India is one of those blessed countries in the world that boasts a huge variety of landscapes. There are a lot of places throughout the country that offer the perfect mélange of natural beauty and adventure activities. One such place that flaunts the right balance of everything is Sikkim. This is the reason why most people enjoy the best places to visit in Sikkim on a 5-days trip. A weeklong trip to this beautiful city is sufficient enough to get a hang of its top-notch destinations. Enriched with traditional charm and a plethora of scenic beauty- Sikkim sounds like a complete package to every visitor and trip planner. From high mountains and snow-clad summits to beautifully designed and constructed temples; there is an array of places to enjoy in Sikkim. What makes it even better for the visitors is the soothing climate throughout the year (except monsoon). Sikkim is a charming state of India in the North-Eastern Part that offers a number of magnificent paddocks, valleys, lush green fields, and enthralling activities to indulge in. No matter what you love to do, what you wish to eat, Sikkim has it all for you. Nowadays family trips to Sikkim have kept on increasing. Bikers, solo & group travelers, and budget travelers have also enjoyed their share of amusement in this wonderful state of India. Apart from all these things Monasteries in Sikkim have also been the USP of the state. So, like many other visitors if you too are planning on taking a trip to Sikkim for 5 days (which is also the ideal duration to explore the cities here), then here are the top-notch destinations that you should definitely visit during your Sikkim Tour.
Gangtok
Being the capital of Sikkim and the only place having an airport; Gangtok gets a lot of travelers throughout the year. But these are not the only reasons why people come to Gangtok. This place is adorned with multiple naturally beautiful places and adventure junkies. The natural beauty spread across the city is overwhelming and leaves people awestruck with its spiritual aura. It is one of the best hill stations in Sikkim and probably India. The capital city of Sikkim not only proves to be vital due to the top tourist destinations of Sikkim showcasing the pristine and naturally blissful places but for adventurers as well. It is true that all of Sikkim is dotted with majestic locations but those in the hunt for adrenaline-rushing activities also get numerous satiating spots in the state. Also, when you come here do not predict anything about the food or lifestyle because both of them are simply top-notch. With an array of options; Gangtok is a completely blissful place for food lovers and not to forget their electrifying nightlife. On the other hand, there are more than enough pilgrim spots in Gangtok for devotees to keep them hooked. Major attractions in Gangtok: Ganesh Tok, MG Road, Nathu La Pass, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Reshi Hot Springs, Mangan, Himalayan Zoology Park Things to do in Gangtok: Cable car ride from Deorali to Tashiling, paragliding, mountain biking, shopping in the local market, try their local cuisines Places to stay in Gangtok: Amba Regency, The Golden Crest, Muscatel Delmere Central, Great Eastern Valley Residency Approximate budget for a day in Gangtok (inclusive meals and stay): 1500 INRAritar
A fairy tale land that boasts its beauty throughout the year is the hamlet in Sikkim- Aritar. It is located in the East Sikkim District and due to its isolation from the other cities of the state, it makes things even better. One of the best places to visit in Sikkim Aritar is simply defined as a gem of the state. For those who love exploring the lesser explored and know about things that are known to lesser people- this hamlet is going to be a treat. Tucked away in nature’s lap, there is no denying that Aritar is a top tourist destination to be covered in a 5-days trip to Sikkim. Arriving at this spot you will understand how important, different and gorgeous this hamlet is. With amazing attractions spread all across this hamlet now wonder why people love spending time here away from all the hustle-bustle of Sikkim. Even though there is a huge list of places to visit and things to do in Aritar, the best still remains the breathtaking Mt. Kanchendzonga. It is the location of this hamlet which is right at the edge of the Himalayas that makes it even better for the visitors. Therefore, without a doubt, if you are looking for an amazing and unforgettable 5-days trip to Sikkim; skipping on Aritar is not an option. Distance between Gangtok and Aritar: 67 km / 2:30 hours (approximately) Major attractions in Aritar: Lampokhari Lake, Aritar Gumpa Monastery, Mankhim Temple, Aritar Dak Bungalow, Phushrey Lake, Kali Khola Falls, Lungchok Valley, Evergreen Nursery, and Ram Gauri Sangrahalaya Things to do in Aritar: Trekking, rock climbing, paragliding, camping, photography, visiting ancient temples, exploring galleries and museums, visit heritage buildings, picnic around the lakes Places to stay in Aritar: Aritar Hotel Aditya, Lampokhari Village Resort, Aritar Lake Resort, Hotel Chittiz Approximate budget for a day in Aritar (inclusive meals and stay): 1200 INR to 1600 INRNamchi
Another blissful place that is one of the best pilgrim destinations of East Sikkim is the town of Namchi. An epitome of beauty, culture religion, and a true depicter of Sikkim’s magnificence- Namchi is a must-visit destination on a 5-day trip to Sikkim. The town is blessed with several monasteries, temples, diversity in flora and fauna, and picturesque spots (not to forget) throughout. Your 5-days trip to Sikkim would be simply incomplete if you skip this place owing to a lot of reasons. Located at an astonishing altitude of 5000 m above the sea-level, Namchi is a true depiction of the word magical. Owing to all the natural beauty around- Namchi is simply named as one of the best hill stations of not just Sikkim but the entire North-Eastern Region. This is a fact that spirituality is a huge part of Sikkim and you will realize that it’s the grain of this town. Therefore, you will find a lot of mesmerizing and beautiful temples and monasteries to keep the pilgrims engaged throughout their trip. Distance between Aritar and Namchi: 73 km / 2:30 hours Major attractions in Namchi: Samdruptse Hill, Tendong Hill, Doling Gompa, Ngadak Monastery, Solophok Chardham, Serdup Choling Monastery, Tendong State Biodiversity Park Namchi Things to do in Namchi: Trekking, hiking, bird-watching, cycling, exploring the biodiversity, visiting monasteries, photography, videography Places to stay in Namchi: Juniper Residency Hotel, Cloud 9, Hotel Samdruptse, Hotel Pangolin, Hotel Parichit Approximate budget for a day in Namchi (inclusive meals and stay): 2500 INRLegship
Two words that define Legship at its best are mythological and mystical. Legship is a quaint and pristine town in Sikkim that looks after travelers hungry for serenity. Situated in Western Sikkim, Legship is one of the top tourist places to visit Sikkim. Many visitors travel to Sikkim with family to have a relaxing time in the mountains. If this is how you are planning your next trip to the Northeastern cities then Legship is a wonderful destination for you. With the Himalayas at some distance, picturesque valleys, verdant mountains, and Rangit River flowing through the outskirts of the town; it is just jaw-dropping to stay here. Inclusion of Legship in your 5-day itinerary to Sikkim will be a great idea to enjoy your time. Apart from all the ravishing natural spots and attractions- Legship is a complete package for explorers, nature lovers, family vacationers, and even solo travelers. So, keeping this town in your itinerary will improve the value of your trip, help in making more memories, and a lot of other things are on offer. Distance between Namchi and Legship: 45 km / 1:30 hours (approximately) Major attractions in Legship: Rangit River Dam, Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, Rangit Water World, Things to do in Legship: Angling, swimming, photography, nature walk, bonfire beside Rangit, visiting monasteries, exploring the ancient ruins, and much more. Places to stay in Legship: Summit Tashi Ghang Resort, Hotel Attri, Yungsum heritage farm, The Elgin mount pandim, Sanu Homestay, Vamoose Gomethang homestay Approximate budget for a day in Legship (inclusive meals and stay): 1800 INR Pelling
One of the finest tourist attractions in Sikkim. It is a quaint town that satisfies the gastronome as well as avid adventurers. Covered with lush green-carpeted mountains; Pelling makes you fall in love with itself each time you visit here. Pelling is a stunning hill station of Sikkim that simply leaves people awestruck and asking for more. This is a quintessential destination in the state that shouldn’t be forgotten. With the entire setup and the building constructed here, you are surely going to realize going back in time to the bygone era. But that’s not it, the entire description of the Pelling town is only complete when you talk about the radiant environment, lush-green biosphere, refreshing and enjoyable surroundings, beautiful mountains, verdant valleys, and much more. If you are planning a 5-days trip to Sikkim, then Pelling is one destination that you should not miss out on. The crystal clear lakes and majestic waterfalls will keep you and your camera engaged throughout the trip. It is also a top-notch destination for people who love spending time with their family in someplace quiet. Pelling has also been serving as an active honeymoon destination in Sikkim. Distance between Legship and Pelling: 23.3 km / 1 hour (approximately) Major attractions in Pelling: Sangachoeling Monastery, Darap Village, Sewaro Rock Garden, Singshore Bridge, Rimbi Waterfall, Kanchenjunga Fall, Khecheopalri Lake, Khangchendzonga National Park, Kaluk Things to do in Pelling: visit monasteries, temples, explore the mountains, visiting the national park, visit Kanchenjunga Fall, hiking, trekking, rock climbing, nature walk Places to stay in Pelling: Norbu Ghang Resort, Norbu Ghang Retreat, and Spa, Aryan Regency, Chumbi Mountain Retreat Approximate budget for a day in Pelling (inclusive meals and stay): 1200 INR Yuksom
In the past few days, you have been to some of the finest destinations in Sikkim. The sheer beauty of this place is what attracts and brings travelers over and over to this place. Popularly known as the “Gateway to Kangchendzongha”, Yuksom is simply like a paradise on earth. Another fact about this place tells that Yuksom was the ancient capital of Sikkim that explains why it is one of the most developed towns in the state. With majestic snow-clad mountain peaks and beautiful monasteries, this third eye of Sikkim is a breathtaking destination for every kind of traveler. Yuksom is perched at around 1780 m altitude and is nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayan Mountains. Yuksom has an untamed wildlife sanctuary to enjoy at. Once you and your fellow travelers are up for calling it a day, ensure you relish your taste buds with their famous bamboo drink that relaxes you up. Distance between Pelling and Yuksom: 41 km/ 1:40 hours (approximately) Major attractions in Yuksom: Tashiding Monastery, Khangchendzonga National Park, Dubdi Monastery, Kartok monastery, Coronation Throne of Norbugang, Tashi Tenka Things to do in Yuksom: Bird Watching, trekking, hiking, exploring, visiting temples and monasteries, nature walk Places to stay in Yuksom: Hotel Red Palace, Yuksom Residency, Chumbi Mountain Retreat Approximate budget for a day in Yuksom (inclusive meals and stay): 1600 INR Conclusion
Undoubtedly, India is one of the most diversified countries in terms of landscapes, religion, natural beauty, flora & fauna, and a lot of other things. Northeastern states of India are the gems of the country with an abundance of everything that a traveler would need. Sikkim which is one of the top-notch destinations of India checks all the boxes. Be it an avid adventurer, nature lover, a family on vacation, or a solo traveler; everyone finds a lot of places to visit and things to do in Sikkim. But if you are planning on a 5-days trip to Sikkim you surely have to keep in mind the crunch of time. The above-given places are the sweet spots for you that will help in having a great time throughout your trip.
