Sikkim is a small and beautiful state of Himalayan regions of India. Located at an altitude of 5500 ft is a tourist paradise for hits natural beauty, culture and handcrafts. There are many famous Buddhist monasteries located inside Sikkim. State of Sikkim is located at latitude of 27-28 North and Longitude of 88-89 degree east. The temperature varies from 21 to 13 degree Celsius in summer and 13 degree to 5 degree Celsius in winter. Light woolen cloths in summer and heavy woolen cloths in winter are required.

Borong

Facing the snow-capped mountains is Borong, motorable from Ravangla or a trek away from Menam. A picturesque village with beautiful landscapes and magnificent views, it is also host to the hot-spring 'Borong Tsa-Chu'.

Chortein

Chortein situated near the orchid sanctuary, one can see the young lamas here working, learning and worshipping.

Chungthang

Chungthang, on the confluence of the two passes, Lachen and Lachung Chu, and the starting point of the River Teesta, is the nodal junction for Lachen and Lachung. Visit the Holy Guru Lhedo to see the foot and palm prints left behind by the Patron Saint.

Deer Park

The Deer Park provides a commanding view of the expansive valleys surrounding the city of Gangtok.

Do-Drul Chorten Stupa

This stupa was built in 1945 by Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang and Guru Lhakhang, where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmassambhava).

Dubdi Monastery

The first monastery established soon after the consecration, it is located on a hill top above Yuksom surrounded by verdant forest.

Enchey Monastery

Set in a forest on a hill, the monastery, an important seat of the Nyingma order, is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. It offers one of the best views of the mountain range of Kanchenjunga, and is also popular for the religious masked dance called 'Chaam' which is part of a two day festival here.

Fambong La Wildlife Sanctuary

Located at a distance of 25 kms from Gangtok, this sanctuary is spread over an area of 51.76 sq. km. Apart from wild orchids and rhododendrons it is also home to various species of wild animals and birds.

Ganesh Tok

Only 7 kms from Gangtok this place offers a bird's eye view of the sprawling Gangtok town down below while across the hills Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon.

Guru-Dongmar Lake

Guru-dongmar lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains milky in color throughout and it is believed the Guru Padmasambhava had touched the lake whilst he visited Tibet from this area.

Hanuman Tok

Situated 11 kms from Gangtok town, it has a Hindu temple and its beautiful locales present an excellent view of the mountain ranges especially on a clear sunny morning.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden

Very close by to Rumtek Monastery, and maintained by the parks and Gardens unit of the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim, the Garden is an enchanting and soothing experience among the lush green vegetation, rare plants and trees and certain species of Himalayan flowers and Orchids.

Kabi Lungchok

This historical place, 17 kms from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway, is where the historic treaty of blood brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed ritually. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest.

Kanchenjunga

Hike to this, the third highest mountain in the world (8598m)

Khecheopalri Lake

Considered to be one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim by both Hindus and Buddhists, this lake remains hidden in the forests. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface.

Lachung

The soaring popularity of the Yumthang valley, just 25 km from Lachung, has led to the emergence of this Bhutia village as a tourist destination. It manages to retain its unique traditions and culture.

Lachen

Lachen is situated at an altitude of 2750 mtrs. and about 6 hrs. drive from Gangtok. The Lachen Monastery Located on top of the village commands a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and country side. Resorts, hotels and lodges are available for accommodation.

Menam Hill

Menam Hill towers above Tendong Hill on the other side overlooking the Ravangla bazar settlement. Situated at an altitude of 10,300 ft. the scenic view is, perhaps, unmatched in this part of the world.

Namchi

The name means "Sky High", and Namchi is nestled among the hills at an elevation of 5,500 ft., commanding a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and vast stretches of valley. Atop Samdruptse hilltop near Namchi, recently erected is the worlds tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of both Hindus and the Buddhist.

Orchid Sanctuary

Located within the premises of the Research Institute of Tibetology, is the famed orchid sanctuary where 500 species of orchids indigenous to Sikkim are cultivated.

Pelling

Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft. it offers a good view of the mountain ranges.

Pemayangtse Monastery

Located on a hill top, at an altitude of 6,840 ft., this monastery commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding hills and countryside.

Phensong Monastery

This monastery was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. Gutted by fire in 1947 it was rebuilt in 1948 by the efforts of the lamas. It provides some of the best scenic views in North Sikkim.

Phodong Monastery

This monastery, one of the six major monasteries in Sikkim, is at a distance of 38 kms from Gangtok. Just 4 kms from here is the more recently renovated Labrang Monastery, unique in its architectural design.

Rabdentse Ruins

This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim. Today the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from the Tourist Lodge and the Pemayangtse Monastery.

Ravangla

At the base of Menam Hill is this small township, that acts as a transit point to various destinations in South and West Sikkim. Do try the trek to 'Shar Chok Bephu' cave.

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre

About 24 kms from Gangtok, a 45 minutes drive away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist sects. It houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and religious art objects.

Rumtek Gompa

The monks at this Tibetan Buddhist monastery are very welcoming - join them in a butter tea as they go about their daily business

Rumtek Monastery

Located at a distance of about 24 kilometres from Gangtok, the Rumtek monastery is one of the many must visit excursion points around Gangtok. The ancient monastery was built in 1717 but didn't survive for long. It was built again by Gyalwa Karmapa in the year 1960 and followed the architectural designs of the monastery in Tibet, from where the Karmapa had come. The monastery is also characterised by the structure covered with murals, Tibetan paintings, Tankhas and frescoes. The monastery is also the largest in Sikkim, sprawling over a wide area.

Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre

Located just 5 kms from Gangtok, on a beautiful hill top, this is the only monastery of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.

Sangacholing Monastery

This monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and the famous Pemayangtse Monastery.

Saramsa Garden

Established and maintained by the Department of Forest, the garden is home to many exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. It is an excellent picnic and recreation spot.

Singhik

The place offers one of the most spectacular and closest views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and its ranges. One can also savour the most graceful peak in the world, Mt. Siniolchu.

Tashi View Point

Enjoy a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga from this popular picnic spot.

Tashiding Monastery

This monastery is constructed on top of a heart-shaped hill with the backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is popular for two reasons - the Holy Chorten called 'Thong-Wa-Rang-To' and the sacred water festival.

Temi Tea Garden

The only tea garden in the state of Sikkim, this produces one of the best quality teas in the International Market.

Tendong Hill

Tendong Hill is a small flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8,530 ft. surrounded by ancient lush green forests. Historically, this has been a place of recluse for Buddhist Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the silent scenic grandeur.

Tsomgo Lake

Situated 40 kms from Gangtok, at an altitude of 3,780 metres, this placid lake remains frozen during the winter months upto mid-May. It offers an ideal habitat for the Red Panda and various species of birds. One can also spot a variety of flowers like rhododendrons, primulas, blue and yellow poppies, and irises.

Tsuklakhang

This sacred place was built several decades ago within the premises of the palace. This royal chapel is the scene of many grand ceremonies and festivals.

Versey

It lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft. and has motorable road access upto Hilley. An easy 4 kms trek from there leads to the Versey Rhododendron Sanctuary.

Water Garden

Water Garden at Martam Khola is on the 31-A National Highway some 16 kms. south of Gangtok. It is an ideal spot for picnic with a small swimming pool for children.

Yuksom

This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 AD by the three learned lamas, and the evidence of the consecration ceremony can be seen at Norbugan g Chorten in the form of stone seats and a foot-print of the Head-Lama on a stone. It is from here that the trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga begins.

Yumthang

140 kms from Gangtok, at an elevation of 11,800 ft., this paradise for nature lovers has a breathtaking blend of flora, fauna and scenic grandeur. The valley is also home for Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary, housing 24 species of rhododendrons. Yumthang 'Tsa-Chu' or the hot spring is immensely popular for its curative properties and healing power.