photo identity proof and two passport size photos are required to get the permit.
What to see in Pelling, Namchi and nearby:
- Ravangla
- Geyzing
- Rabdentse Ruins
- Pemayangtse Monastery
- Pelling
- Pavi Waterfall
- Rimbi Waterfall
- Kanchenjunga Waterfall
- Yuksom
- Dubdi Monastery
- Khecheopalri Lake
- Biksthang
- Singshore Bridge
- Namchi
- Temi Tea Garden
- Chardham
- Tendong Hilltop
- Gangtok & Nearby
Ravangla
It is nestled amidst dense forests in Maenam and Tendong Hills. It offers outstanding mountain views and a paradise for the bird watchers, nature lovers and Trekkers. It homes to some most rare and endangered birds. Spot dark-throated thrush, verditre flycatchers, blue whistling thrush, babblers, cuckoos and several others. It is also famous for its gigantic golden Buddha.
Geyzing
Just 10 km before from Pelling, Geyzing emerges as a new major tourist destination. It is also known as Gyalshing by the local people. It is one of the main trading and commercial hub of the district.
Go to the river Rangeet to get amazing and stunning views of the Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Yangtey Hilltop
A nearby (2KM from Geyzing) hilltop hamlet, offers panoramic sights and majestic views of the city. Very close to some other famous tourist attractions such as Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga waterfalls, Rimbi Waterfalls, Rabdentse Ruins, Sewaro Rock Garden etc.
Pemayangtse Monastery
It is a yellow three-storey structure founded by Lama Lhastun Chempo in the year 1705. Its literal meaning is ‘perfect sublime lotus’.
It is the part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit starting with Dubdi Monastery, followed by Norbugang Chorten, Tashiding Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling Monastery and the Khecheopalri Lake.
The view of Mount Kanchenjunga is said to be a commanding and impressive from this monastery. It houses ancient paintings, carvings, Tibetan artifacts and sculptures. In February, the Cham festival is celebrated by the Lama’s in the most vibrant and extravagant manner.
Rabdentse Ruins
Rabdentse, second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814, was destroyed by the Gurkha invasion. Once, it was a man-made architectural marvel but now in ruins which have been declared as of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. From Pemayangtse Monastery, you need to trek down for around 2 kms to reach the ruins.
Pelling
One of the most visited beautiful towns of the Sikkim located at a height of 7,200 ft above the sea. The awe-inspiring scenic town is bestowed with natural beauty, lush green forests, varied wildlife, incredible views of Kanchenjunga range, several waterfalls, old monasteries and bridges over gorges.
Enjoy adventure with river rafting, mountain biking and go for trekking. The climate of Pelling is moderate throughout the year which allows you to visit this place at any time. But in winters you may get some snowfall too.
Rimbi Waterfall
Located at a distance of 18 km from Pelling en route to Khecheopalri Lake, it was constructed in early 70s during the reign of the last Sikkimese King. The State Government has developed the Sewaro Rock Garden here with rocks, pathways, pools, manicured gardens etc.
Kanchenjunga Waterfall
It is located at a distance 28 km from Pelling, 12 Km from Rimbi Waterfall and 10 Km from Yuksom. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sikkim and is normally active throughout the year.
Sanga Choeling Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries in the State, was built in 1697 AD. Situated on a ridge at a distance of 8 Km from Pelling and overlooking the famous Pemayangtse Monastery.
Pelling Sky Walk and Chenrezig Statue
Near Sanga Choeling Monastery, a new attraction is the gigantic 137 feet statue of Chenrezig (Avalokitesvara). A transparent Sky Walk made of glass leads to the statue.
Yuksom Valley
A serene but a quiet village Yuksom located on the top of Kanchenjunga National Park. It is very popular among the tourists and pilgrims for its pristine beauty and rustic appeal.
Several enthralling treks to the Himalayas or Kanchenjunga range start from Yuksom. This place is also known as the ‘Meeting place of Three Lamas’. It has historical monuments, ancient monasteries, tranquil waterfalls and serene lakes.
Dubdi Monastery
One of the oldest Sikkim monasteries, established in 1701, is just an hour’s trek from the village.
Kanchenjunga National Park
The literal meaning of the Kanchenjunga is the “abode of the Gods”. This park is the sanctum sanctorum for the Buddhists. It has a unique diversity of plains, rivers, valleys, lakes and snow-capped mountains spread in 1784 Sq km. This park has rich biodiversity and home to about 18 glaciers including the magnificent Zemu glacier.
It was declared as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in 2016 by considering its significant natural and cultural heritage. It is beautifully nestled in the heart of the Himalayan Range. It is also a biosphere reserve called Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve.
Read full article: Gangtok to Kanchenjunga National Park.
Goecha La Trek
The view of southeast face of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain, from Goecha La, was featured on the Rs.100 old note.
Goecha La is a mountain pass in Sikkim known for trekking and hiking. So plan a breathtaking adventure trip which is a difficult trek through one of the greenest regions in the world. The National Park supports a fine ecosystem with numerous species of unusual flora and fauna.
The trek itself is a challenging one in terms of distances to be covered in a day. Therefore, one needs to get properly acclimatized due to the huge changes in altitude over a small-time during this trek. The pass is still amazing to visit and one can view the beautiful Mt. Kanchenjunga from here along with a lot of other magnificent peaks.
The Goecha La trek starts from Yuksom which is about 90 Km both ways and can be covered in 10-11 days.
Read full article: Gangtok-Yuksom- Goecha La Trek.
Khecheopalri Lake
It is also known as Kha-Chot-Palri meaning the heaven of Padmasambhava or the land of hidden treasures blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. It is believed to be wish fulfilling lake as it exhibits tales of mystique and mythology. The lake is an integral part of the much admired valley of “Demazong” meaning valley of rice.
Biksthang
A picturesque village located at a distance of 119 km from Gangtok and 42 Km from Pelling. It is famous for splendid views and great landscapes and bird watching in green forests around it. The lap of nature, scenery and five peaks of Mt Khangchendzonga, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Narsing and Mt. Simvo will amaze you forever.
Singshore Bridge
Highest bridge in Sikkim and the second highest in the Asia, constructed over a gorge is an interesting place to visit. Perched at 100 m above the ground, this bridge is a total of 200 m long on Uttrey-Dentam Road near the Uttarey village of Sikkim.
Feel the thrill and blow of strong winds while standing in the middle of the bridge. Lush green surroundings make this place difficult to distinguish nature at base and mountain. Among the oldest bridge it connects two hills that shorten the travel time for vehicle and trekkers.
Namchi
It means Sky (Nam) High (Chi) in Sikkimese language. It is situated at distance of 78Km from Gangtok at height of about 5500 ft above sea level. Fast becoming a tourist spot and pilgrimage center, it is known for the Namchi Monastery, Ralang Monastery, Temi Tea Garden, Chardham and Tendong Hill etc.
A 118 feet statue of the Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche is also situated here. The Samdruptse hill or the Wish Fulfilling hill is opposite to Namchi.
Namchi is blessed with fresh air, breathtaking snowcapped mountains, natural scenic beauty and serenity. It hosts the popular Namchi Mahotsav, famous for tourism, culture and food festival, in the month of October every year.
Temi Tea Garden
It is the Sikkim’s only tea estate, which produces top quality tea in the international market. Enjoy the scenic view of Temi tea garden. The premium tea is marked by its exotic odour and flavor which is partly marketed under the trade name “Temi Tea”.
The guidelines issued by the Institute of Marketology (IMO) of Switzerland to produce organic tea have been adopted in the Temi Tea Garden. In growing organic tea, agro-chemicals are avoided by the tea estates that results in low production costs.
Chardham
Replicas of the “Dwadash Jyotirlingas” (the twelve jyothirlingas) of Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleswar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Viswanath, Triambakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageswar, Rameshwar at Rameswaram and Grishneshwar surrounding the statue of Lord Shiva can be seen at Char Dhams. Grand statue of Kirateshvar Mahadev and Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is also there.
Tendong Hilltop
Namchi is the main base for trekking to Tendong Hill and en route Damthang town is secondary base camp. Located at a height of 8530 ft above Damthang, one gets stunning views of the valleys from this hill top. It is a perfect spot for meditation.
The peaceful aura of this place makes it a choicest destination for a quiet holiday. Always take a tourist guide because you may encounter with some mammals like Himalayan Bears, Red Pandas and Leopards apart from about 90 species of birds found in the forest.
Gangtok & Nearby
Read full article: Gangtok – a quick travel guide.
Kanchenjunga National Park
Read full article: Gangtok to Kanchenjunga National Park.
Lachen, Lachun& Nearby
Read full article: Gangtok –Lachen-Lachun-Yumthang Valley.
Gangtok-Yuksom- Goecha La Trek
Read full article: Gangtok-Yuksom- Goecha La Trek.
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