The state of Sikkim is a state adorned with beautiful valley, blue mountains and hills and monasteries to go with. Sikkim has plenty of natural enthralling tourist places, beautiful towns and villages as well as world famous monasteries which are not to be missed!
Sikkim is also famous for some adventure sports like mountaineering, trekking, river rafting, mountain biking and hang gliding. The state also has many sanctuaries and national parks, which is home to several thousand species of birds and animals. Breathtaking view of lakes and gorging glaciers - Sikkim has no dearth of natural beauty. The world's third highest mountain, Mount Kanchenjunga, which is also India's highest peak is located in Sikkim. There are also significant places in Sikkim, which include historical ruins, and important buildings in Sikkim.
Top Destinations in Sikkim
Yuksom
The place is named after three Tibetan holy men who had crowned the first monarch of Sikkim way back in the year 1641. Before Gangtok, Yuksom was the capital of Sikkim. This is a place very popular amongst the trek enthusiasts for it is the way to Mount Kanchenjunga. Nestled amidst nature, Yuksom is a serene place where one can have the best peaceful vacation. Tourist attractions in Yuksom are Dubdi Gompa, Kartok Lake, Phamrong Waterfalls and Kanchenjunga National Park.
Pelling
Lying at a height of 7200 feet, Pelling is located in the West Sikkim district. Regular jeep services are available from Pelling to different neighbouring towns. Being one of the important towns of Sikkim, the place is undergoing a lot of developments, specially communication developments. The most advantageous feature of Pelling is that one can view the majestic Kanchenjunga and the Himalayas very closely from here. With a lot of virgin forests around and waterfalls, the place stands to be one of the topmost attractions for tourists in Sikkim. Tourist attraction places in Pelling are Pemayangste Monastery, Sangacholing Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Rock garden and waterfall near Rimbi, Kanchenjungha Falls, Chhange Waterfalls, Singshore Bridge, Hee Burmiok, Dzongri and Rinchenpong
Gangtok
Inspite of being the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is a place, which is inaccessible via train. But it is a place which one should visit at least once. Getting huge recognition in recent times amongst tourists as a place where one wants to go over and over again, Gangtok has been slowly turning into a major tourist destination. The prime attractions in Sikkim are Enchey Gompa, Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology, Government Institute of Cottage Industries and Palace of the Chogyal.
Lachung
Located at a distance of 125 kms from Gangtok, Lachung is a town in North Sikkim district. It lies very near to the border of Tibet. Lachung is described as the most “picturesque village of Sikkim” owing to its indescribable beauty. Tourist attraction in Lachung are Lachung monastery and Yumthang Valley.
Ravangla
Ravangla is a tourist town at 7000 feet in the south Sikkim district. It lies between Gangtok and Pelling. Some of the tourist spots here in Ravangla are Ralang Monastery and Maenam la wildlife sanctuary.
Yumthang
The honeymoon couples are sure to get dumbstruck seeing
the Yumthang valley. Popularly known as the 'valley of flowers',
Yumthang is a paradise for nature lovers with breathtaking scenic
beauty. The amazing landscape, the hot spring and the river running
through the middle of the valley, the snow clad peak surrounding the
valley are truly mesmerizing.
Tourist Attractions in Sikkim
The state of Sikkim, bounded by blue hills and serene valleys has many naturally beautiful tourist spots. Every year tourists from near and far come to Sikkim to experience the beautiful tourist spots nature has bestowed on Sikkim.
Chopta Valley
This valley is located in the North Sikkim district and can easily be reached from Mangan via Thangu. It is located at an elevation of 13,200 feet and is rich in alpine vegetation, orchids, rhododendrons and many valleys and meandering rivers. One can also trek to the Muguthang valley from here, which is located at an elevation of 15,500 feet.
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Just near the Rumtek Monastery is a botanical garden named after the first prime minister of India Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. The parks and Gardens unit of the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim maintains it. The garden has lush green vegetation, rare plants, trees, and certain species of Himalayan flowers and Orchids.
Yumesamdong
This is a valley located on the brink of the Indo-Chinese border. It is a land covered with perennial snow and can be reached on yaks or foot. It is famous for the 14 hot springs which have medicinal properties in them.
Dzongu
This is a small and least populated hamlet located in the North Sikkim district. A major part of Dzongu is covered by forests and is tucked among the high rise mountains. The Tolung-Green lake trek is an important trek that starts from Dzongu. This trek route is one of the important ones passing through rocky passes of Kishongla and Kishongda at an altitude of 17,000 feet.
Maenam Hill
This hill is located at an altitude of 10,300 feet above the Tendong Hill on the other side of the Ravangla bazaar. The hill provides trekking routes to the nearby hills. The hill also houses the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary which is located above the Tendong hill in the northern corner of the South Sikkim district. It is located on the Maenam-Tendong ridge which runs north-south bisecting Sikkim longitudinally.
Borong
This is a small hamlet located in the mountains of the district. This hamlet provides a beautiful view of the mountains and can be reached by trekking from Ravangla. There is also a hot spring named ‘Boron Tsachu’ in this place.
Singchu-Thang
This is an ideal picnic spot located at an altitude of 3500 feet. The name literally means ‘the plain overgrown with dwarf fish plants and shrubs’. It is located on the banks of the Teesta River.
Sikip
This place is located on the banks of Rangeet River in the South Sikkim district. This place is angler’s paradise and has river rafting facilities. It provides a beautiful river campsite among the mountains near the river.
Dzongri
It is one of the best trekking destinations in India. The place provides breathtaking view of the snow covered mountains and the beautiful skies on top of them. The place is located at an altitude of 4200 meters and can be reached only by trekking. There are about 14 mountains in the vicinity which can be seen from this place. The place has freezing temperatures and remains almost snow covered all the time. The trek to Dzongri starts from Yuksom, proceeding to Bakhim, Tshoka, Thansing, Gocha La and then eventually to Dzongri.
Rinchenpong
Rinchenpong is a beautiful tourist place located in West Sikkim district. The place offers a picturesque view of the mountains, valleys and the sunset and sunrise among the mountains. Many tourists from across the globe visit this place every year. The Resum Monastery is also located in this place. The place offers good trekking routes, rich flora, fauna, and dense forests.
Rabdentse
The ruins of Rabdentse still stands today as it was the capital Kingdom of Sikkim till the year 1814 A.D. These ruins are at walking distance from Pemayangtse Monastery and can be reached by walking from the main road. The scenic view of Kanchenjunga from these ruins is something to be cherished for and gets etched in the memory for ever. The ruins are an archaeological treasure in the book of Sikkim history.
Nathu La
It is a very famous tourist spot which is a road pass between Sikkim and China’s Tibet Autonomous region. It is at a height of 14,140 feet above sea level and is a mesmerizing place. It is 54 kms. east of Gangtok and only Indian citizens can visit the pass after attaining permit. Tourists visiting Sikkim would never return without visiting Nathu la for it tops the list of to-visit places in Sikkim. The pass itself is a sight, for a road amidst the hills is not easy to build and when that road happens to be amidst the snow with curves and edges, it turns out to be sight worth not missing.
Mt Kanchenjunga
(Source: Flickr Creative Commons Jack French)
Mount Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world and the highest peak of India. It is a part of the Himalayan mountain range and is located in the India-Nepal border. The mountain stands at an altitude of 8586 meters. Kanchenjunga means ‘the five treasures of God’ representing the five repositories of God which are gold, silver, gems, grain and holy books. However, Kanchenjunga is not much explored from the Indian side as it is difficult to get trekking permission.
Did you Know? It is believed that Kanchenjunga is the home to Kanchenjunga demon or yeti.
Honeymoon Destinations in Sikkim
(Source: Flickr Creative Commons Sumit Dhar)
There is a serene, tranquil and ethereal place situated in northeastern part of India that will play host to a lovely honeymoon destination. Sikkim is the answer.
Sikkim makes a scintillating place for honeymooners. With its snow clad mountains, narrow valleys, green landscape and rhododendron trees, Sikkim is an ideal place the newlyweds can think of as their honeymoon destination. The whole of Sikkim is a place where one can have quiet time with one’s partner and memories for a lifetime. Spread below Mount Kanchenjunga, Sikkim is a paradise for honeymoon couples. This mystical wonderland is full of the breathtaking views making it a perfect honeymoon destination.
The lofty snow clad mountains, the green landscape and majestic monasteries are so beautiful - all to be cherished for life. So, if one is thinking to spend the honeymoon time in a peaceful and quiet place surrounded by beautiful landscapes and snow clad Himalayas then Sikkim is undoubtedly the best place. Some of the important places that one can visit for their honeymoon are Gangtok, Yumthang, Ravangla, Pelling and Lachung.
The incredible view of the Greater Himalayas, the serene ambiance and
the green location make places like Ravangla an ideal honeymoon destination. The breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga from Pelling is a sight of awe! With lofty mountains and cascading waterfalls Lachung welcomes one for an incredible honeymoon time.
The Elgin Mount Pandim, Pemayangtse, Pelling Address: Pelling, Sikkim Phone:03595 250 756
Orange Village Resort Address: 7th Mile, Near Youth Hostel, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102 Phone:03592 251 443 Website:https://www.orangevillageresort.com
The Royal Demazong Address: Grba Road , Chongay Tar, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103 Phone:094340 01011 Website: www.theroyaldemazong.com
Club Mahindra Gangtok Address: GRBA Road, Chongyek, P.O. Raj Bhawan, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103 Phone:080160 99914 Website: www.clubmahindra.com
The state of Sikkim has a number of lakes and hot springs amidst the vast valleys adorning the state. These lakes pose as beautiful tourist spots where tourists flock to experience the beauty and serenity of them.
Guru-Dongmar Lake
Guru-Dongmar Lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of the state of Sikkim both by the Buddhists and the Hindus. The water of this lake looks milky and it is believed to be of medicinal value as well. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava (the patron saint of both Hindus and the Buddhist) had touched the lake whilst he visited Tibet from this area.
This lake is located at an altitude of 17,800 feet at a distance of 190 kms from Gangtok. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava who is said to have brought Tantric Buddhism to Tibet in the 18th century. The stream emerging from the lake is one of the source streams of the Teesta River.
Khecheopalri Lake
(Source: Flickr Creative Commons Roman Korzh)
This crystal clear lake is situated in West Sikkim district at a distance of 34 kms towards the northwest of Pelling. This lake is also known as the ‘Wishing Lake’ and is sacred to the Buddhist Lepchas and Hindu religion people. It is believed that the birds in this area do not allow a single leaf to float on the lake and as such, the lake stays clean always.
The Khecheopalri village and the Gompa are located around 3 kms. from this lake. The lake is covered by deep forests and hills from all sides. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse right up to the lake area. One can spend a night here and the service of accommodation and food is provided by the Tourism Department.
Phur Tsa Chu
This is a hot spring located on the riverbank of the Rangeet River. The term ‘Phur-Tsa-Chu’ means hot spring in Sikkimese language. It is located at a distance of around 4 kms from Legship. The water of the hot spring is said to possess medicinal value.
Yumthang Hot Spring
Located some distance away from Yumthang village, the Yumthang hot spring is one of the much famed hot springs in Sikkim. To reach the Yumthang Hot Spring one has to cross the river Lachung via a pedestrian bridge, around a hundred yards and then can witness this wonderful spring. People are also given the facility to take a dip in the spring. For the visitors’ convenience, two pools are provided in a hut near the spring where one can go and enjoy the hot water diverted into the pools.
Reshi Hot Spring
Located on the banks of river Rangeet, the Reshi Hot spring has very high concentration of sulphur and is believed to have special curative powers for skin diseases. For the convenience of tourists, the reshi hot spring is provided with huts nearby so that people can relax and enjoy the serenity and blissful nature of the place.
Borong and Ralong Hot Springs
Just seven kilometers away from each other, these hot springs are a hit amongst the tourists for it is proved to have magical curative powers. Overnight stay can be enjoyed near the springs in some huts arranged solely for tourist purpose. Rolang monastery is not far from these hot springs.
Sanctuaries in Sikkim
The state of Sikkim has many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks across the state. These sanctuaries have a lot of flora and fauna species residing in the sanctuaries. Some of them are:
Kanchendzonga National Park
Kanchendzonga National Park is also known as Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve is a national park located in the North Sikkim district and extends its area into the West Sikkim district. The park got its name from the Mountain Kanchenjunga which stands at an altitude of 8586 meters and is the third highest peak in the world. The Kanchenjunga Mountain is located towards the western boundary of the park. The total area of the park is 849.5 sq kms.
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is situated in the south-western corner of West Sikkim. As per the name of the sanctuary it is famous for its rhododendrons. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 104 sq km across the sharp Singalila Range. It is situated at an altitude of 2200-4100 metres. The sanctuary is separated from West Bengal in the south by the Rambong Khola. There are three entry points to the sanctuary- Hilley, Dentam and Soreng.
Climate of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary experiences wet and cold climatic condition. This climate is highly conducive for the growth of Rhododendrons. The average annual rainfall exceeds 250 cm in July. The higher regions of the sanctuary receive regular snowfall in winters.
Flora of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is known for its Rhododendrons. The Rhododendrons grow in full blooms during the months of April – May. There are different verities of Rhododendrons with varied colours and fragrance in the sanctuary. Out of the 1000 varieties of Rhododendrons in Sikkim, 600 Rhododendrons are found in the sanctuary. Rhododendron species like cinnabarinum, falconeri, , barbatum, arboretum, acer caudatum, betula utilis, campanulatum hodgsoni, pyrus foliolosa, pieris ovalifolia, prunus rufa etc are found in abundance in the sanctuary. Besides a wide variety of shrubs the sanctuary has magnolia, oaks, bamboo, primula, and pine growth also.
Fauna of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Barsey Rhododendron is home to various animals that include leopard, leopard cat, marbled cat, common otter, Indian fox, wild boar, red panda, barking deer, serow, flying squirrel, giant squirrel, serow, Assamese macaque and rhesus macaque among others.
Tourist Activities in Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is a place of immense scenic beauty. Besides the rich flora and fauna the sanctuary facilitates trekking and hiking. Every year large numbers of trekkers and hikers visit the place for trekking. The best time to travel to the sanctuary is from March to April. The Tourism Department of Gangtok runs resort in Barsey. From the resort, tourists can have a view of the Singalila Range. The sanctuary is situated near Gangtok.
Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary covers an area of 5200 hectares. A wooden observation tower is located to observe the sanctuary at the highest point known as the Tinjure. A lot of animals can be found in this sanctuary such as the Red Panda, Himalayan Black bear apart from other birds and butterflies.
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in south Sikkim, above Rabongla town, the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of about 3500 hectares and the highest point is at Maenam at 10,600 feet.
Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Located at North Sikkim, near Yumthang, Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary has a vast variety of rhododendrons. The different colors of the rhododendron that blossom in the 33 hectare park make it a sight of paradise.
Things to do in Sikkim
Rumtek Monastery Do not even think of leaving this heavenly place without a visit to Rumtek Monastery. The monastery which is the largest in Sikkim is known for its architectural beauty. Trekking in Sikkim Trekking in Sikkim is more adventurous than one can think of! The Himalayas present te trekkers with a lovely and passionate trail esepcially that of Goecha La trek.
Khanchenjunga National Park This park should also be part of your must visit places in Sikkim. It includes rivulets and meadows to charm tourist of any age group.
Mountain Biking If you love biking in the hilly terrains, you must try the mountainn biking route from Gangtok to Rangpo. You can go as a solo biker or register yourself in group mountain biking tours organised in spring and fall. With the snowclad mountains on one side and enigmatic countryside on the other, it will surely quench your thirst. Tibetology If you have a knack and interest to learn the culture of any place, then you should fix your date with Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok. Fill your appetite with manuscripts and artefacts of Tibetan culture and go through Tantric objects like human skulls and thigh-bone trumpets. Sikkimese Tongba We all probably know about Feni of Goa. Much like it, is Tongba, a native drink of Sikkim. Made of fermented whole grain millets, it is stored in a bamboo jar and mixed withn boiled water. So make sure to taste it before you leave the place!
9'INE Native Cuisine Last but not the least, you should try out local cuisine in Sikkim. The restaurant serves scrumptuous food including fiery pork curry, gundruk ka jhol, sisnoo and fermented soyabean chutney.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
Covering an area of 400 hectares, the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is located just beside Changu Lake.
Caves in Sikkim
Caves in Sikkim are found mainly on ways of treks and hence they are very tough to be reached. Legends say that the caves were those places where Rimpoche and Lhatsun Chenpo used to meditate. Lha-ri nying phu or the old cave is located on the God’s hill in West Sikkim. Only a difficult 3 day trek can lead one to this cave from Tashiding.
Another cave in West Sikkim is the De-chhen phu or the cave of happiness which is also very difficult to be reached and located above Dzongri amidst the snow.
In between the Tendong and the Maenam hills is located the Pe-phu which is a huge cave. It is in south Sikkim and is at a distance of 5 kms. from Ravangla.
Located just beyond the Rishi spring is the Khando-sang - phu or the cave of the occult fairies which is very easily accessible.
Monuments and Museums in Sikkim
Sikkim has several significant places and historical sites which attracts tourists to experience their beauty. Some of them are:
Tumlong Palace Ruins
Tumlong Palace was the fourth capital of the state of Sikkim. The old capital was initially shifted from Rabdentse to Tumlong in the beginning of the nineteenth century and it remained there for around ninety years. At present, one can see the ruins of the palace which lay there.
Chortens in Rabdentse
About 35 kms from Pemayangtse monastery there are the first Chortens in Rabendtse, capital of Sikkim where the first Chogyal of the kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 AD by three learned Lamas. The Norbugang Chorten still has evidence of the consecration ceremony in the form of stone segments and seats and a footprint of the head lama on one of the stones. According to the prophecy of Tibet’s founder of Buddhism, Guru Rimpoche, after a span of nine centuries, three learned Lamas namely Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, Kathok Rigzin Chenpo, Nga-Dak Sempa Chenpo gathered in Yuksam to name the first religious king of Sikkim. The name ‘Yuksom’ means the meeting place of the three Lamas. The footprint is said to belong to Lhatsun Namkha Jigme. The place is situated at an altitude of 1780 meters and is famous for trekking.
Singshore Bridge
This is the highest bridge in Sikkim located about 25 kms from Pemayangtse. About a few kms away is the Uttarey, a base camp of adventure tourism for the Singalila range trail. Uttarey is a small hamlet situated at the extreme southwest corner of Sikkim.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
he Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, named after the late Chogyal of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal who had established this institute for the development of Tibetan culture. It is a great repository of Tibetan literature, rare manuscripts, paintings, thangkas, statues and religious objects and other works of art and history. The centre has attracted numerous scholars and researchers from all over the world to study Buddhist philosophy and religion.
Handicrafts Centre
The Handicraft Centre, also known as “Government Institute of Cottage Industries” is a centre to protect and propagate the craft and skills of local and village artisans. It has become one of the major attractions for tourists visiting Sikkim where traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms, carpets and other products are sold at reasonable prices.
Entry Formalities to Sikkim
Foreigners must seek Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. It can be obtained from all Indian Missions, Sikkim Tourism Offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, and district offices in Siliguri, Darjeeling and Rangpo. For more on permit and restrict rules, click here
Contact Details of Sikkim Tourism Offices
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre New Sikkim House 14, Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021 Phone: 011 - 26115346/26115171 Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Snt Colony, Hill Cart Road, Siliguri, West Bengal Phone: 95353 - 2512646
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Njp Railway Station, New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal Phone: 95353-2690475
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Bagdogra Airport, Bagdogra, West Bengal Phone: 95353-2698030
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre New Sikkim House, 4/1 Middleton Street, Kolkata Phone: 033 – 22817905
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Sikkim House, La-4, Sector-Iii, Salt Lake City,Kolkata-700 098 Phone (033)23358757
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre M.G. Marg, Gangtok, East Sikkim Phone: 03592 - 209090 Fax: 205647
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Upper Pelling, Near Girl's Hostel Of Pelling, West Sikkim Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Jorethang Bazar, Opposite Snt, South Sikkim Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Ravangla Bazar, On Way To Chozo Lake, South Sikkim
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Old Bellevue Hotel, Chowrasta, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Below Dak Banglow Alley Road, Namchi, South Sikkim Phone: 953595-264557 Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Opposite Police Check Post, Melli, South Sikkim Phone: 03595-248536
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Near Tourist Lodge, Rangpo, East Sikkim Phone: 03592 - 240818
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Lachen, North Sikkim Sikkim Tourist Information Centre Mangan, North Sikkim
Village Tourism in Sikkim
Sikkim has a number of towns and villages located amidst the beautiful valleys and hills. These towns and villages are beautiful tourist spots in themselves and attract people from near and far to them.
Lachen
This place is located at an altitude of 2750 meters above sea level. The Lachen Monastery is located on the top of the village from where one can have a panoramic glimpse of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Thangu
Thangu is a small village located at an altitude of 14000 feet. It is located at a distance of 30 kms from Lachen and has many alpine meadows, wooden houses of the locals, army camps and beautiful surroundings of the snow clad mountains.
Kewzing
This is a rural village located around 8 kms from Ravangla. One can stay here to experience the rural life of Sikkim. The local Sikkimese people provide utmost hospitability to enjoy the warmth and beauty of the place. There is also the Mangbrue Gompa located at a distance of 2 kms from Kewzing bazaar.
Jorethang
It is a major town located at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level. This town lies on the Rangit River. River rafting is the most popular activity for the tourists who visit this place. There is hot springs at a distance of few kms. and the famous Maghey Mela (traditional fair) takes place in this town. A number of other adventure activities also take place in this town.
Legship
This is a gateway to West Sikkim and has a holy shrine of Lord Shiva on the banks of the river Rangit. There is a festival which takes place in the month of November in the temple and is known as Bala Chaturdesi. There is also the first ever built dam in Legship. This dam is built for hydro electricity purpose and the water accumulated in the dam is used for Rangit Water World where local folks come for picnics and rafting.
Hee Burmiok
The Hee Burmiok village is situated in the West Sikkim district. This village is bounded by Kalez Khola in the north, Hee Khola in the west, Rangit Khola in the east and Samdong Reserve forest in the south. The village has many scenic picnic spots like Sirijonga Yuma Samyo Mangheem, Srijanga cave, Wadhan falls, Shivalaya, Kailaspati and Alley caves, Phengdoji falls and Phur Cha Chu hot spring. More than 65 species of birds are found in the surroundings.
Kongri-Labdang
These two places have a number of beautiful tourist spots adorning them. There are the monasteries like the Tso-Nim-Dawa Hungri Monastery and Pao-Hungri in Kongri. As one travel to Kongri one can get a glimpse of the Paha Khola falls which presents a spectacular sight. The wild beehive on the side of the falls provides a beautiful sight. There are also sacred caves on the way from Labdang which are worth visiting tourist spots.
Biksthang
This place is located at a short distance from Pelling. It is also known as Chuchen and Mangalbaray. The calm and serene natural surroundings of the hamlet is the main attraction of Biksthang. The Kanchenjunga peak and other smaller peaks by its side can be beautifully seen from this place on a clear day.
Religious Tourism in Sikkim
A visit to Sikkim is not possible without a visit to its world fammous monasteries and temples. Life is Sikkim revolves round religious beliefs and customs. The Buddhist monasteries of Ralong, Khachipari, Pemayanchi, Yoksum, Tashiding, Tholung, and Dubdi of western and southern districts and the Kiratishwar Mahadeo of Lekshep, Shiva Dham of Gayging, the temples of Durga at Dentam, Shiva mandir of Martam Burmek, Shri Krishna Mandir of Sorang, and the Shivalaya of Jorthang, Devisthan of Namchi, Gyandildas Dham, Manshadevi, and Ravi Dham of Tarku are renowned and prestigious religious places of Sikkim.