Sikkim
Himalayan monasteries, alpine lakes and India's first organic state.
At a glance
Ideal duration
6–8 days
Best season
Mar–Jun & Oct–Dec
Nearest airport
Pakyong (Gangtok); Bagdogra
Nearest railhead
New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
Inner Line Permit
Protected-area permits for North Sikkim/Nathula
Main languages
Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, English
Overview
Sikkim packs big mountain scenery into a small, clean and friendly state. From Gangtok and Tsomgo Lake to the high passes of North Sikkim — Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake — and Pelling's Kanchenjunga views, it rewards every kind of traveller.
Best Time to Visit
March to June and October to December; Yumthang blooms in April-May.
How to Reach
Bagdogra airport or NJP railway station, then about 4–5 hours by road to Gangtok. Pakyong airport near Gangtok has limited flights.
Permit Requirements
Indians need no permit for general entry; North Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake and Nathula need permits we arrange. Foreigners require an ILP.
Top Attractions
- • Gangtok
- • Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir
- • Gurudongmar Lake
- • Yumthang Valley
- • Pelling
- • Lachung & Lachen
- • Rumtek Monastery
Local Cuisine
- • Momos
- • Thukpa
- • Gundruk
- • Sael roti
- • Chhurpi soup
Festivals
- • Losar
- • Saga Dawa
- • Pang Lhabsol
- • Losoong
Things to Do
- Journey to Gurudongmar Lake and the Yumthang 'Valley of Flowers' in North Sikkim
- Ride the Gangtok ropeway and visit Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir
- Monastery-hop between Rumtek, Pemayangtse and Tashiding
- Watch sunrise light up Kanchenjunga from Pelling
- Try river rafting on the Teesta or paragliding above Gangtok
Know Before You Go
- North Sikkim and Nathula need special permits and are done on shared 4x4s — we arrange these.
- Acclimatise in Gangtok before high lakes like Gurudongmar (over 5,000 m); ascend slowly.
- Roads to Lachen/Lachung can close after landslides — keep a buffer day in the plan.
- Carry valid original photo ID (and photos) for every permit checkpoint.
- High passes are cold year-round — pack a warm jacket even in summer.
Packages for This Destination
Sikkim Travel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Sikkim?
Indian nationals need no permit for general entry, but protected-area permits (which we arrange) are required for North Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake and Nathula. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit.
How many days do I need for Sikkim?
Plan 6–8 days to combine Gangtok, North Sikkim (Lachung/Lachen) and West Sikkim (Pelling) comfortably.
When is the best time to visit Sikkim?
March to June and October to December are ideal; April–May brings the rhododendron and primula blooms to Yumthang.
How do I reach Sikkim?
Fly to Pakyong (Gangtok) or the better-connected Bagdogra; the nearest major railhead is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 4–5 hours from Gangtok.
Where do your Sikkim tours start?
At Bagdogra airport or NJP railway station, with a pickup in a private car or SUV. Both are well connected by air and rail from across India.
Can foreigners visit Nathula and North Sikkim?
Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit for Sikkim. Nathula and Gurudongmar Lake are not open to foreign nationals, while places such as Tsomgo Lake can be visited with the right permit.
When does it snow in Sikkim?
Snow is most likely from December to February at higher places such as Tsomgo Lake, Nathula, Lachung and Zero Point; Gangtok itself rarely gets heavy snow. Roads can close briefly after heavy snowfall, so keep a buffer day.
Often Combined With
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