Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Pakyong, located in East Sikkim, serves as a gateway to several breathtaking destinations. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, adventure, monasteries, or scenic viewpoints, there are plenty of amazing day trips from Pakyong.

Here are the best nearby destinations for a perfect day trip from Pakyong:

1. Gangtok – The Capital of Sikkim

Distance from Pakyong: 30 km (1.5 hours by road)
Best For: Shopping, nightlife, monasteries, and sightseeing

Why Visit?

• Sikkim’s lively capital, known for shopping, nightlife, and Buddhist culture.
• Home to MG Marg, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, and Nathula Pass.

Best Things to Do

✅ Explore MG Marg – A pedestrian-only street filled with cafes and shops.
✅ Visit Rumtek Monastery, one of the most sacred monasteries in Sikkim.
✅ Trek to Tashi Viewpoint for stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
✅ Enjoy authentic Sikkimese cuisine at local restaurants.

Best Time to Visit: All year round.

2. Rangpo – Gateway to Sikkim

Distance from Pakyong: 35 km (1.5 hours by road)
Best For: Scenic drives, monastery visits, and photography

Why Visit?

• A beautiful town on the border of Sikkim and West Bengal, surrounded by hills and the Teesta River.
• A great midway stop for food and relaxation before heading deeper into Sikkim.

Best Things to Do

✅ Relax by the Teesta River and enjoy the scenic views.
✅ Visit the beautiful Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple.
✅ Enjoy fresh local fruits and organic products at the markets.

Best Time to Visit: October – May.

3. Namthang Bamboo Grove & Tea Gardens

Distance from Pakyong: 25 km (1.5 hours by road)
Best For: Nature lovers, photography, and tea enthusiasts

Why Visit?

• A lush green valley, known for its tea plantations and bamboo forests.
• Ideal for nature walks, tea-tasting sessions, and village experiences.

Best Things to Do

✅ Walk through organic tea gardens & learn about tea cultivation.
✅ Try fresh bamboo shoot-based dishes at a local eatery.
✅ Capture beautiful landscapes with endless green fields.

Best Time to Visit: March – June, September – November.

4. Rorathang Hot Springs

Distance from Pakyong: 15 km (40 minutes by road)
Best For: Relaxation and wellness

Why Visit?

• A natural hot spring, believed to have therapeutic benefits for skin and joint pain.
• Surrounded by dense forests and a peaceful atmosphere.

Best Things to Do

✅ Take a relaxing dip in the hot spring.
✅ Enjoy a picnic by the riverside.
✅ Visit nearby local markets for fresh organic produce.

Best Time to Visit: December – March.

5. Kali Khola Falls (Lonely Falls)

Distance from Pakyong: 18 km (45 minutes by road)
Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, and picnic lovers

Why Visit?

• A hidden waterfall, surrounded by forests and misty landscapes.
• Less crowded, making it a peaceful getaway.

Best Things to Do

✅ Take Instagram-worthy photos of the falls.
✅ Enjoy a refreshing break from your road trip.
✅ Relax in the cool mountain air with a cup of Sikkimese tea.

Best Time to Visit: June – November.

6. Dikling Monastery

Distance from Pakyong: 8 km (30 minutes by road)
Best For: Meditation, spirituality, and cultural exploration

Why Visit?

• A hidden monastery with stunning views of the Pakyong valley and Teesta River.
• Less crowded, making it ideal for meditation and peaceful retreats.

Best Things to Do

✅ Experience Buddhist prayers and rituals.
✅ Capture panoramic views of the valley and mountains.
✅ Buy handmade Buddhist artifacts from the monastery shop.

Best Time to Visit: October – May.

7. Aritar Lake (Lampokhari Lake)

Distance from Pakyong: 35 km (1.5 hours by road)
Best For: Boating, photography, and picnics

Why Visit?

• One of the oldest natural lakes in Sikkim, surrounded by thick pine forests.
• Offers boating experiences with a scenic backdrop.

Best Things to Do

✅ Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake.
✅ Go for a short nature hike in the surrounding forests.
✅ Visit the nearby Aritar Monastery.

Best Time to Visit: March – June, October – November.

8. Zuluk & The Old Silk Route

Distance from Pakyong: 70 km (3 hours by road)
Best For: Adventure, offbeat travel, and photography

Why Visit?

• A stunning high-altitude village, part of the historic Silk Route.
• Famous for breathtaking switchback roads and mountain passes.

Best Things to Do

✅ Drive along the famous Zuluk Loops (zigzag roads).
✅ Enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from Thambi Viewpoint.
✅ Experience an overnight stay in a Zuluk homestay.

Best Time to Visit: March – June, September – November.

9. Tarey Bhir – A Cliffside Walk with Himalayan Views

Distance from Pakyong: 60 km (2.5 hours by road)
Best For: Hiking, scenic views, and nature walks

Why Visit?

• A dramatic ridge with a 3500-foot drop, offering breathtaking views of the Teesta River and Himalayan mountains.
• A must-visit for trekking and photography enthusiasts.

Best Things to Do

✅ Walk along the narrow ridge for thrilling views.
✅ Capture incredible photos of the valley below.
✅ Enjoy a sunrise or sunset over the Himalayas.

Best Time to Visit: October – May.

Best Day Trip Itineraries from Pakyong

 Option 1: Cultural & Spiritual Tour

• Morning: Visit Dikling Monastery & Changey Monastery.
• Afternoon: Explore Pakyong Market & Handicraft Shops.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sikkimese meal at a homestay.

 Option 2: Nature & Adventure

• Morning: Drive to Aritar Lake for boating & nature walks.
• Afternoon: Visit Kali Khola Falls & Rangpo.
• Evening: Relax at a local café in Pakyong.

 Option 3: Offbeat & Scenic Road Trip

• Day 1: Drive to Zuluk, explore the Old Silk Route.
• Day 2: Visit Thambi Viewpoint & Nathang Valley, return to Pakyong.

Pakyong is the perfect base to explore East Sikkim’s hidden gems. Whether you're looking for serene monasteries, waterfalls, adventure sports, or scenic road trips, these nearby destinations offer an unforgettable travel experience.