Places to visit in Sikkim in October

Sikkim is the least populated state of India and in fact, it is the second smallest state after Goa. Due to this, you will always find Sikkim to be very peaceful and appealing. Not much crowd always works to our advantage to go sightseeing. In addition to this, the state boasts of its various cultural and natural resources. In fact, Sikkim also has the only open land border between India and China. The state is rich in cultural heritage and houses a multitude of different flora and fauna.

During October there are a number of festivals that are celebrated in the state, one of them being the Durga Pooja. This becomes an add-on to your itinerary and a one of a kind experience when in Sikkim.

To make things easier for you, here is a list of the places that you must cover in Sikkim in October.

Suggested Read: Things To Do in Sikkim, How To Reach Sikkim & Best Time To Visit Sikkim

1. Pelling

Pelling, a beautiful petite town is sited at a height of 6800ft. It is said that the town was initially covered with dense thick forest. The forest served as home to many indigenous wild animals of that period. Today, the city is one of the best-chosen tourist hubs of the state.

During October, the state looks at a very pleasant season. While the monsoon has just left, the trees and plants are blooming with leaves and the weather looks really inviting.

Here is a list of places that you can check out in Pelling.

Rabdentse Ruins

Now an archaeological site, these ruins glorify the history of Sikkim. If you are a history, this place is a must-visit for you. Read more

Kanchenjunga Falls

The waterfall originates high up from the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga. It is also said to be the 3rd Highest Peak in the world. Read more

Pemayangtse Monastery

The word Pemayangtse means – ‘Perfect Sublime Lotus’. A famous tourist destination this monastery is the perfect place to relax and attain nirvana. Read more

Things to Remember

Carry an extra pair of clothes when you visit the waterfall.

Make sure you carry your camera along when you visit the ruins. The site is something you must capture in your camera lens.

2. Gangtok

The capital city of Sikkim offers tourists a wonderful experience in itself. From food to sightseeing, it is a package that you will never want to forget.

They say that Gangtok is not only the most happening place in Sikkim, it also base for many trekkers.

During October, the climate is so pleasing that it keeps you relaxed throughout your tour. Apart from that, the Durga Pooja festival is also celebrated in Gangtok, which you can be a part of. The locals take a keen interest in this festival and celebrate it with lots of hype.

For your experience to be memorable, we have compiled a list of must-visit places in Sikkim in October.

Rumtek Monastery

Visit this monastery for its paintings and lovely architecture. They say the paintings and handmade and to enhance the charm of the monastery, there are also a 1001 Gold Sculptures at the monastery.

M.G Marg

Your Gangtok trip remains incomplete if you haven’t visited M.G Road in Gangtok. The place is a tourist hub; it is like an open mall that also includes a food court in the form of cafes and restaurants. Do not miss out on the momos that the cafes offer. They are delicious.

Thangu Valley

Situated on a height of 3,962 m, the valley is shrouded under a carpet of snow throughout the year. In fact, the valley is also a base for the famous Chopta valley and Muguthang treks. The valley is a very famous spot amongst trekkers and adventure lovers.

Things to Remember

It is advisable to carry comfortable shoes and a trekking kit if you wish to go for a trekking tour.

3. Lachen, Yumthang and Lachung

From Gangtok, you can make an excellent trip to North Sikkim and visit the three towns of Lachen, Lachung and Yumthang.

The mountain village Lachung offers lovely views of mountains and the valley of flowers in Yumthang features a variety of different coloured flowers.

During October, the flowers in the valley are blooming and it makes your experience even better. Even when you visit the other places in the town, due to the pleasant weather, you will enjoy your tour.

Here is a list of the places you can visit in these towns.

Valley of Flowers – Yumthang

The valley of flowers covers the mountains that are situated thousands of meters above sea level. The different coloured flowers make of a sight that you will remember for years to come.

Khanda Waterfalls – Lachung

This spot is always covered with snow. The waterfall is like your visit to a natural shower. The water of the falls is so clean that it almost looks like milk.

Gurudongmar Lake

The lake is famous for being one of the fifteen highest lakes in the world. The highlight of the lake is the scenic beauty of the place; the view is something that you will not get over, really soon. Read more

Things to Remember

The water at Gurudongmar Lake is said to have healing powers. So if you are someone who believes in spiritual healing, take an empty bottle along.

4. Ravangla

The highlight of this quaint town is its location. It is situated around 8000feet from above the sea level due to which it offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings. The village is placed right in between the high mountains of the Eastern Ghats.

During October, this view is even better. Due to the pleasant climate and greenery all around the place, you will refresh.

Below we have compiled a list of places that you can visit in Ravangla.

Rayong Sunrise View Point

The viewpoint is known for its amazing vista of the sunrise and the sunset. Located in the southern district, it is a very famous spot amongst the tourists. Read more

Temi Tea Garden

The tea garden is spread on a land of around 177 hectares and from a distance; you will be able to breathe in the aroma of Temi tea plantings. The garden produces fine quality tea leaves that are distributed not only India but also the foreign land. Read more

Ralang Monasteries

The architecture of this monastery will leave you bewildered. Each painting in the monastery is something to look out for. In addition to that, even the history of the place will intrigue you.

Things to Remember

Do try the tea prepared at the Temi Tea Garden.

5. Yuksom

A gateway to a lot of beautiful places in Sikkim is Yuksom. The town is situated in the West District of the state and is majorly known for its monasteries. In fact, Yuksom was also once the capital of Sikkim.

During the month of October, the town represents some stunning vistas and greenery all around the place.

Here is a list of the places that are a must-visit in Yuksom in October.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp

The base camp for the Kanchenjunga trek is right here at Yuksom. It is situated around 14,000feet above the sea level and is known to be a paradise for trekkers.

Tashiding Monastery

Known to be one of the oldest monasteries in the state, it is a must-visit place in Sikkim in October. Apart from the backdrop of the Himalayan Range, the monastery is known for its architecture. Read more

Dubdi Monastery

This monastery is surrounded by a dense forest. One can also choose to hike up to this monastery. Once at the top, apart from the beautiful structure of the monastery you will also get the stunning view of the mountains.

Things to Remember

Most places in Yuksom are situated on a hill, to avoid any leg injury, it is best to carry comfortable shoes.

6. Nathu-la Pass, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Also known as the Baba Mandir, this temple is dedicated to Harbhajan Singh.

The belief is that Singh was martyred on duty for the Indian Army and locals believe that his soul is still present in the surrounding areas. In fact, army officers say that his soul helps them in facing the enemy. It has been 50 years since Baba has been helping the locals.

Recently, a short film “Plus Minus” won the Film Fare award in the category of Best Short Film, which was based on the story of Baba Harbhajan Singh.

During the month of October, the climate is very suitable to visit the temple. In fact, just near the temple is Nathu-la Pass, which you can visit while you visit the temple.

Things to Remember

It is advisable to wear traditional clothes at the temple.

7. Tsomgo Lake

Also known as Changu Lake, it is a very famous tourist attraction in Sikkim in October. The lake is made of a glacier and during October it becomes a picnic spot. The reason being, the climate is very pleasant around the lake and this makes it the perfect season to be out under the sun.

A fun fact about the lake is that the 1km long lake is shaped in the form of an egg.

Things to Remember

If you wish to take a dip in the lake, carry an extra pair of clothes.

8. Zuluk

The town of Zuluk is surrounded by the rugged Himalayan Mountains. Situated at a height of around 10,000 feet above sea level its view from the top redefines natural beauty.

In fact, the town of Zuluk is also very close to the Indo-Tibetan border. It was once the Silk Route for trade merchants. During October the snow melts and the roads are safe to drive up to this village.

Otherwise, the road has 32 hairpin turns and during the winters and monsoons, it becomes a task to drive on this road.

Things to Remember

If you have motion sickness, it is best to be prepared for the drive to Zuluk.

9. Goechala

Standing tall at a height of 4,940m above sea level is the town of Goechala. It is listed as one of the best places to visit in Sikkim in October. The town is in the proximity of some of the best mountains of the Himalayan Range.

In fact, the view of the mountains from Goechala is featured on the back of the 100 rupee note in India. During October, the weather is so pleasant that you will feel relaxed. You can also enjoy the view of the green mountains this month.

Things to Remember

If you are planning a trekking adventure, it is best to carry comfortable shoes and a trekking kit along.

10. Khangchendzonga National Park

The national park is also known as the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve. It houses a number of animals and plants but the highlight of the park is the black bear and the snow leopard.

The park also leads to a number of trekking trails, like; Yuksom, Dzongri, Zemu Glacier and even Goechala.

In the month of October, the animals usually take shelter under the trees or at the lake. This makes it easy for you to spot the animals and enhance your experience.

Things to Remember

Remain as silent as possible during the safari ride, so that you do no scare the animals away.

11. Namchi

Namchi, the capital of the South Sikkim district, was also once the cultural capital of the state of Sikkim. They say that the town has seen rapid development over the years. It is now on the list of must-visit place in Sikkim in October.

The city of Namchi also houses the biggest statue of Guru Padmasambhava apart from the other places to visit. The city is a religious hub of the state and many tourists come to the city to attain religious enlightenment.

Here is a list of places that you can visit when in Namchi.

Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir

The Sai Baba Mandir looks at a huge footfall of tourists all around the year. It is not only an important place in Namchi, but is counted as one of the best places to visit in Sikkim in October.

Char Dham Complex

The complex is so huge that it is compared to the holy Char Dham Yatra of the Hindu religion. It consists of various temples within its huge complex. This makes the place a religious hub to visit in Sikkim in October. Read more

Namchi Rock Garden

You will not find such a garden in all of Sikkim and hence it is considered to be one of the best places in Sikkim in October. The rock garden houses a number of viewpoints and sheds apart from the different species of plants and flowers.

Things to Remember

It is advisable to wear traditional clothes in the temples.

Now, all we hope is that this list of places to visit in Sikkim in October helps you create a wonderful itinerary with a bag full of memories and keepsakes.