Things to do in Sikkim

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is an immensely popular spot in Sikkim, also known as Baba Mandir dedicated as the shrine of an ex-soldier named Harbhajan Singh. Located at an altitude of 13,123 ft and about 52kms from Gangtok, the temple falls in the route along the Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass. Today, the temple is visited by hundreds of people and devotees every day.
Baba Mandir is not considered as another temple, but there is a legend behind this unique temple which is believed to have wish-fulfilling powers. Legends date back to 35 years when Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment went missing one day while leading a pack of mules from his battalion at Tukla to Deng Dhukla, both remote areas located in East Sikkim. A manhunt was started only to find his body after 3 days. Since then, many of the soldiers had dreams of Baba asking them to build a shrine commemorating him. The temple is, hence, in memorium of Baba Harbhajan Singh who is regarded as a saint by the locals.

More than its religious significance, the temple is an interesting one that claims to have uncanny presence of Baba Harbhajan till the day. It is believed the saint visits the shrine every night, puts on his uniform and guards the entire area. People flock here in hundreds to get their wishes fulfilled. They leave bottles of water in rows in front of the shrine and take them back believing the water has magically curable traits.

There is no such festival celebrated here in Baba Mandir. But every year on 11th September, a jeep carrying Baba's personal belongings departs to New Jalpaiguri and a berth is especially reserved for the Baba in the train. He is accompanied by three soldiers to his home who take a small sum of money to Baba's mother as contributed by the soldiers.

Changu Lake of Tsomgo Lake is a pristine lake with wonderful surroundings and is one of the most visited tourist spots in Gangtok, Sikkim. The lake is located around 38 km from Gangtok linked through a snaky road amidst rocky mountainous topography with steep cliffs and rugged terrain. With an average depth of 50 ft, the lake is mostly frozen throughout the winter.
Considered among the top favorite and must visit places of Sikkim, the glacial lake is worshipped as a sacred one by the local people. The name is derived from the Bhutia language “Tso” meaning lake and “Mgo” that means head. At an altitude of 12,313 ft extended over a length of on 1 km with 0.5 km depth, the lake gets filled with water from the melting snow of the mountains surrounding the lake. The region enjoys a moderately high snowfall during the winter season and the lake is usually frozen during that period offering the visitors with several of options to try from.

The Tsomgo Lake is situated at the Indo-China border and the scenic beauty has an uncanny similarity with that of Switzerland. The main attraction of the lake lies in the fact that the color of the water keeps on changing as the surface of the lake reflects different hues in different seasons. For the same reason, it is considered as a sacred lake and the water is believed to have medicinal qualities. There are several prayer wheels surrounding the lake with colorful prayer flags fluttering to demark the region. The route to the lake is itself an adventure and a visual treat.

Yak ride is among the most popular to-do thing in the Tsomgo Lake. The yaks are mostly found at higher altitude ranging from 9000 ft and colorfully ornamented with their horns covered in woolen knits to make them more attractive. These yaks take the tourist for a round around the lake to cover the scenic beauty of the region. There are several small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva for the devotees to visit and worship. Needless to say, the entire area is a photographer’s paradise.

The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom Emporium is an Indian government initiated institute located in Gangtok which was established in 1957 with the sole purpose to promote and preserve the fine ethnic arts and crafts of Sikkim. It stands out for being the training-cum-production center with 20 more similar units spread all over in Sikkim.
This center was started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a promotional measure to encourage and propagate the craft and skills of local and village artisans. Today, the emporium is one of the major tourist attractions for thousands of people visiting Sikkim every year. The emporium is a repository of exclusive hand-woven blankets, carpets, shawls, apparels and all kind of furniture and other household decorative items.

There are separate stalls for traditional handicrafts, furniture, carpets, and several other products for display and sell both. It is pure delight to go for shopping inside the institute amidst colorful handmade objects. Even if you don't buy anything, the concept, efficiency, work mode and procedures are certain to lure you as well as enlighten you with the local craftsmanship.

It is a paradise for the ones who love to decor their house with classy and elegant handicrafts. Pick a thing or two as souvenir to commemorate your visit.

Do Drul Chorten is a Buddhist stupa located around 3 km from Gangtok and adjacent to Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Among the most magnificent and the biggest stupas in Gangtok, the stupa was constructed in 1945 under the leadership of Trulshik Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945 CE. There is a preaching center established by Dodhrubchen Rinpoche inside the premise of the Do Drul Chorten.
Legends say that the entire surrounding of this place was haunted by evil spirits killing many people who wandered around this place. It was after Trulshik Rinpoche visited the place for hermitage and built this stupa to repulse the spirits. There is a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, holy books (Kangyur) and special religious artifacts inside the stupa adorned with 108 prayer wheels known as Mani Lhakor in local language.

Do Drul Chorten is a must visit place for nirvana seekers, history lovers and photography buffs. The serene ambiance and the tranquility of the monastery have always attracted tourists and devotees since ever. Phurba, as it is better known as, the white Chorten Stupa is marked by a golden top dome which is visible from several places of Gangtok. Dorjee Phurba or Vajra Kilaya is the deity enshrined on top of the stupa, and the Chorten Lakhang surrounds the two huge statues of Guru Rinpoche, also known as Guru Padmasambhava. Among the major tourist attractions is the girdled prayer wheels that count up to a total of 108 with Om Mani Padma Hum engraved on them.

One must check out the Kanjur holy books, relics, complete mantras and several other religious objects that are preserved inside the stupa. There are several small stupas around the main one which makes the entire region attractive and a favorite among tourists. Another must visit place is the dharma preaching center established by the celebrated lama Dodhrubchen Rinpoche, and the building can accommodate over 700 monks.

Enchey Monastery is a 200-years old monastery that belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. Located around 3 km northeast of Gangtok, the location was blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo who had flying powers inherited from tantric art in Buddhism. The name of the monastery is derived from its literal meaning the solitary temple which was built in a small hamlet of Gangtok that became a religious centre later.
The monastery was first built in the 1840s by the 8th Chogyal which made it a popular pilgrimage. However, the present structure of the monastery dates back to 1909-1910 during the reign of Sidkeong Tulku. There are around 90 monks who reside in the Enchey Monastery, belonging to the Nyingma sect. The main deities worshipped in the monastery are Buddha, Loketeswara and Guru Padmasambhava, although many images of several gods, goddesses and religious significance are ornamented in the interiors of the monastery.

The Enchey Monastery is a tourist's favorite pious monastery that pays respect to Loki Sharia, Lord Buddha, and Guru Padmasambhava. The main attraction of the place is a massive metal roofed prayer hall with numerous colorful images depicting religious significance in some way or the other. The walls of the large prayer hall are entirely covered with paintings that include four religious kings, the deities of the four cardinal directions and the complete galaxy of Mahayan Buddhist deities. The shining golden cupola at the top of the monastery adds further to its beauty at the exterior.

Anyone can go and offer their prayers in the monastery which follows Nyingma Order of Buddhism. The unique architecture is an artistic adaptation of Gyanak Riwo Tse-Nga (the sacred mountain with five peaks) in China is a beautiful visual treat. The most attractive thing to do is to watch the Chaam dance which is a special prayer offered by the monks wearing masks. The festival is celebrated on the 18thand 19th day of the lunar month as per the Tibetan calendar. Last, but not the least, the captivating location amidst the beautiful surrounding is a thing to behold and relax your soul with.

Ganesh Tok is a small temple and famous viewpoint in Gangtok, Sikkim. Perched on a hill, the attraction offers awe-inspiring views of the Kanchenjunga hill. The temple on the hill is so small that only one can visit it at a time. There is also a lounge and a balcony in front of the temple. These are also the major highlights of the place. Moreover, Ganesh Tok is surrounded by mountains and hills. In all, the attraction is a well-suited place for photographers and nature lovers.

Located at an altitude of 17,800 ft, the Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world which lies in North Sikkim. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) who was the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. For the same reason, the lake is considered to be sacred. Another legend says that the spiritual leader of Sikhism, Guru Nanak blessed the lake in the 15th century while passing through the area.
The beauty of the lake and its surrounding is certain to sweep off your feet. The lake remains frozen in the winter during the months November to March. There are barren mountains in the surrounding and the snow capped Kanchenjunga range is also visible from here. The pure water of the lake seems surreal with beautiful hues of blue that creates ripples along the surface of the lake. Spread across the an area of 290 acres and the peripheral length stretching to 5.34 km, the lake is fed by glaciers and sits spectacularly in a high plateau area connected with the Tibetan Plateau.

The major attraction of the lake is its mesmerizing beauty which is topped with the serene atmosphere and several hues of blue. The water of the lake is so fresh and clear that the bed of the lake can be seen from the center of the lake. One can also climb up to a higher altitude to find yaks, blue sheep and other wildlife. Watching the snow capped Kanchenjunga range is also a major tourist attraction for the travelers visiting there in thousands every year.

The Gurudongmar Lake is a paradise for the nature lovers as well as for the photography buffs. At the same time, it is a place for the adventurous ones to explore. People should visit the region to find some solace amidst the tranquil ambiance. The route from Thangu to Gurudongmar that passes through the rugged terrain with high alpine pastures covered with many rhododendron trees is by itself an out of the world experience.

Khangchendzonga National Park also Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, located in Sikkim, is a National Park and a Biosphere reserve as declared in 1977 and inscribed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site as the first Mixed Heritage site of India. Covering a total area of 849.5 sq km, the biosphere reserve is located at an elevation of 6001 feet to 28,050 feet making it among the very few high altitude National Parks of India..
Located in Sikkim and bordered with Nepal to the west and Tibet (China) to the north-west, the biosphere reserve is one of the thirty-four biodiversity hotspots and includes vast natural forests supporting high species diversity with high levels of endemism. About 22 endemic and 22 rare and threatened plants are found in preserved in the area. While the flora is uniquely high, the fauna too is blessed heavily with several mammal species where the most prominent ones are musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, wild dog, red panda, Tibetan wild ass, Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, and reptiles like rat snake and Russell's viper.

Well maintained and extremely well preserved, the national park is strictly protected for the betterment of the wildlife and biodiversity. The boundaries for developmental, forestry, poaching, hunting and grazing on cultivation are well marked and circumscribed and hence the tourists would enjoy the wildlife and biosphere at their best. The spectacular wilderness, the sky-touching snow-clad peaks towering above the undisturbed forest with lush green vegetation is among the major attractions for the visitors.

While nature gazing can always be among the top things to do at Khangchendzonga National Park, the adventurous one would love to try trekking as lost of trek routes are available inside the park among which most routes starts from Yuksom. Come in touch with the Lepcha tribe to know more about their interesting culture, tradition and way of living.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a popular institute that promotes Tibetan culture, tradition, language, art, religion and more, and carries on researches in the same field. The construction defines the traditional Tibetan architecture located amidst lush greenery a sight that grab eyeballs of the tourists visiting there. The lush green grove where the institute stands tall, the serene aura attracts the visitors from all over the country.
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology has a stock of a huge range of Buddhist manuscripts and books, and houses several beautiful items like stunning cloth painting with Tibetan art painted on them, sacred knick-knacks, and statuettes to name a few. The foundation stone of the institute was laid by the 14th Dalai Lama on 10th February 1957 on the land donated by by the late King of Sikkim Tashi Namgyal, because of which the institute bore its name. The institute was inaugurated by then Prime Minister of India, Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 1 October 1958.

Embellished with golden lined towers, colorful frescos, mesmerizing murals and a wide array of windows on the top floor that overlooks beautiful sun-kissed peaks and scenic nature, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a must visit for people who are keen about the Tibetan culture traditionally celebrated at this part of the region. While the exterior portrays a mesmerizing Tibet-style mansion, the interior of the institute has a huge collection of artifacts that date back to the Vajrayana Buddhism and Tibetan culture. The major center of attraction is the majestic image brought from Tibet that depicts of Manjushri the Bodhisattva of knowledge.

There is a library in the first floor with the largest collection of Tibetan literature in the whole world. The museum in the ground floor is a must visit to check out the unique collection of statues, coins, masks, thangkas, Tibetan art work & objects, and ancient manuscripts being stored as collected from the great monks and kings. One can also visit the souvenir shop Asta Mangala Art to pick items like German silverware, typical Sikkimese clothing, etc.

Nathula Pass is one of the most favorite tourist destinations in Sikkim. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas in Sikkim, it is a mountain pass that is nestled at an elevation of 14140 feet and the high altitude doubles up as one head towards the Indo-Chinese border that serves as the trade link between India and China. It is among the highest passes that are accessible via motorable road by tourists.
Nathula Pass is literally derived from Nathu meaning “listening ears” and La meaning “pass” in Tibetan language. The area isn’t permissible for foreigners, and the Indian citizens have to obtain a permit in Gangtok to visit the pass. Forming a part of the ancient Silk Road, Nathula is one of the three open trading border posts between China and India.

The region is a tourist’s hotspot especially during the summer when travelers flock in the pass to experience the unusual phenomenon of the cold wind blowing across at great speed. The vegetation is rich giving rise to lush flora, and it graduates from sub-tropical forest at its base, to a temperate region, to a wet and dry alpine climate, and finally to cold tundra desert devoid of vegetation as it goes up in altitude. The change of vegetation from green to rugged terrain is a wonderful experience to sight.

Though you will not sight many humans, the chance to catch a glimpse of yak, Tibetan graziers, sheep and pashmina-type goats is huge. Go for trekking, albeit with an experienced local guide. Photographers would have a luxurious time exploring the area which is a exceptionally beautiful.

Rumtek Monastery, also called the Dharmachakra Center, is a gompa perched on top of a hill around 23 km from Gangtok in Sikkim. It is a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monastery that was built in 16th century by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk. The monastery exhibits the vision and objective of 16th Century Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje.
Surrounded by the lush green and serene hills, the tranquil ambiance of the monastery works the best for the monks who come together around the courtyard of the Rumtek Monastery, which is considered as one of the most revered monasteries of India. The uniqueness of the monastery lies in the fact that pictures of Dalai Lama and Lord Ganesha at the entrance depicting linkage between Buddhism and Hinduism. There are Buddhist schools and nunnery where religion and culture are preached.

The major attraction of Rumtek Monastery is the topmost part from where the travelers have breathtaking views of the entire Gangtok city that falls right opposite the hill where the monastery is perched. There are beautiful shrine temple and a monastery for the monks inside the Rumtek Monastery that enchant the travelers. The magnificent structure is totally surrounded by a walkway where the monks, pilgrims and tourists perform Kora or a religious circuit ritual. There is a golden stupa and several other sculptures belonging to the 16th Karmapa preserved inside the Rumtek Monastery which serves as a storehouse of thousands of religious items.

Explore the Rumtek Monastery – the massive prayer hall inside is a stunning place to check out. Decorated with spectacularly colorful murals, statues, and ‘tangkhas’, the prayer hall is a must-visit. There are Relics Retreat Centre, ‘Shedra’ (monastic college), Nunnery, Stupas (protector’s shrine), Institutions for the amateur community and other establishments which are equally interesting, informative and enthralling for the ones visiting Rumtek Monastery with the beautiful backdrop of majestic hills and beautiful waterfalls.

Located 1780 m above sea level, Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park is a real delight for wildlife lovers. Covering a huge area of 205 hectares in the mountainous terrain, the park is home to a wide variety of animals and birds, including crimson horned pheasant, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, Himalayan palm civet, and many others. The zoological park also has facilities such as a souvenir shop, café, watchtower, etc. In short, the zoological park is a must-visit place if you wish to indulge in the natural beauty of North East India.

The Yumthang Valley or Sikkim Valley of Flowers Sanctuary is a mesmerizing place in the North Sikkim district. Surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, the valley serves as a nature sanctuary bestowed with river, hot springs, yaks and grazing pasture on the lush green rolling meadows. Located at an elevation of 11,693 feet above sea level, the beautiful valley is around 150 km from the state capital Gangtok.
The Yumthang Valley is home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary exhibiting over 24 species of the state flower. The valley gets carpeted with countless flowers blooming in multicolor hues making the entire region a visual treat for the travelers. Primulas, rhododendrons, poppies, iris and other flora are what build up the valley and add to its picturesque beauty. However, the valley remains closed between December and March due to heavy snowfall. Also, a direct journey to Yumthang isn’t feasible and one must halt at Lachung to stay overnight and continue the next day.

The Yumthang Valley is a paradise for anyone looking to experience a lifetime enchantment. It is the perfect destination for anyone seeking nature’s closeness amidst rivers, yaks, flowers, and hot springs. The major attraction for the tourists is the valley spread with colorful flowers and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary with several varieties of rhododendron adding to the tranquility of the valley. A tributary of River Teesta flows right through the valley while a hot spring located on the right of the river adds as yet another major tourist attraction. The breathtaking views of mountains and waterfalls are spellbinding, while the lush green pine forest and silver fir trees act as the striking contrast to the vegetation-free Rocky Mountains present scenic view.

Amidst rugged mountains, flowers, waterfalls and beauty, travelers are certain to get spoiled for choice. While trekking remains the main activity to reach the valley, treating your eyes with the flowers is something one mainly visits the valley for. You may also catch a glimpse of spotted Lingsang and Tiger. There is a Shiva Temple 6km north of the valley which is yet another favorite spot for travelers visiting Yumthang Valley.