By air
Bagdogra in West Bengal is the main airport, about 4–5 hours by road to Gangtok. Pakyong, near Gangtok, has only limited flights.
Sikkim · Northeast India
Sikkim travel guide
Kanchenjunga at sunrise, monasteries above the clouds, and a clean, easygoing capital. Sikkim is small but mountainous, so distances take longer than the map suggests.
Quick facts
- Best time
- March to May and October to November
- How long
- 6–8 days
- Daily budget
- ₹2,000–3,200 backpacking
- Getting in
- Bagdogra (IXB) airport or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station
- Altitude
- Gangtok about 1,650 m; Gurudongmar Lake about 5,400 m
Costs are typical per-person ranges in Indian rupees, reviewed September 2026. Check current prices and conditions before you book.
Sikkim is India's least populous state, wedged between Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Gangtok is the base for high lakes and passes to the east and north; Pelling in the west has the best views of Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain.
Parts of Sikkim near the border need permits, usually arranged through registered local operators, so plan those days first and fit the rest around them.
When to go
Best time to visit Sikkim
- Oct–NovBest
The clearest mountain views of the year, crisp days, and festival season.
- Mar–MayBest
Rhododendrons in bloom and pleasant weather; views can be hazier than in autumn.
- Jun–SepAvoid
Monsoon landslides regularly cut roads, especially in the north.
- Dec–FebMixed
Cold but often clear. Snow can close high lakes and passes.
Getting there
How to reach Sikkim
By train
New Jalpaiguri (Siliguri) is the nearest major station, with shared jeeps and taxis to Gangtok.
By road
Shared jeeps run from Siliguri to Gangtok, and between Gangtok, Ravangla, and Pelling.
Budget
Sikkim trip cost per day
| Per day | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (homestay or budget hotel) | ₹800–1,500 | ₹2,500–5,000 |
| Food | ₹400–700 | ₹800–1,400 |
| Local transport (shared jeep) | ₹400–800 | ₹2,500–4,000 (private vehicle) |
| Permits, tours and entry | ₹300–800 | ₹800–1,500 |
North Sikkim and Tsomgo Lake are usually visited on shared packages from Gangtok that include the permit, vehicle, and (for the north) stay and meals. Compare a few registered operators.
Itinerary
7-day Sikkim route
- 1
Day 1: Bagdogra to Gangtok
Drive up along the Teesta river; evening on MG Marg.
- 2
Day 2: Gangtok
Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, and a ropeway ride over the town.
- 3
Day 3: Tsomgo Lake
Day trip (with permit) to the high lake, and Nathu La if it's open to visitors that day.
- 4
Day 4: North Sikkim (if roads are open)
Shared package to Lachung and the Yumthang Valley, or an extra day around Gangtok if the north is closed.
- 5
Day 5: Ravangla
Buddha Park and the drive west through tea gardens.
- 6
Day 6: Pelling
Kanchenjunga at sunrise, Pemayangtse Monastery, and the Rabdentse ruins.
- 7
Day 7: Back to Bagdogra
A long drive down; leave early.
Don't miss
Top things to do in Sikkim
Kanchenjunga from Pelling
The clearest sunrise views are in October and November.
Tsomgo Lake
A glacial lake at about 3,750 m, a day trip from Gangtok with a permit.
Yumthang Valley
Alpine meadows and rhododendrons in spring, reached from Lachung.
Rumtek Monastery
One of the most important monasteries of the Karma Kagyu school.
Before you go
Practical tips
- Permits
- Indian citizens can visit Gangtok, Pelling, and Ravangla without a permit, but Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, and North Sikkim need permits, usually arranged by registered operators. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit to enter Sikkim, and some areas stay closed to them. Check current rules with Sikkim Tourism.
- North Sikkim roads
- Roads in the north have been repeatedly damaged since the October 2023 Teesta floods, and access to Lachen and Gurudongmar has been restricted at times. Confirm the current status before planning around it.
- Plastic
- Sikkim restricts single-use plastics in many areas. Carry a refillable bottle.
Questions
Sikkim FAQs
What is the best time to see Kanchenjunga?
October and November, when skies are clearest after the monsoon. Early mornings from Pelling give the best chance.
Do Indians need a permit for Sikkim?
Not for Gangtok, Pelling, or Ravangla. Permits are needed for Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, and North Sikkim, usually arranged by registered tour operators.
How many days are enough for Sikkim?
Six to eight days covers Gangtok, a high-lake trip, and Pelling. Add two days if North Sikkim is open.
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