Things to Do in Sikkim

Goecha La is a high mountain pass in the Himalayan range. The trek starts at the sleepy little town of Yuksom in West Sikkim. The town is very pretty with lush green surroundings and a salubrious weather to go with it. You can shop for all supplies at Yuksom before beginning the trek as this is the only place where you will get to buy all your necessary items.

Furthermore, before trekking the Goecha La, you will have to do two things, first make an entry at the local police station and second pay the permit fees at the forest check post. Usually the agencies take care of all these hassles and you will not have to bother about them.

Enjoy the stunning 12,400 feet above sea level location of Tsomgo Lake as you lose yourself in its otherworldly beauty. Behold this treasure, commonly known as Changu Lake, as you drive the Gangtok-Nathu La highway. Encircled by majestic alpine forests and soaring snow-capped peaks, its charm is undeniably alluring.

Nathula Pass, perched at 14,140 feet in the Himalayas, connects Sikkim with Tibet. This historic pass was once a bustling segment of the Silk Route. It now offers visitors stunning views of snow-capped mountains and lush valleys. Open for trade and tourism, it embodies a mix of natural beauty and geopolitical significance.

Famous with the title of "Soldier Saint", Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is dedicated to the brave warrior of the Indian Army, who sacrificed his life serving the nation. The shrine is located in the peaceful trails of the Sikkim mountains and attracts tourists from all over the world who want to experience this distinctive fusion of spirituality and military history. The sacred ground of the temple lets you enjoy breathtaking views with mystical tales and stories related to the brave hero. What makes this temple a must-visit place is the way soldiers honor the bravery of this legend and locals respect his legacy.

Yet another of the least explored places to visit in Lachung, the mesmerizing Green Lake rests at the base of Mt. Kanchenjunga, at an altitude of 1,437 m. Towered by Mt. Kanchenjunga along with several other peaks, and its trail movies past beautiful thick forests and meadows carpeted by rhododendrons, blue poppies, and primulas.

The expeditions to Mt. Everest before the war were done through this part of North Sikkim, the post which, the trail seems to have been forgotten. It remains shaded from the majority of tourists, saves an adventurous few. Time your visit to the lake anytime between March to May for pleasant weather and clear views of the mountain ranges that cast a lovely reflection in the turquoise green waters of the lake.

Location: North Sikkim, Sikkim

Take in the stunning views of Gurudongmar Lake, which is tucked away in Sikkim at an astounding height of 17,800 feet. This holy lake, which bears the name of Guru Padmasambhava, attracts with its pure charm. Experience the raw beauty of this undiscovered treasure as you travel through untamed landscapes dotted with rhododendrons and alpine pastures.

Buddha Park, or Tathagata Tsal, in Ravangla, ranks as one of the famous spiritual sites in Sikkim, the Land of Peace. Known for its 130-foot Buddha statue set against the stunning backdrop of the Eastern Himalayas and built to commemorate the 2550th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, it features lush, beautiful gardens and peaceful prayer halls. Many travelers include Buddha Park in their Sikkim tour packages for a serene break amid nature and culture. Whether you're someone who loves capturing scenic views of the surroundings or simply wishes to meditate in a quiet space, the place offers it all.

Experience the mesmerizing beauty of Bhim Nala Falls, a captivating waterfall nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Sikkim, India. This natural wonder cascades down with grace and grandeur, creating a soothing ambiance and a perfect spot for relaxation. Bhim Nala Falls offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle, inviting visitors to revel in the tranquility of nature's allure. Nature lovers and travelers seeking a refreshing encounter with the Himalayan beauty will find Bhim Nala Falls a delightful destination to explore and unwind.

Fun fact - Bhim Nala Falls is also known as Amitabh Bachchan Falls amongst the locals! 

Location: Chungthang, Lachung, Sikkim 737120

Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: Approx. 15 km

Yumesamdong, otherwise known as Zero Point, is one of the most frequented tourist's places in Lachung. It is located about 15 km away from Yumthang and sits at a mind-numbing altitude of 4,724 meters. Zero point marks the edge of civilization, and the road comes to a dead end here.

The vicuna China border is just beyond Zero points, though no tourists are allowed there. Despite the treacherous roads, Yumesamdong brings you exceptional rewards! Treat your eyes to the confluence of three magnificent rivers, flanked on either side by enormous, snow-clad peaks.

While yaks often graze here, the land is nearly competent devoid of vegetation. The place sits beneath thick, powdery snow, and brings extremely cold weather conditions. But there’s a great respite in the form of Hot Springs by the river Sebu Chhu!

Location: Sikkim 737120

Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: Approx. 50 km

Located at a distance of 10 km from Yuksom and 30.4 km from Pelling is the spectacular Kanchenjunga Waterfalls. It is a perennial waterfall whose pristine water is believed to have originated high up from the glaciers of the mighty Mount Kanchenjunga. The waterfall is surrounded by dense thick forest and is known for its grandeur and beauty.

Housed in North Sikkim, nearly 28 km away from Lachung, the magnificent peak of Mt. Katao is an ideal spot for adventurers and trekkers alike. Though getting there requires a permit from the Indian army. The mountain trail is lined with majestic alpine forests of rhododendrons, poppies, and primulas, along with a few serene waterfalls. These trails climb up to sweeping views of the neighboring peaks. Mt. Katao is one of the most beautiful and offbeat tourist places in Lachung and unveils its grand beauty to the selected few who stumble there.

Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: Approx. 28 km

Visit the Yumthang Valley also called the Sikkim Valley of Flowers, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Here, you can marvel at the valley’s verdant meadows, clear rivers, and hot springs. Only 150 km from Gangtok, this nature sanctuary, at 3,564 metres above sea level, offers you an enchanted hideaway.

Lachung Monastery (Samten Cheoling Gompa) is a Nyingma sanctuary that was built in 1880 and is located at the intersection of the Lachen and Lachung Rivers at 3,000 m. It is surrounded by apple orchards and pine-covered hills.

Two floors of wooden halls are beautifully decorated with murals of the life of Buddha, the Wheel of Life, and Tibetan gods and goddesses. In the middle of the halls is a statue of Guru Padmasambhava, which has immense importance to the locals. Visitors walk along the porch, which has two metal dragon designs, and spins heavy prayer wheels before going inside, which is calm and sacred.

On the 28th and 29th days of the Tibetan calendar in December, monks perform the colourful Cham masked dance, which is a religious and meditative ritual. The monastery is also a good place to start trips to Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and Shingba Sanctuary.

Paha Khola Bridge is situated along the famous Goechala Trek route, approximately 8 kilometres from the town of Yuksom. This sturdy suspension bridge crosses over the rushing Paha Khola stream and serves as the official entrance to Kanchenjunga National Park. The bridge is surrounded by thick forest where you can hear birds singing and water flowing beneath the bridge. Many trekkers stop here to take photos and catch their breath before continuing deeper into the mountains. 

The area around the bridge is peaceful and lush, with tall trees providing natural shade and the calming sound of flowing water creating a calm and fresh atmosphere.

Perched at around 3,650 meters on the Goecha La trail, Phedang Village is a tranquil alpine meadow cradled by rhododendron forests, pine-covered ridges. Trekkers stop here for packed lunches next to a simple shelter in the middle of the day. They can see mountains all around them while yaks graze nearby.

The air smells like pine, moss, and yak dung, and you can hear birds calling as you walk along trails that go from thick forest to alpine meadows. Frost settles in the clear, starry skies at night, and friends gather around warm tea and bonfires. This peaceful village-cum-campsite serves as both a place to get acclimatised to the altitude. It also provides a spiritual threshold, where trekkers can slow down, introspect, and get their bodies and minds ready for the climb to Dzongri and beyond.

The Lachen River, located in the picturesque region of North Sikkim, India, is a pristine waterway that originates from the snow-clad mountains near Lachen village. It flows through breathtaking landscapes, merging with the Lachung River to form the Teesta River, a lifeline for the region's ecosystems and communities.

Hot Springs Yumthang is one of the famous hot springs, located a few kilometres far from Yumthang Village, North Sikkim. The place is at a height of more than 11,800 feet above sea level. The local people also refer to this hot spring as Yumthang Tsachu. The water is rich in sulphur, and the average temperature of this hot spring water is around 50 degrees Celsius.  

Kupup is a tiny village close to the Indo-China border, nestled high in the East Sikkim mountains. Located at an elevation of more than 13,000 ft, the village is considered one of the highest inhabited ones in the country. What makes it unique is its significance along the Old Silk Route and how closely it is located to the Jelep La. With only a few houses located in the village, it lets visitors take a glimpse at the rural life of Sikkim closely. Since it is a strategically important place and lets you enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas, the village is one of the major attractions people include in their Sikkim tour packages.

Kokchurang Village is about 3,750 meters above sea level and is next to the roaring Prek Chu River. It is a peaceful, mystical place to escape to in the Himalayas on the Goecha La route. There is a clearing in the middle of the oak and rhododendron forests, where a single wooden rest hut stands. Inside, it is warm, the air smells like pine, and the sound of the river can be heard through the mist.

As dusk falls, local legends speak of unseen presences that lend an eerie mystique to the moss-covered chestnut trunks and hushed forest paths. This adds a layer of intrigue to the atmosphere and stillness of the woods. Trekkers stop here for chai, to laugh with each other, and to rest their tired legs before moving on to higher alpine camps like Thansing. Kokchurang is quiet in the winter, when the snow covers everything, and bright in the summer, when the sun shines on the ground. Kokchurang feels like stepping into a timeless, off-the-grid Himalayan village, whether you're there to learn about its folklore or just enjoy the peace of the mountains. It's a small gateway between forested footpaths and soaring peaks.