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Places to Visit in East Sikkim

Tsomgo Lake is one of the most stunning places to visit in East Sikkim, at a distance of mere 38 km from the main town of Gangtok. Perched at a dizzying altitude of 12,400 ft., Tsomgo Lake, locally known as Changu Lake requires navigating a winding route that cuts through rocky mountains and narrow cliffs.Check in the mesmerizing resorts in Sikkim with scenic views and great services. 

The spring and summer seasons see the place bathed in a carpet of rioting floral colours, while a thick layer of snow awaits you during winters. Despite the stark contrast of the lake’s landscape during summer and winter, both seasons are equally beautiful! Another highlight of the trip is the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary which is home to several rare species of mountain wildlife!

Each season of Gangtok has something beautiful in itself as Tsomgo can be visited in any season and you will always discover something new there.

Location: East of Sikkim, Near Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Timings: Open 24 hrs

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Reigning at an altitude of 14,140 ft., Nathula Pass, winding through eastern parts of Sikkim, used to be a part of the famous old Silk Route, the ancient trade route linking India and Tibet. It is also one of the oldest mountain passes in India, and overlooks the Indo-China border, giving you a fleeting view of the beautiful Chumbi Valley. 

On a clear day, the lofty peaks of Bhutan’s Chomolhari massif rise up to greet you. Also, make sure to visit the world’s highest ATM at Thegu, which falls right on the way to the Pass. As a precautionary measure, do carry a portable oxygen cylinder to battle the threat of altitude sickness, which can turn into a fatal condition at high attitudes if not tended to immediately. 

Timings: Open on all days except Monday and Tuesday

Entry Fee: The permit fee is about INR 200 per person.

Location: East of Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

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Hanuman Tok is one of the most revered places to visit in East Sikkim, where troops of tourists and devotees flock every year. It is essentially a tribute to the Hindu God Hanuman, who is believed by the natives to have halted here while making his journey to Lanka, carrying the mountain of Sanjeevani. 

Besides the beautiful mythological tale, the soothing melodies and music that fills the temple’s atmosphere also entrances those who pay homage here. The temple is looked after and maintained meticulously by the Indian Army. If you’re blessed with clear skies, you can also treat yourself to mesmerising views of the surrounding Himalayan massifs, dominated by the magnificent Mt. Kanchenjunga!

Timings: 07:00 AM to 09:00 PM everyday

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

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Rumtek Monastery is nestled in the Rumtek District of Sikkim and is one of the best East Sikkim tourist places, located nearly 23 km away from the main town of Gangtok. Rumtek is also one of the largest and most popular monasteries of Sikkim, belonging to the Kargyu Sect of Buddhists. It also bears a striking resemblance to the famous Tsurphu Monastery of Tibet. 

The monastery also commands some of the most outstanding views of the neighbouring mountains and valleys. The half kilometre uphill walk from the entry gate of the monastery is a refreshing one. It is easily the grandest of all Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim. The main temple spans four stories, overlooks a the sprawling town of Gangtok. It is also famous as the Dharma Chakra Centre. You can’t miss out on the experience that Rumtek provides.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Entry Fee: INR 10 per person

Location: Tsurphu Labrang Pal Karmae Sangha Dhuche, Dharma Chakra Centre, Sikkim 737135

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Cradled by the Nathula Pass and Jelep La Pass on either sides, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, fondly known as ‘Baba Mandir’ is a posthumous tribute to a brave soldier of the Indian Army. Standing at a height of an astounding 13,123 ft., the temple is famous amongst devotees of Baba, who have confessed to having seen his ’soul’ wandering in the neighbouring mountains. 

It is believed that he watches over the Indian army at the border, and alerts them against any foreign threats. This memorial is frequented by various tourists and devotees, including army veterans. It is also one of the most interesting best East Sikkim tourist places.

Timings: The temple timings are 08:00 AM to 02:30 PM, everyday

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Location: Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, East Sikkim, Sikkim 737131

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One of the most celebrated research centres in the world of Tibetan history and culture, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is cradled by lush green forests of oak and birch. Located about only 2 km away from Gangtok, the building houses a spacious museum where numerous ancient artefacts, artwork, coins, statues of manuscripts in Sanskrit, Tibetan and Chinese are showcased. 

There is also a rich library that is a part of the institute, harbouring countless resources on Tibetan language, mountains, history and culture. The striking attributes of Tibetan architecture are mirrored in the institute’s grand exterior too. As a patron of history and culture, the Namgyal Institute is one of the unmissable places to visit in East Sikkim.  

Timings: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM, from Monday to Saturday.

Entry Fee: INR 10 per person

Location: Deorali, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

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Nestled in Gangtok’s Tashi district, the Tashi View Point is a favourite amongst tourists and natives alike. A beautiful vantage point to the sweeping views of the magnificent Kanchenjunga Range, the place is best known for the predawn views of the snow capped peaks. If you reach here before 05:00 AM, you can see the magical, although momentary, phenomenon that occurs when the first rays of sunlight break on the massive peaks, shrouding them in a surreal golden hue. 

Not only that, these peaks keep switching colours throughout the day, turning into a blissful orange-pink at dusk! Do carry a set of binoculars if you wish to observe this more closely though.

Timings:  05:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 737107

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One of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim, Enchey Monastery dates back 200 years, when it was owned by Lama Dhrupthob Karpo. A mere 10 minutes’ drive from Gangtok, the monastery is defined with a classic Chinese Pagoda on the top, along with several strokes of Chinese architectural style that adorn the walls. 

There is a massive prayer hall, which carries countless images and portraits of various Gods, Goddesses and Tantric murals. The building was restructured in the year 1909, under the orders of Sidkeong Tulku. One of the most fascinating East Sikkim Tourist Places, this magnificent monastery is currently home to about 90 monks!

Timings: 06:00 AM to 04:00 PM everyday.

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 737117

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Perched at an altitude of 12,500 ft., Tukla Valley is a doorway to the mesmerising views and beauty of the Tibetan Highlands. The towering Kanchenjunga ranges, including the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga, tower the panoramic canvas of the valley. The valley is just a little beyond the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. It carries distant echoes of the Tibetan landscape, and houses a small war memorial which was erected as a tribute to the British soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Tukla. 

It is a fairly offbeat adventure, to venture into the valley, and a highly rewarding one. Ideal for adventure seekers and explorers. As the valley skirts the Indo-China border, it also affords a clear view of the Chinese water towers!

Location: East Sikkim

Timings: Open for 24 hrs

Entry Fee: No entry fee

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Resting on a beautiful hillock, the stupa is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in East Sikkim. Located within the vicinity of the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, the hillock that supports the stupa had been believed to haunted by the natives several years ago, before the stupa was built. The deaths of several tourists was also attributed to the ‘evil spirits’ that haunted the hill. The great Guru Rinpoche, or Padmasambhava visited this place, and cleansed it off all evil by banishing the spirits forever. 

This is how the famous Stupa was born in the year 1945. Adorned with a beautiful golden dome, the iconic Dro Drul Chorten Stupa is visible from nearly any place in Gangtok! A fascinating sight is many Buddhists rotating these prayer wheels, and the synchronised chanting of ‘Om Mane Padme Hum’ that fills the atmosphere.

Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM everyday.

Entry Fee: No entry fee.

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

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The Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Gardens and Institute of Research sits within close proximity to the famous Rumtek Monastery in East Sikkim. It is home to countless floral species, including those of orchids, which the garden is best known for! There are plenty of other rare botanical treasures that call it home, including temperate forests of oak trees.

 A massive greenhouse has also been installed in the garden, majorly for nurturing various kinds of orchids. The garden also has a small play area for children, which also doubles as a picnic spot. If you’re a biology fanatic, this place is an absolute must-see for you!

Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Location: Sikkim 737135

Entry fee: No fee

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The Gangtok Ropeway was inaugurated in the year 2003, and is one of the most thrilling places to visit in East Sikkim! The ropeway’s dual cables are hoisted at a height of 100 ft., and spans one km. The zig-zag ride begins from the ticket window at Deorali, very close to the Namgyal Institute to Tibetology. 

The thrilling cable ride is a window to some of the most unmatched panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas, along with the undulating trails of misty valleys. The city of Darjeeling unfolds right before your eyes, offering you a bird’s eye view of the sprawling expanses. It is one of the most unmissable experiences in Sikkim.

Timings: 09:30 AM to 04:30 PM

Entry Fee: INR 110 per person

Location: Deorali, Gangtok, Sikkim

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Sitting about 6 km away from Gangtok and right next to the famous Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok is a quiet little temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It was built by Shri Appa B. Pant, a former Political leader of Sikkim. It is also one of the most famous view point of Gangtok, and offers sweeping bird’s eye views of the town of Gangtok down below. 

You will also realise that many trending photos of Gangtok have been captured from here! The forested hills, foggy valleys and snow-clad mountain peaks only magnify the beauty of the temple. If you’re there on a clear day, you can also see the magnificent peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga rising to greet you!

Timings: 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

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One of the most beautiful, yet least explored places to visit in East Sikkim, Bakthang Waterfall is spread against a backdrop of the Eastern Himalayas. It is an hour’s drive from the main town of Gangtok, and perfect if you’re an explorer seeking untrodden paths and some peaceful quiet. 

The fall waters originate from the river Ratey Chu, and cascade down as beautiful silver threads, the roaring of which can be heard even from a distance. It is frequently haunted by nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts every year. The melodious gushing of waters, coupled with the forested beauty and the beautiful Himalayan background is a captivating experience.

Timings: 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM everyday.

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim, 737103

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Marked as one of the oldest lakes in Sikkim, Aritar Lake, also known as Lampokhari Lake is a sprawling, emerald watered lake which closely resembles a boot. The banks of the lake are graced by a lovely little shrine built in the memory of the revered Guru Padmasambhava. Nestled amidst a dense forest of pine, the lake looks like an emerald jewel. 

Conveying peace and serenity, the lake also allows boating. It is one of the most easily accessible places to visit in East Sikkim, as it sits in touching proximity to Gangtok. Ideally, the natural beauty of the lake is best experienced during the months of March to May, when summer reigns, bathing everything in a delightful green shade.

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim, 737103

Timings: Open 24 hrs

Entry Fee: No entry fee

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The sprawling Himalayan Zoological Park in the hearts of East Sikkim is a paradise destination for biology and wildlife enthusiasts! Spanning over 205 hectares, the sylvan beauty of the park is also a doorway to unmatched views of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga. There is a stunning array of mountainous flora and fauna that call this park home, crisscrossing the trails in a lovely medley of spring colours during summers. 

One of the least explored national parks of India, the Himalayan Zoological Park offers you an almost guaranteed sighting of the elusive species like the Himalayan Red Panda, Monal Pheasant, Palm Civet and Snow Leopard!

Timings: 08:30 AM to 04:30 PM everyday

Entry Fee: INR 60 per head

Location: Bulbulay, East Sikkim, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

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Entry Fee: No entry fee

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Nathang Valley is the best kept secret of East Sikkim! Sitting at an elevation of 13,500 ft., the valley is fondly known as ‘Ladakh of East Sikkim.’ Nathang is a lovely little village, which has been off the beaten paths of tourism for long. The village falls on the Old Silk Route, which links India and China via a trade route. 

A remote Tibetan village in the Eastern Himalayas, Nathang remains shrouded under a thick veil of snow throughout winters, offering thrilling opportunities of skiing and other winter sports! There is a beautiful frozen pond near the Durga Temple, where the Brahmin Duck is commonly seen. There’s also a small Buddhist monastery which sits shaded in the extreme right of the valley, untouched by tourism. If you’re an explorer at heart, Nathang Valley is heaven for you.

Entry Fee: No fee

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