Southern Sikkim nevertheless offers a quiet charm, its lichen-covered forests draped with a stunning array of orchids and inhabited by rare animals- and now that permit restrictions have eased, it offers many more possibilities for visitors. Ignored by travelers, southern Sikkim is a route to higher trekking trails and the great gompas. Unanimous for its Sikkim tea, south Sikkim enjoys moderate climate for most of the year.

Jorethang
Jorethang, is a small market town full of zip situated just across the river Rangit from Singla bazaar in West Bengal and a mere 30 km north of Darjeeling, which is just visible across the tea plantations. The area is dominated by the great forested peak of Maenam, famous for its plants and flowers and for the tremendous view from its summit. Jorethang is well connected by bus with the rest of Sikkim, and there is a direct service to Siligiri daily at 9am.

Samdruptse
High above the busy town of Namchi, 79 km southeast of Gangtok and 24km to the northwest of Jorethang, the gigantic 41m statue known as Samdruptse sits on a high ridge gazing south towards Darjeeling. Samdruptse was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2004. It is lies 8 km to the north of Namchi along the unfolding ridge.

Ravangla and Maenam
The Sleepy market town of Ravangla is a convenient stopover, especially for those interested in trekking through one of the last remaining, Rhododendron forests in south-central Sikkim. The botanist's dream, Maenam Sanctuary covers the flanks of the gigantic forested peak which looms over the town.