It is quite a pity that still the world knows very little about Sikkim outside Gangtok, Gurudongmar Lake and Few Places in North Sikkim. This tiny north-eastern state of India has a lot more to offer to the weary travellers. If you are one of those who are tired of the daily drudgery of urban life, offbeat places in Sikkim has a lot more to offer to you.
If you are looking to spend a few days in absolute quietness, away from the mobile phone rings and stress of office here are a few great offbeat places in Sikkim that can let you unwind and come back completely rejuvenated. We list 9 such offbeat places in Sikkim that are an absolute must for people who are looking for offbeat hill destinations.
#1 Rolep
A tiny picturesque, Virgin village. Ensconced amidst nature, tucked away like a secret. Located at an altitude of 4000ft, and 20 km from Rongli in East Sikkim. It’s a haven on the slopes of rolling Green Himalayan foothills with a view of Rangpo Khola River Valley.
A bird watcher’s paradise, a place to seek solace. One should not come here with an agenda. Try your Angling skills when you aim for the trout in the Shokey Khola River. Brisk village walks. Visit the 45 foot high Buddha waterfalls. Experience the lush greenery, rejuvenate. Hot stone bath is popular among tourists, do try it. Chochen Lake, Dekeling Monastery, are some of the places one should visit.
Rolep is no doubt one of the best offbeat destinations in Sikkim.
How to Reach Rolep:
Air: The nearest airport is. Pakyong. Which is about 76 KM away and it will take around 3.5 hr – 4 Hr to reach. Otherwise, you can always take, Bagdogra International Airport, which is about 143 KM and it will take about 4 hr– 4.5 hrs to reach.
Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is about 135 KM and it will take around 4 hr – 4.5 hrs to reach.
Car Distance: Rolep is 687 KM away from Kolkata. You will have to give two halting one in Malda and one in Siliguri. Then on the third day, you can proceed towards Rolep Village.
Best time to Visit Rolep:
Best time is Winters.
October- February
September – March is also beautiful.
Rolep General Weather:
General weather is cool, comfortable, windy at times, with ample sunshine, and misty when the fog comes in. It was chosen as a sanatorium after all!
Summer: 5-15 degree centigrade
Winter : 1-10 degree centigrade
The place to stay at Rolep
# 2 Singtham Village
Located 42 km from Gangtok and 98 kilometres from Siliguri, the village of Singtham is a travelers paradise. Very close to the Temi Tea Garden, this village is sure to attract a traveler’s eye. Surrounded by forests on one side and farmlands on the other, the village of Singtham is perfect for walking and enjoying traditional village life.
People often come here to practice fishing as Khalej Khola is just 2 km from this place. Apart from fishing and walking, bird watching is another option in this village. Singtham is also perfect for forest treks. Enjoy trekking to Maenam la and Tendong Hill. Walkthrough the dense forests to reach the Tendong Hill which is an extinct volcano.
How to Reach Sightham:
Air: The nearest airport is Pakyong Airport, which is about 50 KM and it will take about 2 Hr – 2.5 Hrs to reach. Otherwise, you can always take Bagdogra International Airport, which is about 114 KM and it will take about 3.5 hr– 4 hrs to reach.
Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is about 108 KM and it will take around 3.5 hr– 4 hrs to reach.
Car Distance: Singtham is 659 KM away from Kolkata. You will have to give two halting one in Malda and one in Siliguri. Then on the third day, you can proceed towards Singtham.
Best time to Visit:
Best time is Winters for clear, beautiful weather. Monsoons are Green but road conditions can be challenging.
Summer: 5-15 degree centigrade
Winter : 1-10 degree centigrade
The place to stay at Singtham
# 3 Gangtok Offbeat
The capital of the mountainous northern state of Sikkim. It was established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site, and the Enchey Monastery was constructed in 1840. The city became the capital of an independent monarchy after the British rule ended, but it joined India in 1975. Located at an altitude of 5,410 feet (1650 meters). Located in the eastern Himalayan range.
It has a population of mainly Nepalese, Lepchas and Bhutias. Gangtok is a centre of Sikkim tourism industry. The city is flanked on east and west by the two streams Roro Chu and Ranikhola. Gangtok is a paradise with an amazing view of Mount Kanchenjunga and abundant and natural beauty.
Completely pollution-free and 100% organic state. One can visit the Tsomgo Lake, Ban Jhakri falls, Tashi viewpoint, Enchey Monastery and Ganesh Tok. MG Road is a must for shopping, and trying out restaurants. Gangtok is a bustling, friendly hill station.
How to Reach:
Air: The nearest Airport is Pakyong, which is about 29 KM. It will take about 1.5 HR to 2 Hr to reach. Otherwise, you can always take Bagdogra International Airport, which is about 125 KM and it will take about 4 hr– 4.5 hrs to reach.
Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is about 119 KM and it will take around 4 hr – 4.5 hrs to reach.
Car Distance: Gangtok is 671 KM away from Kolkata. You will have to give two halting one in Malda and one in Siliguri. Then on the third day, you can proceed towards Gangtok.
Offbeat Places to Stay in Gangtok
#4 Ravangla
A small tourist town situated at an elevation of 7000 ft in South Sikkim. It lies between Pelling and Gangtok and acts as a starting point for the Trek to Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, 65 km from Gangtok. A scenic town where you can get clear views of Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt Pandim, and Mt Siniolchu.
Blessed with exotic flora and fauna natural Waterfalls, this is the ideal tourist dream. For inner peace visit the Bonn Monastery and Ralang Monastery. For shopping one can visit the historical Market of Kewzing and for some adventure the mysterious small caves. Borong and Ralang Cha Chu, sulfur springs are popular with tourists. Temi Tea Gardens is a must Visit to know the journey of tea from Gardens to the cup.
How to Reach Ravangla:
Air: The nearest Airport is Pakyong, which is about 75 KM. It will take about 3 Hrs to 3.5 Hrs to reach. Otherwise, you can always take Bagdogra International Airport, which is about 128 KM and it will take about 4.5 hrs – 5 hrs to reach.
Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is about 123 KM and it will take around 4.5 hrs – 5 hrs to reach.
Car Distance: Ravangla is 675 KM away from Kolkata. You will have to give two halting one in Malda and one in Siliguri. Then on the third day, you can proceed towards Ravangla.
Best time to Visit Ravangla:
Winters are cool and clear skies.
Summers April – May, sees a lot of flowers in a colorful display.
General Weather:
General weather is cool, comfortable, windy at times, with ample sunshine, and misty when the fog comes in. It was chosen as a sanatorium after all!
Summer: 5-15 degree centigrade
Winter : 1-10 degree centigrade
The place to stay in Ravangla
# 5 Borong
A charming village ensconced in the southern part of Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 5,800ft, giving its tourists an excellent view of the mighty My Kanchenjunga, Mt Siniolchu Mt Narsing, Mt Pandim. For some adrenaline rush hike up River Rangil.
Places that can visit from here are Ralong Monastery, Bating Monastery. Vyanjan Valley, Bamelli Bridge. Do visit the paper factory to witness the making of paper in an old Japanese way.
How to Reach Borong:
Air: The nearest Airport is Pakyong, which is about 81 KM. It will take about 3 Hrs to 3.5 Hrs to reach. Otherwise, you can always take Bagdogra International Airport, which is about 134 KM and it will take about 4.5 hrs – 5 hrs to reach.
Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is about 141 KM and it will take around 1 hr – 1.5 hrs to reach.
Car Distance: Borong is 692 KM away from Kolkata. You will have to give two halting one in Malda and one in Siliguri. Then on the third day, you can proceed towards Borong.
Best time to Visit Borong:
Winters are cool and clear skies.
Summers April – May, sees a lot of flowers in a colorful display.
General Weather:
General weather is cool, comfortable, windy at times, with ample sunshine, and misty when the fog comes in. It was chosen as a sanatorium after all!
Summer: 5-15 degree centigrade
Winter : 1-10 degree centigrade
The place to stay in Borong
# 6 Aritar
Aritar is a region in the East Sikkim at an altitude of 6,000 ft (1,498m), with a 360-degree view of Mighty Mt Kanchenjunga. A town with mesmerizing natural and landscaped beauty located at the edge of the Himalayas.
Characterized by lush forests, mountains, Rivers make up this gem of a place. A 4 hrs drive from Gangtok via either Pakyong or Rangpo. One can go Trekking, Stroll through the village. Have a boating spree at the Lampokhri Lake. A picnic, maybe, at Love Dale. Visit the old British Dak Bungalow, for some nostalgic moments. Aritar Monastery and the Aritar Gumpa is a must-visit.
How to Reach Aritar :
Air: The nearest Airport is Pakyong, which is about 48 KM. It will take about 2 Hrs to 2.5 Hrs to reach. Otherwise, you can always take Bagdogra International Airport, which is about 115 KM and it will take about 4 hr– 4.5 hrs to reach.
Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is about 108 KM and it will take around 4 hrs – 4.5 hrs to reach.
Car Distance: Aritar is 660 KM away from Kolkata. You will have to give two halting one in Malda and one in Siliguri. Then on the third day, you can proceed towards Rolep Village.
Best time to Visit:
March – May
December – February.
General Weather in Aritar:
General weather is cool, comfortable, windy at times, with ample sunshine, and misty when the fog comes in. It was chosen as a sanatorium after all!
Summer: 5-15 degree centigrade
Winter : 1-10 degree centigrade
Cool places to stay in Aritar
# 7 Biksthang
Biksthang is located among acres of pine and fruit trees in a pristine Himalayan hamlet in Sikkim. It is a two-hour drive from Pelling also famous as Mangalbaray and Chuchen.
It is a small, perfect and serene village at a distance of 119 km from Gangtok. Set amidst beautiful nature and majestic mountains. The view of mount Kanchenjunga seems very close from here as if one can almost touch it. Biksthang is one of those lesser-known offbeat places in Sikkim, that you will never forget if you visit once.
How to Reach Biksthang:
Air: The nearest Airport is Pakyong, which is about 86 KM. It will take about 3 Hrs to 3.5 Hr to reach. Otherwise, you can always take Bagdogra International Airport, which is about 116 KM and it will take about 4 hr– 4.5 hrs to reach.
Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is about 110 KM and it will take around 4 hr – 4.5 hrs to reach.
Car Distance: Biksthang is 661 KM away from Kolkata. You will have to give two halting one in Malda and one in Siliguri. Then on the third day, you can proceed towards Biksthang.
Best time to Visit:
October to February
General Weather in Biksthang:
General weather is cool, comfortable, windy at times, with ample sunshine, and misty when the fog comes in.
Summer: 5-15 degree centigrade
Winter : 1-10 degree centigrade
The place to stay In Biksthang
# 8 Pelling
A small town in the district of West Sikkim. Nestled at an altitude of 7,200ft (2,150m). Pelling is the base from where trekkers start their journey in West Sikkim.
A beautiful Virgin territory and is lush with greenery. There is plenty to see here, Local Monastery, Waterfalls, Rock Garden, Quaint Singshore Bridge, Changey Waterfall, Khecheopalri Lake, Pemayangtse Monastery. Beautiful and clear views of surrounding mountain ranges including Kokthang, Frey, Rathog, Pandim.
How to Reach Pelling:
Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra International Airport, which is about 142 KM and it will take about 5 hr– 5.5 hrs to reach.
Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is about 136 KM and it will take around 5 hr – 5.5 hrs to reach.
Car Distance: Pelling is 687 KM away from Kolkata. You will have to give two halting one in Malda and one in Siliguri. Then on the third day, you can proceed towards Pelling.
Best time to Visit:
October to February
General Weather:
General weather is cool, comfortable, windy at times, with ample sunshine, and misty when the fog comes in. It was chosen as a sanatorium after all!
Summer: 5-15 degree centigrade
Winter : 1-10 degree centigrade
The place to stay in Pelling:
# 9 Rinchingpong
A small town in West Sikkim 40 km west of Gangtok located at an altitude of 5,576 feet. One gets the most beautiful views of Mount Kanchenjunga which feels physically close and Nature is at its best over here.
The Kaluk – Rinchenpong area is the buffer zone of the Varsey rhododendron sanctuary. One must Visit the Gurung Monastery or Reshum Monastery which was built during the 18th century and is at an altitude of 6,200 feet. Reshum is also a hilltop, offering excellent views and is locally known as Maggi Dara. Visit the Poison Lake or Bikh Pokhari, Pelling, Rinchenpong Monastery and the Varsey Sanctuary.
Best time to Visit Rinchenpong:
October to December
January to April.
How to Reach Rinchenpong:
Air: The nearest Airport is Bagdogra International Airport, which is about 129 KM and it will take about 4.5 hr– 5 hrs to reach.
Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is about 123 KM and it will take around 4.5 hr – 5 hrs to reach.
Car Distance: Rinchenpong is 674 KM away from Kolkata. You will have to give two halting one in Malda and one in Siliguri. Then on the third day, you can proceed towards Rinchenpong.
General Weather:
General weather is cool, comfortable, windy at times, with ample sunshine, and misty when the fog comes in. It was chosen as a sanatorium after all!
Summer: 5-15 degree centigrade
Winter: 1-10 degree centigrade
Offbeat Places in Sikkim; Concluding Thoughts
Sikkim is one of the cleanest states in India and if you are looking for awesome natural beauty to escape from your stress of life, give it it a shot to these offbeat places in Sikkim. We are pretty sure that you will not only love the place, you will also want to go back again. Here we listed just the top ones for you, but there is a lot more.
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