Things to Do in Sikkim: Lakes, Passes and Monasteries

Quick answer

The best things to do in Sikkim are the day trip to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass, a night in Lachung for Yumthang Valley and Zero Point, and Gangtok's monasteries and MG Marg. In west Sikkim, see Kanchenjunga from Pelling, Pemayangtse and Rabdentse, and the giant Buddha at Ravangla. Plan a week to cover it without rushing.

13 things worth your time in Sikkim

01
Evening on MG Marg
Experience
Gangtok's pedestrian main street is clean, car-free and lined with cafés, momo shops and handicraft stores. Smoking, spitting and littering are fined.
2 hoursFree
Sit on the central benches after 6 pm; it's where Gangtok spends its evenings.
02
Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
Day trip
A glacial lake at about 3,750 m, 38 km from Gangtok, frozen in winter. Baba Harbhajan Singh's memorial temple is further on.
6–7 hoursCar about ₹3,500–6,000 incl. permit
Permits are arranged by registered operators; send ID and photos a day ahead.
03
Nathula Pass
Day trip
The Indo-China border pass at about 4,310 m, where you can see the border fence and Chinese posts across it.
Full day with TsomgoPermit about ₹200; car about ₹5,000–8,000 for the combined trip
Indian nationals only. Usually open Wednesday to Sunday, and snow or army orders can close it at short notice.
04
Yumthang Valley and Zero Point
Nature
Yumthang, at about 3,560 m, has a rhododendron sanctuary and hot springs. Zero Point (Yumesamdong) is higher, around 4,600 m, and snowbound most of the year.
Overnight via LachungPart of a Lachung package; Zero Point add-on about ₹2,500–4,000 per car
Leave Lachung by 6 am; cloud usually rolls in by noon.
05
Gurudongmar Lake
Nature
A sacred high-altitude lake at about 5,180 m, one of the highest in India that tourists can reach.
Overnight via LachenPart of a Lachen package
Access has been on and off since the 2023 Teesta flood. Check with your operator before you plan around it. Not for those with heart or breathing conditions.
06
Rumtek Monastery
Landmark
The largest monastery in Sikkim, about 24 km from Gangtok, and the main seat of the Karma Kagyu school in India.
2 hoursSmall entry fee; ID checked at the gate
07
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do Drul Chorten
Landmark
A museum of Buddhist icons, thangkas and manuscripts, next to a stupa ringed by 108 prayer wheels.
1.5–2 hoursAbout ₹10–50
08
Gangtok ropeway
Experience
A short cable car across the upper town from Deorali, with views over Gangtok and, on clear days, Kanchenjunga.
45 minutesAbout ₹100–150
09
Tashi viewpoint and Ganesh Tok
Nature
Two viewpoints just above Gangtok for early-morning Kanchenjunga views, often combined with Enchey Monastery.
1.5 hoursFree or small fee
Go at sunrise between October and December.
10
Buddha Park, Ravangla
Landmark
A 40-m Buddha statue on a ridge facing the mountains, on the road from Gangtok to Pelling.
1.5 hoursAbout ₹50–100
11
Pelling skywalk and Chenrezig statue
Landmark
A glass-floored walkway leading to a large Chenrezig statue above Pelling, with Kanchenjunga ahead on clear mornings.
1.5 hoursAbout ₹50–100
12
Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse ruins
Landmark
One of Sikkim's oldest monasteries, known for Zangdok Palri, a seven-tier carved wooden model of Guru Rinpoche's celestial abode, with the ruins of the old royal capital at Rabdentse a short walk away.
2–3 hoursSmall entry fees
13
Khecheopalri Lake
Nature
A sacred lake in forest about 25 km from Pelling. Locals say birds keep its surface clear of leaves.
2 hoursSmall entry fee

How to split your time in Sikkim

Sikkim works best as three short bases.

Gangtok (2–3 nights): MG Marg, monasteries, the ropeway, and the Tsomgo–Nathula day trip.
Lachung (1 night): Yumthang Valley and Zero Point. Lachen and Gurudongmar add a night when the route is open.
Pelling (1–2 nights): Kanchenjunga views, Pemayangtse, Rabdentse, Khecheopalri, with Ravangla's Buddha Park on the way.

Distances are short but roads are slow. Gangtok to Lachung is about 120 km and takes six to seven hours.

Which places need permits?

Tsomgo Lake, Nathula and all of North Sikkim (Lachung, Yumthang, Lachen, Gurudongmar) need permits, issued through registered operators. Carry ID (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence) and four to six passport photos. Nathula is for Indian nationals only and is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hotels also collect a ₹50 per person state tourism fee at check-in.

Altitude: what to watch

Gangtok sits at about 1,650 m, but Nathula is around 4,310 m and Zero Point around 4,600 m. Don't run, keep the visit short, drink water and come down if anyone gets a bad headache or breathlessness. Children under five and anyone with heart or lung problems should skip the highest points.

Book a vehicle with a driver from Gangtok for North Sikkim. Self-drive is not practical, and permits are tied to registered operators.

See our 7-day Sikkim itinerary, the Sikkim trip cost guide, where to stay in Gangtok, what to eat in Sikkim and the best time to visit Sikkim. Adding Darjeeling? See things to do in Darjeeling.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nathula Pass open every day?

No. Nathula is usually open Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Snow and army orders can also close it at short notice, especially from December to March. Only Indian nationals can visit, with a permit arranged through a registered operator a day in advance.

Can I visit Gurudongmar Lake now?

It depends on road conditions. The Lachen–Gurudongmar route has been open on and off since the October 2023 Teesta flood. Lachung and Yumthang have been more reliable. Check the current status with a registered Gangtok operator a week before travel and keep Lachung as the backup.

How many days do I need for Sikkim?

Six to seven days covers Gangtok, Tsomgo and Nathula, a night in Lachung for Yumthang, and Pelling. With only four days, stick to Gangtok and Lachung. Add a day if you want Lachen and Gurudongmar, and a buffer day in the monsoon or winter.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.