Directory
Photo via Wikimediamountains
Sikkim
India 4.6
“India's smallest Himalayan state climbs from 280m subtropical valleys to Kanchenjunga's 8,586m slopes, weaving Buddhist monasteries, alpine meadows, and cloud-piercing ridges into 7,096 sq km.”
- 1Tsomgo LakenatureGlacial lake at 12,310 feet flanked by snow peaks; frozen solid January-March, sacred to local Buddhists.
- 2Rumtek MonasteryreligiousBuilt 1966, houses the Black Crown relic of the Karmapa lineage; 24km from Gangtok on a forested ridge.
- 3Nathula PasslandmarkIndo-China border crossing at 14,140 feet; open Wed-Sun, permits required, only 56km from Gangtok via hairpins.
- 4Yumthang ValleynatureAlpine meadow at 11,800 feet blooms with rhododendrons April-May; hot springs bubble beside the Teesta River.
- 5Pelling SkywalkviewpointGlass-floored cantilever platform 7,200 feet high; faces Kanchenjunga's southwest face and Rabdentse ruins below.
- 6Do Drul Chortenreligious1945 stupa in Gangtok holds 108 prayer wheels; interior shelters complete Dorjee Phurba mantra sets.
Traveller tips
Know before you go
- Acclimatize in Gangtok (1,650m) before climbing to Tsomgo or Nathula to avoid altitude issues.
- Carry permit photocopies; checkpoints dot every major route and town entry.
- Book Nathula Pass permits 24 hrs ahead; closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and during heavy snow.
- Try local thukpa and momos with ema datshi (cheese-chili) for an authentic hill-town bite.