Leisure Tourism in Sikkim impresses tourists with a scenic view of chains of mountains and lush greenery. Sikkim is legendary for its peaceful nature and simplicity. Tourism is the main industry in the state. The list of places to visit in Sikkim includes high-altitude passes, monasteries, glaciers, lakes, flora and fauna, temples and so on.
Leisure Tourism in North Sikkim
One of the major attractions is the Chogyal`s Palace, usually closed to visitors except for the Tsuklakhang Royal Chapel, where festivals and ceremonies are held. The palace itself opens once a year, during the last week of December, for the Pong Labsal festival during which lamas wearing masks perform a dance to Kanchenjunga around a banner-pole.
Kabi Lungtsok is a major historical center that is accessible from Gangtok in North Sikkim. It has a stone memorial that commemorates the signing of a treaty between the Lepcha Chief, Te-Kung-Tek and the Bhutia Chief, Khey-Bum-Sar.
Other important tourist places in North Sikkim include Singkiek, from where the tourists can witness the exquisite beauty of Mt. Kanchenjunga. But the scenic grandeur of the Sikkim can be best viewed from Yumthang. Located at an elevation of 11,800 feet it provides amazing views of the snow clad mountains and its sun-kissed peaks. Besides these the travellers can also visit Chungthang.
Leisure Tourism in South Sikkim
As the tourists travel to the southern part of Sikkim they will encounter places, such as, Namtse and Tendong Hill. It is located near the Namtse town. The latter is a lush green forest. According to popular belief, this place is historically important as it has been the refuge of the Buddhist Lamas or monks.
At the foothills of the Maenam Hills the quaint town of Ravangla is located. It is a small township that is ideally suited for both the trekkers and leisure travellers. It is perhaps one of most apt places to escape the din and bustle of city life. The pretty village of Borong is popular for its hot springs. It is accessible from Ravangla by car. The Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary lies at an elevation of 10,000 feet and presents spectacular view of the surrounding area.
Leisure Tourism in East Sikkim
In East Sikkim lies the Research Institute of Tibetology, built in 1958 by the last Chogyal. It preserves Tibetan culture and also houses a library of more than 30,000 books on Buddhism, astrology, medicine and philosophy, as well as a collection of thangkas (Tibetan religious paintings on cloth). Nearby is also a Tibetan Refugee Craft Centre that will be suitable for art lovers. Kyngnosla Alpine Sanctuary is the perfect place to get introduced to the flora and fauna of the region.
Leisure Tourism in West Sikkim
Pelling is situated in West Sikkim and is easily available from Gangtok by road. It is the original capital of Sikkim and ruins of the erstwhile capital is still well preserved. Rabdentse Ruins was one upon a time an erstwhile capital of the state. Today these ruins are an important historical tourist destination. Yuksom is also a major place of interest as it was the first capital of the princely state of Sikkim.
