The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Sikkim, Sikkim

February 14, 2022 Matilde Konrad

Discover the best top things to do in Sikkim, India including Gurudongmar Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Yumthang Valley, Pemayangtse Monastery, Nathula Pass, Yume Samdong (Zero Point), Ranka Monastery, Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Teesta River, Mt. Katao.
Restaurants in Sikkim

1. Gurudongmar Lake

India
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 527 reviews

Gurudongmar Lake

Reviewed By Saurbh2014 - Gadarwara, India

Haven of earth, its supper high altitude oxygen level is low due to high altitude desert ... Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and in India, located at an altitude of 17,800 ft. Infant and BP patients should not be carried

2. Rumtek Monastery

24km from Gangtok, 737135 India http://www.rumtek.org/
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 342 reviews

Rumtek Monastery

Dharma Chakra Centre consists of a beautiful temple, the famous Golden Stupa, and Tibetan Buddhist monastery that houses very important relics.

Reviewed By Nikhil0907 - Bengaluru, India

Rumtek monastery is the biggest monsatry in eastern India. One will need to carry original id and address proof to get an entry to the monastry. Vehicles are not allowed inside the gate so one needs to walk up till the main monastry. The view from Monastry is breath taking as one can get a full view of Gangtok city. The place is quiet and gives a wonderful feeling. Paintings on the wall of the main monastery is mesmerizing.

3. Yumthang Valley

Lachung India
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 742 reviews

Yumthang Valley

Reviewed By Prabhayamuna - Chennai (Madras), India

Visited during May 2019, During this time of year May, It is a Purple color treat for us. Rhododendrons are in full bloom during our visits, This Valley is definitely treat for our Eyes during season time of Mid April to May. Surrounded by Snow Capped Mountains, lovely river flow, yak ride along the river bed, Just Mesmerizing. Guys, after taking photos, just sit in the bench fixed along the river bed, forget about all, just enjoy the view and weather, Your worries will be vanished. Yak ride charges here are less than Changu lake. Must go place during season with Young Kids.

4. Pemayangtse Monastery

India
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Pemayangtse Monastery

Reviewed By SGRG069 - Gangtok, India

Considered one of the most important monastery belonging to the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, Pemayangtse monastery said to be founded around 1647-48 AD and established fully as a monastery in the year 1705 AD is about a couple of kilometres from Pelling Town. Situated at the hill top about 2100 mtrs overlooking the surroundings areas of Pelling and other towns and villages also offers the majestic view of Mt. Khangchendzonga and its adjacent peaks. The other important factor of the monastery is about its enrollment of the monks wherein one should be from the pure Tibetan lineage to get enrolled and the head monk of the monastery was reserved the honor of crowning the Chogyals (King of Sikkim) during the time of Monarchy rules. The " Sandhokpalri" or Guru Rimpoche's heavenly abode which is a beautiful wooden masterpiece is one of the main attraction of the monastery. We, like most nature and adventure seekers preferred to take a walk from Pelling instead of driving a car. The walk in itself is enjoying and the road through tall Pine trees and many other trees all along the way is something i could say a good experience. 30-40 minutes walk will reach one to the top of the hill where the monastery is situated and tiredness goes away as soon as you reach to the main gate (my personal feeling) The monastery is truly amazing in terms of its architectures and paintings and some of the rare statues of different deity's of the monastery and the region. Its already a divine blessing to be there....!!!

5. Nathula Pass

Gangtok 737101 India
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,948 reviews

Nathula Pass

Reviewed By balasbroadcast - Mumbai, India

We were at 14,100 feet at Nathu La. The board said 500 feet to the China border but this was the most difficult part, as we had to walk this distance in pouring rain, steep, slippery paths breathing heavily in the rarefied atmosphere. Finally we reached the top and the feeling cannot simply be explained in words. Only a thick rope separated us from China. In fact, one Jawan held his hand out sideways and said “ Main India me hoon aur mera haath hai China ke ooper”. We waved at a Chinese soldier who shouted out ‘ Hi’ in return. It is that close. Moved a little further to the viewing balcony and what lay below us was a piece of history - Nathu La Pass at the start of the ancient Silk Road. The gates on either sides of the border with the Tricolor and the Chinese flag fluttering are a sight to behold. We also saw a convoy of 24 Chinese trucks escorted by an Indian pilot vehicle head for the trading centre in India, Sherathang. A MUST visit place for every Indian is Nathu La. Plan to visit again when there is snow all round. The true meaning of the Army slogan “ we gave our today for your tomorrow” hit me like a thunderbolt. These valiant young men in the Army and the Border Roads Organisation brave the elements in protecting us and our motherland, even as we lead comfortable lives in cities. My hand went up in an involuntary salute. Jai Jawan! Photography is strictly prohibited at the top and the viewing gallery. Respect the armymen who request certain shameless trigger-happy tourists not to click. There is a small cafe, but extremely crowded. A small washroom is there too but too dirty to use.

6. Yume Samdong (Zero Point)

Lachung India
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 604 reviews

Yume Samdong (Zero Point)

Reviewed By lovejit_the_gabru - Jaipur, India

Beautiful serene place.... takes abt 3 hrs frm lachung... get early nd reach there to see a beautiful landscape nd on the way u will see beautiful rhododendron flowers.... it is located at a very high altitude @15,300 fr, so u may feel little dizziness.. small stalls are also there selling tea coffee.. nd u may njy boiled black chickpeas there.... jst njy the calmness nd peace.... this is the last public motor point in route to china border.. no public vehicle is allowed thereaftr....u may nt find snow in summer.. bt little bit of snow is always there..

7. Ranka Monastery

Lingdum, Gangtok 737135 India
Excellent
50%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 545 reviews

Ranka Monastery

Reviewed By rpdjans - Chennai (Madras), India

IT is such a calm and serene place to visit. WE were the first to visit. We reached there on our return from gangtok in the morning by 9AM. It was such a sight to behold and have the monastery all for yourself Monks do stay there and there is such good view for mountains and breeze all around. A stretch of road to the monastery is not so good though that doesn't matter when you get such amazing views.

8. Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

Singalila Range Nepal Border, 737121 India +91 70633 11604 [email protected] http://www.okhreybarsey.com
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

Barsey rhododendron sanctuary is located in west sikkim ,you will get to see variety of rhododendron and also the breathtaking view of mt kanchenjunga .

Reviewed By SGRG069 - Gangtok, India

As we planned to go to Varsay Rhododendron Sanctuary, we wanted to add more to it and finalized to do Phoktay Dara Trek too which is along the Varsay hill and could be done in one go or say start from Varsay and end up in Uttarey or vice-versa. So we choosed to start from Uttarey and reach Varsay. The trek is not very tough given the altitude which is only 3600 mtrs max. Chew Bhanjyang (Indo-Nepal Border) is on the way i.e. 4 hrs trek from Uttarey. We camped at Chew Bhanjyang for a night and on the nest day we moved to Kalijhar which is only about 3.5-4 hrs. Kalijhar became our base camp to summit Phoktay Dara and hence early in the next morning (04 am) we started our walk towards the top. About 45-50 minutes of walk, we were amazed by the scenic beauty which came before us....it was a lifetime experience to see such a sea of clouds over the high hills of West Sikkim and below the majestic Mt.Khangchendzonga and its adjacent peaks. THe view was amazing (no words to express) The panoramic view of the giants of Himalaya was right infront of us. Everest massiff on one side and Khangchendzonga massiff on the other....couldn't ask for more.... The days passed and we were finally at Varsay Trekkers Hut but still with the memories of that amazing view. Varsay Rhododendron sanctuary was not fully bloomed but was good enough to experience such different species of Rhododendrons together.... Overall magnificent plan executed....!!!

9. Teesta River

India http://1001things.org/white-water-rafting-at-teesta-river
Excellent
60%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 80 reviews

Teesta River

Reviewed By Sonaliexplores - Mumbai, India

As we had travelled during rainy season the river was gushing with strong flow. On your way to Gangtok from Siliguri on National Highway 10, the first thing you will start enjoying is the beautiful company of Teesta River. You will get some great scenic views of the river on your way. There are few tourist spots where you can enjoy white river water rafting.

10. Mt. Katao

Lachung, Gangtok India
Excellent
68%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Mt. Katao

Reviewed By Kumarghosh92

A very good place in short mini Switzerland of India , what a heavenly experience that was Please everyone if u travel to sikkim than please visit katau

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