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Gangtok
The capital of the Sikkim State, Gangtok lies on the tributary of the Teesta river. The name Gangtok means, ‘top of the hill’ and it stands to its name. The city can be actually seen on top of a hill with mountains and endless clouds covering them. MG Marg, Lal Market, Deorali Orchid Sanctuary are some of the must-visit places in Gangtok.
Gangtok is the largest city of Sikkim, also sharing the tag of the most populous city. It is located around 110 km from Siliguri and takes around 4 hours to reach by roadways. The nearest airport to Gangtok is Pakyong airport and the international airport is Bagdogra International Airport.
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Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo lake also known as Changu Lake is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district and one of the most visited places in India. Located at an elevation of 3,753 meters above sea level, it is 40 km away from Gangtok and can be reached by roadways. Surrounded by steep lakes from all sides, the lake remains frozen in the winter season along with the peaks. Only when the snow melts in summer, the water fills the lake. The lake is a sacred site for the people of Sikkim as they relate it to many of their beliefs and myths. It is believed that in olden times, Buddhist monks would study the color of the water of the lake to forecast the future.
Tourist attractions at the lake site include joy rides on decorated yaks and mules where kiosks offer a variety of food and drinks. There is also a small Shiva temple on the bank of the lake. As the lake is located in a restricted area it is essential for all Indians visiting the area to obtain permits. In the case of foreign nationals special permit is essential.
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Lachung
Situated at an altitude of 8,858 ft. above sea level, Lachung is one of the most scenic places in the entire Sikkim. The place is embraced by snow-capped mountains peaks, scenic waterfalls, and lush green fields and forests. The culture of hand-woven artifacts, rugs, and blankets can prove to be a wonderful delight for shopping lovers and souvenir collectors.
Lachung became a prominent tourist location after Yumthang which is also closely located to it at 25 km started to gain tourists. The nearest airport to Lachung is the Pakyong airport located at a distance of 30 km from Gangtok, whereas the Bagdogra International Airport is in Siliguri, 130 km from Gangtok. Lachung is also well connected by roadways from major locations.
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Yuksom
Located in the Geyzing subdivision of West Sikkim district is the historical town of Yuksom. Yuksom was once the main capital of the Sikkim state before Gangtok was declared as the new capital and also the throne place of the first Chogyal of Sikkim.
Formally referred to as the 'Gateway to Kangchendzongha', Yuksom is consecrated by the presence of majestic snow-peaked mountains, monasteries, etc. Serving as the starting point of many famous treks such as the known GoechLa Trek. To reach one has to take a taxi from Geyzing which will take around 5 hours due to hilly roads. From Siliguri, it takes around 6-7 hours and is situated at an approx distance of 170 km.
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Nathula Pass
Nathu’ and ‘La’ which are two Tibetan terms meaning ‘listening ears’ and ‘pass’, are the pass on the Indo-China border. Situated on the old silk route which was once famous for being the only route available for trade between the two countries and used to be extended into many more countries.
Nathu La is also a very secured region due to its proximity to Chinese borders and any visitor needs a permitted pass to visit this place. Along with this, the pass remains closed in the winter season due to heavy snowing and blockage of roads. During summers when the place is open, Indian tourists are given permits to visit the place.
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Pelling
Located at an altitude of 2000 meters, Pelling is ranked as the second most favored tourist destination after Gangtok in the state of Sikkim. A petite town situated between two old Buddhist monasteries which are Pemayangtse and Sangacholing which are now around all year has streets bustling with tourists from all over the world. Being an important destination it is well connected with Geyzing and Gangtok, having distances of 10 km and 130 km respectively.
Having warm and pleasant summers and mildly cold winters, Pelling can be visited all around the year for experiencing different seasons however it is said to avoid travel in monsoon season as due to heavy rainfall in the region incidents of land and mudslides increases.
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Namchi
Namchi is a must-add place on the bucket list for anyone who is in Sikkim or is planning to visit Sikkim. One can enjoy a panoramic view of mountains which will remain memorable. Namchi is also the headquarters of the South District of Sikkim state. The appellation Namchi means Sky (Nam) High (Chi) in Sikkimese. Namchi is perched at an altitude of 1.675 m (5500 ft.) above sea level, with a distance of 78 kilometers from Gangtok and around 100 km from Siliguri.
A popular attraction point is the Solophok Chardham, a colorful pilgrim centre spanning over an area of 7 acres on top of Solophok hills. The centre houses replicas of the four dhams (holy pilgrimage sites of Hindus) — Badrinath, Puri, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram.
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Rumtek Monastery
The lush green fields and forests around Rumtek make it a scenic place for sightseeing and a lovely place to spend time. The surrounding mountains covered in mist add to its beauty. The scenic place offers many sightseeing opportunities in Rumtek, around Rumtek, and a day or two travel plans.
Home to the Rumtek Monastery and the seat of His Holiness, The Gyalwa Karmapa of the Kargyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, lies the village of Rumtek. Situated at a distance of 23 km from Gangtok. Built-in 1967, Rumtek Monastery is the center of Buddhist studies where Buddhist scholars from far and wide places come to learn and preach the religion of Buddhism. Always alive and buzzing with the activities of the monks, it is serene and an experience to watch the monks bustling into their daily life activities.
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Goecha La Trek
Goecha La wasn’t always a famous trek destination, it was only after the Nepalese Civil war from 1996 to 2006 when the country of Nepal was shut down for international travelers and no trekker could go to Nepal for a trekking experience. Then the search for a perfect trekking destination in the own home country started and Goecha La was found. This trek is accessible in 2 seasons of the year that is spring from March to Mid April and the other in autumn from September to November.
The Goecha La trek starts with you getting to Yuksom first, which is accessible by roadways from Siliguri that is 150 km from Yuksom. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway station (NJP) and the nearest airport is the Bagdogra airport, both situated at a distance of around 10 km from the main town Siliguri.
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Kanchenjunga National Park
Filled with the varied bio-diversity of the Himalayas, it hosts the world’s third-highest mountain range, Mt. Kanchenjunga. The park is located within a mountain range of universal biodiversity conservation significance and it covers around 25% of the Sikkim state. This protected area is home to some of the rarest and endemic flora and fauna species with a large concentration of wildlife such as Red panda, Snow leopards, Musk deer, Great Tibetan sheep habituating this place.
Kanchenjunga National Park has 18 glaciers of which the Zemu Glacier is renowned for its massive size amongst all. The park also has the Tholung Monastery in its buffer zone which is considered as one of the holiest monasteries among the people of Sikkim.
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