Nestled in the tiny land ridge connecting the North-Eastern part of India to the main heartland deep into mountainous terrain lies the tiny state of Sikkim, home to the world’s third-largest peak ‘Kanchenjunga’ at 8586m on the border it shares with Nepal. Despite its small size, it shares borders with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south. Sikkim has been its own mountain kingdom till 1975 and indeed, still retains a very distinctive personality. The meditative, mural-filled traditional monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism coexist with Hindu shrines of the ever-growing Nepalese community, which can be seen in the unique art and architecture of especially the religious places of worship of the aforementioned groups. Perhaps it is this melange of cultural and geographical proximity to multiple countries, cultures and ethnicities that has come to define and shape Sikkim in all its uniqueness and pristine glory that we see today.Read More
For those travelling by rail, the biggest railway junction is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) located at a distance of 124km from the capital city Gangtok, while for those travelling by flight, the nearest access point is Bagdodra located 126km away from Gangtok. These are the most convenient access points for domestic and foreign travellers alike wishing to visit Sikkim, regardless of whether they travel independently like backpacking or avail one of the many excellent North Sikkim tours. From Bagdodra/NJP, visitors can hire private/shared taxis to get to Gangtok, which takes approximately 4 hours, depending on weather and traffic conditions.
Gangtok is a hill-town as deserving of the term ‘Heaven on Earth’ as Kashmir, and indeed is often referred to as such by the locals. There are many places to visit in Gangtok, like the main MG Marg which is the heart of the township and looks like a promenade-cum-mall no-smoking zone rolled into one. For shopping lovers, there is the Deorali Bazaar inter alia, while basically every curve, bend or turn in the city affords picturesque views of the Himalayas and sunset points/sightseeing visuals.
Primarily, Gangtok serves as an access point for short day-trips for sightseeing, as some of the most striking and glorious places to visit in Sikkim are all conveniently accessible from here. Some of these Sikkim tourist places include Tsomgo Lake, which is a glacial lake that’s completely frozen in the winter and is around 40 km away from Gangtok; Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple (or Baba Mandir), another 15 km away, which offers an insight into the cultural heritage of the city; and of course Nathu La pass, one of the most highest altitude mountain passes in the world at 14,140 ft which currently serves as the international border between India and China-occupied Tibet.
Lachen (literal meaning: small pass) is a tiny, quaint, mountain village home to the Singhba Rhododendrons Sanctuary which has a spectacular collection of more than fifty species of rhododendrons. While in Lachen, do not miss a trip to the Lachen Monastery, which has embellished wheels of prayer and is the epitome of Tibetan architecture. Check with your Sikkim tour package provider for details as this is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim and must be considered unmissable!
Picture a half-frozen lake, snow-clad mountains in the background, colourful Buddhist flags fluttering in the strong wind, and a small army-built temple. The largest lake in Sikkim and the 2nd highest in India at an altitude of 17,800 ft, the Gurudongmar Lake is a veritable sight to behold. At the foothills lies the serene and pristine Chopta valley, which provides tourists the chance to get away from the hullabaloo of life and access divine serenity! It is universally adored by explorers, nature-lovers and bird-watchers alike. From Lachen we now move on to the similarly named and equally beautiful Lachung village, where one can stay overnight in the pristine calmness and take in the stunning views of the Himalayas!
From Lachung one moves on to the Yumthang valley, a stunning visual treat towards the end of the Sikkim tour with the breathtakingly stunning valley of Flowers and the snow-covered Zero Point which is literally the end of the (civilian) road and as far as one can go without special permits. Indeed, the best has been saved for the last as it will leave you with a never-ending experience that is guaranteed to mesmerize, before heading back to the city!
And finally, from Gangtok back to Bagdodra or NJP for the return journey, having seen and experienced places and views that are truly sublime in these North Sikkim Tours!
The best time to visit Sikkim is March to June (spring–summer) and September to December (autumn–winter). Avoid the monsoon season (July–August) due to heavy rainfall and roadblocks.
Yes, permits are required for certain areas: Inner Line Permit (ILP): Mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Sikkim. Protected Area Permit (PAP): Required for visiting restricted zones like Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Lachen, Lachung, and Gurudongmar Lake.
Yes, it can be included as an optional day trip from Gangtok (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Foreign nationals are not allowed at Nathula, and permits are limited — so pre-booking is essential.
Yes, regions like Lachen, Lachung, and Gurudongmar Lake are above 10,000 ft. Travelers may experience mild altitude sickness — stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and carry Diamox after consulting your doctor.
Sikkim offers a mix of Nepalese, Tibetan, and North Indian cuisine. Popular dishes include momos, thukpa, gundruk, and local teas. Vegetarian and Jain food options are available in most hotels.
ATMs are available in Gangtok and Pelling, but limited in Lachen and Lachung. Mobile networks like Jio, Airtel, and BSNL work in most parts, but coverage is weak in remote areas.
Yes, Sikkim is one of the safest and cleanest states in India. Locals are friendly, crime rates are low, and police are helpful. It’s great for families, honeymooners, and solo travelers alike.
Yes, visit MG Marg (Gangtok) and Pelling Market for local handicrafts, woollens, Thangka paintings, and organic tea. Don’t forget to try Sikkimese souvenirs like prayer flags and traditional masks.
Absolutely! Many travelers opt for a Darjeeling + Sikkim 7N/8D itinerary. Darjeeling is just 4 hours from Gangtok, making it an ideal extension to your trip.
Starting From₹35,000.00
Starting From₹35,000.00
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