Sikkim has been years ahead of the rest of India, being the first sustainable state, and boasting itself as one of the cleanest states in India. The widely renowned ‘Valley of Rice’ is an exceptional blend of nature and culture. The serenity of this place, with its tranquil lakes, vast patches of greenery, and ancient monasteries makes it a year-round attraction for tourists, making it one of the most demanded destinations in India.
Although the main appeal of this state is Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, and Nathula Pass, here is a list of the remote destinations that might surprise you and one of the best offbeat places in Sikkim.
Hidden Gems of Sikkim: 15 Offbeat Places to Explore
Dzongu: The Sacred Land of Lepchas
(Elevation: 10,000 ft)
Unspoiled by modernity, Dzongu is home to the indigenous Lepcha tribe, and where they have lived for centuries is sacred to them. The Lepchas have preserved their traditional ways intact, and the place remains unblemished. Get a glimpse into their lives surrounded by crystal-clear rivers, thick forests, and majestic mountains. Home to several hot springs and beautiful havens, Dzongu is truly a hidden gem.
Best time to visit: March to June, September to December.
Zuluk: Retreat in the Twisting Roads
(Elevation: 10,000 ft)
Located on the widely popular Silk Route, this place boasts tranquility and incredibly picturesque views. The road to Zuluk has over 32 hairpin bends that lets you view the beautiful Kanchenjunga like never before. This place is yet to be discovered by many, making it less crowded for you to have the perfect opportunity to enjoy the silence and peace. Explore the flora and fauna of Zuluk and experience trekking and camping along the famous zigzag roads.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Sribadam: Untouched and Divine
(Elevation: 7,010 ft)
Escaping the grip of city life, Sribadam is a newly discovered remote destination in West Sikkim. The untouched natural beauty is home to around 300 families of the Bhutia, Gurung, and Subba communities. The warm hospitality of the locals will not make you miss family. Sribadam means ‘open space’ or ‘flat land’ in the Limboo tribe language. Sribadam is an excellent base for trekking. Bask in the glory of Mount Kanchenjungha from your room and keep your ears open for the chirping birds.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Chungthang: Where Rivers Unite
(Elevation: 5,870 ft)
The Lachen and Teesta rivers merge here in Chungthang, making it a sweet spot and one of the best offbeat places in Sikkim to unwind for a few days. The serenity of this place allows you to enjoy this tranquil town. An ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, Chungthang is surrounded by rich dense forest and massive mountain ranges, with an abundance of flora and fauna. This is also the base for the trek to Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley. Peek into this amazing place and get to know about its deep-rooted cultural traditions.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to December.
Singhik: Calming Hidden Viewpoints
(Elevation: 5,118 ft)
Known for its excellent viewpoints, Singhik allows the tourists to get a glance at the amazing mountain range of the Kanchenjunga, and other mighty peaks such as Mount Siniolchu and Pandim. Not many still know about this place, making it the ideal place for you to visit. Savor the quiet moments and go for nature walks along the trails. This also makes it the best time to enjoy and hone your photography skills.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
Lingtam: Doorway to South Sikkim
(Elevation: 5000 ft)
Lingtam, the place with a spectacular view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga, is a haven for travelers. Away from the hustle and bustle of life, this location is the gateway of South Sikkim and is the perfect escape for some moments of quiet. Offering scenic views of the majestic hills, Lingtam acts as a base for trekking and camping groups heading for the Buddha Park in Ravangla and Maenam Hill.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Yuksom: The Ancient Portal to Kanchenjunga
(Elevation: 5,840 ft)
Have a tete-a-tete with nature in this quaint village of West Sikkim. ‘Yuksom’ literally means ‘meeting place of the three lamas’ and is of great importance to the Sikkimese people or its historical importance. The first Chogyal was crowned here in the year 1642. The Dubdi monastery, one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim is accessible from Yuksom. Living in one of the trekker’s huts can allow you to imbibe the real Sikkimese way of life. It is also the starting point for the famous Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Temi Tea Garden: The Fragrant Jewel of Sikkim
(Elevation: 4000 to 6000 ft)
Stretching across over 400 acres of lush green plantations, this place is the perfect abode for tea lovers. This off-beat place located in South Sikkim boasts charming views of the tea gardens and is fitting for nature lovers as well. Interact with the local tea plantation workers, get a taste of the finest tea samples, and catch a glimpse into their lives and customs. The garden also has a guesthouse where visitors can stay and enjoy the serene surroundings at one of the best offbeat places in Sikkim.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
Mangan: The Undiscovered Charm
(Elevation: 3136 ft)
Escape the everyday chaos of life and step into the beauty and charm of this yet-undiscovered, tranquil location. The North Sikkim beauty excels with dense forest, beautiful weather, and huge patches of vast greenery. This is the base for you to enjoy popular trekking to places like the Zemu Glacier and the Green Lake. Take pleasure in the quiet peaceful walks through the lanes of this rustic beauty.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Gyangchung: The Quiet Mountain Retreat
(Elevation: 5,500 ft)
With an exceptional view of the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga, Gyanchung is a beautiful retreat located in the western part of Sikkim. Perfect for a quiet getaway, this tranquil town will never disappoint you. Its surrounding dense forest is a base for trekking expeditions to places like Khangchendzonga National Park and Yuksom Valley. Away from the crowded touristy destinations, this place is the perfect escape from the noise.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November.
Rinchenpong: A Nature Lovers’ Haven
(Elevation: 5,576 ft)
Situated in West Sikkim, this beautiful spot offers tourists good days of calm and serenity, ideal for nature lovers and environmentalists. With a great elevation, this spot provides panoramic views of the Kanchenjungha range and its adjacent vast green valleys. This place has a huge cultural reference with several popular Buddhist shrines and monasteries. The village is an excellent base for trekking to places like the iconic Ralang Monastery and the Khangchendzonga National Park.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Okhrey: The Entrance to Maenam Hill
(Elevation: 9000 ft)
As rightly said, the Okhrey village is the base point for Maenam Hill. It is a small remote village with surrounding lush greenery and is home to a few households of the Bhutias and Sherpas. Hilley and Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary can be toured by visitors since Okhrey is the base hill. With beautiful religious shrines and monasteries, this can be your perfect off-beat destination.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Chakung: The Enchanting Himalayan Hamlet
(Elevation: 3,487 ft)
Chakung is an exotic habitat, encompassed by the surrounding greenery and vast patches of lush forest. It is a remote, quiet village, appropriate for your few days of escape from the crowd. The terraced fields and traditional wooden houses give it the charm of the days of the past and a virgin land. A large number of indigenous people reside in this place and are very particular about their way of life. The Rimbi waterfall is located nearby to this place, making it appropriate for nature enthusiasts.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Rolep: The Calm River Valley
(Elevation: 4,000 ft)
A tranquil isolated village in West Sikkim, on the banks of the Rangpo River, Rolep is a must-visit for bird watchers. The visit to Dekiling Monastery from Rolep would give you time to reflect and have a new outlook on life. The gushing waterfall of the 45 ft Buddha Waterfall near Shokey Khola River is worth going for. Enjoy the hot stone bath along with off-beat experiences such as fishing and camping.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Yangsum Village: Rustic Setting with Beautiful Scenery
(Elevation: 4500 ft)
A 10-minute drive from Rinchenpon, Yangsam is a small village in West Sikkim. The name ‘Yangsum’ comes from two different words, ‘yang’ meaning ‘money’ and ‘sum’ meaning ‘three’, according to the residing Limboo community. People from all over the world come here for activities such as hiking, camping, birding, and angling as one of the best offbeat places in Sikkim. It has also begun gradually with butterfly watching. The place is renowned for its cultural exercises, delectable local food, and homemade fruit wines.
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Conclusion
The off-beat destination of Sikkim is the silent retreat that you must visit for a thorough unwinding. The state’s natural and untouched beauty, gurgling waterfalls, and deep dense forests are a symbol of peace and tranquility. From camping expeditions to historical experiences, head towards this untamed charm today. With the right Sikkim travel agency, you can explore these hidden gems effortlessly. The rich, warm hospitality will make sure you leave with a bag full of memories.
