Buddhism, the major religion in the state, arrived from Tibet in the 13th century. It took its distinctive Sikkimese form four centuries later, when three Tibetan monks of the old Nyingamapa order, dissatisfied with the rise of the reformist Gelukpas, migrated to Yoksum in western Sikkim. Having consulted an oracle, they went to Gangtok looking for a certain Phuntsong Namgyal, whom they crowned as the first Chogyal or 'Righteous King' of Denzong in 1642. Being the secular and religious head, he was soon recognized by Tibet, and brought sweeping reforms. His kingdom was far larger than today's Sikkim and included Kalimpong and parts of western Bhutan. Over the centuries, the territory was lost to the Bhutanese, the Nepalese and the British.
The British policy to diminish the strong Tibetan influence resulted in the import of workers from Nepal to work in the tea plantations of Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong and these soon outnumbered the indigenous population. After India's Independence, the eleventh Chogyal, Tashi Namgyal, strove hard to prevent the dissolution of his kingdom. Officially, Sikkim was a protectorate of India, and the role of India became increasingly crucial with the Chinese military build-up along the northern borders that culminated in an actual invasion early in the 1960s. The next king Palden Thondup was a weak ruler and in 1975, succumbed to the demands of the Nepalese majority of becoming a part of India.
In Sikkim tourists can find most fascinating sights, sounds and feelings. Sikkim is a dream that one can realize and enjoy, now that the area is open to all. It is a state cloaked in the mystery of remoteness, and far away from the din and bustle of the modern world. Located in the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is bound by Tibet (China) in the north, West Bengal in the south, Tibet and Bhutan in the east and Nepal in the west. The state is spread below Mount Kanchanjunga (8,534 m), the third highest peak in the world. The locals worship the mountain as a protecting deity. The elevation of the state ranges between 300 m and over 8,500 m above sea level.
1. Buddha Park of Ravangla
At a distance of 1 km from Ravangla Bus Stand, Buddha Park is a beautiful park located at Ravangla, in South Sikkim district. Also known as Tathagata Tsal, it is one of the well maintained parks in South Sikkim and among the prime places to visit in Ravangla.
The Buddha Park was constructed between 2006 and 2013 which features a 130-foot high statue of the Buddha as its centerpiece. The site was chosen within the larger religious complex of the Rabong Gompa (Monastery), itself a centuries-old place of pilgrimage. On the birth anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha in 2006, the Sikkim Government took a decision to observe the birth anniversary throughout the year in Sikkim. And as a part of the celebration, Ravangla was chosen to construct and install a large statue of Lord Buddha and eco-garden to commemorate the event.
The statue was consecrated on 25 March 2013 by the 14th Dalai Lama and became a stop on the 'Himalayan Buddhist Circuit'. The giant statue of the Buddha marks the event of the 2550th conception commemoration of Gautama Buddha. The Buddhist Park is a State government venture which was built for boosting pilgrimage tourism. This site is of great spiritual importance and thus even the ambience adds a divine experience to the visitors.
2. Samdruptse
Namchi is pleasantly situated at 1700 m above sea level, and is the administrative centre for South Sikkim. It lies 79 km southeast of Gangtok, and is rapidly becoming a magnet for domestic tourists due to the extraordinary statues that are around it.
Namchi is worth a visit for seeing the huge statue of Guru Padmasambhava (138 ft or 41 m high) that is located on Samdruptse Hill, about 8 km away from Namchi. Directly facing it is a 32 m high Lord Shiva Statue that is part of the temple complex known as Chaar Dham. It is rapidly developing into a tourist spot, as the weather is invigorating and it is a perfect place for spending an entire day for visiting tourists.
3. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple
Baba Harbhajan Singh is treated as a soldier who never died by the Indian Army and was a high ranking office until he retired recently. Before he retired, Harbhajan Singh would take an annual holiday in September every year, and travel to his hometown Kapurthala. Along the route, people gathered in masses along with flowers and prayers as offering to Baba.
Inside the Baba Mandir, you will come across a large photo of Harbhajan Singh which is worshipped by his devotees. Tourists who come here leave their water bottle for a few days and collect it later for it is believed that by drinking that water all the wishes come true. Harbhajan Singh's office has been built on one side of the temple with a dining place, and a room for him to stay at with his uniform and shoes. Though the temple is present on the side of a road, it is surrounded by magnificent mountains thereby giving an amazing view to the tourists. Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple is a must-visit due to the tales associated with the place.
4. Tso Lhamo Lake
It is a gorgeous lake situated in North Sikkim, popular with many names; Tso Lhamo Lake, Chho Lhamo, Cholamu Lake or Cholamoo Lake. It is the 14th highest lake in the world and the highest lake in India situated at an altitude of 5,330 m that harbours extreme temperatures, which is why it is remote to most of the tourists. One needs special permits, from Army and Sikkim police/administration to visit the Cholamu Lake as it is near the border of Tibet.
5. Siniolchu
Siniolchu is a majestic peak situated in the North-Eastern state of India, Sikkim. It is situated near the green lake near the Kanchenjunga, the highest peak in the state and third highest in the world. Geographically, Siniolchu peak is located between 27 ° 45 North latitude and 88 ° 19 East longitude.
Siniolchu is one of the tallest mountains located in the sikkim state of India. Siniolchu is quite popular and favourite among the adventurers and authors. This 6,888 metres (22,598 ft) mountain was first scaled in 1936 by the German climbers Karl Wien and Adi Gottner.
Situated at an altitude of 15,300 ft. above Mean Sea Level, Yumesamdong or Zero point is nature personified. It is a place very close to the Indo Chinese border. This place is generally not part of the standard itinerary, but is often merged with the itinerary of Yumthang Valley as an add-on.
An hour’s drive beyond Yumthang (26 kms), takes one to Yumesamdong. The way leading to Yumesamdong is a passage through natural grandeur filled with the delicate scent of Azalea flowers pervading the atmosphere.
Yumesamdong is a land of perennial snow but this valley is also used as a grazing ground for nomadic shepherds. Heady, invigorating and exhilarating, words would fail to explain the experience of being at Yumesamdong.
On the whole, it can be said Yumesamdong has nothing special about it, but the exotic splendour of this place is enough to keep you engrossed in its charm.
7. Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley is a beautiful valley situated in north Sikkim. It sits at an elevation of 3,500 metres above sea-level, so naturally home to many beautiful Himalayan flowers. It is rightfully called a valley of flowers, although that name is associated with the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. Yumthang Valley is extremely picturesque, with green slopes covered with trees, yaks grazing in the flower-spangled grassy plains below, and a river flowing right through the valley. The serene and tranquil air of the Valley cannot be described in words. A single visit there can leave the visitor in an enchanted state for weeks.
It also happens to be situated at what is called "the tree-line", the altitude above which there are no trees. This makes the Yumthang Valley unique in that it has trees and Rhododendrons, and yet abounds in tiny, low-growing Himalayan flowers. The Valley has an astounding, over 24 species of Rhododendrons which paint the Valley red in spring. Rhododendrons are shrubs or trees, and different species of Rhododendron cover different large stretches of the Valley. In spring, the Valley looks like a collage of little forests of different colors. The flowering of Rhododendrons is over by May end. During monsoons, starting in June, the Valley blooms with all kinds of tiny Himalayan flowers, like the Primroses, Cinquefoils, Louseworts and Cobra-lilies. This is a much more enchanting scenario, but takes a keen viewer, with an eye for detail, to truly appreciate.
The Sanga Choeling Monastery established in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsun Chempo, is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. The Monastery is located on a ridge top above Pelling at a distance of 7 kilometres from Pemayangtse Monastery and is accessed by walking the steep hilly track of 4 kms, which traverses through rich forest cover. Pilgrimage to Sanga Choeling Monastery is undertaken by many Buddhist devotees as part of religious and also heritage circuit encompassing the Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Khecheopalri lake, the Norbugang Chorten, the Dubdi Monastery, Yuksom and the Tashiding Monastery.
Nearly 46 metres (150 feet) in length and situated at an altitude of 4,386 metres, Jelep La like Nathula falls on the Eastern border of Sikkim. The Pass itself is bleak, barren and desolate, where the wind howls all night, all year round. But it also offers a breathtaking view over the famous Younghusband Trail.
10. Mahatma Gandhi Marg
MG Marg area is the most happening place in Gangtok. MG Marg is the name of a street. It is the main market place of Gangtok and the heart of the town.
There are hundreds of hotels, multi cuisine restaurants, eateries, shops, markets etc. in and around MG Marg. The street is always busy with locals, travelers from other parts of Sikkim and tourists.
If you want to stay near the market place or a happening place then MG Marg area would be the best place to take your hotel and spend the nights in Gangtok.
11. Ganesh Tok Temple
Ganesh Tok is a loved tourist spot in Gangtok and a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is situated on top of a hill thereby giving scenic views to the tourists who come here. The Kanchenjunga hill can be seen in its true form of glory from here and is at its best especially in the morning. The viewpoint is situated at a distance of 6500 m offers stunning views of the mountains covered in snow. The temple is however so small that it can only fit one person at a time. The place takes you a step closer to nature with its surreal surroundings and comforting ambience.
12. Khangchendzonga National Park
Here's a proud moment for every Indian. More so for those who love to travel.
The Khangchendzonga National Park, a lesser-known destination in Sikkim, has been declared has a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is for the first time that any Indian destination has been under the Mixed criteria of UNESCO's heritage sites list, thus recognising the outstanding universal values for its both natural and cultural significance.
Located at the at the heart of the Himalayan range in Sikkim, the Park is home to dozens of lofty mountain peaks, 18 glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and some unique flora and fauna.
13. Rumtek Monastery
Counted amongst the largest monasteries in Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery is also one of the oldest monasteries in the state. An ode to the Buddhist cultures and traditions, this monastery is located near Gangtok and is also known as the ‘Dharma Chakra Centre’.
14. Teesta River
Teesta river is the main river of the state of Sikkim and divides its region from that of the state of West Bengal. Covering a total course of 309 km before meeting the mighty Brahmaputra, the river passes through the cities of Rangpo, Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong, where it has a high importance as the main source of living.
Originating from a high altitude lake in the North Sikkim and the Teesta Kangse Glacier at the height of 7068m, the river is also a great source of adventure as there are a number of locations where you can enjoy rafting in the river.
Do-Drul Chorten is a stupa located on a hillock in Gangtok, just a short walking distance from the Research Institute of Tibetology. The Chorten Stupa is marked by a golden top dome. This golden top can be seen from various places in Gangtok.
It is believed that this hillock on the stupa stands was once haunted by evil spirits and many people who wandered around this place became victims and died. Later, the celebrated lama of Tibet, Trulshig Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) who followed Nyingma Sect of Buddhism came to this place. He established this stupa in 1945 to drive away the spirits.
The deity enshrined in the chorten stupa is known as Dorjee Phurpa or Vajra Kilaya. It is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist stupas of Sikkim.
The stupa is has 108 Mani Lhakor (Prayer Wheels), which are rotated by devout Buddhists while chanting 'Om Mane Padme Hum' (O Jewel in the Lotus) to invoke the Bodhisattva. Visitors in the monastery are allowed to rotate the prayer wheels in a clockwise direction.
16. Hanuman Tok Temple
Hanuman Tok is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage sites located in Gangtok, it is 9 km from the main town and situated at the elevation of 7200 ft , this temple is specially dedicated to Lord Hanuman, god of good health and strength. According to the legend, Lord Hanuman halted here for a moment to take some rest while carrying Sanjeevni to Lanka from the Himalayas. Long time back local people used to worship stone here in open, but it was an officer named Appaji Pant who erected the statue of Lord Hanuman in the 1950s after he had a divine dream about the place. The temple is believed to be wish-fulfilling, and in this belief, it is visited by the locals as well as the tourist pilgrims in large numbers. The entire area was handed over to Indian army in 1968, so the place is now maintained and preserved by the army.
Rabdentse, the second capital of the former kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814, is located near Pelling in the district of West Sikkim. Established by the second Chogyal in 17th century, it was the capital of the kingdom till 1814 A.D. The capital city was destroyed by the invading Gurkha army and only the ruins of the palace and the chortens are seen here now. The approach to this location is from an ornamental yellow gate near the Pelling–Geyshing road, from where it is a walking distance of about 15 minutes through a lake and forested hills. On walking through the chestnut trees with the mosses dripping down, one can comeacross a stone throne with three standing stones known as Namphogang from where the judge used to give his final judgement in those days. One can also see Taphap Chorten, from where the visitors had to take off their hats to enter the palace. After crossing the fourth and the final courtyard wall one can see the palace ruins in the centre. The ruins of the palace are seen now in two wings – the northern wing and the southern wing. The northern wing was the residence of the royal family. Next to the ruins of the palace are three chortens, the religious place where members of the royal family offered incense to the deities. The chortens are in a fair state of preservation. On the southern wing, common people were given an audience by the king, which is obvious from the stone throne seen here. The Archaeological Survey of India has declared Rabdentse as a heritage monument and has undertaken the required preservation and restoration measures.
Situated on the top of Solophok hilltop, 5 km from Namchi, Siddhesvara Dham has a 108 ft tall statue of Shiva, replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas, models of sacred Chardham Hindu temples of Jagannath, Badrinath, Dwaraka and Rameswaram and a 18-feet statue of Kirateshwar a hunter incarnation of Shiva. This pilgrim cum cultural heritage complex is built by Rural Development and Management Department, Government of Sikkim with state of art technology.
19. Temi Tea Garden
Sikkim’s solitary tea estate yet one of the best in the world, Temi tea gardenis a Government run estate that was started in the year 1969. The tea estate has a plantation area of 440 acres that lay over a slopping hill in the southern part of Sikkim.
It all started with the virgin initiative for tea production by the last king of Sikkim in a bid to provide employment to a large number of Tibetan refugees living erstwhile in this region of India. This culminated in the construction of a tea processing plant that is known to produce 1 lakh kg of tea every year in today’s times. The tea estate makes news not only for the quantity, but also for its quality, which gets a high recognition in the international markets.
Temi tea garden is located in a blissful mountain side valley that is full of cherry blossom trees and lush ferns.
20. Pelling
Pelling is the second most visited town after Gangtok in Sikkim. One of the reasons for that it has been developed quite fast to become a tourist destination. With some wonderful hotels and sightseeing opportunities, Pelling surely is a place to stay.
At an altitude of 6800 feet, Pelling is mostly covered in thick forests and a varied wildlife. Changey and Khangchendzonga waterfalls are the two main tourist attractions in the town and you can visit them in one day. Pelling is perfect for travellers who like to discover a town on foot.
