Why Choose Sikkim
Sikkim has become known to be one of the fastest-growing tourist spots in India, receiving 17.12 lakh tourists in 2025, an increase from the 16.25 lakh tourists in 2024. Sikkim attracts modern-day adventurers through perfect blend of responsible travel and adventure tourism. In addition to the scenic mountains, Sikkim dominates the globe in sustainable tourism due to 100 percent organic agriculture practices, preserving the ecological integrity of the local ecosystem. Tourists have the chance to enjoy a taste of their culture when visiting Sikkim and meeting the Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepali people cultural tourism in North East India.
Khangchendzonga—Sacred Mountain & UNESCO World Heritage Convergence
Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga), world's third-highest peak at 8,586 meters, dominates Sikkim's landscape and cultural identity. The UNESCO World Heritage designation (2022) uniquely recognizes mixed criteria—natural magnificence combined with profound cultural significance. The mountain holds sacred meaning for Buddhists (beyul—sacred hidden land) and Lepchas (Mayel Lyang). Mythological narratives associate caves, rivers, and lakes within the park with divine manifestations. Contemporary Sikkimese identity integrates Buddhist philosophy with pre-Buddhist indigenous spirituality, creating syncretic religious tradition centered on Kanchenjunga. This cultural-natural integration reflects rare instance of religious coexistence and environmental stewardship preceding modern conservation science.
Goecha La Trek—Face-to-Face Kanchenjunga Encounter
The Goecha La Trek stands as one of India's most rewarding high-altitude trekking experiences—a 90-kilometer, 8-11 day journey through Kanchenjunga National Park. Starting from Yuksom (historic Sikkim's first capital, 5,840 feet elevation), the trek ascends to Goecha La pass at breathtaking 16,207 feet. The trail winds through diverse ecosystems—dense rhododendron forests (43 varieties endemic to Sikkim), alpine meadows blooming with wildflowers, and rocky terrain revealing glacial landscapes. Dzongri, perhaps the trek's most iconic camp, rewards trekkers with sunrise spectacles—Kanchenjunga bathed in golden light. Samiti Lake, a crystal-clear high-altitude glacial lake at 15,700 feet, mirrors surrounding peaks creating unreal panoramic reflections. The trek's final push—predawn ascent to Goecha La—rewards adventurers with unobstructed Kanchenjunga views unlike any other accessible vantage point in India.
100% Organic State—Environmental Consciousness & Biodiversity
Sikkim uniquely maintains 100% organic farming certification—the only Indian state with such comprehensive commitment. This environmental stewardship preserves ecosystem integrity absent in most Indian regions. The organic mandate protects soil health, water purity, and traditional agricultural wisdom passed through generations. Khangchendzonga National Park shelters extraordinary biodiversity—red pandas (endangered species found primarily in this region), clouded leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and countless bird species. The park contains 4,800+ plant species, including 43 rhododendron varieties creating spectacular spring blooms. Protected forests maintain endemic flora and fauna—species existing nowhere else on Earth. Visiting Sikkim supports conservation efforts, organic farming communities, and sustainable tourism practices.
Ancient Buddhist Monasteries—Living Spiritual Centers
Sikkim's monasteries—Rumtek, Tashiding, Kewzing, Tholung—represent living centers of Tibetan Buddhism, not museum artifacts. Rumtek Monastery, constructed in 1730s with golden roofs and ornate interiors, serves as principal seat of Karmapa (spiritual leader) of Tibetan Buddhism. Tashiding, precariously perched on cliffside at 6,700 feet, attracts pilgrims performing sacred circumambulations. Tholung Monastery, located deep within Kanchenjunga National Park at remote Upper Zongu, contains unique manuscripts and relics protected from historical invasions. These monasteries maintain ancient rituals, teaching traditions, and community functions within contemporary Sikkimese society. Visiting these sacred sites requires respectful approach—participating in meditation, attending prayers, and understanding Buddhist philosophy embedded in daily monastic life.
Gangtok—Cool Himalayan Capital with Urban Sophistication
Gangtok, Sikkim's capital at 5,430 feet elevation, maintains pleasantly cool temperatures year-round (10-25°C)—requiring light sweaters even in summer. The city pulses with cosmopolitan character—MG Road boutiques, cafés, bookstores, and restaurants serving Sikkimese, Nepali, Bhutian, and international cuisine. Gangtok Ropeway offers aerial perspectives of valleys and distant mountains. The city's cleanliness, safety, and efficient public systems distinguish it from many Indian cities. Budget accommodation options—hostels (₹500-900/night), guesthouses (₹700-1,200/night)—make Gangtok accessible to diverse travelers. Street food—momos (₹60-120), thukpa noodle soup (₹80-150), local thalis (₹120-180)—provides authentic Himalayan culinary experiences at minimal cost. Gangtok's location near Rumtek Monastery and Tsomgo Lake makes it ideal base for Himalayan explorations.
Tsomgo Lake—Sacred Glacial Waters & Alpine Beauty
Tsomgo Lake, located at 12,500 feet elevation, represents Sikkim's most accessible high-altitude glacial lake—and arguably India's most pristine. The emerald-colored waters reflect surrounding snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. The lake holds sacred significance for both Hindus and Buddhists—pilgrims circumambulate the shores, offering prayers. The landscape transitions dramatically with seasons—spring rhododendron blooms painting hillsides, winter snow transforming the lake into frozen paradise, autumn clarity revealing unobstructed mountain vistas. Wildlife sightings include yaks, musk deer, and Himalayan birds. The lake area serves as crucial water source supporting downstream communities and biodiversity. Visiting Tsomgo combines spiritual immersion, natural beauty, and high-altitude experience within 30 kilometers of Gangtok.
Key Highlights
The essential soul of Sikkim.
Khangchendzonga National Park & Kanchenjunga Peak
UNESCO World Heritage Site (mixed criteria, 2022)—world's third-highest peak with cultural-spiritual significance, glacial lakes, alpine biodiversity.
Sikkim, which lies in the center of the Eastern Himalayas, is an ideal eco-tourism spot and the first Indian state to become completely organic, combining high altitude adventure and spiritual enlightenment in one package. For those seeking cultural immersion, the ancient Rumtek Monastery and the massive Buddha Park in Ravangla provide deep insights into the region’s rich Buddhist heritage.
Quick Facts
Area: 1,784 square kilometers across West and North Sikkim
Peak: Kanchenjunga (8,586m), world's third-highest mountain
UNESCO Status: World Heritage (2022) on mixed natural-cultural criteria
Goecha La Trek—Kanchenjunga Face-to-Face
90km, 8-11 day high-altitude trek through Kanchenjunga National Park—unobstructed Kanchenjunga views, Dzongri sunrise, Samiti glacial lake.
Goecha La Trek stands as one of India's most rewarding Himalayan trekking experiences—combining physical challenge, natural grandeur, and spiritual immersion. Beginning at Yuksom (Sikkim's first capital, 5,840 feet), the 90-kilometer trail winds through Kanchenjunga National Park's diverse ecosystems over 8-11 days. The route ascends through dense rhododendron forests (spring blooms create riot of colors), transitions to alpine meadows with wildflowers, and culminates in rocky terrain revealing glacial formations. Key campsites include Tshoka (acclimatization village with ancient monastery), Dzongri (iconic viewpoint with sunrise spectacle—Kanchenjunga bathed in golden light), Thangsing (riverside camp with Pandim mountain views), and Lamuney (final camp at 13,700 feet). Samiti Lake, a crystal-clear high-altitude glacial lake at 15,700 feet, mirrors surrounding peaks—offering meditative pause point en route. The trek's climax—predawn ascent to Goecha La pass at 16,207 feet—provides unobstructed views of Kanchenjunga's southeast face, unlike any other accessible vantage point in India. Clear dawn skies reveal not just Kanchenjunga but Mount Pandim's distinctive shape, Kabru's sharp peak, and constellation of other Himalayan giants. The trek challenges fitness levels and altitude acclimatization, requiring 6-8 hours daily trekking over steep paths.
Quick Facts
Distance: 90 kilometers roundtrip
Duration: 8-11 days depending on acclimatization
Elevation Gain: 5,840 feet (Yuksom) to 16,207 feet (Goecha La)
Rumtek Monastery—Golden Spiritual Center
1730s Tibetan Buddhist monastery—golden roofs, ornate interiors, principal seat of Karmapa, pilgrimage destination, living spiritual center.
Rumtek Monastery, constructed in 1730s, stands as Sikkim's most iconic religious structure and principal monastery of Kagyu school Tibetan Buddhism. The golden-roofed complex, perched at 5,200 feet elevation overlooking Gangtok, features elaborate architectural detailing—ornate wooden carvings, intricate thangka paintings (Tibetan religious art), and golden statuary. The monastery historically served as seat of Karmapa (highest spiritual leader in Kagyu Buddhism tradition). The main assembly hall contains magnificent Karmapa image and assembly seating for hundreds of monks. Monks maintain daily prayer rituals, teaching traditions, and Buddhist philosophical study continuing unchanged for centuries. The monastery complex includes dharma school training young monks in Buddhist philosophy and meditation. Visiting Rumtek (30km from Gangtok, 1-hour drive) involves respectful protocol—removing shoes in sacred areas, maintaining silence during prayers, and seeking permission before photography. The monastery welcomes visitors seeking spiritual understanding, cultural immersion, and Buddhist teachings. Attendees often experience profound tranquility within meditation spaces.
Quick Facts
Built: 1730s, restored after 1950-1960s
Elevation: 5,200 feet overlooking Gangtok
Significance: Principal monastery of Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism
Gangtok—Cool Himalayan Capital
State capital at 5,430 feet—cool 10-25°C climate year-round, MG Road shopping, Ropeway views, vibrant cultural hub, budget-friendly.
Gangtok, Sikkim's capital at 5,430 feet elevation, uniquely maintains cool temperatures year-round (10-25°C), requiring light sweaters even during summer months. The city pulses with cosmopolitan character—MG Road (main thoroughfare) features boutique shops, bookstores, cafés serving international cuisines, and contemporary restaurants. The Gangtok Ropeway offers aerial perspectives of surrounding valleys and distant mountain vistas. The city's streets remain remarkably clean, safe, and efficiently managed—reflecting community pride and effective administration. Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center showcases traditional thangka painting, carpet weaving, and Buddhist craftsmanship. The city's educational institutions contribute intellectual atmosphere. Gangtok serves as ideal base for exploring Sikkim—Rumtek Monastery (30km), Tsomgo Lake (35km), and starting point for treks. Budget accommodation options proliferate—hostels (₹500-900/night), guesthouses (₹700-1,200/night)—enabling economical stays. Street food vendors provide authentic Himalayan cuisine—momos (₹60-120), thukpa (₹80-150), local thalis (₹120-180). Market bazaars sell fresh produce, local handicrafts, and traditional dress. The city seamlessly blends contemporary infrastructure with Himalayan character.
Quick Facts
Elevation: 5,430 feet, cool 10-25°C year-round
Population: 180,000+ (urban area), cosmopolitan character
Main Thoroughfare: MG Road with shops, cafés, restaurants
Tsomgo Lake—Sacred Glacial Paradise
High-altitude glacial lake at 12,500 feet—emerald waters, snow-capped peaks, sacred pilgrimage site, accessible 35km from Gangtok.
Tsomgo Lake, located at 12,500 feet elevation, represents Sikkim's most accessible high-altitude glacial lake and arguably India's most pristine alpine water body. The emerald-colored waters reflect surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peaks and rhododendron-covered slopes creating mirror-like reflections on calm mornings. The lake holds profound spiritual significance for Hindus and Buddhists—pilgrims traditionally circumambulate the shores offering prayers and prostrations. The landscape transforms dramatically with seasons—spring rhododendron blooms paint hillsides in vibrant colors, monsoon transforms surrounding landscape into lush green paradise, autumn clarity reveals unobstructed mountain vistas, winter snow converts the lake into frozen wonderland accessible only to hardy adventurers. Wildlife sightings include yaks grazing alpine meadows, musk deer, and diverse bird species. The lake functions as crucial water source supporting downstream communities and sustaining delicate alpine ecosystem. A small Buddhist shrine at the lake's edge attracts pilgrims. Tsomgo remains only 35 kilometers from Gangtok—making it accessible day-trip for non-trekkers. The drive climbs through changing vegetation zones—from subtropical forests to alpine grasslands—providing ecological education. Visitors should acclimatize carefully given rapid elevation gain from Gangtok (5,430 feet) to Tsomgo (12,500 feet).
Quick Facts
Elevation: 12,500 feet, accessible high-altitude lake
Color: Emerald-green due to glacier-fed pure waters
Spiritual Significance: Sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site
Tashiding Monastery—Clifftop Pilgrimage Temple
1717 clifftop monastery at 6,700 feet—sacred circumambulation pilgrimage, 18th-century architecture, stunning valley views.
Tashiding Monastery, perched dramatically on clifftop at 6,700 feet elevation in West Sikkim, represents one of Sikkim's most spiritually significant pilgrimage destinations. Established in 1717, the monastery showcases distinctive Tibetan Buddhist architecture—multi-tiered roofs, golden spires, ornate woodwork, and thangka religious art. The monastery's dramatic clifftop location—overlooking convergence of Rathong and Rangit rivers creating sacred geographical geometry—reflects Buddhist principles of harmony with natural landscape. Pilgrims traditionally circumambulate the monastery's sacred circuits (kora), performing prostrations and prayers seeking spiritual blessings. The monastery maintains active monastic community continuing centuries-old rituals and teachings. The steep 300-step ascent (from parking area) rewards trekkers with panoramic valley vistas and profound spiritual atmosphere. Nearby Buddhist shrines and meditation caves support diverse pilgrimage activities. Tashiding attracts not just religious pilgrims but cultural explorers seeking understanding of Tibetan Buddhism and Sikkim's spiritual traditions. The monastery welcome visitors maintaining respectful silence and seeking permission before photography. The site represents living spiritual center, not museum artifact.
Quick Facts
Built: 1717, centuries-old continuous monastic tradition
Elevation: 6,700 feet, dramatic clifftop location
Pilgrimage: Sacred circumambulation ritual (kora)
Must-Experience Attractions
Perfect For...
For High-Altitude Trekkers
Goecha La Trek (Kanchenjunga views), Lachung-Lachen northern valleys, Cho La Trek, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, challenging mountaineering.
For Spiritual Seekers
Rumtek, Tashiding, Kewzing monasteries, meditation retreats, Buddhist philosophy study, sacred pilgrimages, monastic life immersion.
For Nature & Biodiversity Lovers
Tsomgo Lake, rhododendron blooms (spring), endemic red pandas, Khangchendzonga National Park eco-tourism, organic farming villages.
For Budget Travelers
₹12,000-18,000 for 4-5 day trips, hostels ₹500-900/night, street food ₹60-180, package tours ₹6,200-15,000, free trekking trails.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar-May)
Best season: 5-25°C, rhododendron blooms (43 varieties), spring festivals, clear Himalayan views, ideal trekking weather, Saga Dawa festival celebrations.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Monsoon 13-20°C, lush green landscapes, heavy rainfall, reduced trekking but beautiful valleys, fewer crowds, budget accommodations cheaper.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Clear skies 10-28°C, excellent visibility of Kanchenjunga, transition weather, optimal trekking conditions, Diwali/Dasain celebrations.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cold -5-7°C, snow at high elevations, Tsomgo Lake frozen, fewer tourists, Losar Buddhist new year celebrations, cozy Gangtok climate.
Budget Estimate
Budget Traveler
₹12,000-18,000
Mid-Range
₹25,000-40,000
Luxury
₹60,000-100,000
flights
₹2,915-15,335 (round-trip to Bagdogra, 3-4 hour ground transfer to Gangtok)
food
Street food ₹60-180, local eateries ₹300-600/meal, mid-range restaurants ₹800-1,200
activities
Goecha La Trek ₹15,000-20,000 (7-10 days guided), monastery visits free-₹100, Tsomgo Lake ₹1,500-2,000 (transport), trekking guides ₹1,000-2,000/day
accommodation
Budget hostels ₹500-900/night, guesthouses ₹700-1,200/night, mid-range hotels ₹2,000-3,500, luxury resorts ₹5,000-10,000+
Local Secrets
Organic State—100% Certified Farming
Sikkim uniquely maintains 100% organic farming certification—only Indian state with comprehensive commitment to organic agriculture and ecosystem preservation.
Kanchenjunga Sacred Mountain
UNESCO World Heritage (2022) integrating natural and cultural criteria—sacred to Buddhists as beyul (hidden land) and Lepchas as Mayel Lyang (sacred homeland).
Red Pandas—Endangered Himalayan Wildlife
Khangchendzonga National Park harbors significant red panda population—rarely seen endangered species thriving in pristine Sikkimese ecosystem.
Indian Travelers at a Glance
India Ranking
Growing Himalayan destination, strong domestic tourism recovery post-pandemic
Visitors In2025
17.12 lakh total (16,35,650 domestic + 71,710 foreign) in 2025, up from 16.25 lakh (15,40,421 domestic + 84,710 foreign) in 2024
Average Spend
₹18,000-28,000 per person (4-7 days including flights)
Budget Allocation
35% flights (Bagdogra-Gangtok), 25% accommodation, 20% food, 15% activities/treks, 5% miscellaneous
Travel Purpose
80% leisure/nature tourism, 15% trekking/adventure, 5% spiritual/cultural
Source
Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, 2024-2025
Length Of Stay
Typical 4-7 days: 2 days Gangtok, 2-3 days Goecha La Trek (or Lachung/Tsomgo), 1 day monastery visits
Sikkim Tour Packages
Packages start at ₹15,500 per person and run to ₹31,000 for a seven-day circuit. Gangtok and the monasteries, Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La on the old trade route to Tibet, Pelling under Kanchenjunga, and Darjeeling’s tea gardens and toy train across the state line.
Two things to sort before you book. Indian travellers need no permit at all to enter Sikkim but you do need a Protected Area Permit for Tsomgo, Nathu La and North Sikkim, and it cannot be issued on your Aadhaar card. And Nathu La is closed every Monday and Tuesday, which decides what your dates can include.
Below: exactly which permits you need and which ID works, how the Sikkim and Darjeeling circuit fits together, what the altitude means, and when to go.
Get a Sikkim quote →
Sikkim trip at a glance
Field | Detail |
Ideal duration | 4–5 nights for Gangtok with Tsomgo and Nathu La; 5–6 for Gangtok and Darjeeling together; 7 nights for the full Gangtok–Pelling–Namchi–Darjeeling circuit |
Cost | ₹15,500–₹31,000 per person on our packages |
Best season | March to May and October to early December. Monsoon brings landslide risk; deep winter closes the high roads |
Permits — Indians | None to enter Sikkim. A Protected Area Permit is required for Tsomgo, Nathu La, Zuluk and North Sikkim. We arrange them |
Permits foreign passports and OCI | A Restricted Area Permit is needed simply to enter Sikkim, plus a PAP for permitted areas. Nathu La, Gurudongmar and Zuluk are closed to foreign nationals |
ID for permits | Voter ID, passport or driving licence with passport photos. Aadhaar and PAN are NOT accepted |
Nathu La | Open Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Indian nationals only |
Getting there | Bagdogra (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri, then 2.5–3.5 hours by road to Gangtok |
Permits: what Indian travellers actually need
If you are an Indian citizen, you need no permit whatsoever to enter Sikkim. Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi, Ravangla and most of the state are open to you with nothing more than a photo ID. A great deal of published guidance says otherwise and it is wrong.
What you do need a permit for
A Protected Area Permit, for the border areas — which is where most of the famous attractions are:
• Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and Baba Mandir
• Nathu La Pass
• Zuluk and the Old Silk Route
• All of North Sikkim beyond Chungthang — Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang, Zero Point and Gurudongmar Lake
Three things about these permits that catch people out
• They are route-specific. A permit for Tsomgo does not cover Lachung or Yumthang. Each protected area needs its own, issued for named destinations and a set number of days.
• They must go through a registered tour operator with a registered vehicle. You cannot hire an ordinary Gangtok taxi and drive to Tsomgo, however confidently the driver tells you otherwise — the vehicle itself has to be permitted.
• Aadhaar is not accepted. Neither is a PAN card. You need a Voter ID, passport or driving licence, plus passport-size photographs. This is the single most common reason a permit fails on the day, because almost everyone reaches for Aadhaar first.
We arrange all of this as part of the package and tell you exactly which documents to bring before you leave home.
If anyone in your group holds a foreign passport or an OCI card
The position is different and more restrictive. Foreign nationals and OCI holders need a Restricted Area Permit simply to enter Sikkim, plus a separate Protected Area Permit for the areas they are allowed into. And three of the best-known destinations are closed to them entirely: Nathu La, Gurudongmar Lake and Zuluk. Tsomgo and Yumthang are permitted with a PAP.
Tell us at the enquiry stage if this applies to anyone travelling, because it changes which itinerary is even possible.
Nathu La: the closure days that decide your dates
Nathu La is open Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed every Monday and every Tuesday. It is also open to Indian nationals only.
This matters more than it sounds, because Nathu La is usually done as a single long day from Gangtok combined with Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir, and a four-night trip does not have many spare days in it. If your dates only allow a Monday or Tuesday for that excursion, it cannot happen — and we would rather move your dates than sell you the disappointment.
The permit carries a small government charge of around ₹200 per person on top of the Tsomgo arrangements, and it needs applying for the day before. The pass sits at about 4,310 metres, which is the other reason it is not a casual add-on see the altitude note below.
Altitude: what to know before Tsomgo, Nathu La and North Sikkim
Gangtok sits at about 1,650 metres, which is comfortable for almost everyone. The famous excursions do not.
Place | Altitude | What that means |
Gangtok | About 1,650m | Your base. No issues for most travellers |
Tsomgo Lake | About 3,753m | A day trip, and a significant gain from Gangtok. Some people feel it |
Nathu La Pass | About 4,310m | Higher still, on the same day. Short stops only |
Yumthang Valley | About 3,564m | North Sikkim, with a night at Lachung below it |
Gurudongmar Lake | About 5,430m | Higher than most of Ladakh’s passes. Reached and left the same morning |
Sikkim Tourism’s own guidance recommends consulting a doctor about altitude before visiting Gurudongmar and Tsomgo, and that is sound advice. If anyone travelling has a heart or lung condition, uncontrolled blood pressure, or is pregnant, please talk to your doctor before booking — and tell us, so we can build the itinerary sensibly.
Practical points that make a real difference: do not schedule Tsomgo and Nathu La for your first full day if you have flown in from sea level; go slowly and drink water; keep the stop at Nathu La short; and tell your driver immediately if anyone develops a headache that does not respond to rest. Coming down is the answer, and Gangtok is only a couple of hours away.
Sikkim and Darjeeling: why they go together
Most of our Eastern Himalayan trips cover both, and it is worth explaining why rather than leaving you to work it out from the itinerary.
Bagdogra airport and New Jalpaiguri station serve both. Darjeeling is roughly three hours from the airport and Gangtok about four, and they are around four hours apart from each other. So a single arrival covers two very different hill destinations which is why a five or six-night trip taking in both is better value and more varied than either alone.
• Sikkim gives you Buddhist monasteries, the high-border excursions to Tsomgo and Nathu La, Pelling’s Kanchenjunga views and a distinctly Himalayan culture.
• Darjeeling gives you the tea gardens, the Tiger Hill sunrise over Kanchenjunga, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right — and a Raj-era hill town.
• Kalimpong sits between them and adds nurseries, monasteries and a quieter pace.
If you have four nights, pick one. If you have five or more, do both and that is what most of our packages are built around.
Our Sikkim and Darjeeling packages
Package | Duration | Covering | Price (per person) |
Gangtok Himalayan Getaway | 4D / 3N | Gangtok, Tsomgo, Nathu La | ₹15,500 |
Darjeeling Himalayan Escape with Mirik | 4D / 3N | Darjeeling, Mirik | ₹17,000 |
Twin Jewels of the Eastern Himalayas | 5D / 4N | Gangtok, Darjeeling | ₹19,500 |
Bengal Hills to Sikkim Mountains | 6D / 5N | Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok | ₹23,999 |
Mystical Himalayas | 6D / 5N | Gangtok, Darjeeling | ₹26,000 |
The Complete Himalayan Triangle | 7D / 6N | Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi, Darjeeling | ₹27,500 |
Peaks, Monasteries & Tea Gardens | 7D / 6N | Gangtok, Darjeeling | ₹31,000 |
North Sikkim ask us
Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang and Gurudongmar are the most spectacular part of the state and we do not currently list a fixed package for them. They need separate permits, a registered vehicle, at least two nights in the high valleys and real attention to the altitude. Tell us it is what you want and we will build it for your dates.
Get a fixed quote for your dates →
When to go
Months | What it’s like | Verdict |
March–May | Rhododendrons in flower, mild days, good visibility. Yumthang at its best in April and May | Excellent, and the flowering season is a genuine reason to choose these months |
June–September | Monsoon. Green and dramatic, but landslide risk is real on the hill roads and views are often lost in cloud | We would generally steer families and fixed-date travellers away |
October–early December | The clearest skies of the year, crisp air and the best Kanchenjunga views. Comfortable everywhere | Our usual recommendation, and the best month for photography |
Mid-December–February | Cold and beautiful, with snow. North Sikkim roads may be closed and high excursions are weather-dependent | Fine for Gangtok and Darjeeling. Not the window for North Sikkim |
A note on the mountain
Kanchenjunga is visible from Tiger Hill, from Pelling and on a clear morning from Gangtok but it is a mountain and it makes its own weather. October and November give you the best odds by a distance. We build the viewpoint mornings early and, where the itinerary allows, leave more than one chance at it.
Gangtok
The base for most trips. MG Marg is a pedestrian street where the whole town walks in the evening, and there is no litter and no spitting Sikkim takes that seriously. Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage, is a short drive out; the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology holds one of the best collections of Tibetan Buddhist texts and artefacts outside Tibet; and the ropeway and Tashi Viewpoint give you the valley.
Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La
The full-day excursion east from Gangtok, on the old trade road to Tibet. Tsomgo is a glacial lake at 3,753 metres, frozen in winter and ringed by prayer flags. Baba Mandir sits beyond it. Nathu La, at 4,310 metres, is the border post itself open Wednesday to Sunday, Indian nationals only, and a genuinely strange and moving place to stand.
Pelling and West Sikkim
The Kanchenjunga views, and quieter than Gangtok. Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest in Sikkim; the Rabdentse ruins are the old royal capital; and Yuksom, where the first Chogyal was crowned in 1641, is the starting point for the Goecha La trek. The skywalk at Pelling is newer and popular with families.
Namchi and South Sikkim
The Char Dham complex and the Samdruptse statue, plus tea gardens at Temi the only tea estate in Sikkim and a lovely, underrated stop.
Darjeeling and Kalimpong
Tiger Hill for the sunrise on Kanchenjunga, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the tea estates, and the Mall. Kalimpong is quieter, with nurseries, monasteries and long views over the Teesta.
North Sikkim
Lachung and Lachen as village bases, Yumthang’s flower valley and hot springs, and Gurudongmar at 5,430 metres one of the highest lakes in the world, sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs alike, and about five kilometres from the Chinese border. It is the most extraordinary part of the state and the most demanding.
Practical notes
The greenest state in India, and it shows
Sikkim was the first Indian state to go fully organic, completing the transition in 2016 after more than a decade of work, and it has banned single-use plastics including packaged drinking water bottles. Carry a reusable bottle refill points are widely available and you will be asked to. It is a small thing that makes the place what it is.
Roads and driving
Sikkim’s roads are winding and the distances take longer than the map suggests. Bagdogra to Gangtok is 2.5 to 3.5 hours, Gangtok to Darjeeling about four, and Gangtok to Lachung five to six. Landslides do close roads in monsoon and after heavy rain at any time of year. We build the driving days sensibly and leave buffer where the itinerary allows.
Food
Very good for vegetarians. Momos, thukpa and gundruk everywhere, plenty of Indian food in Gangtok and Darjeeling, and Sikkimese cooking is worth trying on its own terms. Tell us about Jain requirements at booking so we can plan the hill-town days.
Cash and connectivity
ATMs are fine in Gangtok and Darjeeling and sparse beyond them. Mobile coverage drops off in North Sikkim and at the high excursions, and postpaid connections generally work better than prepaid in the border areas.
Common mistakes to avoid
• Believing you need an entry permit for Sikkim. Indians do not.
• Carrying only Aadhaar. It is not accepted for Protected Area Permits.
• Planning Nathu La on a Monday or Tuesday.
• Booking a Nathu La day for a group that includes a foreign passport or OCI holder — they cannot go.
• Assuming a Tsomgo permit covers North Sikkim. It does not.
• Hiring an ordinary taxi for a protected-area day. The vehicle has to be registered too.
• Doing Tsomgo and Nathu La on your first full day after flying in from sea level.
• Planning North Sikkim in deep winter or heavy monsoon.
What’s included in a Bayard Sikkim package
Included | Not included |
Hotel stays in Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi, Darjeeling and Kalimpong as your itinerary requires | Airfare to Bagdogra or rail to New Jalpaiguri, unless bundled |
Daily breakfast, with some meals included depending on the package | Meals not listed in your itinerary |
Bagdogra or NJP transfers and all sightseeing transport in registered vehicles | Optional activities: ropeway, paragliding, pony rides, river rafting |
Protected Area Permits arranged for Tsomgo, Nathu La and any protected areas in your plan | Toy train tickets unless specifically included |
Monastery and viewpoint entries as specified | Personal expenses, shopping and tips |
On-trip assistance and a local contact number | Anything not in your confirmed itinerary |
Why book Sikkim with Bayard Vacations
• We handle the Protected Area Permits, in registered vehicles, and tell you which ID to bring because Aadhaar will not work and almost everyone brings it.
• We plan around the Nathu La closure days rather than discovering them on the morning.
• We are straight about altitude. Tsomgo and Nathu La on day two after a sea-level flight is a bigger ask than most pages admit.
• We tell you honestly when a foreign passport in the group changes what the trip can include.
• Sikkim and Darjeeling planned as one circuit, because they share an airport and they complement each other.
• Viewpoint mornings built early and, where possible, more than once Kanchenjunga does not appear on demand.
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Sikkim package FAQs
Do Indians need a permit to visit Sikkim?
No permit is needed to enter Sikkim or to visit Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi or Ravangla. What you do need is a Protected Area Permit for the border areas Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, Zuluk and all of North Sikkim beyond Chungthang. A lot of published guidance gets this backwards.
Is Aadhaar accepted for the Sikkim permit?
No. Aadhaar and PAN are not accepted for Protected Area Permits. You need a Voter ID, passport or driving licence, plus passport-size photographs. This is the most common reason a permit fails on the day, because almost everyone brings Aadhaar first.
Which places in Sikkim need a Protected Area Permit?
Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and Baba Mandir, Nathu La Pass, Zuluk and the Old Silk Route, and everything in North Sikkim beyond Chungthang Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang, Zero Point and Gurudongmar. Permits are route-specific, so one does not cover another.
Can I take a normal taxi to Tsomgo Lake?
No. Protected-area trips must be made in a vehicle registered for the purpose, arranged through a registered operator. An ordinary Gangtok taxi will be turned back at the check post regardless of what the driver tells you.
Which days is Nathu La open?
Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed every Monday and Tuesday. It is also open to Indian nationals only. If your dates only allow a Monday or Tuesday for that excursion, we will tell you before you book rather than after.
Can foreign nationals visit Nathu La or Gurudongmar?
No. Both are closed to foreign passport holders and OCI cardholders, as is Zuluk. Foreign nationals also need a Restricted Area Permit simply to enter Sikkim, plus a Protected Area Permit for the areas they can visit Tsomgo and Yumthang among them. Tell us early if this applies to anyone in your group.
How high is Gurudongmar Lake?
About 5,430 metres higher than most of the passes in Ladakh and roughly five kilometres from the Chinese border. Sikkim Tourism recommends consulting a doctor about altitude before visiting Gurudongmar or Tsomgo, and we would echo that for anyone with a heart or lung condition or who is pregnant.
Will I feel the altitude at Tsomgo and Nathu La?
Possibly. Gangtok is at about 1,650 metres, Tsomgo at 3,753 and Nathu La at 4,310 that is a big gain in one day. Most people are fine, but we would not schedule it for your first full day if you have flown in from Bengaluru or Chennai, and we keep the stop at the pass short.
Why do your Sikkim packages include Darjeeling?
Because they share an airport and they complement each other. Bagdogra is about three hours from Darjeeling and four from Gangtok, and the two are four hours apart. Sikkim gives you monasteries and the high border excursions; Darjeeling gives you tea gardens, Tiger Hill and the toy train. On five nights or more, doing both is the better trip.
How many days do I need?
Four nights for Gangtok with the Tsomgo and Nathu La day, or four for Darjeeling alone. Five or six to do both properly. Seven for the full Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi and Darjeeling circuit. North Sikkim needs its own trip on top of that.
Do you offer North Sikkim packages?
Not as a fixed package at present. Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang and Gurudongmar need separate permits, a registered vehicle, at least two nights in the high valleys and careful attention to altitude. Tell us it is what you want and we will build it for your dates.
When is the best time to visit Sikkim?
March to May for the rhododendrons and mild weather, and October to early December for the clearest Kanchenjunga views. Monsoon carries genuine landslide risk on the hill roads, and deep winter can close the North Sikkim roads.
How much does a Sikkim trip cost?
Our packages run from ₹15,500 per person for four days to ₹31,000 for seven. How many centres you cover, hotel category, whether Darjeeling is included and which protected-area excursions you add are what move the number.
Is Sikkim good for elderly travellers?
Gangtok, Pelling, Namchi and Darjeeling are comfortable and the pace is gentle. The consideration is the high excursions Tsomgo, Nathu La and especially anything in North Sikkim. Tell us the ages and any health conditions and we will build the trip around what is sensible rather than what fits.
What is included in a Bayard Sikkim package?
Hotels across your circuit, daily breakfast with some meals depending on the package, Bagdogra or NJP transfers and all sightseeing in registered vehicles, Protected Area Permits arranged, monastery and viewpoint entries as specified, and on-trip support. Airfare, optional activities, toy train tickets unless listed and personal expenses are separate.
Planning a Sikkim trip?
Tell us your dates, your city and who is travelling. We’ll sort the permits, tell you which ID to bring, work around the Nathu La closure days, and be honest about the altitude.
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