Some people probably don’t know that Sikkim was an independent kingdom until 1975 after which it joined the union of India. The second smallest state might be restricted in terms of size but not in terms of beauty and sightseeing. It is a fast growing state in terms of development and natural preservation. The meditative, mural-filled traditional monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism coexist with the Hindu temples. It is a state which makes you fall in love with it too easily. There are many tall sky touching structures here and others are still being added to its list of mega sculptures. It also provides a great view of the Kanchenjunga, the nearest that you would ever see.

Why travel to Sikkim?

It is heartwarming experience and a clean, green and Organic state. How can you restrict yourself from exploring this green kingdom with lush green forest, woodlands and surrounding colored by the blooming Rhododendrons. You will also be gifted with quite a few spectacular white-top peaks of the eastern Himalaya. When clouds clear, an ever-thrilling experience from many a ridge-top perch is spotting the world's third-highest mountain, Khangchendzonga (8598m), on the northwestern dawn horizon. Its perfect landscapes, quick altitude steep, religious variety and the adventure options are what makes it a place, you cannot afford to miss.

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Places to Visit

Rumtek Monastery

One of the important religious and sightseeing locations in Sikkim is this heritage Rumtek monastery. This magnificent Rumtek Monastery is a repository of countless invaluable artifacts and precious statues. It is also a study centre for the young monks who stay here and gain knowledge about Buddhism in details. the monastery is especially attractive during the Mahakala Dance in February, when giant figurines of protector deities raise hell in the courtyard and fight off evil demons.

Temi Tea Garden

Temi is actually a small village in the South of Sikkim and the only tea growing region in the state. It produces the most fine and delightful aromatic brew and has a loyal following from around the world. You can always drop down here and sip a fine cup of Temi Tea which excels in terms of fragrance and quality as well. The good news is that now you can taste the nectar and feel the tea right where it is harvested.

North Sikkim

It is one of the adventurous and utmost beautiful parts of Sikkim that you cannot afford to miss. It is comprised of various remote villages and steep valleys which are green during the summer and snowed during its winter. It has many offbeat destinations within it and the people here are still into their age old cultures which they integrate into their living. So whenever you are planning a Sikkim tour, make sure you don’t leave alone this Northern Delight.

Tsomgo Lake

Locally popular as Changu, this glacial lake is situated at a height of around 3780 m and it exists at the backdrop of rugged mountains rising towards the Tibetan Plateau. It takes around 4 hours to reach from the capital of Gangtok and you also need to be lucky enough to see it because some snowy days may be dangerous to proceed. Most time of the year, the parts of the lake are frozen over and the stalls by the lake serve piping hot tea and fast food.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

It is the museum of Antique Buddhist and Mountain culture that has been carried on from hundreds of years. It is a special place and of great value to the Buddhist of the Vajrayana sect and to the enthusiast of the Tibetan Culture. The museum is home to ancient manuscripts and several paintings (Thangkas) and objects related to the Tantric Buddhism rituals. It is definitely a historical hotspot that must be experienced during your Sikkim trip.

Barsey Rhododendron sanctuary

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary occupies around 104 km² in the Singalila Range in western Sikkim and also acts as a boundary to Nepal as well as to the State of West Bengal. Known to foster more than 500 species of rhododendron, the forests of Varsey come alive due to bright bloom of the beautiful flowers. It is at its beautiful best during the months of March and May and here you shall see Rhododendrons in different colors like red, pink yellow or white as well. Walking under this colorful surrounding is always a pleasant delight.