Sikkim has its own unique identity and tourism place in India. The place which is better known for Buddhist monasteries and monks dressed in red colours. Second smallest state of India, Sikkim is a god’s gift to mother land with full of surprises and tourist attractions. Come and explore various tourism and travel places of Sikkim with this Sikkim travel guide.
Pelling
| Tourist Attractions: | Only 10 km from Geyzing, West Sikkim District |
| Tourist Attractions: | Dubdi Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Sanga-Choeling Monastery and Khecheopalri Lake |
| Significance: | Nearest town to Mt. Kanchenjunga |
| How to reach: | Buses and Private Taxis are easily available from Geyzing for Pelling. Charges are reasonable. |
| Pin Code: | 737113 |
| Nearest Airport: | Bagdogra in West Bengal |
Pelling in Sikkim – Located at an altitude of 6,800 feet, Pelling is popular for its panoramic view of Mount Kangchenjunga. Due to its location advantage, the region has become one of the most visited tourist places of Sikkim. Pelling is known for housing one of the oldest monasteries namely Dubdi Monastery which is located on a hilltop. This monastery was established after the consecration of the 1st Chogyal of Sikkim, Phuntsog Namgyal, in 1641 A.D.
Besides various monasteries, Pelling is also famous for Khecheopalri Lake. The locals of this region believe that this Lake possesses the powers of wish fulfillment. A holy dip in the lake can fulfill all your wishes.
Well connected by rail, road and air network, the nearest airport to the city is Bagdogra in West Bengal around 146 km from it. Regular flights are available to and from all the major cities like Delhi and Kolkata. The nearest railhead to Pelling is New Jalpaiguri, at 147 km from the city. Regular buses and taxis ply abundantly from here for other parts of the state and for the interiors of the city both.
Yuksom
Yuksom in Sikkim – A place where the three learned Lamas of Sikkim have been believed to have sanctified the first Chogyal in 1641 AD is known as Yuksom. Previously the capital of Sikkim, it has come to be revered as a sacred place by the locals in due course of time.
Located at a mere distance of 32 km from the famous Pemayangtse Monastery, Yuksom is well connected to all the other parts of the state by road. A short walk from Yuksom will take one to the archeological ruins of Chogyals and to Dubdi Monastery, the oldest one in Sikkim. The region is inhabited by a diverse group of people. Ethnic tribes including Lepchas, the natives of Sikkim, Bhutias, the Tibetan residents residing here since time immemorial and Nepalis as well as Tibetan refugees have all found shelter in this culturally and historically rich area.
Majority of the residents at Yuksom are engaged in traditional agriculture to earn their livelihood. Some of them have though ventured into tourism activities recently. A wide array of comfortable accommodations is available in Yuksom for both a long and short stay that will be really easy on your pocket.
Best Time to Visit Gangtok
Best Time to Visit Sikkim – Gangtok offers pleasant weather conditions to tourist but it’s important to know the main tourist season before visiting there. One can visit Gangtok between October to mid-December as the weather remains calm and pleasant between this months. You can explore clear views of the high mountains and deep valleys during this season. The days remain clear and best views of the Himalayas are guaranteed during this season. However, the months of March to May are also good time to visit Gangtok. This is the time for many festivals and cultural celebrations take place in Gangtok, Sikkim. A visit to Gangtok during this period offers majestic view of the high mountains.
If you are a adventure lover, then you can visit Gangtok in winter months from mid-December to early March. You will experience Snowfall along with heavy cold winds. Some of the tourist areas are closed in winters due to bad weather and road conditions. So it’s advisable not to visit Gangtok during the winter months. The season between October to mid-December is considered best season to visit Gangtok.
Gangtok Restaurants
Restaurants in Gangtok – All good trips start with a healthy food. Keeping this simple funda in life, Gangtok city offers you lot of tasty food and cuisine to choose from. If you are coming to Sikkim, one thing you should stop worrying is healthy food. Gangtok offers you with such a large number of tasty food restaurants that you will be delighted. Your tummy will keep asking for if you had a unique Gangtok cuisine. The food here in Sikkim is a mixture of Chinese, Bhutanese, Nepalese and Indian cooking. So you will have some great food in Gangtok both in veg and non-veg dishes. Apart from Gangtok cuisine, one can easily choose from easily available Thai to Intercontinental, from Italian to Mexican and Indian cuisine. Food is quiet affordable in Gangtok as it is not very expensive. We have also listed below some of the famous restaurants in Gangtok, Sikkim:
List of famous Restaurants in Gangtok:
- Buzz (Glenary’s), New Market
- The Square, Paljor Stadium Road
- Fusion Lounge Bar & Restaurant, Convoy Ground
- Blue Poppy/ Dragon Hall, Hotel Tashi Delek
- China Palate, New Market
- Dragon Restaurant, Green Hotel, M.G.Marg
- Eden Park, Hotel Park Residency
- Hotel Sher-e-Punjab, 31A National Highway
- House of Bamboo, M.G.Marg
- Krishna Restaurant
- The Roll House
- Quick Bite
- Metro’s Fast Food, 31A National Highway
- Moti Mahal, New Market
- Oberoi’s Barbeque, New Market
- Parivar Restaurant, M.G.Marg
- Snow Lion, Paljor Stadium Road
- The Blue Sheep Restaurant, M.G.Marg
- Wild Orchid Restaurant, Hotel Central, 31A National Highway