Tsomgo/ Changu Lake
40 km north of Gangtok at an altitude of 12,210 ft Tsomgo Lake is a must visit for all tourists. The drive from Gangtok takes about 2½ hours. The Tsomgo Lake area receives a lot of snow and is snowbound from December to April. It is regarded as extremely holy by the locals and it attracts hundreds of tourists every year.  The lake is home to of Brahmini ducks and also provides a welcome respite to various migratory ducks.

Menmecho Lake
Menmecho lake is another important lake in this area. Located just 60 kilometers from Gangtok it lies just below the Jelepla pass. The lake is fed by the melting snow and small streams that originate just below the Jelepla Pass and the lake is also the source of the river Rangpo-chu a tributary of Teeta. Local around the lake are involved in aqua farming and the area is famous for trout farming.

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center
Just 45 minutes drive from the capital Gangtok lies the Rumtek Dharma  Chakra Centre which was built in 1960 by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa as a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet. Today it is the one of the most important Kagyurpa monasteries in the world and also a seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, head of the Kagyurpa Order of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also the Headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre. An interesting feature of the monastery is the memorial stupa of the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa inlaid with gold plate and semi precious stones within its precinct. The complex also houses the Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies and the Jamyang Khang Primary School and has some of the world's most unique religious scriptures, manuscripts and religious art objects. The old Rumtek monastery originally built in 1730 by the ninth Karmapa is fifteen minute walk downhill from Dharma Chakra Center. It was destroyed by fire and had to be reconstructed to the present state.

Government institute of cottage industries
Known as Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, this institute was started by the Chogyals of Sikkim to preserve, protect and propagate Sikkimese arts, handicrafts and skills of local and village artisans. Today the center sees a lot of visitors. People can buy souvenirs like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products that are produced & exhibited for sale.

Tashi View point
Situated about six kilometres away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway the view point was built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, hence the lookout point bears his name. The viewpoint offers an astounding view of the mighty Khangchendzonga range and a glorious view of the surrounding hills on a clear day.

Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa)
Do-Drul Chorten is one of the most important and biggest stupas found in Sikkim. Built in 1945 by the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, the stupa is encircled by 108 prayer wheels. Inside this stupa there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur relics (Holy Books), complete 'Zung' (mantras) and other religious objects. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, which houses two huge statues of Guru Padmasambhava.

Enchey Monastery in Sikkim
Perched on a hilltop, the Enchey monastery is located 3 kms from Gangtok town and is a very important seat of the Nyingmapa order. The monastery was built during the reign of Sikyong Tulku in the shape of a Chinese Pagoda. It  is believed that the location was blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his flying powers. This 200 year old monastery houses many images of Gods, Goddesses and other religious objects within its complex. It is a riot of colours and buzzes with activity every January when religious masked dances are performed with great fanfare.

Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology
Previously known as the Namgyal institute of Tibetology, after the late Chogyal of Sikkim, the institute is internationally acclaimed for its huge and magnificent collection of rare Tibetan literature, rare manuscripts, paintings, thangkas, statues and religious objects and other works of art and history. It is one of the few institutes in the world that conducts research in the language and culture of Tibet.

Pelling
Situated 140 kms from Gangtok in West Sikkim, Pelling is one of the most interesting places in the state. The quiet, laidback village not only emanates with the rustic charm of the countryside but also offers an insight into the glorious history, nature and culture of the region. This rapidly swelling hamlet boasts of heavenly views of the snow-capped Khangchendzonga massif. It is an ideal getaway for tourists offering amazing sites and soothing atmosphere for all discerning.

Pemayangtse Monastery
It is special because it is meant only for ‘ta-sang’ lamas or pure monks. Pemayangtse meaning ‘sublime perfect lotus’ is believed to have been conceptualized and designed by Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo, the patron saint of Sikkim, in the early 17th century. What was built as a small Lhakhang is today considered as one of the most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa tradition. Later during the rule of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal, Lhatsun Chenpo's third reincarnate Jigme Pawo extended the monastery and rebuilt the structure. The monks of this monastery are revered throughout the state. Even the coronation of the ryal family was entrusted to the monks of this institution. The monastery shelters several ancient and valuable religious images and objects of worship. It houses the "Zangdopalri", a fascinating wooden sculpture depicting the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhave This master piece crafted by the late Dungzin Rimpoche took five years to complete. Pemayangtse Monastery commands an impressive view of Mt. Kanchendzonga. The main festival of the monastery is on the 28th & 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar, normally corresponding to the month of February. During these two days religious dances are performed and pilgrims come from all over Sikkim to watch them.

Khecheopalri Lake
Hidden in a tranquil forest enclave the Khecheopalri Lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim by both the Hindus and Buddhists. Nestled among pristine surroundings at 2000 m, the lake boasts of an extraordinary legend. Legend has it that guardian birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. It is believed that a wish made on this sacred lake is
fulfilled.

Rabdantse Ruins
Rabdantse was the second Capital of Sikkim and was established in the late seventeenth century by the second Chogyal (King) of Sikkim. With frequent threats from Nepal in the eighteenth century, the King was compelled to shift the capital to Tumlong. Now the palace is in ruins and one has to trek about 2 kms. from the main road through a thick forest to reach it. It is preserved by the Archeological Survey of India and has been declared a historical monument.

Yuksam
Situated in the edge of the Khanchenjunga National Park, the largest protected area in Sikkim, Yuksam is truly the gateway to Shangri-La. The surroundings of Yuksam offer plenty of opportunity to relish the history of Sikkim. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava had prophesized in the 7th century that among the lands consecrated by him ‘Beyul Demazong’ or Sikkim was the holiest. This prophesy was fulfilled when Lhatsun Chenpo, the patron saint of Sikkim, Rikzen Chenpa and Ngadak Chenpo enthroned the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim or religious king in 1641 AD to propagate Buddhism. The Norbughang Chorten and the stone Coronation stone stand testimony to this historic event.  It is from here that the trek to Dzongri and to the base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga begins.

Dubdi Monastery
Built in 1642 by Lhatsun Chenpo, Dubdi monastery is the oldest monastery in Sikkim. Perched on a hilltop it offers delightful views of the villages that dot the hillsides. A walk in the verdant forest surroundings is a refreshing experience.  

Tashiding Monastery
About an hour away from Yuksom, Tashiding Monastery with the backdrop of the sacred Mount Kanchenjunga as the backdrop makes a post card perfect picture. Constructed in 1716 on the top of a heart-shaped hill, the monastery is the most sacred complex in the whole of Sikkim. Guru Padmasambhava is said to have described this place as the heart of ‘Beyul Demazong’. The Holy Chorten called 'Thong-Wa-Rang-To' and sacred water festival are the two main attractions of this area. It is believed that just a sight of the stupa is said to wash away one’s sins. .

Tendong Hill
Tendong Hill is a small flat expanse surrounded by lush green forest. Historically, this has been a place of recluse for Buddhist Lamas who spend years in meditation amidst the peaceful scenic grandeur.

Menam Hill
Located approximately 14 kilometers from the township of Ravangla, Menam offers awe- inspiring views of the Himalayas and the surroundings hills perhaps unmatched in this part of the world. A walk through the dense forest without brushing with any human settlements en route makes the approach to the hill an even more delightful experience.

Temi Tea Garden in Sikkim
It is the only existing tea estate in the state of Sikkim. The tea estate produces one of the top quality teas that is sold in the international tea market. Set among rolling hills the sight of the green tea bushes make a pretty picture.