Welcome to Sikkim Tourism India
Sikkim Tourism India offer wide potential of tourism in north eastern part of India like Sikkim, Darjeeling, etc. The state is one of the prominent destination for travel enthusiast simply because the Himalayan environment, Gurgling streams, snowcapped mountainside......
Its richness of culture, monasteries, flora and fauna. Our Packages are managed in such a manner that offer you opportunity of enjoy untouched nature beauty and bask in the glory of all its freshness. Further our guidance will always be there to ensure most pleasant tour for lifetime.
A Himalayan wonderland, Sikkim is nestled in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and nature has gifted this state with unique beauty. The state is bestowed with a greater variety of vegetation and undisturbed valleys, five climatic zones, total sanitation, peaceful environment, hospitable and humble people and a rich cultural heritage – which is unmatched and would be hard to find anywhere else. Among its mountains is the fabulous Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world. Sikkim is also the least populous state in the Indian union. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is situated at a height of over five thousand feet above sea level.
Sikkim was once a remote mountain kingdom, ruled by Chogyals (Kings) until 1975; Sikkim is today opening up and proving to be an enchanting new world of friendly, socialite people, exotic flora and fauna, fabulous vistas and serene monastic settlements. Sikkim Tourism India offers several treks that lead through pine forests and picturesque valleys. The state is also the base for mountaineering expeditions and excellent river rafting. In the past few years the state has become one of the most sought after tourist destination.
HOW TO REACH SIKKIM
Sikkim is daunting, incredibly beautiful, and tempting enough to lure its admirers into a visit around the year. But unlike other Himalayan terrains that are difficult to access, Sikkim is easily approachable for most of the year from any part of the country. There are plenty of options to reach Sikkim, with the most convenient one being the flight to Bagdogra, and the most exciting one being a road trip to Sikkim via NH 31A.
Travelers have to choose a viable mode of transport to reach Gangtok from the nearest and most accessible location i.e. Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri, and Siliguri. Air, road, and rail are the 3 different mediums of transport to reach Gangtok.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit in Sikkim, Things To Do in Sikkim & Best Time To Visit Sikkim
BY AIR
Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is the nearest airstrip to Gangtok which is located approximately 124 km far. Jet Airways, Go Air, Air India, AirAsia, and Indigo are the most popular flight carriers operating from Bagdogra to major cities across India. Once you reach Bagdogra Airport, you can book a private vehicle or get into a shared cab for an onward 2-hour journey to Gangtok. As already mentioned, the drive on these roads is absolutely breathtaking with the mighty Himalayas and Teesta making the backdrop during most of the journey.
BY RAIL
Sikkim is not just well-connected with the rest of the country by road network but also the wider rail network. About 148 km from the capital city Gangtok, the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri district is perfectly connected by rail network with major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. From the railway station, one can get on a state roadways bus or hire a taxi to reach Gangtok.
From the government-run buses to private taxis, everything is available to help you reach the beautiful Himalayan paradise. Local buses are available from Siliguri Bus Station also known as Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus. The road journey from NJP to Gangtok takes around 5-6 hours in normal conditions.
BY ROAD
Road trip to Sikkim on a bike or a car is the most preferable option for an adventurer or a road trip enthusiast. Reason being, this route encompasses the best of the Himalayas, and views all along are worth living for. For most of the stretch, NH 31A is well-maintained except for a few patches.
The duration and fun of road journey depend on the destination you are traveling from. So most of the people travel to Sikkim from West Bengal, which means the highway via Siliguri, Bagdogra, or NJP must be taken. Shared jeeps and private taxis are available from Siliguri to most of the important parts of Sikkim, especially South as well as West Sikkim.
Depending on the season you are traveling a road journey from these places take close to 6 hours. The conditions in winter make traveling by road even more difficult as Sikkim experiences heavy snowfall. It makes traveling without proper guidance extremely vulnerable. It is therefore suggested to get in touch with a local tour operator for proper assistance and also take cognizance of the situation.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SIKKIM
It is vital to know the best time to visit Sikkim as this north-eastern state tops the wish list of many tourists across the globe. Sikkim is guarded by Mount Khangchendzonga and is known for its unparalleled natural beauty. You do not want to miss out on any of its offerings because of the weather conditions. As recommended by the Sikkim Tourism Board, the best time to visit this state is either between the months of March to June or November until February. However, all the seasons have their own unique grandeur to add to tourism. You can choose what suits your needs and then thoroughly enjoy the traditional yet modernity of the region where monasteries and skyscrapers coexist.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit in Sikkim, Things To Do in Sikkim & How To Reach Sikkim
Sikkim in Summer (March – June)
Sikkim packs itself with a number of things to do and see. These months sees summer and Sikkim stays pleasant and lovely. This is the best time for all those who want to spend a few days amidst nature’s tranquillity. The temperature in these months’ ranges from 5 to 25 degree Celsius and the weather is fragrant but moist. The rest of the country witnesses scorching summer and Sikkim becomes the perfect haven to escape the heat waves. The charm of the colourful flora and fauna can be witnessed along with the serenity of hilltop Buddhist monasteries such as the Pemayangtse. It is the ideal season for those who wish to indulge in trekking. There are a lot of other things to do in Sikkim in summer to beat the horrid heat of the plains. You can see the blooming rhododendrons and orchids in abundance all around in this beautiful Himalayan kingdom. For the nature lovers and photographers, the lush green landscapes and pristine lakes will await them in this season. Summer is also the time for Sikkim’s renowned International Flower Festival. It displays close to 600 orchid species and 240 varieties of other ferns, trees, shrubs and flowers. This makes visiting Sikkim a true delight.
Complete Summer Weather Information by Month: March, April, May & June
Sikkim in Monsoon (July – August)
Sikkim experiences a rocky monsoon season. The state is bombarded with heavy rainfall. Since the hilly roads are meandering, the roads get slippery and dangerous for travel. There are massive landslides that often occur so if you do plan to visit Sikkim in monsoons, prepare for a flexible itinerary. The rains start to set in from the last week of June, however July faces the brunt of the precipitation the most. Rains are said to make the surroundings gloomy and not fit for setting out on a vacation. But if you are someone who just wishes to sit in a cosy balcony and enjoy a cup of coffee, you can visit Sikkim in monsoons. The temperatures drops down massively and ranges between 4 to 15 degree Celsius. Countering all the downsides to rainfall, the waterfalls make up for it and add to the charm of the region. The Seven Sisters waterfall rages amidst thick greenery and is a sight for sore eyes. There is also an increased opportunity for bird watching that make many flock to the region, despite the weather.
Complete Mansoon Weather Information by Month: July & August
Sikkim in Autumn (September – October)
Unlike other states and cities in India, North Sikkim has a distinct Autumn Season. It is the best time to be outdoors in Sikkim when it is not very hot or not very cold. With the advent of autumn, the temperature ranges from 15 to 20 degrees celsius. These months in Sikkim brings to its visitors the clear picturesque view of the Khangchendzonga mountain ranges, which is the world’s third highest peak. The gorgeous waterfalls and the high altitude lakes look even more enchanting. Since this falls just after monsoons and before the onset of winter, it makes for the perfect time to indulge in adventure activities. Tourists from all over fly down to go trekking and hiking in the hilly regions of north Sikkim. The festivals of Dussehra and Diwali come round the corner and are celebrated with much excitement and vigour in the Himalayas. Lhabab Duchen, a festival that celebrates Buddha’s descent from Heaven to Earth also can be witnessed at this time of the year. The pleasing and mild weather during these months makes it the best time to visit Sikkim.
Complete Autumn Weather Information by Month: September & October
Sikkim in Winter (November – February)
Winters brings along an unusual vibe in the region and makes your holiday experience worth it. The barren lands have a unique rugged beauty. Sometimes unbearably cold, the temperatures in winters range from 4 degree celsius to 7 degree celsius. The views of snow-capped mountains become your constant companion in the background. The lakes get frozen lakes but its appearance adds to the entrancing beauty of Sikkim. It receives uninterrupted and immeasurable snowfall in winters. So for those who love snow, the Yumthang valley, Gangtok, Lachung and Pelling appear to be heavenly covered in a blanket of white glistening snow. This results in some of the most enthralling views that are hard to find anywhere else in the nation. Skiing and other snow sports adventures gives you furthermore reasons to plan your trip around this time of the year. During these months, you can also partake in various festivals like the Maniram Bhanjyang Tourism Festival, Cherry Tea Festival and the Red Panda Winter Festival. The cities are livelier than ever and you can enjoy local homestays among many other things.
Complete Winter Weather Information by Month: November, December, January & February
BEST PLACE OF SIKKIM
This is one of India’s highest altitude lakes and it’s known for its natural beauty. The sight of the surrounding snow cover hills reflecting on the Tsomgo Lake is one memory that you can cherish forever. The lake is about 1 km long and it’s shaped like an egg. Explore Tsogmo Lake in winters as it is the best time to visit Gangtok also.
Location: 38 km from Gangtok.
Best Time to Visit: Summer, autumn, and winter seasons
Nathula Pass is located at a height of 14140 feet and this is the best place to be for the trekking enthusiasts when visiting Sikkim. The border trade market, Sherathang, is a popular place where tourists can buy different kinds of Tibetan items at a cheap price. This Sikkim point of interest is famous among travelers.
Near to that, there is a tiny place called Kupup. It always stays under clouds, which surely will be a nice experience for you. The view from the Nathula Pass is remarkable too.
Location: 56 km east of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim
Best Time to visit: May to October. It’s open for public from Wednesday to Saturday.
Price: The permit costs Rs. 200 per person.
Located at the height of almost 14,000ft above sea level, the Kanchenjunga Base camp is one of the best Sikkim tourist places and a heaven for all the adventurers. Together forming one of the most beautiful parts of the Himalayas, the Kanchenjunga range is one of the most picturesque regions of Sikkim, and all that can be seen in utmost clarity and mightiness from the base camp.
The real adventure for people is to see the third highest mountain in the world up close to here, and that is why this place is worth the visit at least once in a lifetime.
Location: Dzongri, Sikkim
Best time to visit: April to June and Mid September to October.
The undulating meadows, the grazing yaks by the banks of wild Teesta river and the many hot springs amid the towering mountain peaks position Yumthang valley among the top places to visit in Sikkim. The valley of flowers is carpeted at a height of more than 11,000 feet above sea level at around 128 kilometres from Gangtok. You can book one of our Gangtok Tours from a vivid choice of packages we have for you so that you don't miss out the best of Gangtok.
Come to visit the valley in late February to march when the Losar festival is celebrated by the locals. During the month of April and June, the Rhododendrons bloom and envelop the valley in full glory.
Location: North Sikkim District, Gangtok, Sikkim 737120, India
Best time to visit: March to mid-June.
The time required to visit: 5 to 6 hours.
Opening Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM on all days of the week.
Goechala
Standing at a height of about 4,940 m above sea level, the high mountain pass of Goechala (Goecha La) is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. Being in the proximity of some of the highest mountains of the Himalayas, the pass is an amazing destination for all the trekkers visiting Sikkim. The best thing about this place is the beautiful view of Mt. Kanchenjunga’s southeast face.
The view from the pass is so breathtakingly beautiful that it was featured on the back of the 100 Rupee note of India. Acting as the base of the summit for Kanchenjunga, this place is a must visit for the beauty of it.
Altitude: 16,200ft
Location- Yuksum, Sikkim
Best time to visit- April to June, and September to October
Singalila Ridge trek is an easy to moderate trek extending from an elevation of 2,134 meters to 3,636 meters. As you reach the top, you unravel some pure sights of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga peak, Makalu and Lhotse Peak.
The trek starts from Darjeeling heading towards Tonglu via Maneybhanjang continuing to Gairibas and crossing the serpentine trails of Kalapokhri comes to the steep climb that passes through Sandakphu which is the highest peak of Singalila range that lounges at a height of 3,636 meters. Later a downhill trek to Rimbik ends the trek.
Location: Singalila ridge, Sikkim.
Best time to visit: March to June, when the flowers have fully bloomed or October to December.
Cost: INR 31,720/person.
Time required to visit: The trek to Sandakphu or Phalut can be of around 6 to 8 days from Gangtok.
Opening Timings: 24 hours.
Lachen
Nestled at an altitude of 2,750 meters, Lachen in North Sikkim is the base of Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar lake. Sitting about 27 km away from Chungthang, Lachen village is cradled by a beautiful mountain valley. ‘Lachen’ literally translates to mean ‘big pass’, and affords unmatched views of the mountain slopes that seem to seat the village in an embracing sprawl.
Lachen is one of the more shaded, unexplored parts of Sikkim, and reward you with unmatched mountain views, serenity, and peace. Housing, not more than 200 houses, the village is ideal for backpackers and adventurers looking to explore offbeat destinations. The village is also home to the Lachenpas, a Sikkimese community. Amongst the most offbeat places to visit in Lachung, Lachen warrants to be on the top of your Sikkim itinerary.
Location: North Sikkim District, Sikkim
Distance from Lachung Bus Stand: Approx. 47 kM
Pelling is a small town situated in the hills in West Sikkim, 7,200 feet above the sea level. Despite being one of the lesser-known towns in the area, it is slowly gaining attention as a popular tourist destination.
Pelling is a dream destination for trekkers, nature lovers, bird-watchers and serenity seekers. The city is dotted with heritage structures like ancient monasteries and breath-taking waterfalls like the Kanchenjunga falls, the Rimbi Waterfall and the Changey Waterfall. The Sanga Choeling Monastery and the Pemayangtse Monastery are the two of the main monasteries in the area that one must visit for their heritage and architectural significance when they are in Pelling.
Pelling is easily accessible from both Gangtok and Darjeeling. It is located at a distance of 131 km from Gangtok and 73.9 km from Darjeeling. The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri from where one can hire buses and cars to reach Pelling. You can also hire buses that leave at frequent intervals from Gangtok and Siliguri that pass through Pelling.
The best time to visit Pelling is between December to May, which consists of winter, spring, and summer. During December, the temperature drops down to -5 degrees Celsius, allowing the tourists to take advantage of the snow and enjoy sports like the snow-skating. The summers are equally vibrant, with temperatures remaining cool throughout the day and different kinds of flowers filling up the valleys in the area.
The main language spoken here is Sikkimese, but Nepali and Hindi are also spoken fluently by the locals. The cuisine here is mainly north-Eastern and several local shops sell delicacies that are a speciality of this place. The town is well-equipped with multiple hotels and restaurants to ensure a comfortable stay for the tourists.
Zuluk
Zuluk is about 4 hours from Gangtok (90 km). Technically you may travel from Gangtok to Zuluk through Tsongo Lake and Baba Mandir, but a permit for this route is relatively difficult to get. The more common route goes through Pakyong and Lingtham.
If you are traveling from any other place, such as Darjeeling, Pelling or NJP / Bagdogra, you have to first travel to Rongpo, the entry point of Sikkim. From here a less trodden route will take you to Dzuluk through Rorathang.
People traveling to Dzuluk from East Sikkim adjacent Bengal region, that is the Kalimpong subdivision, would do better to travel through Pedong, Reshi, Aritar route.
The travel time and distance from different major destinations are given below. The actual travel time will depend on the prevailing road condition at the time of travel. Trying to guess travel time based on distance and average vehicle speed mostly proves futile in this region.
From Gangtok – 90 km, about 4 hours
From NJP / Bagdogra - 160 km about 6 hours
From Kalimpong – 90 km, about 3.5 hours
From Pelling – 150 km, about 7 hours
From Darjeeling – 140 km, about 5 hours
Ravangla
Embark on a journey to explore a lesser-known quaint village amidst the high mountains of Eastern Himalayas in South Sikkim. Ravangla is a village at an elevation of around 8000 feet above sea level with breathtaking landscapes painted by Kanchenjunga and its sister peaks of Kabru, Pandim, Siniolchu.
Rayong sunrise viewpoint, Temi Tea Garden, Relang hot spring and Ralang monasteries are few local attractions that can interest a traveler. The winding roads which take you to these places and Ravangla are very scenic too.
Location: Ravangla, South Sikkim 737139
Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
Cost: Varies depending on the mode of transport and choice of accommodation.
Time required to visit: At least two days.
Opening Timings: 24 hours.
Yuksom is a petite historical town in the West Sikkim district and is also known as the “getaway to Kanchenjunga.” Tashiding Monastery, Dubdi Monastery, Complex of Tashi Teenka, Kartok monastery and Khecheopalri lake are few of the interesting heritage places to visit in Yuksom.
It is majorly known for its monasteries and ancient stories on Lamas. Yuksom was once the capital of Sikkim which is still culturally rich topped with stunning vistas and greenery.
Location: Yuksom, Sikkim 737113
Best time to visit: October to mid-December and March to mid-June.
Cost: Varies depending on the mode of transport and choice of accommodation.
Time required to visit: A day or two.
Opening Timings: 24 hours
Teesta river is the main river of the state of Sikkim and divides its region from that of the state of West Bengal. Covering a total course of 309 km before meeting the mighty Brahmaputra, the river passes through the cities of Rangpo, Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong, where it has a high importance as the main source of living.
Originating from a high altitude lake in the North Sikkim and the Teesta Kangse Glacier at the height of 7068m, the river is also a great source of adventure as there are a number of locations where you can enjoy rafting in the river.
Location: Sikkim and parts of West Bengal
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
ThanguNestled atop a staggering 3,962 m, the spellbinding Thangu Valley is shrouded under a great carpet of snow almost throughout the year. May and June see the entire places dotted with lush alpine flora. Thangu is also base for the famous Chopta valley and Muguthang treks.
Graced by the rivers Teesta, Chopta, and Lassur that cut through the valley, there are plenty of mind-boggling views to capture your senses. Flanked by lofty Himalayan massifs on each side, the village of Thangu is a silent little settlement far away from the hustle and bustle of towns and cities. The valley requires a scenic drive of 6 to 7 hours to get to from Gangtok.
Location: The Valley of Thangu lies 141 Km from Gangtok.
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