11 Gorgeous Hill Stations Near Gangtok For That Perfect Getaway

11 Gorgeous Hill Stations Near Gangtok For That Perfect Getaway.


11 Best Hill Stations Near Gangtok

It isn’t untrue that Gangtok is a beautiful travel destination but it is often overcrowded, especially during peak seasons. If you are looking for a recluse from the constant hustle of life, visiting Gangtok is not something you’d want to do. With that aspect in mind, here is a list of some of the best hill stations near Gangtok that carry the weight of an offbeat vacation:
  • Aritar – A Pristine Hill Station
  • Lachen – Scenic Environment And Natural Beauty
  • Yumthang Valley – Touches The Limits Of Beauty
  • Lachung – An Amazing Spot
  • Yuksom – Base For Adventure
  • Pelling – Heavy Dose Of Natural Splendor
  • Legship – With An Abundance Of Natural Beauty
  • Geyzing – Beautiful Hamlet In The Hills
  • Zuluk – Village Above Clouds
  • Mangan – The Magical Place
  • Ravangla – Discover Breathtaking Scenery

1. Aritar – A Pristine Hill Station


Located in Sikkim, Aritar is one of the underrated yet mesmerizing hill stations near Gangtok which is known across the country and the world for its pristine beauty. The place is also doused with several temples and monasteries that you can visit and explore on your own. This is considered one of the best spots for solo travellers. It is located in the eastern part of Sikkim and is quite an important town.
The fact that Aritar is an untouched spot, you do get to witness the beauty of nature at its primal fear. The vibrant greens and the tranquil gush of water around do make this a place worth remembering. It is also quite close to Gangtok, so you can make a trip out of it easily.
Distance from Gangtok: 68 kmBest time to visit: Later summers or early wintersThings to do: Witness the beautiful waterfalls and visit the temples and monasteriesHow to reach: You can take a private rental car from GangtokSpecial Attractions: Que Khola Falls, Lampokhari Lake, and Mulkharka Lake

2. Lachen – Scenic Environment And Natural Beauty


Nestled in the beautiful northern part of Sikkim, Lachen is another one of the popular hill stations near Gangtok that you will notice around near Gangtok. The place is famous across the country for the Lachung monastery. The combination of the serene environment paired with the natural beauty of the place does make this a place worth spending your time in.
Majority of the people who do visit Gangtok visit Lachen as well. The place is a popular destination among the Buddhist tourists and is often visited by people who want some peace because of the small population of people around. Lachen is also known for the popular Tso Lhamo Lake. The natural beauty and the lush greenery and vegetation do make this a place worth visiting and being in.
Distance from Gangtok: 120.4 kmBest time to visit: Winter monthsThings to do: Explore the nature, visit the Lachung monasteryHow to reach: Take a cab from GangtokSpecial Attractions: Lachen Monastery, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and Zero Point Yumthang Valley

3. Yumthang Valley – Touches The Limits Of Beauty


Another one of the well-known hill stations near Gangtok, in the north of Sikkim that is worth the visit is the Yumthang Valley. Also known as the Valley of Flowers, this is located very near to Lachen. The place is beautified with the presence of hot springs, rivers and the beautiful greenery of the area around. It is located 3564 meters above the sea level and offers some of the most breathtaking views that you just can’t miss out on.
The unique thing about the place is that it is believed that some of the hot springs around in Yumthang Valley have healing powers. The place is also closed for tourists in between December to March owing to the heavy snowfall it experiences. There are beautiful pine forests and a plethora of waterfalls around too that you can witness around and even during the journey to the Yumthang Valley.
Distance from Gangtok: 134.4 kmBest time to visit: Anytime except December to MarchThings to do: Explore the hot springs and witness the waterfallsHow to reach: Take a cab from GangtokSpecial Attractions: Valley of Flowers and Yumthang Valley
4. Lachung – An Amazing Spot

Another one of the famous hill stations near Gangtok that is worth visiting in Lachung. Even this one is located in North Sikkim and accounts for one of the most popular sites to visit and explore. This is also the place where two tributaries, Lachen and Lachung meet. So, witnessing that can be a rewarding experience as well. The hill station is quite popular for the diverse range of waterfalls that it has. The view of the snow-capped majestic mountains that you can witness there makes this trip worth all the effort without any complaints.
If you visit during the season, you might also come across a wide range of apple orchards as well. This is also quite an amazing spot to indulge in some shopping, especially of the handmade crafts and items.
Distance from Gangtok: 115 kmBest time to visit: Winter monthsThings to do: Witness the tributaries, waterfalls and the apple orchards, indulge in shoppingHow to get there: Take a private rental car from GangtokSpecial Attractions: Zero Point, Yumthang Valley




5. Yuksom – Base For Adventure

Another one of the underrated hill stations near Gangtok, Yuksom is nestled in the western region of Sikkim and the quaint village is known for its enigmatic and untouched natural beauty. It is located near the Khangchendzonga National Park and is covered in a thick blanket of greenery and vegetation. Yuksom serves as a popular spot and base camp for trekking journeys  in Sikkim.
The village also holds important historical significance as the first Chogyal was crowned here back in the year 1642. Apart from natural beauty, you can also visit several religious spots around. The Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu monasteries are two of the most popular monasteries that are visited by tourists year-round. While there, make sure to visit and witness the popular Khecheopalri Lake as well.
Distance from Gangtok: 120 kmBest time to visit: Winter or Autumn monthsThings to do: Explore the Khecheopalri Lake and the Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu monasteriesHow to reach: Take a cab from GangtokSpecial Attractions: Fam Villa, Tashiding Monastery, and Kanchenjunga Falls

6. Pelling – Heavy Dose Of Natural Splendor


If you want to be a cliché tourist and visit a hill station that every tourist visits, Pelling is the place you need to be in. The best thing about this place is its natural beauty and the kind of spots that you get to experience. It is located in the western part of Sikkim and is the second-largest tourist visited spot after Gangtok. The most important and popular site of attraction the Khangchendzonga and the peaks are surrounding that.
While you are there, make sure to visit the Pemayangtse monastery as well which is one of the most popular sightseeing spots. If you want a heavy dose of both nature and adventure at the same time, Pelling is the spot that you need to visit and explore without fail.
Distance from Gangtok: 129 kmBest time to visit: Winter monthsThings to do: Witnessing the Khangchendzonga peak and the Pemayangtse monasteryHow to reach: Take a private rental car from the city of GangtokSpecial Attractions: Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse Ruins

7. Legship – With An Abundance Of Natural Beauty


Legship is a hill town located in west Sikkim with an abundance of natural beauty. Located on the banks of Rangit river, Legship is blessed with a lot of natural springs, monasteries, temples and scenic views. A real treat to discover on your journey to an offbeat destination, Legship also contains trekking trails to satisfy your adventure lust. With a rich flora and fauna, your vacation could not get any better for a leisurely stay in paradise land.
Distance from Gangtok: 95 km
Best time to visit: February to May; September to December
Things to do: Visit the temples, monasteries and admire natural beauty
How to reach: Hire a cab or private car to drive through the scenic routes of Sikkim which takes about 3-4 hours of travel.
Special Attractions
: Sanga Choeling Monastery, Bon Monastery, Bermiok

8. Geyzing – Beautiful Hamlet In The Hills


Geyzing is a small hill station in the western part of Sikkim and connected by a metalled road with Gangtok. Apart from getting widespread views of the Kanchenjunga peaks, Geyzing is mostly known for its spiritual side in the form of monasteries and temples. You will find a heavy influence of the Nepalese community here including in cottages, the food, people and items to buy in the markets. 
Distance from Gangtok: 100 km 
Best time to visit:  April to June
Things to do: Visit the Rabdentse Ruins and monasteries, bath at the waterfalls
How to reach: Roads are the best option and either take a local bus which might take you more time than hiring a cab or taxi and reach within 4 hours.
Special Attractions
: Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, Ralang Monastery

9. Zuluk – Village Above Clouds


Zuluk is a small hamlet located in the eastern part of Sikkim at a height of 10,000 feet above sea level at the Himalayan foothills. It is very popular by the phrase “village above the clouds” and rightly so. Catching a glimpse of the mountains from the village can be one of the best experiences during your  visit. The valley is guarded by lush green trees, viewpoints and trekking trails. The best part about Zuluk sightseeing is that crowds are not its specialty, which is all the more reason to visit Zuluk.
Distance from Gangtok: 88 km
Best time to visit: All throughout the year
Things to do: Get picture-perfect shots from viewpoints and trek
How to reach: Hire a cab from Gangtok and take all important permissions
Special Attractions
: Lungthung, Nathang Valley, Tukla, Memencho Lake

10. Mangan – The Magical Place


The unexplored, pristine and magical hill station of Mangan is another top hill station near Gangtok that is simply a natural haven. The charming village has acres of forests, green trees, snow-covered mountains which will attract nature lovers and vacationers. Mangan is also popular among spiritual seekers with Buddhist monasteries and chants that overpower the area. The soul-soothing ambiance of this hill resort might just be the perfect vacation spot during summers. 
Distance from Gangtok: 65 km
Best time to visit:  April to July
Things to do: Visit the heritage house, admire the natural splendor and get awesome views
How to reach: Hire a jeep or taxi to reach Mangan or take a bus if you like to spend a little less
Special Attractions
: Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Labrang Monastery, Sirijonga Yuma Mangheem

11. Ravangla – Discover Breathtaking Scenery


Visit the southern part of Sikkim to discover the breathtaking scenery called Ravangla. Otherwise popular for a range of reasons like monasteries, sightseeing options, adventure sports and temples, Ravangla is one of the perfect weekend getaways near Gangtok. The colossal mountains and Himalayan forest will make you stay here for more than a weekend. The height and landscape gives rise to some of the best routes for trekking in Sikkim
Distance from Gangtok: 70 km
Best time to visit: All year round
Things to do: Visit the monasteries and stroll through nature parks
How to reach: Hire a taxi from Gangtok
Special Attractions
: Buddha Park, Rayong Sunrise View Point, Bhaleydhunga, Glass Skywalk


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