Rabdentse Ruins is a gorgeous historical place in Sikkim that is a must-see for tourists who want to delve into the history of the past. It was the second capital of Sikkim’s former Kingdom from 1670 to 1814. The invading Gurkha army destroyed the capital city, and only the ruins of the palace and the chortens are seen here now.

The ruins of Rabdentse are a stop on a Buddhist pilgrimage route that begins at the Dubdi Monastery in Yuksom and continues with the Tashiding Monastery, Norbugang Chorten, Sanga Choeling Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, and the Khecheopalri Lake. It's nice and preferable to visit this place throughout the summer, which lasts from March to May.

Location: Geyzing, Sikkim

The Rumtek Monastery, one of Gangtok's most prominent and culturally significant monasteries, is a must-see attraction. This is among the beautiful monuments in Sikkim that were founded by the Wangchuk Dorje, 9th Karmapa Lama in the 16th century. Another key draw of the location is its architecture. It is three stories tall and constructed in the traditional Tibetan gompa style. Each of its floors has eye-catching attractions that may teach visitors about the rich history of the sect as well as Buddhism in depth.

The halls of the monastery feature large hand-painted and intricate wall murals, thankas, silk paintings, and statues, all of them startling in their depth and beauty. The top floor of the monastery features a stupa and a terrace. The location of the monastery is such as to allow for a magnificent view of the Gangtok valley on the opposite side and is also a major attraction of the monastery.

Location: Tsurphu Labrang Pal Karmae Sangha Dhuche, Dharma Chakra Centre, Sikkim

Dubdi Monastery, alternatively known as Yuksom Monastery, is a Buddhist shrine of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism near Yuksom. Established in the year 1701, during the reign of Chogyal Namgyal, is considered to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim, carrying immense historical significance to it. The literal meaning of the word ‘Dubdi’ is ‘the retreat’ which clearly be seen authenticating itself through its mesmerizing hilltop location amidst the thick chestnut forest.

This elaborately painted two-storied stone structure stands at an altitude of 2,100 metres carrying images of divinities, saints, other symbols, and a collection of manuscripts and texts. Along with these, there are statues of three lamas positioned in the monastery, who worked towards the establishment of Yuksom. The ornamented bell-shaped gilded dome on top of the roof is known as “Gyaltshen”.

Location: Near Yuksom, Yuksom, Sikkim

The Coronation Throne of Norbugang refers to the place where the first Chogyal king - Phuntsog Namgyal was crowned in the year 1642. A wall-like structure was erected and named Norbugang Chorten after the ceremony, which still marks the original site. People believe that those who had attended the ceremony offered a huge amount of treasures that are still buried beneath the Norbugang Chorten.

The place is famous for the footprints of one of the three Lamas that are embedded in a rock opposite the king's throne can also be witnessed here. It is a hub of Buddhist pilgrims and there are many monasteries nearby such as Dubdi Monastery, Kartok Monastery, and Tashiding Monastery.

Location: Yuksom, Sikkim

Siddheshwar Dham, a Hindu temple, is one of Sikkim's most stunning historical locations. The temple, also known as Char Dham Temple, is found in the Indian state of Sikkim on the Solofolk hill, about 5 kilometers from Namchi, the state's capital. The 108-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva that dominates this temple and can be seen from miles away is what makes it beautiful. Its name comes from the Char Dham temples in India, of which it is a copy.

The 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva are also replicated in this temple complex. These 12 Jyotirlingas are replicas of twelve Jyotirlingas or Dwadasa Jyotirlingas like Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwar and Ghushneshwar surround the idol of Lord Shiva.

Location: Namthang Rd, Agam Gram, Namchi, Sikkim

Pemayangtse Monastery is the second oldest monastery in Sikkim. It is situated at a distance of around 107 km west of Gangtok. The word Pemayangtse means ‘Perfect Sublime Lotus’ in which the monastery is structured. The monastery is a three-storied structure with several statues including those of Padmasambhava (Lotus Born).

Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the famous historical places in Sikkim which is in excellent condition and is well maintained by the monks. It was founded and designed by Lama Lhatsun Chempoway having beautiful sculptures, paintings, and ancient scrolls. It is the starting point of the 46 km long Dzongri trekking trail through the dense forests in Khangchendzonga National Park.

Location: Pemayangtse Monastery, Sikkim

Positioned amidst emerald forests and on the edges of the glittering River Rangit, Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site. It is said, that whoever prays at this temple, all his wishes come true if you pray wholeheartedly. However, the temple is also widely visited because the premises house three separate platforms to pray to Goddess Durga, Lord Rama, and Lord Shiva.

Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva but it also houses two platforms to worship Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. You can visit the temple during the festive season and witness the entire town of Legship come alive to celebrate with zest and joy. The best time to visit this temple is from February to May but if you are a devotee then you can visit during the festivals. Bala Chaturdesi is the first festival celebrated in November and December. Followed by Shivaratri celebrated in February/March.

Location: Legship, Sikkim

Namchi is one of the most renowned historical places in Sikkim, and it originated from the Sikkimese word 'Nam’ which means ‘sky’, and ‘Chi’ which means ‘high’. It is sited at a staggering altitude of 1,675m above sea level offering spectacular views of the Khangchendzonga range and Rangit valley. It is home to the Buxa Formation of Manley, the stromatolite-bearing Dolomite Limestones, which has been declared a national geological monument in Sikkim by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), for their maintenance, enhancement, protection, and promotion, of geotourism.

The statue of Padmasambhava is also present here, this statue is about 135ft high, is painted in copper and gold, and sits on a lotus plinth atop the Samdruptse ridge. The best time to visit this place is from March to May as the temperature remains moderate.

Location: Sikkim

Yuksom is 33 km from Pelling, which means the ‘meeting place of three lamas'. This place has great historical importance to the Sikkimese, the first Chogyal was crowned in 1642 in this place. The monastery has now become a National Monument in Sikkim and is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. It is also the gateway to the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve. There are many monasteries that visitors can explore when they visit Yuksom.

Some of these monasteries are Tashiding Monastery, Tashi Tenka, Dubdi Monastery, and Khangchendzonga National Park. Yuksom is surrounded by mountain ranges and lies in a basin-like valley surrounded by mountain ranges and has special religious and cultural significance for the Bhutia community of Sikkim.

Location: West Sikkim, Sikkim