Khecheopalri Lake Homestay, Sikkim
4.6· 30 stays
Things to do nearby.
Khecheopalri Lake rests just a short walk from the home along a quiet forest trail. Considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus, the water remains clear of leaves, which local legend attributes to birds picking them off the surface as soon as they fall. Visitors can walk the wooden boardwalk around the perimeter or spend time sitting by the water.
Pelling sits 115km away across the hills of West Sikkim, known for broad views of Kanchenjunga and historic Buddhist monasteries. Pemayangtse Monastery and Sanga Choeling Monastery offer quiet courtyards, ancient murals, and panoramic valley lookouts. Plan for a full day trip by car to explore the monastic complex and surrounding village roads.
Rumtek Monastery lies 24km outside Gangtok, functioning as the main seat of the Karmapa in India. The large monastic complex houses rare Tibetan relics, shrine halls, and quiet residential quarters for monks. It makes a worthwhile stop when traveling between West Sikkim and the state capital.
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, sits at high altitude 40km from Gangtok. The glacial lake freezes solid in winter and changes colors with the shifting seasons. Visiting requires a special permit arranged through registered travel desks in Gangtok, and travelers should wear heavy warm layers regardless of the month.
Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim is famous for its spring floral blooms and wide river basins. Reaching Yumthang requires a dedicated North Sikkim permit and an overnight stay in Lachung, which sits 125km from the capital. Roads into the valley run through high mountain passes that often close during monsoon rains.
Goecha La trek begins out of Yuksom, serving as the classic base camp trek toward the southeastern face of Kanchenjunga. High-altitude trekkers pass through rhododendron forests, glacial valleys, and mountain ridges over a multi-day route that requires proper gear and registered guides.
Getting there.
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) sits 124km away in West Bengal and serves as the most reliable flight entry point for visiting Sikkim. The drive up into the hills takes roughly four hours by shared or private taxi along the Teesta River highway.
Pakyong Airport (PYG) lies 30km from Gangtok and offers a shorter drive, though flight operations depend heavily on clear weather. Flights frequently divert to Bagdogra during foggy mornings or afternoon rains, so travelers booking Pakyong should keep flexible schedules.
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is the primary railhead, located 122km from the home. Taxis and shared jeeps operate daily from NJP station directly into Gangtok and Pelling.
Gangtok serves as the central road hub for the state. Here, travelers arrange local permits, hire dedicated vehicles for West and North Sikkim, and stock up on cash or trip supplies before heading deeper into the valley villages.
Best time to visit.
March through May brings mild weather and full rhododendron blooms across the surrounding hill slopes. Daytime temperatures remain pleasant for walking around the lake and exploring village paths.
October through mid-December delivers clear mountain skies and crisp air, making it the ideal window for mountain views and photography. Monsoons arrive in July and last through September, bringing heavy rainfall that frequently triggers landslips and road closures across hill routes. North Sikkim roads shut down entirely during peak monsoon weeks.