Sikkim is one of India's smallest states. It actually ranks as more of a region than a state, but still enjoys a great deal of autonomy from the rest of the country. This northeastern area is outfitted with dense forests, snow-peaked mountains, and some stunning holy shrines like Pemayangtse to see while you're there. Sikkim ushers in the highest point in India: Kangchenjunga peaks at an impressive 8,586 m!
Sikkim Tour Details
- Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
- Cost: Rs. 39,999/- per person (early bird discount Rs. 4000 per person)
Sikkim Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Bagdogra to Gangtok
Arrive at Bagdogra Airport and head towards Gangtok. Overnight in Gangtok.
Day 2 - Gangtok to Lachen
After breakfast, head towards Lachen. sightseeing along the way. Overnight in Lachen
Day 3 - Lachen to Lachung
After breakfast, visit Gurudongmar Lake via Chopta Valley. Later in the evening, make your way to Lachung. Overnight in Lachung
Day 4 - Yumtang valley
After breakfast, a half-day excursion to Yumtang Valley (Valley of Flowers). Evening head towards Gangtok. Overnight in Gangtok
Day 5 - Gangtok sightseeing
After breakfast, head towards Gangtok. Full-day excursion to Nathula Pass and Tsongmo Lake Overnight in Gangtok
Day 6 - Gangtok to Pelling
After breakfast, head towards Pelling. sightseeing along the way. Overnight in Pelling
Day 7 - Pelling to Darjeeling
After breakfast, excursion to Pelling. After that, head towards Darjeeling. sightseeing along the way. Overnight in Darjeeling
Day 8 - Darjeeling sightseeing
After breakfast, Darjeeling full day excursion. Overnight in Darjeeling
Day 9 - Departure
After breakfast, head towards Bagdogra Airport.
What is included in the tour
- 3/4 star hotel accommodation on Triple sharing basis
- Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotel
- All transfers and sightseeing by car
- Vehicle toll, fuel, parking, and driver allowance
What is NOT included in the tour
- Lunch (We want you to try out local Cuisines & not restricted to a particular restaurant, cafe)
- Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
- Airline, train, and bus tickets till Bagdogra and return
- All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered (which not mentioned is inclusion)
- Any medical or emergency evacuations if required.
- Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, Zero Point, and Kalapathar permits are subject to availability.
- Any personal expenses like laundry, telephone bills, tips, camera charges, etc.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks, etc. is to be borne by the client directly on the spot.
- Travel Insurance
- GST
- Any other item that is not specified under cost inclusions
- 2/3 liters of water bottle
- Mask
- Sanitizer
- Extra pair of clothes, Towel, Jacket, etc.
- Warm clothes
- Glucon D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade sachets
- Proper footwear
- Proper haversack to put all these things
- Sun Cap and Sunscreen
- Personal First aid and Personal Medicine
- Identity Proof
Cancellation Policy
- 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 30 or more days prior to the event date.
- 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 16 to 29 days prior to the event date.
- 25% refund if notified via phone conversation 10 to 15 days prior to the event date.
- No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 10 days prior to event date
- No show No Refund.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
- If Event get cancelled, we will refund "Event Amount" only.
1. How to reach Sikkim?
Most people coming to Sikkim prefer to fly. There are very few trains that come here and if there are any they are not daily. Most people use buses to get around but it is more expensive than the other ways of traveling.
Reach Sikkim by Flight
The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport (IXB).This airport is known as the Siliguri Airport. It's about 120 KM from Bagdogra Airport and will take over 4 hours driving on the road due to it being in the mountains. Sikkim has its own airport as well, which is only 30 KM away from Gangtok. Its name is Pakyong Airport ,but this airport has very little connectivity of flights with major cities like Delhi, Kolkata ,Mumbai ,Bangalore ,etc.
2. Why do Indians require permits to visit Nathula, Gurudongmar Lake, and other Sikkim protected areas?
Due to the fact that Nathula and Gurudongmar lake are close to the international border of China, Bhutan and Nepal Tourists from all over the world need permits to visit these areas.
3. Can I drive by my private car?
Sikkim is the most uncompetitive market to enter. They not allow private vehicles on public roads located in protected areas of their state.
4. What is the best season to visit Sikkim?
The best time to visit Sikkim is from March to June and from October to December
Summer: April to June ( Best season to visit Sikkim)
5. How many minimum days are required to explore Sikkim?
There are many fantastical destinations in Sikkim that attract tourists from afar: Gangtok, Lachen, Lachun, Yumthang Valley, Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar, Namchi and Pelling to name but a few. You’re bound to get lost in the sheer beauty of these destinations and can easily spend at least 8-10 days exploring each location. North Sikkim is very famous amongst tourists because it takes a minimum of 6 days to cover all the famous locales.
6. What is the local food of Sikkim?
Sikkim cuisine is a pure blend of Tibetan, Nepalese, and native Sikkimese food. The Sikkimese people are fond of rice as their main food. Some famous dishes include momos (dumplings), thukpa Tibetan noodle soup), gundruk (leafy dish),sha phaley, gundruk (leafy dish),sha phaley, Pork curry, Chhurpi –a fermented dairy product, Ring shaped Nepalese bread and Sishnu Soup.
7. What is Sikkim famous for?
Sikkim is known for its peaceful nature, simplicity and pleasant climate throughout the year.Sikkim is famous for Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world at 8586m, beside this it offers a tremendous variety of plants and wildlife with a diverse mix of rich culture and traditions. Apart from this Sikkim has been blessed with verdant valleys, refreshing air, serene ambiance and snow-clad peaks.
8. Is Jio network available in Sikkim?
Jio works well in Sikkim. In areas where Jio is supported you will get 4G internet connectivity and a calling network.
P.S. There is no network connectivity at Changu Lake and Nathula Pass.
9. Do we need Passport for Sikkim?
Passport is not necessary for Indian nationals to visit Sikkim. If a person has a voter ID card or driving license then they can get the required permits.
10. Does Sikkim receive snowfall?
Yes, Sikkim receives snowfall during the winter. Typically, snowfall starts in December and lasts into February. The temperature can fall as low as -7 degrees Celsius at this period. Although there is snowfall in the lower parts of the state, it is heavier in the higher elevations of the Himalayan range. Tourists travel to Sikkim mostly to experience the snow-covered landscapes and participate in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.
11. Best places to visit in Sikkim Gangtok
Sikkim is a picturesque state in India's northeastern area, with Gangtok as its capital city. Here are some of the finest locations to visit in Gangtok, Sikkim:
- Gangtok: The capital city of Sikkim is known for its picturesque views, monasteries, and vibrant nightlife.
- Nathula Pass: This mountain pass connects India and Tibet and provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
- Tsomgo Lake: This glacial lake, also known as Changu Lake, is located at an elevation of 12,400 feet and is recognized for its tranquil beauty as well as the Brahminy ducks that inhabit the area.
- Rumtek Monastery: This is one of Sikkim's most prominent monasteries, notable for its exquisite architecture and spiritual significance.
- Hanuman Tok: This temple honors Lord Hanuman and provides magnificent views of the nearby mountains.
- Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park: This park is the home to a wide range of animals and birds, including the critically endangered red panda.
12. What are the most popular things to do in Sikkim?
Here are some of the most popular things to do in Sikkim:
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Trekking: Sikkim is home to some of the most beautiful trekking trails in the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of the mountain ranges.
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Visit Monasteries: Sikkim is home to many ancient monasteries that are rich in spiritual and cultural significance.
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Enjoy the Scenic Beauty: The state is known for its lush green hills, snow-capped peaks, and pristine lakes, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
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Experience Local Culture: Sikkim is home to many ethnic communities, each with their own unique culture and traditions. Visitors can experience the local culture by attending festivals, visiting handicraft markets, and trying local delicacies.
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Adventure Sports: Sikkim offers a wide range of adventure sports such as paragliding, river rafting, and mountain biking.
13. Weather and temperature in Sikkim year around
The weather and temperature in Sikkim vary depending on the season and elevation.
Summer (April–June): 20–25°C. Outdoor activities are good in warm weather.
Monsoon (July–September): 20–25°C. Heavy rainfall in the state makes hiking and other outdoor sports difficult.
Autumn (October–November): 10–15°C. Trekking and sightseeing are excellent in cool, clear weather.
Winter (December–March): 0–5°C. In the mountains, heavy snowfall makes travel difficult. However, skiing and other winter sports are preferable.
Note that higher elevations, like Nathula Pass, are always colder than lower elevations. Before traveling, check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
14. How many days are ideal for Sikkim?
Sikkim is frequently cited as being among the most visually appealing locations in all of India. It will take you somewhere between 12 and 15 days to completely explore the state's most prominent tourist attractions.
15. Why is Zero Point famous?
Zero Point is a popular tourist destination in the state of Sikkim, India. It is located in the North Sikkim district and is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range. It is a popular spot for trekking and hiking, and is known for its beautiful scenery, including snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and dense forests. It is also known for its unique biodiversity and is home to many rare and endangered species.
One of the main reasons why Zero Point is famous is because of the panoramic views it offers of the Himalayan range, including Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. The place is also famous for offering a glimpse of the snow leopard, which is difficult to spot as it lives in remote and high altitude.
16. What are Sikkim's most beautiful and spiritual monasteries, trekking destinations, and villages?
- Sikkim Monastery: Sikkim is home to many ancient monasteries that are rich in spiritual and cultural significance. Some of the most popular monasteries in Sikkim include Rumtek Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, and Tashiding Monastery.
- Kala Patthar: Kala Patthar is a popular trekking destination in Sikkim. It is located at an altitude of 18,190 feet and offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks of the Himalayan range.
- Pelling: Pelling is a small town located in the western part of Sikkim. It is known for its beautiful views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, waterfalls, and ancient monasteries.
- Lachung: Lachung is a small village located in the North Sikkim district. It is known for its beautiful views of the Himalayan range, traditional Tibetan culture, and the Yumthang Valley, which is known for its hot springs and rhododendron flowers.
- Namchi: Namchi is a small town located in the South Sikkim district. It is known for its beautiful views of the Himalayan range, ancient monasteries, and the Samdruptse Hill, which is known for its giant statue of Guru Rinpoche.
17. What are the popular dishes of Sikkim cuisine?
The cuisine of Sikkim is a unique blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese flavors. It is known for its use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and is characterized by its spicy and flavorful dishes. Some popular dishes from Sikkim include:
Momos: These are steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, and are a popular street food in Sikkim.
Thukpa: A hearty noodle soup that is often made with vegetables and meat or chicken.
Phagshapa: A traditional dish made of pork and radishes.
Dhindo: A thick porridge made of corn or millet flour, served with meat or vegetables.
18. What are the transportation options available to reach Sikkim by rail, road, and air?
Here are the ways to reach Sikkim via rail, road, and air:
Rail: The nearest railway station to Sikkim is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in West Bengal, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From NJP, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Sikkim.
Road: Sikkim is well-connected by road to major cities in the neighboring states of West Bengal and Assam. Regular bus services are available from Siliguri, Kolkata, and Guwahati to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim.
Air: The nearest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the airport, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Sikkim. There is also a new airport in Pakyong, Sikkim, which is well-connected to major cities in India and Nepal.
It's worth noting that visitors need to get the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit certain parts of Sikkim. It can be applied online or in person at the Sikkim Tourism office in Gangtok.