Destination guide
Know Sikkim before you go.
Practical context, local highlights, and honest planning advice — written for travellers from India.
Your field notes
A considered guide to Sikkim
What is Sikkim and why do Indian travellers visit it?
Sikkim is a small Himalayan state in northeast India, bordered by Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Indian travellers visit Sikkim for its mountain scenery, Buddhist monasteries, and cooler temperatures. Packages start from ₹50,000 per person for a standard 6-night trip.
Sikkim, a state covering approximately 7,096 sq km, holds the distinction of being India's least populous state. Sikkim shares its northern border with Tibet and offers views of Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak at 8,586 metres.
Most travellers base themselves in Gangtok, the state capital, and take day trips to North Sikkim, Pelling, and Ravangla. The state attracts couples, families, and solo travellers looking for a cooler alternative to Rajasthan or Goa.
Understanding what Sikkim offers sets the foundation for choosing the right season and itinerary structure.
When is the best time to visit Sikkim?
The best time to visit Sikkim is March to May and October to December. March to May brings rhododendron blooms and clear mountain views. October to December offers dry skies and the best visibility of Kangchenjunga. Monsoon months from June to September bring heavy rain and landslides.
Sikkim's climate varies sharply by altitude. Gangtok sits at roughly 1,650 metres and stays mild in spring and autumn. North Sikkim, at higher elevations, can see snowfall even in April.
The table below compares each season for travel planning purposes.
| Season | Months | Weather Condition | Accommodation + Flight Price Premium vs. Off-Season Baseline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March – May | Clear skies, 10–20°C in Gangtok | +20–30% | Rhododendron trails, mountain views |
| Summer / Monsoon | June – September | Heavy rain, landslide risk | Baseline (lowest) | Budget travel, fewer crowds |
| Autumn | October – December | Dry, 5–15°C, best visibility | +25–35% | Kangchenjunga views, festivals |
| Winter | January – February | Cold, 0–8°C, snow at higher altitudes | +10–15% | Snow experiences, quiet travel |
Travellers planning North Sikkim visits should avoid July and August entirely. Roads to Lachen and Lachung frequently close due to landslides during those months.
Seasonal timing directly affects which permits are available and which routes remain open — a key factor covered in the permits section below.
What permits do Indian travellers need for Sikkim?
Indian travellers do not need an Inner Line Permit for Gangtok and South Sikkim. A Protected Area Permit is required for North Sikkim, including Lachen and Lachung. This permit is issued free of cost through registered tour operators or the Sikkim Tourism office in Gangtok.
The Protected Area Permit for North Sikkim is a government-issued document allowing access to restricted zones near the Tibet border. Indian nationals can obtain this permit on arrival in Gangtok with a valid photo ID and two passport-size photographs.
Nathula Pass, located at 14,140 metres on the India-China border, requires a separate permit. Nathula Pass permits are issued only on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The permit is not available to foreign nationals.
Travellers visiting Dzongri or Goecha La for trekking need a Trekking Permit issued by the Forest Department. Tour operators registered with Sikkim Tourism typically arrange all permits as part of a package.
Permit requirements determine which zones you can access — and that directly shapes how a Sikkim itinerary is structured day by day.
What does a typical Sikkim itinerary look like?
A standard Sikkim itinerary runs 6 to 7 nights and covers Gangtok, North Sikkim, and either Pelling or Ravangla. Day 1 is arrival and acclimatisation in Gangtok. Days 2 and 3 cover North Sikkim. Days 4 to 6 cover West or South Sikkim before departure.
Day 1 – Arrival in Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim, situated at 1,650 metres above sea level. Travellers arrive and check in without undertaking long drives on Day 1.
The MG Marg pedestrian zone in Gangtok is a 500-metre stretch of shops, cafes, and viewpoints. An evening walk along MG Marg helps with acclimatisation before higher-altitude travel.
Day 2 and Day 3 – North Sikkim (Lachen and Lachung)
Lachen is a village in North Sikkim at approximately 2,750 metres, used as the base for Gurudongmar Lake. Gurudongmar Lake sits at 5,183 metres and is one of the highest lakes in India.
Lachung is a separate village at 2,600 metres, used as the base for Yumthang Valley. Yumthang Valley, known for its rhododendron blooms in April, sits at 3,564 metres.
Day 4 – Return to Gangtok, then drive to Pelling
Pelling is a town in West Sikkim at 2,150 metres, offering direct views of Kangchenjunga on clear mornings. Travellers drive from Gangtok to Pelling in approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Day 5 – Pelling sightseeing
Rabdentse Ruins is a 17th-century former royal capital of Sikkim, located 2 km from Pelling. The Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, is a 15-minute drive from Pelling town.
Day 6 – Ravangla and return to Gangtok
Ravangla is a town in South Sikkim at 2,100 metres, home to the Buddha Park of Ravangla. The Buddha Park of Ravangla contains a 130-foot statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, inaugurated in 2013.
Day 7 – Departure from Bagdogra
Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Sikkim, located approximately 124 km from Gangtok. Travellers depart from Bagdogra after a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Gangtok.
The itinerary above reflects a 6-night structure. Tripstor can adjust this based on whether you prioritise trekking, monastery visits, or North Sikkim extensions.
How do you reach Sikkim from major Indian cities?
The nearest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, approximately 124 km from Gangtok. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station is the nearest major railhead, about 117 km from Gangtok. From both points, travellers reach Gangtok by shared taxi or private cab in 3.5 to 4 hours.
Bagdogra Airport receives direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. Flight duration from Delhi to Bagdogra is approximately 2 hours. From Kolkata, the flight takes about 1 hour.
Pakyong Airport is a domestic airport located 31 km from Gangtok, inside Sikkim itself. Pakyong Airport operates limited flights and is subject to weather cancellations. Travellers are advised to use Bagdogra as the primary entry point for reliability.
Reaching Sikkim via NJP by train is a popular option for travellers from Kolkata. The overnight train from Howrah to NJP takes approximately 10 to 12 hours. From NJP, shared taxis to Gangtok depart regularly and cost around ₹250 to ₹300 per seat.
How you reach Sikkim affects your Day 1 arrival time and whether you need an overnight stay in Siliguri — a detail that shapes the full package cost.
What are the top places to visit in Sikkim?
The top places to visit in Sikkim include Gangtok, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Pelling, Ravangla, Tsomgo Lake, and Nathula Pass. Each location sits at a different altitude and suits a different traveller type. North Sikkim destinations require permits and are best visited between October and May.
Gangtok
Gangtok is the administrative and commercial capital of Sikkim, functioning as the base for most Sikkim trips. Gangtok contains Rumtek Monastery, one of the most significant Kagyu Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet.
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake in East Sikkim, located at 3,753 metres on the Gangtok–Nathula highway. Tsomgo Lake is 40 km from Gangtok and accessible by road in about 1.5 hours.
Gurudongmar Lake
Gurudongmar Lake, referenced earlier as the North Sikkim highlight, sits at 5,183 metres and is one of India's highest motorable lakes. The lake is sacred to both Buddhists and Sikhs.
Yumthang Valley
Yumthang Valley is a high-altitude valley in North Sikkim at 3,564 metres, known for its rhododendron blooms from late March to mid-May. The valley is 148 km from Gangtok.
Pelling and Rabdentse
Pelling, described earlier in the itinerary section, provides the clearest ground-level views of Kangchenjunga in West Sikkim. Rabdentse Ruins, adjacent to Pelling, is a protected archaeological site under the Archaeological Survey of India.
Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass is a mountain pass on the India-China border at 14,140 metres, open to Indian nationals on selected days. Nathula Pass is 54 km from Gangtok and requires a separate permit as noted in the permits section above.
Each of these locations connects to a specific permit type, altitude range, and season — all of which feed into how Tripstor structures the right package for your travel dates.
What does a Sikkim tour package from Tripstor cost?
Sikkim tour packages from Tripstor start from ₹50,000 per person. This price covers accommodation, transfers, permits, and a local guide for a standard 6-night itinerary. The final price varies based on hotel category, travel season, and the number of travellers in the group.
The table below outlines indicative price bands by package type.
| Package Type | Duration | Starting Price per Person | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 6 Nights / 7 Days | ₹50,000 | 3-star hotels, transfers, permits, guide |
| Comfort | 6 Nights / 7 Days | ₹65,000 | 4-star hotels, transfers, permits, guide |
| Premium | 7 Nights / 8 Days | ₹85,000 | 4–5 star hotels, private vehicle, permits, guide |
Flights to and from Bagdogra are not included in the above prices. Tripstor can add flights to any package on request. Group bookings of 6 or more travellers qualify for adjusted pricing.
The package price is directly linked to the season you travel in. Peak season travel in April–May or October–November carries a 20–35% premium over the baseline, as shown in the season comparison table above.
Who should consider a Sikkim trip?
Sikkim suits couples, families with older children, and solo travellers who want mountain scenery without extreme trekking. The state is not ideal for travellers with altitude sensitivity, as North Sikkim destinations exceed 5,000 metres. A basic fitness level is sufficient for standard sightseeing itineraries.
Couples find Sikkim practical for a 6-night trip that combines monastery visits, lake drives, and valley walks. Families with children above 10 years can comfortably do Tsomgo Lake and Pelling without altitude issues.
Trekkers targeting Dzongri or Goecha La need 8 to 10 days and a higher fitness level. The Dzongri Trek reaches 4,020 metres and requires a Forest Department permit as noted in the permits section above.
Sikkim is not a beach or nightlife destination. Travellers seeking those experiences are better served by Goa or Andaman packages. Sikkim works best for travellers who want cooler weather, open landscapes, and a slower pace.
