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The Perfect Sikkim Itinerary for 7 Days : A Guide for 2024

Last Updated on December 7, 2023

Planning a winter trip to Sikkim? I’m sure you’ll have questions about how cold will it be, whether it’s safe, which parts of Sikkim to visit in this season and where to stay? Well, you are at the right place as you’ll have the answers to all these and more in this Sikkim itinerary crafted for nature-lovers.

I visited Sikkim first in February 2019 and then in April 2023 with my kid. When it comes to the question of best time to visit Sikkim, I declare winter the winner. Yes, it is cold, but there’s snowfall, clear views of Kanchenjunga , the orange orchids and winter-blossoms. Embark on this journey through the winter wonderland to plan a trip to Sikkim in the winter.

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A Quick Outline

The Perfect Itinerary for a trip to Sikkim

Sikkim is a tiny state if you go by its area in square kilometers. But it’s hugely diverse. The steep terrain of the Eastern Himalayas makes it difficult to cover a lot of places in a short span of time. So ideally, you should have at least 7 days for a trip to Sikkim. The more the merrier.

7 days in Sikkim is a good time to cover the best that the state has to offer. North Sikkim has everything that you think of when we talk of the Himalayas- high altitude, snowfall, difficult hikes, yaks, and chilling winters.

But Sikkim isn’t all about that. There are many places in Pelling (west) and South Sikkim where you’ll get temperate climate, blossoms, sunshine, and amazing cycling tracks. Now you can decide where you want to go.

Check out the best places to visit in winte r in India.

I had never seen snowfall before, so we decided to visit North Sikkim in February. But a trip to Sikkim in winter comes with its unique set of challenges.

A lot of places like Lachen and Gurdongmar lake are not open for children below a certain age and people with ailments. This is because of the lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes.

Heavy snowfall often causes road blockages in major tourist sites like Yumthang valley, Chhangu lake, etc. We were well aware of these challenges but still went for the below itinerary.

This is the ideal Sikkim itinerary for 7 days for any season.

• Day 1: Flight to Bagdogra and drive to Gangtok
• Day 2: Day trip to Tsongmo/ Chhangu Lake Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathu La Pass
• Day 3: Drive from Gangtok to Lachung and Lachung sightseeing
• Day 4: Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Mt Katao
• Day 5: Lachung to Gangtok and Gangtok sightseeing
• Day 6: Gangtok to Pelling via Ravangla
• Day 7: Pelling sightseeing
• Day 8: Pelling to Bagdogra and flight back home

However if you visit Sikkim in winter, there is a possibility of missing the points of attraction in Day 2 and Day 4. In that case, you can to a 7-point tour of Gangtok on day 2 that includes waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, monasteries and markets.

On Day 7, even though we were stopped at the Yumthang valley checkpoint, we managed to squeeze in the offbeat Mount Katao in our itinerary instead.

Alternate itinerary if you want to explore the south and west Sikkim instead of North:

• Day 2: Tsongmo/ Chhangu Lake Lake, Baba Mandir
• Day 3: Drive to Namchi – Namchi sightseeing
• Day 4: Drive to Ravangla via Temi Tea Estate
• Day 5: Ravangla highlights(Buddha Park and Titanic viewpoint) and drive to Pelling
• Day 6: Pelling sightseeing

You might also like to combine the Sikkim trip with Darjeeling. Since Darjeeling is famous for its resplendent tea gardens, you can 2 days in Darjeeling in the place of Namchi and Ravangla. You can start with Darjeeling, then stay in Gangtok for 2days and then in Pelling for 2 days. You must visit Buddha Park at Ravangla on your way to Pelling from Gangtok.

Where to Stay in Sikkim?

There are a large number of options for stay in Sikkim ranging from budget accommodations to luxury ones. The options are more in cities like Gangtok and Pelling. It’s scarce in North Sikkim. We chose the Sumit Group of Hotels for our stays in different parts of Sikkim. These were good mid-range hotels with complimentary breakfast and great locations.

Summit Namnag Hotel & Spa, Gangtok . It is a 3-star property with great food located close to the MG Road

Summit Khangri Karpo Retreat and Spa, Lachung . It’s a beautiful property with the much-needed mattress heaters in Lachung. The location offers spectacular views of the tranquil village. Heaters are not allowed in the region for environmental reasons, so mattress heaters are used to keep you warm and cozy in winter.

Summit Newa Regency, Pelling . It’s a 3-star hotel which is refurbished out of an old villa. Each room has an attached balcony that offers a clear view of Kanchenjunga. Even if you don’t get a mountain-facing room, don’t worry. The roof is open to all guests. Wake up early to experience the magical sunrise, when the peak turns golden as the first rays of the Sun touch Kanchenjunga.

How to reach and commute on a trip to Sikkim

The best and fastest way to reach Sikkim is to take a flight to Bagdogra. It’s a small Airport in West Bengal which is 68 km to Darjeeling and 138 km to Gangtok. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Kolkata, and from there book an overnight train to New Jalpaiguri.

If you decide to drive yourself in Sikkim, you must get your own car, as self-drive rentals are not available yet. Book an SUV beforehand and share your itinerary with them. Considering the difficult terrain, I suggest you book an SUV irrespective of the number of people. It’s safer. The rates are usually cheaper in Sikkim compared to most other states.

Travel Permits for Sikkim

In normal conditions, special permits are required to visit sensitive areas like Tsongmo Lake , Baba Mandir, Yumthang Valley, Lachung and further north. There are checkpoints at higher-altitude areas which are also under strict security control. Pre-book the cab service for intra-state transport , and know all the requirements from them. Once you give them the itinerary they will tell you which places will require permits. Carry two photo identity proofs including one address proof, and atleast 2 passport-size photos for each permit. It’s good if you carry photocopies of your documents but scans will also be enough. 

Given the COVID situation, Sikkim has recently opened for tourism with a set of additional rules. You have to mandatorily apply for a travel card before visiting Sikkim. Check all that you need to do that here . Book only those health & safety compliant hotels and services for your stay, commute and tours. You can identify them by government-issued stickers.

Highlights of our trip to Sikkim

You can find the detailed itinerary of Lachung and Ravangla on my blog. The blog posts on Gangtok and Pelling are coming soon. But here are the highlights of my Sikkim trip which I want to share with you. This will help you decide which places interest you more.

Marveling the nature in Katao

Katao is a piece of heaven we never knew about. We visited Katao only because Yumthang Valley was closed due to heavy snowfall. Gurdongmar Lake, which is the second-highest lake in India was also out of reach. Our driver suggested the place“Katao”.

I’ve never read about it before. The offbeat Katao offered scenes of raw natural beauty that I can never forget. It was like a Christmas wonderland and indeed the best place to visit in Sikkim in winter.

Just Living in Lachung

Another pleasant surprise of our trip was staying at Khangri Karpo Retrea t in Lachung. Located right across the Lachung river, it was a unique experience to spend time here. We reached Lachung at 2 pm on Day 3. We didn’t have any other plans that day except roaming around in the idyllic village.

The next day, we could only visit Katao. We returned at noon again and had nothing to do. But just the experience of walking along the river, spotting the waterfall, shivering in the sub-zero temperatures, and cozying up in the warm beds was so pure.

River Rafting in Teesta, Kalimpong

The third most memorable experience on our Sikkim trip was the river-rafting adventure in Kalimpong. You can do it on your way to Gangtok on Day 1 or on your way back to Bagdogra on the last day.

We did the latter, because we weren’t aware of this on the first day. The water was unexpectedly warm and comforting in the lowlands of Kalimpong. But the current was strong. It was a thrilling adventure indeed.

A trip to Chhangu Lake and Baba Mandir

Chhangu Lake also called Tsongmo Lake is a glacial lake perched at a height of 3753 meters. It’s frozen into white snow in winter, reflects the clear Autumnal sky in October, and is vibrant with colorful rhododendrons throughout the Spring and summer.

When we went to Tsongmo Lake on Day 2, it was my first experience of driving through the snow-laden track. It was special indeed. Further away from the Tsongmo Lake is Baba Mandir. It’s a temple dedicated to a soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh, who became a martyr in this place.

Walk and Dine in the upbeat MG Road

MG road is like a small piece of Europe in Sikkim. With the cobbled street, broad walkways, and lovely little cafes this is such an amazing place to spend your evenings in Gangtok.

Besides upscale cafes and restaurants, there are budget eateries too. You have souvenir shops, fashion outlets, supermarkets – everything that you expect in a big city. But the old-world charm is still not lost in it.

Visit Buddha Park Ravangla

Also known as Tathagatha Tsal this is a breathtakingly beautiful park with the Himalayas at its backdrop. The iconic feature of this park is the 130-foot tall Buddha statue. Inside the statue is a Buddha temple and museum where the main concepts of Buddhism have been explained through exquisite paintings.

Outside the statue is a robust garden with fountains, flowering trees, cafes, and other facilities. The park is surrounded by a series of prayer wheels which you will find in most places of worship in Sikkim. Read more about things to do in Ravangla .

Rabdentse Ruins in Pelling

When we think of Sikkim, it’s a natural beauty that allures us. I’ve never thought of Sikkim as a historical site. Not until I trekked to the awe-inspiring Rabdentse Ruins. It was the second capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim in the 17th to 19th centuries. This was before it was destroyed by the Gurkha Army from Nepal. Watching the sunset on Kanchenjunga from the top of the ruined site is mesmerizing.

My only regret is that we couldn’t spend much time there. The trek took time reminding us of our poor fitness. We left soon after we reached the top, so as to see the historic Pemyangtse Monastery. Unfortunately, the monastery was closed at 4:30 pm (winter timings). We came to know that only after we reached the gate.

Update! I visited Pelling again in 2023, this time with my toddler, and spent a great time at Rabdentse and the Sidkeong Tulu Bird Park.

Skywalk in Pelling

The main attraction of the new skywalk in Pelling is the gigantic Chenrezig Statue. But what I loved more are the spectacular views from above. Like Buddha Park, here too there’s a temple inside the statue.

With the trend of building such giant installations in all Tibetan-Buddhist tourist spots, it might not remain a novelty anymore. But since it was my first trip to the Himalayas in nearly 7 years (my last trip was to Bhutan in 2013), I loved both the statues.

Read my complete guide to Pelling here .

The scenic drive from Gangtok to Lachung

Another highlight of our trip was the absolutely picturesque drive from Gangtok to Lachung. I can’t count the number of times we stopped on our route to marvel at the Teesta meandering through the lofty mountains, or the perennial waterfalls greeting us from the forests.

The wooden bridges on the creeks, the dangerous roads, the bamboo forests, and the breathtaking views of the valley – they will leave an indelible mark in your mind.

Window Shopping in Gangtok

Throughout Sikkim you will come across amazing Souvenirs to take home. My favorite one was the white overcoat that I bought on my way to Tsongmo Lake and wore throughout my trip. But besides that, Gangtok is a great place for window-shopping along with the actual shopping.

Decorative masks, wall hangers, porcelain cups are the specialty items to watch out for. Trust me, you’ll feel the urge to take everything back home with you. But that’s not practical given that the space in my luggage and content in my wallet are both limited.

Packing Tips for Sikkim

Sikkim in winter needs a little extra effort on the packing side. Especially if you are planning to visit North Sikkim. Gangtok , Pelling and Namchi usually have moderate climate even during winter. Gangtok feels a little colder because of frequent rainfall. Here is a packing checklist for Sikkim in winter, so that you can be prepared without over-packing stuff.

*  The items marked in asterix are needed even if you visit Sikkim in the spring or summer, that is, in the months of April – June. The temperature at different places in Sikkim ranges from 13 degrees in the North to 25 degrees in South. You don’t need thermals, gloves or woolen socks in the summer. A thick-foamed waterproof jacket is enough for North Sikkim as well as the unexpected rains. 

Besides these, remember to carry multiple sets of undergarments as it will be too cold to wash and dry. They key is to have layers. In Pelling you might not even need a jacket if you are wearing a thermal beneath during the day, while at night you can put on a jacket or cardigan. 

Do not pack boots , you can rent them. Also do not get any skiing kit with you. Though places like Katao and Yumthang valley get enough snowfall , the land is covered with trees. So it is not appropriate for skiing anyway.

So are you excited about a trip to Sikkim? If you liked this post don’t forget top share and save it for future reference. If you want more such practical guides and travel tips,  subscribe  to our monthly newsletter. 

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Author Alice is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. She shares her travel stories and exclusive practical tips on Backpack & Explore, that you won't find anywhere else.

I’ve stayed in Gangtok for three years. Your post took me back to life ten years ago.

Wow! I have never heard of this place but it looks amazing. The beauty and nature! I often get altitude sickness but it might be worth it! I’d also love to do the River raft. I’m holding on to this for future reference. Thanks for all the info.

I’ve never heard of Sikkim before but it looks beautiful to visit in the wintertime. Thanks for all of the great tips!

A beautiful post with some really useful information! I’d love to visit Sikkim! Thanks so much for sharing

Such a great guide and itinerary to Sikkim. It looks like you had loads of fun and experienced a great deal of culture too.

Sikkim is absolutely gorgeous! I have visited three times and can’t wait to go back. Next time : North Sikkim!

North Sikkim is so out of the world! Thanks for reading

You are right. I have watched quite a few youtube videos where they have shown MG road. The old-world charm is still intact.

Yes that is true. Thanks for reading.

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A perfect 5-day itinerary for Sikkim

Panchali Dey , TIMESOFINDIA.COM , TRAVEL NEWS , SIKKIM Updated : Sep 13, 2021, 14:09 IST

Beautiful monastery towns, waterfalls at every turn, glacial lakes, and mountains at the backdrop, make Sikkim an ideal place to relax and unwind. This Northeastern state has so much to offer that a single trip to this destination would never seem enough. However, if you have been planning a Sikkim trip for long, here is a 5-day itinerary for an ideal Sikkim trip.

Day 1: Arrival In Gangtok

On the first day, you arrive at the Bagdogra Airport and then head to Gangtok. Note, it is better to book your taxi in advance to avoid any hassle or waste time at the airport. The road from the airport to Gangtok is relatively comfortable, as the road conditions are decent. Then, after reaching Gangtok, you can select your accommodation as per your budget.

Day 2: Explore Gangtok and its surroundings

Since Gangtok is Sikkim’s largest town, you will be spoilt for choice here. Go on a stroll on MG Road, where you can pick some souvenirs, and enjoy some delicious momos and thukpa . You can opt to spend the afternoon at the Tibetology Museum, and learn about Buddhism, and explore some of the beautiful monasteries in the area. You can even opt to rent a car for a day, and check out places like the Tashi View Point, Tsomgo Lake, and other well-known viewpoints.

Day 3: Drive to Lachen

This journey will take around 5 to 6 hours, depending on the road condition. What makes this trip exciting is that there are many viewpoints and waterfalls along the way. Once you reach Lachen, you will realise that the journey was totally worth it. Perched at an altitude of 2750 m, the highlights of this road trip will be the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Singhik Viewpoint, and Chungthang. Then, after reaching Lachen, you can check in to your hotel, and take time to relax amid the scenic landscape of the region.

Day 4: Head to Gurudongmar Lake, then transfer to Lachung

After having an early breakfast, you will drive to Gurudongmar Lake, which will be around a 3 hour drive from Lachen. However, since this lake is one of the world’s highest lakes, you might face high altitude breathing problems, so make sure you don’t stay here for long. Then, head back to your hotel, have lunch, and set off to explore Lachen Monastery. You can then opt to check out from your hotel, and start your drive toward Lachung, which will be around 3 hours' drive. Needless to say, Lachung is another beautiful hamlet in North Sikkim, and is dotted with numerous sightseeing options. Stay here at night, and spend your evening as you feel like.

Day 5: Visit Yumthang Valley, and then head back to Gangtok

After breakfast, you will head towards Yumthang Valley, which is also well-known as the Valley of Flowers. You will reach the valley from Lachung in around an hour. On the way, you will be crossing the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which boasts of more than 120 species of rhododendron trees. Do note, skip this spot during winters, when the entire valley remains hidden beneath the blanket of white snow. While returning from this valley, you can check out the famous hot spring that is known for its medicinal properties.

Then, head towards Gangtok after having your lunch. It will be around a 6 hours' journey, and the change of scenery on the way to Gangtok, will just mesmerise you to say the least.

Day 6: Drive back to Bagdogra airport

After having early morning breakfast, check out from the hotel. Now, if you have time to spare, you can explore some nearby places, before heading toward the airport. Or if you don’t want any hassle, drive straight to the airport, and head back home.

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Beautiful monastery towns, waterfalls at every turn, glacial lakes, and mountains at the backdrop, make Sikkim an ideal place to relax and unwind. This Northeastern state has so much to offer that a s...

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Everything you need to know to plan an EPIC trip to Sikkim

Glittering glacial lakes, endless pastures, waterfalls at every turn, quiet monastery towns, and scenic drives on some of the worst roads we’ve encountered on our travels made our trip to Sikkim an adventure we will never forget

The state of Sikkim, nestled in the North Eastern part of India, isn’t exactly on the tourist radar. But it should be. The state has so much to offer to visitors. You will fall short of words to describe its natural beauty. Towns such as Gangtok and Pelling have some gorgeous hotels and sights that ensure a memorable holiday.

But the lack of infrastructure, especially in areas such as North Sikkim, make the journey challenging. If that makes you apprehensive, skip North Sikkim and visit just Gangtok and Pelling on your trip to Sikkim or choose a trip to Ladakh, India instead (similar panoramas, better infrastructure). However if you’re an adventurer at heart, then here’s our itinerary that covers most of Sikkim for you:

ITINERARY FOR A TRIP TO SIKKIM

Day 1: fly to bagdogra airport and transfer to gangtok, days 2-3: explore gangtok and surroundings.

• Days 4-6: North Sikkim Tour: Visit Gurudongmar Lake, Lachen, Lachung
• Day 6: Yumthang Valley and transfer back to Gangtok

Day 7: Transfer to Pelling

Days 8-9: explore pelling and surroundings, day 10: transfer to bagdogra airport and flight back home.

BUDGETING FOR A TRIP TO SIKKIM

Expenditure (true of October 2017)  on a  10 day trip for a couple – INR 90,000 (£1000).  Of course this sum varies depending on where you’re flying from or the kinds of hotels you’re choosing. Here’s the breakdown:  

• Flights (New Delhi- Bagdogra) INR 12000 per person
• North Sikkim Tour (2N/3D) including transfers, hotels, and permits INR 25000
• Bagdogra Airport- Gangtok Private Transfer INR 3500
• Gangktok 1 day cab rental for sightseeing INR 2500
• Gangtok- Pelling Private Transfer INR 4000
• Pelling 1 day cab rental for sightseeing INR INR 2500
• Pelling-Bagdogra Airport private transfer in a big car (please do not opt for a small car with low clearance for this stretch, the road is horrendous) INR 4000
• Hotels in Gangtok and Pelling – this depends on your preference but we’d suggest setting aside at least INR 4000 for a comfortable hotel  
• Miscellaneous meals, entry fee etc INR 6000

GETTING AROUND IN SIKKIM: CABS AND ROADS

Self drive isn’t an option in Sikkim as there are no rental cars available. You could drive your own car from a neighbouring state but you will need multiple permits to visit various places of interest. Due to the presence of multiple taxi unions and requirements for permits, we suggest booking your transportation with a local tour agency that will sort out both cabs and permits for you

Irrespective of whether you choose a company recommended by us or your family/friends, make SURE (we cannot stress this enough) that you have written confirmation of the kind of transfers you have chosen (private/shared), the kind of car that will be provided to you (4×4, 2 wheel drive etc), and a list of inclusions (e.g. cost of permits, day trips etc) in order to prevent paying more at a later stage.

We booked ALL our transfers and North Sikkim tour with Galaxy Tours  (contact Tenzing)after reading several good reviews on Tripadvisor. They were prompt in their communication online which put us at ease. We chose private transfers all along and a 2N/3D North Sikkim Tour. There were a few minor hiccups in service once we got there but overall we would definitely recommend them.

DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN OF A TRIP TO SIKKIM WITH LOTS OF TIPS 🙂

On this day you will arrive at Bagdogra Airport. As you collect your luggage and exit the airport, expect a chaotic mass of taxi drivers, tourists, and travel agents. You can choose a taxi at the spot but we would suggest booking one in advance so:

• You know you are in reliable hands and have someone who can be held accountable should something go wrong
• You do not have to waste time finding a cab and bargaining on the spot.

Whether you book a cab right there or book one in advance, a private transfer to Gangtok should cost between INR 3000 and INR 3500. This cost goes down significantly if you choose a shared transfer. The road from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok is one of the few decent roads in Sikkim, so expect a comfortable journey with a few bumps along the way.

Accommodation in Gangtok

There is no dearth of accommodation to suit all budgets in Gangtok. We chose to stay in a luxurious boutique hotel that boasts of a history like no other. Elgin Nor Khill used to the Royal Guesthouse of the King of Sikkim. It has now been refurbished into a hotel but it’s grandeur remains intact. The lobby is bedecked with artifacts and artwork that reflects the rich culture of Sikkim. You could choose a room in the older, more traditionally-furnished wing or the modern wing that boasts of clean cuts and contemporary furnishings. We were greeted with cherry liquor and huge smiles at check in and this continued for the length of the stay – the staff at Elgin Nor Khill well and truly stands out. We really enjoyed our stay here!

Do beware – the hotel is located right next to the iconic Paljor Football Stadium, perfect if you enjoy the sport but a bit of a nuisance if you don’t as the sound of matches, practices floats through the windows.

Gangtok  is the largest town in Sikkim and the perfect place to explore the sites and sounds of East Sikkim. The bustling town is also home to some amazing eateries. Spend your days in Gangtok sampling local food, sipping on a cup of local black tea as you watch the locals go about their lives, and visiting impressive sites in the area.  Here are a couple of places we’d recommend in Gangtok

• Go for an aimless stroll on MG Road. Pick up some souvenirs or just sample some local foods such as momos (steamed dumplings) and  thukpa (a hearty noodle soup)
• If you’re looking for scrumptious momos (steamed dumplings) try Taste of Tibet and the iconic Momo Roll Corner located up a flight of stairs. Both these hole-in-the-wall eateries are situated on the busy MG Road. Here there are momo shops by the dozen and we tried a fair few, but these are the two we liked best. Visit for a super affordable snack/meal on the go.
• If you’re looking for a more comfortable place to while some time away, then visit B ibliothéque café or the café at Bookman’s B&B for breakfast or brunch.
• Spend an afternoon at The Tibetology Museum to acquaint yourself with Buddhism and learn more about the fascinating monasteries in the area. Combine it with a visit to Rumtek Monastery.
• If you’re not visiting North Sikkim, then we would recommend renting a car for a day (see the budgeting section for approximate prices) and visiting some sites in the area including the glittering Tsomgo/Changu Lake and Tashi View Point. However if you ARE visiting North Sikkim, then you can skip these sites because you will be lots of waterfalls, glacial lakes, and panoramic view points there.

Days 4: North Sikkim Tour: Drive from Gangtok to Lachen

Let the fun (and back aches 😉 ) begin!! For the next 3 days, you will be spending over 12 hours a day in your rental car on roads that aren’t worthy of being called roads, so make sure you’ve stocked up on snacks, some music, and optimism!

An early wake-up call followed by an arduous but scenic drive 8 hour drive will bring you to Lachen. Lachen is a small village, which is the perfect place to break the journey between Gangtok and Gurudongmar Lake.  The drive to Lachen is laden by nature’s marvels – stop for photographs with waterfalls, marvel at meandering brooks, or just sip on a cup of tea at a small eatery that offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Roads in North Sikkim are in bad shape, so the drive is bound to leave you exhausted. Rest well because you have a long and exciting day ahead of you.

Accommodation and meals in Lachen :

Basic accommodation and meals are included in the price of the North Sikkim Tour we mentioned in the budgeting section (INR 25000/£300). But do beware that this accommodation is as basic as it gets – think home-stays, unpredictable electricity, questionable bedding, and tiny rooms. However the hosts are hospitable and always willing to provide hot water or an extra blanket should you need it.

If you enjoy comfortable accommodation, then we’d suggest opting for a North Sikkim Tour that includes just a cab and a driver and booking accommodation yourself. In this case, you could stay at the slightly more upscale Apple Orchard Resort in Lachen . The hotel was closed at the time we visited but we heard great things about it.

Day 5: Visit Gurudongmar Lake and sleep in Lachung

You will need to leave your hotel by 3 am for the long and exciting drive to Gurudongmar Lake , one of the highest and most remote lakes in the world. The journey takes about 5 hours each way from Lachen. You will be off-roading for the majority of this time as a lot of the ‘roads’ in the area are just gravel and pebbles. Having said that, the mountain views around you will hypnotize you into oblivion. As you near Gurudongmar Lake, bright blue skies and crisp mountain air will beckon you into submission. Before you know it, you will be staring at a glistening water body, surrounded by mountains and glaciers. This is it- you are here!

At 18000 feet there’s little you can do other than stopping and staring at nature’s wonders. But do click a photograph or two to preserve the moment for posterity. Gurudongmar Lake is spellbinding and the definite highlight of a trip to Sikkim. Due to the lack of oxygen at such high altitudes you should only stay here for 30 minutes or so. This is followed by another long and gorgeous drive to Lachung, where you will stay for the night.

Accommodation and meals in Lachung :

Basic accommodation and meals are included in the price of the North Sikkim Tour we mentioned in the budgeting section (INR 25000/£300). Lachung is bigger than Lachen and consequently more developed. The hotel included in the tour is an extremely basic hotel – ok for a stop over for the night but nothing else!

If you enjoy comfortable accommodation, then opt North Sikkim Tour that includes just a cab and a driver and booking accommodation yourself. In this case, you could stay at stay at the Yarlam Resort in Lachung . The hotel provides gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and it’s easy to spend a couple of nights in the lap of nature here. However do beware that connectivity is a problem in the area, so you might not want to stay longer than necessary.

Day 6: Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and transfer back to Gangtok

The third and last day of your North Sikkim tour will take you to lots of interesting sites. Yumthang Valley is particularly resplendent during the month of April when it is covered with purple flowers. At other times of the year, it offers some stunning panoramas. Continue onto Zero Point, if the idea of seeing snow fascinates you. You could give this a pass during summer months but this place can be gorgeous and dramatic during winter months (if you’re lucky and the road leading to it isn’t snowed under!). On your way back to Gangtok, stop and stare at the dozens of waterfalls along the way.

The one we specially enjoyed was Bhim Nala Falls (also known as the Amitabh Bachan Falls) – we opted out of visiting Nathula Pass and consequently escaped the hordes of day trippers that stop by these falls at the exact same time of the day. We were the only ones around and had a great time. The roads of North Sikkim continued to be the worst we’ve ever encountered on our travels. Needless to say, we arrived in Gangtok feeling sore and exhausted! But there’s nothing a hot bath and a hot meal can’t solve.

In case you thought your tryst with the disastrous roads of Sikkim was over, you were mistaken. On this morning, we’d suggest getting up without an alarm clock and enjoying a languorous breakfast before setting out for monastery town of Pelling. The drive is bumpy but once you get to Pelling, you will be stunned at how peaceful it is. Spend the next 3 days relaxing, exploring monasteries, and chasing waterfalls around Pelling.

Accommodation in Pelling 

Saved the BEST for the last! We stumbled on a gorgeous property in Pelling and couldn’t believe it hasn’t made it to a ‘100 hotels you need to see before you die’ kind of listicle yet. The Elgin Mount Pandim is a luxurious experiential property which used to be the summer residence of the King of Sikkim.

Rooms are spacious and well-equipped and meals are scrumptious. But the highlight of a stay here is the outdoor spaces. The hotel building is surrounded by 8 acres of private farmland and overlooks some gorgeous Himalayan peaks including Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak of the world. It’s easy to spend hours sipping on a cup of coffee or nursing a cocktail and staring at the view. Every other guest we met at the hotel felt the same.

The hotel is located away from the hustle bustle of Pelling, right next to the secluded Pemayangtse monastery. We would definitely recommend a stay here if it suits your budget! You can find the best prices here .

A three day tour of North Sikkim is bound to leave you exhausted. So we would suggest taking Day 8 to relax and absorb the fresh mountain air. If you choose to stay at The Elgin Mount Pandim you can hop over to the gorgeous Pemayangtse monastery next door or go bird watching in the complex. Take time to absorb the natural beauty of Sikkim and linger over meals – you deserve it!

On your last day in Sikkim, rent a cab to explore the area a bit. There are lots of waterfalls and monasteries in the area, so you could opt for a whole day trip. This is also a good time to see the Pemayangtse monastery if you haven’t seen it yet. Having seen so many waterfalls in Sikkim, we rented a car just for a few hours to go and see the iconic Kanchenjunga Falls and Rimbi Falls – you could do that too. Kanchenjunga Falls  are gorgeous, especially during monsoon months. But if you’re a keen photographer, we would suggest leaving your hotel early and reaching Kanchenjunga Falls before 8.30 am if you want to avoid the crowds.

Spend your last evening in Sikkim relaxing and recounting adventures from the past 10 days.

You might be well rested and fresh but the roads of Sikkim truly have the last laugh – the Pelling-Bagdogra road is one of the worst we encountered in Sikkim and that’s saying something. We suggest starting early and leaving aside at least 9 hours to cover this stretch of 140 kilometres. Gravel roads, potholes, squelchy soil – there’s nothing you won’t encounter here! We are by no means dissuading you, just providing a reality check 🙂

So leave in time and relish the memories of Gurudongmar’s dancing waters, seductive waterfalls, panoramas that wouldn’t be out of place in a fairytale, and the cutest and friendliest locals as you board your flight back home.

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205 thoughts on “ everything you need to know to plan an epic trip to sikkim ”.

Sikkim is surely one of the most beautiful yet underrated places in India.You should also visit east Sikkim. I went to Zuluk, Lungthung ,Nathang Valley,Elephant Lake, Nathu La, Changu Lake and Baba Mandir. It was truly breathtaking. Also, visit in February or March as you can also play with snow then.??

It truly is – Sikkim is gorgeous and has some beautiful spots 🙂

hi Savi Vid, beautifully captured and written. Wanted to know if end December good time to visit Sikkim, are things closed and cant be visited.

Did you get any details on it if good to go in Dec end ? I’m planning to go there on Dec end by self drive and not sure if it’s good to self drive and any permission issues. Any suggestions, please reply back.

Hey Ashish – wouldn’t suggest self driving in December. Would suggest renting a car with a driver from the area

ou have made great discoveries. Wish you always have more health to have more interesting journey.

Thanks a ton 🙂

plan to go sikkim next weak. thanks for sharing.

Glad you found it so helpful 🙂

Hi guys, I have been following your site for 2 years and would have loved to show you around Gangtok. I missed out on stumbling on you. Roads- very bad however people are very good.

Hey Bikash – hope our paths cross whenever we are in Sikkim next. You’re right – the roads are so bad but the people are great 🙂

Planning next visit to sikkim. Thanks for information.

Hey Savi and Vid,

I have been a long time follower of your website and always enjoyed reading your experiences. Reading about your Sikkim trip reminded me of my trip which I took back in 2009 with exactly similar itinerary visiting Gurudongmar Lake, Pelling etc in that very order.

Sikkim is absolutely breath-taking and back-breaking 🙂

Btw, Kanchenjunga is not the second highest peak of the world but the third highest. You missed K2 in the Karakoram range.

Hey Vatsal – thanks for pointing it out, will correct that now. Glad you enjoyed reading the article 🙂

Thanks for sharing!

Happy to know you enjoyed our post…thanks a lot!

Beautiful pictures. This looks amazing in your post. Thank you so much for sharing it.

We are happy to know that you enjoyed reading the post..thanks!

Awesome photo snap 🙂 🙂 nice to read it

Glad you enjoyed reading it 🙂

interesting article to read

Awesome experience! Stunning pictures ?

Hello Savi, Can you please tell me if Dec end is a good time to visit Sikkim?

Hey Nainy – December is a good time to visit Sikkim if you’re keen on witnessing snow but some of the lakes etc might be closed due to snowed under 🙂

Hi …..we want to visit Sikkim in June . Especially for gurudongmar. Can we expect clear blue skies in June?

It all depends on the weather and blue skies are something you can never guarantee. That said, June is a great time to visit

We are seniors in good shape. Need comfortable, but not luxury accommodations. We like to hike. Where in Sikkim would you suggest we go. We’ve been to Nepal and Bhutan. Great, but never saw Himalayas from the ground due to air pollution 24/7. Want to go back to see those peaks. But not if they are often covered in pollution. Are quality numbers in Sikkim pretty bad. Can’t get honest answer from anyone in travel biz. What do you recommend?

Iim planning to travel in may last week or june first week.. What do you suggest

June is better 🙂

NICE AND INTERESTING ARTICLE TO READ THANKS FOR SHARING 🙂

NICE AND HELPFUL BLOG

AWESOME POST ! BEAUTIFULL PLACE TO VISIT!

beautiful place to see !

Hi guy, that’s a lovely itenery… planning a trip with mom and dad in March/April Any special recommendations?

Hey Devanshi – you’ll find ALL our recommendations in the article above 🙂

Great comprehensive article! We recently visited Sikkim and found it so beautiful. Lot of fresh white fluffy snow everywhere. 🙂

Hey glad you enjoyed Sikkim – we were there during the peak of monsoon, so not much snow but plenty of greenery 🙂

Hey! Lovely pictures. We are planning a four day trip to Sikkim in July. As you also went during peak monsoon, please suggest us some nice off beat places we can cover in the short vacation. Thanks!

Hello you will find all our favourite places for a trip in Sikkim, including offbeat suggestions, in the article above!

This sounds like a real afventure! The nitty-grittiness of this particular trip just shows what well-rounded travelers you guys are 🙂

Thanks for the love Adele – we always love hearing from you and really appreciate the time and effort you spend leaving such lovely comments for us 🙂

we want to visit sikkim in January end.Is it preferable during this month?

Hey Harkita – it can get quite cold in January but other than that, it’s a great time to visit Sikkim 🙂

Hey Guys, Brilliant work! Curious question- Are there are visa restrictions to visiting parts of Northern Sikkim (Gurudongmar, Yumthang, Lachen) for non-Indians? We visited Sikkim late 2016 and pretty much most areas to outside of Gangtok & Namchi were a strict no-no unless paperwork was available well in advance- In fact our trip to Tsomgo lake had to be canceled for the same reason.

Keep them posts coming

Hey yes that’s right – a lot of areas in North Sikkim are not accessible to foreign citizens

Hello savi you said Roads are bad but can you tell me are they safe? Means if we compare with Rohtang pass road (Manali).

Hi yes – they are safe but they are in a worse condition that the roads at Rohtang Pass Manali

Hi, Love you both. Me and my husband follow you and love your post. We are planning to visit sikkim in june. I wanted to know whether we have to take any special permission letter or something like that from government or office? All those permit and transfer work is done on spot or something else need to be done. God bless you.

Hey Nihan – You do need some permits, but all the transfer and permit work is done by the travel agents as mentioned in the article above.

We are planning a Family trip to Sikkim in June first week. Plz share your contact details to get a customized itrnerary from you.

Hi we do not customise itineraries. You can use the article above to plan your trip to Sikkim!

I plan to visit in June? What kind of weather to expect and is it a good time to visit Sikkim? Its our first anniversary and I wanted to do something different.

Hey June is a good time to visit Sikkim. Roads are open and accessible and the temperatures range from warm to mild depending on which part of the state you’re in!

Hi Savi and Vid,

I am in love with your blog. Planning to visit Sikkim this september. Do you recommend it during September? Will we have snow during that time?

Regards, Divya Bharadwaj

Hey Divya – thanks a ton. September doesn’t see much snow. However you might find snow if you head to North Sikkim. It is hard to give exact answers as the conditions vary from year to year!

With which travel agency did you book your north sikkim tour of 2N/3D?

It’s mentioned in the article above. Please see the “Getting Around In Sikkim” section of the article 🙂

“Love is in the air” ! It seems you both wear totally lost in the serene surroundings and lush green environment of Sikkim. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Hey Guys ! Amazing Itinerary, described beautifully 🙂 I’m also planning to visit Sikkim during X-Mas/NY’19 to witness snowfall and would like to try snow activities such as skiing/snowboarding in Lachung or Yumthang Valley. But not able to find any accurate information on that whether these activities are performed there or not, or is it right time to go there ? Also, will there be any problem due to winters ? like Closed roads or inaccessible places ? Can you enlighten me on this ?

Hey Shubham – snowfall ranges from year to year. That’s why you couldn’t find accurate information. Yes a lot of roads leading to Gurudongmar etc tend to be inaccessible during that time. But this differs from year to year depending on how heavy the snowfall is!

We are starting for Sikkim from Nov 26 . Will we find Gurdongmar lake open that time

Hey you have to check for updates as that is dependent on weather conditions from year to year 🙂

We are planning to visit sikkim in first week of dec. Is it preferable during this month?

Sure why not 🙂

hi savi and vid.

I am planning a small getaway from delhi to darjelling and sikkim in 1st week of december with my family. only constraint is time . we can have maximum 6N/7D trip . Could you please help us out in planning a itenery in which we can cover both the places .

thank a ton.

Hey Atharv – you can cut out North Sikkim from the itinerary above and add Darjeeling instead 🙂

very nice posts keep up the good work

Hi Savi and Vid

enjoyed reading your experiences about sikkim. We are planning to visit Sikkim from 15th Dec on 8 days & 7 nights tour.

Wanted to check if we need book the Lachen/Lachung tour in advance or can we do booking after going to Gantok. We plan to leave for Lachen on Day 3 and back to Gantok on Day 5

Also if you dont mind can you share the name of the travel agent

Hey the travel agent is Galaxy Tours – check out the ‘GETTING AROUND IN SIKKIM: CABS AND ROADS’ section above for more details. We booked the entire North Sikkim Tour with them before reaching Sikkim 🙂

Hi Savi & Vid,

We have also planned for a 10 day trip to Sikkim. Going to follow the same itinerary. Thank you guys for making our planning simple 🙂 . The view from the Elgin Mount Pelling hotel room looks so beautiful. Is the window behind the bed? Can you let me know which room did you go for?Thanks.

Hey the window is usually to the side of the bed 🙂 Forgotten the exact room number, should’ve noted it down. Damn! Send us photos from Sikkim when you go

We are visiting in Sikkim from 9th to 17th feb,

Will we be able to go to Gurudongmar?

Hey Reena – you will have to check the snow and road conditions upon getting to Sikkim – most years you can visit Gurudongmar Lake in Sikkim during winter months, but sometimes the roads leading to it are completely blocked!

Hi savi, thanks for writing a very informative article about visiting Sikkim. It would be very nice if you also mention about Pakyong Airport which has be opened in Sikkim to serve the need of tourism. hope to read more article about Sikkim in future.

thanks and regards Sudhanshu

Hey, can you tell which month of the year did you visit Sikkim? Is November a good time to visit?

We visited end October / early November and it was beautiful 🙂

Which places do you recommend for a weekend trip to Sikkim?

Hey Surabhi – would recommend sticking to Gangtok and surrounds for a weekend trip in Sikkim 🙂

Hey guys! Have been following you guys very dedicatedly! Love your posts! We have planned the exact ten day itenarary suggested by you guys In June mid. Hope it goes well! And yeah the Elgin Mount Pandim room looks gorgeous. Can’t wait to get there !

Hey Varsha,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you but hope you had a great time in Sikkim 🙂 Do update us about your experience

Hello, loved your blog. We are doing a Sikkim trip in May. Instead of Pelling, would you suggest Kalimpong or Darjeeling. We are looking for great home stays in this area. We decided to exclude Pelling since it is too far from the airport. Please advise.

Hey yeah Kalimpong/Darjeeling are good but VERY crowded especially in summer months but you’re right getting to Pelling is a NIGHTMARE 😀

Excellent blog. very informative. Id like to add to this. While your excursion seems to be well planned and quite independent, many inexperienced tourists find themselves at the wrath of local taxi mafia. It would be good if you can throw some light on these nuances. There’s a chain of operators who operate on whatsapp. They will meet you outside the airport, and everything will be good as they wheel you away from the market and other players. Once they have got you to gangtok, you are stuck with them. They ruin your trip, dont turn up in time, provide awful vehicles and everything else that can go wrong. Plus, theyre also very creepy and you never know when they attack.They have common names like sikkimcabs, etc. after charging the ignorant tourist for a large part of the sum, they keep them on tenterhooks by extorting advances. then they cartelise so that you cannot engage anyone from the open market, leaving you no choice and slithering in the midst of your vacation. They have everyone involved so you cannot even complain to the police. This is especially the case for people operating out of siliguri. It is better to get services from people in gangtok than be stuck with someone who operates out of bengal. Sikkim is an amazing place to visit except for the local mafia of these cab services. I just thought its advisable for anyone planning a trip to keep this in mind.

Thanks for that. It’s for that very same reason that we have shared details of the operator we went with and did not have any trouble at all. But I agree, a lot of hill stations in India are currently facing this problem.

Hey which are the best months to travel to sikkim to avoid rains, is june end advisable for the same ? Or winter months are preferable ?

I believe June should be good. Not so sure about Winter as some roads might be snowed under?

We went in October and the weather was great!

North East holidays is awesome and you have added valuable information for the keen visitors to experience this amazing place.Pictures are so beautiful, thanks for sharing this awesome post with us.

Happy to know you enjoyed reading about Sikkim!

Thanks for sharing very helpful for me

Hey hi Firstly this blog has tons of valuable information. i had read several other blogs for Sikkim but by far yours was most informative and well connected. I am planning to visit Sikkim in first 2 weeks of December this year. I intend to do Gangtok, North Sikkim and Darjeeling. What is your take , will the weather be suitable for visiting all the places in north Sikkim .???

Thank you very much 🙂

Hi Yavnika,

Well, can’t really comment on weather – it’s unpredictable isn’t it? From what we have heard, December should be great to visit North Sikkim BUT it all depends on the vagaries of the weather. We’d suggest confirming this with a local tour operator. We went to Sikkim in October and loved the weather at that time

Went through your blog. Well explained. Beautiful pics. I truly congratulate you in doing an awesome job in promoting Sikkim as a new tourist destination to the world. Thank a lot

So detailed and written after so much thought.

Thank you Karan 🙂

We are planning to visit Sikkim, Gangtok and Darjeeling in Last week of October. Is it preferable during this month? is it a good season to visit there with family

We went in October too so should be fine 🙂 We had a good time.

I just loved the photo in Gurudongmer Lake. I become nostalgic. It reminded me the trip of my life with my love. I have been to so many places, read lots of articles but it is one of the best because of all the images you shared. I am feeling lot more romantic. Infact I am unable to express it in words.

So happy to hear that Ranadeep 🙂

You just perfectly described our Sikkim trip and all memories just flashed in front of my eyes. Just wanted to mention that people in Sikkim are the best. So honest, sweet, warm and kind. Polite as anything. They make you feel at home be it cab driver, hotel staff or police all are sweet. We did get stuck in the snow storm where the army helped us and prepared food for more than 1000 people. They gave us their beds and stood awake taking care of us whole night. the most annoying part was people who did not realise how much our army guys were sacrificing for us and kept demanding stuff and were not ready to adjust for even one night. I would rather have them frozen in minus degree outside.

Yes the people are absolutely lovely – this is so true 🙂

Our experience of visiting West and South Sikkim, Darjeeling Sikkim was our first trip to the Northeast. We went in December and the weather was fine, not very cold. Sikkim is a scenic place with rolling hills, blue mountains and leafy, misty woods. You come across the turquoise blue waters of River Rangit and Teestha (WB) almost everywhere. The people are simple, warm and friendly and instinctively smile at strangers. The Baiguney Club Mahindra resort where we stayed is also a beautiful place, on the right bank of River Rangit beyond which rises a mountain. Sikkim is all mountains and streams and valleys carpeted with wild flowers. Roads are very good and road-widening is going on at some places. The Sidkeong Tulku Bird Park at Gyalshing in West Sikkim district is another lovely place. Set in the most dense forest I have ever seen, it is a half an hour exhilarating walk through silver oaks and other trees that reach for the sky. Sun light hardly falls through the dense canopy. The walk leads to the ruins of ancient capital of Sikkim, Rabdentse, and the fort offers expansive views of the Kanchanjunga range. We visited the 17th century Sangchen Pemayangtse Monastery where ancient scrolls of Buddha’s teachings are kept. Pelling is a quiet holiday station. There is a skywalk which offers beautiful views of mountains. The periphery and outskirts of Darjeeling are very scenic but Darjeeling town is over-rated. The tea gardens are really lovely and refreshing. You can enjoy the views from cable car also. The cable cars are a bit scary but it was safe. Darjeeling hill station is congested and jammed with traffic. There is an army memorial at Darjeeling worth visiting. We took a 30-km drive from Darjeeling to Nepal border town of Pasupathinagar. The route via Ghoom, Sukhia Pokhari, and Simana is very scenic with pine forest slopes on both sides of the road. It is a beautiful and memorable drive. We went into Pasupathinagar inside Nepal which is a tax free zone. Although people claim that the goods are all original but cheap, I found most of the items to be clever duplicates. It is a good place to buy jackets though. There is a little town named Jorthung, 3 kms away from Baiguney. It has a well laid out market centre…good place to buy trinkets and souvenirs. Outside the Biguney Club Mahindra, about 100 metres away on the Nayabazar-Legship-Reshi Road, we discovered a little eating place lovingly named Baiguney’s Rasoi. It is a small joint run by two women, and their home-cooked food was delicious and hygienic. And the food is reasonably priced. You can have sumptuous breakfast of Aloo Parathas, Puri Sabzi or bread omelette there itself on neatly laid out tables with the sun streaming in over the mountain. They prepare vegetarian and non-vegetarian lunch and dinner also if you inform in advance. There are lots of Oyos and other small hotels in Jorthang, Pelling, and Gyalshing. The Geyzing market was interesting with fresh fruits, and the Taatopani hot spring. We spent most of the time in West Sikkim and South Sikkim districts. We will do Gangtok and above next time. If you have a morning flight (between 9 am- 12 noon) from Bagdogra, it would be a good idea to start early from Gangtok, Baiguney or Jorthang as landslides can sometimes block the road. If you have a very early morning flight, better to return to Bagdogra the previous evening. https://sreenivas-janyala.blogspot.com/

I spent 3 years there during my work life. It is a Visual Delight.

Absolutely agree 🙂

Useful piece of information. Very well described and the pictures are extremely beautiful.

What a great article, you provide a alternate perspective to the place. So beautiful pix to accompany the article.

Such a beautifully written blog…well it fills the heart to read the article. Thank you so much.

Loved the pictures! Some say Sikkim is no less than a piece of heaven. In my opinion if you want to learn about the local lives of Sikkim while enjoying your trip, one of the best places to stay is in a homestay. But it depends on what you want, hotels are also best for many travelers.

Very well described article about Sikkim, lot of information about the state and its tourism destinations. We will be sending guests from Kolkata who frequently ask for destinations to visit from kolkata.

Beautifully Described ! No doubt Sikkim is Travelers Paradise ! It has all the element to serve its Visitors ! Thank you for sharing about your experience visiting Sikkim loved reading every bit of it

Beautifully described ! Not doubt Sikkim is one of the most visited place in world. It has all sort of destination to serve its visitors ! Photos taken were really awsome ! Thank you for sharing your experience with us..

amazing! India is an amazing place lots of things to explore… different culture, religions and food and so much of history to know..

Hi Savi and Vid. First things first- Love you both!

Now, I want to ask if it will better to plan a trip like Baghdogra-Pelling-North Sikkim- Gangtok- Baghdogra instead of what you have planned Baghdogra- Gangtok- North Sikkim- Gangtok – Pelling – Baghdogra ? Why did you go to Gangtok twice?

Hey Shruti,

Thanks for the love 🙂

That was because it’s easier to travel from Gangtok to North Sikkim. I believe even if you go from Pelling to North Sikkim, you will have to take a break in Gangtok 🙂

Hope that helps

Beautiful pictures. You’re an inspiration and I am following your journey – awesome work!

The pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing this article. A trip to Sikkim can truly be a memorable one. And visiting Sikkim during the winters is one of the best decisions to take for holidays.

Such a lovely article, thank you for this. I wanted to visit sikkim as early as possible.

Sikkim is a beautiful place to explore. Amazing pictures with full of information. Thank you so much for sharing this.

Hey, From where and when you saw these “Star trails over Mt. Kanchenjunga”?

That was in Pelling, Sikkim 🙂

I was wondering a trip in North Sikkim and found out your blog with some amazing picture & details knowledge of the destination. The photos are so vibrant that one can’t escape it’s sight. Hotels, Sight-seeing, rivers in there can easily melt anyone’s heart. Hope soon I could cover this mesmerizing destination with the help of your detailed knowledge.

very informative post thank you

Sikkim, India’s smallest state surrounded by beautiful snowy mountains and unique culture in the foothills of Kanchenchanga, the world’s third-highest peak, attracts a large number of tourists every year.

Such an in-depth travel guide you have written. I am planning to visit Sikkim in March. Your suggested itinerary will be very useful for sure.

Beautifully written travelogue. Very informative. Thanks a lot dear Sasi.

Can we go to these places in March 2021. Any covid problems for travel?

Yes you can – would suggest getting RT-PCR test before leaving for Sikkim as a lot of airlines & local checkpoints ask for it 🙂

Fabulous article and some great advice.. we’ve got the hotels booked for later this month already and had some of the listed sights on our itinerary and then stumbled upon this blog and still managed to takeaway some v useful inputs so thanks for the comprehensive info. Regarding the RT-PCR test though, is this required or ‘good to have’? The Elgin don’t need it but you mentioned checkpoints so I thought I’d check with you if this is indeed required.

Hey yes that’s right – it is not required but good to have as there can be checkpoints which ask for reports sometimes 🙂

many thanks 🙂

I am planning for my honeymoon to Gangtok in the month of July. Is this a good time to visit? I know it will be monsoon. But me and my wouldbe wife love rainy season. Please suggest your views

Hey Abhishek – yes rain might mean your plans for exploring can get spoilt sometimes, but if you enjoy monsoon, then you would enjoy it 🙂

We plan to travel in March 2021 and have around 7 to 8 days to travel. What is the best itinerary that you would suggest . Also wanted to know if Pelling is worth visiting or we can skip it. Please suggest

Hi Ishita – would definitely recommend visiting Pelling if you have the time. It was one of the highlights of our trip 🙂

Sikkim is the most beautiful place. I am planning to visit Sikkim this year.

Thank you for such lovely description of my favorite holiday destination.

Nice article.well articulated!

Wonderful & informative article. I think these tips and advice are much helpful for those who move more places. I really like this one… Great Sharing

Sikkim is beautiful but the road and traffic is horrendous. We were stuck in traffic for hours with no signs of any respite.

Omg yes – the roads are really really bad as we mentioned!

wonderful post thanks for sharing!

Hi, I was just planning a trip to Sikkim but this covid situation hurts me more and due to that I just Cancel that pla but next year surely I will visit there. Thank You & keep smiling!

Thank you for such detailed description of the destination. Sikkim is one of the most beautiful locations for a holidays.

Hi! Thank you so much for sharing a detail & informative blog. We are planning for our North Sikkim Tour, Your valuable information’s will help us to plan our tour more properly. The pictures are amazing! It has boosted our enthusiasm more to feel the beauty of the nature by our own eyes. The itinerary you have shared is really good, and all the sightseeing places you have highlighted, helped us to enrich our Sikkim Tour more. Thank you for sharing.

Amazing pictures!! You guys nicely described ‘Sikkim’ the east beauty of India. It’s such a beautiful place for traveling.

Indeed sikkim is a wonderland as stated above.The scenic view of mountain terrian ,waterfalls and colourful valleys are breathetaking.Travelling to places gives peace of mind and travelling to places like Sikkim adds memory to our life.

A proper planning is very much essential to have a beautiful journey.If we end up with some mess or regret then it will be the worse part of our journey.We are spending our crucial time and money , so explore things on internet first .Make a listing of things you wish to do at sikkim,contact the best guiders for your help .

And most importantly do not try to go randomly by yourself,i dont say you cant make the journey,yes ofcourse you can but again you may find so many obstacles that may be very unpleasant or unwanted for you.

So never take that chance,add the things in your listing that you would love to do.Decide your days for journey and accordingly plan it,do not hassle to cover maximum place in short time as well,it will ruin your journey.Travelling is all about creating beautiful memories ,love your fellow beings and enjoying the journey to the new place ,rather than involving in unwanted discussion and creating a nuisance during your journey.

So plan first,there are so many guides ,blogs,videos that will help you to make your journey pleasantly succesfull.You can also follow my site for any help or query ,like how should i plan darjeeling sikkim tour plan ? darjeeling gangtok tour plan or any relevant imformation about your visit to sikkim

Such a well-crafted post capturing the picturesque beauty of Gangtok. However, to fully enjoy the magnificence of such a place, luxury rooms are a necessity for a comfortable stay. Look no further, stay at RoseDell Inn. It is a myth that comfort requires spending a fortune. RoseDell inn is a burning example of it. It has wooden furnished rooms with room service that offers food that captivates your senses already enthralled by the beauty of the mountains. All of these while relishing the exotic food our resort has to offer. Blame it on our traditional cooks if you must. Enjoy the majestic mountains from the comfort of our resort. Book Now: https://rosedellinn.com/booking.php#closee

Thank you for describing Sikkim in detail. Sikkim is a wonderful state.

Hi, Is this Gurudongmar Lake picture??? All the posted images are fabulous sir.

Yes it is Gurudongmar Lake.

Thank you for such lovely description of my favorite place. I have never explore west Sikkim part properly but among rest of it. .. I find North Sikkim is the most colorful and with picture perfect scenic beauty.

Thank u very much, Excellent pictures with full of information. Can u please let me know, will I able to see flowers in yumthang valley in the month of ocober?

Not really – the flowers in Yumthang usually bloom around April/May

Such a comprehensive & most importantly “realistic” experience you have jotted down! It was a pleasure to read. 🙂 Planning a trip in December… Thanks for all the inputs again!

So happy to hear that 🙂 Sikkim is beautiful, you’ll have a great time

Great article. Keep up the good work.

which month is a good time to go

Best Period to Visit to experience snow caped mountain

Thanks for sharing such a great blog with us. I would also like to share my experience with you. I am an author on the travel blog and I travel a lot around the world.

wonderful pics and description. seems this itinerary is best for honeymoon trip, right?

Thank you for shearing Sikkim in all detail with best picture. Our next planning in north sikkim tour, Your valuable information’s will help us to plan our tour more properly. Thanks again for this great article.

Nice article indeed! , Image selection and the way of writing is very nice, Sikkim is one of the best places of North East India to admire the real beauty of nature. Your blog it realy helpfully to plan Sikkim. I will explore it soon!!!..

Hi! You have mentioned due to lack of oxygen we should not wait at gurudongmar for long, so is it advisable to travel with a 5 year old

Hey wouldn’t advise going with a 5 year old

Thank you for the wonderful suggestions and explicit details. I just have one question. Why did you not take a flight to Pakyong Airport? Is it not advisable?

We chose the flight that was convenient for us as we were flying from Delhi 🙂

To write a beautiful post it is very important to write a beautiful content and you have created a very good design and the content you put in it is beautiful and I got inspired a lot from your post and I also want you to be as nice and beautiful as you Post be in my life.

Hello Savi and Vid, I am going to Sikkim with my family in May 2022. Our itinerary is mostly similar to yours. We have booked vehicle through tour operator, while flights and hotels are booked by us. I just wanted to know how much walking would be involved in your trip as per your itinerary. Regards

Hi Bharti – there is quite a bit of walking in North Sikkim. Other than that, not much 🙂

Very Useful, Thanks for sharing!!!

Just FYI, I contacted Tenzing and he informed that they do not take bookings sans accommodation. Do you know any other taxi/tour operator?

No – none that we have used and can personally recommend 🙁

Thanks for sharing such a well-explained and Descriptive article on Sikkim Tour.

Excellent guide for Sikkim Trip 🙂

That’s an amazing article

this is a nice post about the tourism of sikim thanks

i like to read blogs about travel and this one is really nice and helpful for traveler thanks

Thanks for sharing great information…

Your recipe looks really amazing, I really got water in my mouth, I will definitely make such a recipe at home, your comment is really amazing all the bast for all your recipes

Thanks for a wonderful blog posting, It is very interesting & way to get knowdable about the topic.

Hello Savi,

It was Really nice reading about your experience in Gangtok. In your Next visit serenade your senses with a breathtaking view of Mt Kanchenjunga from Hotel Tashi Delek.

Located in the heart of MG Marg, it is a must visit if you come to Gangtok. We would love to have you at our outdoor rooftop bar with the view of the mountains and the city all at once.

Glad to see such a beautiful Article. Thanks For Sharing

A good blogger is one who has the vision to test this world so that what he sees, he writes in his blog or article so that people also get some knowledge and you know very well that I am not saying this to praise you. because i get inspiration from people like you

Praise Blogging Journey Sikkim

Gamers Geek One blogger has write his/her journey to Sikkim from another State. I am also a blogger and from Sikkim, how do I praise his/her work ?

You could praise the blogger for their attention to detail in their writing, for their ability to capture the essence of the journey, and for providing an interesting and engaging account of their experience. Additionally, you could mention that as a fellow blogger from Sikkim, you appreciate their perspective on your home state, and that you enjoyed reading their take on the culture, landscape, and people of Sikkim.

Gamers Geek Please write a message I just finished reading your blog post about your journey to Sikkim and I have to say, it was a pleasure to read.

Your attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of the journey was truly impressive. As a fellow blogger from Sikkim, I really appreciated your perspective on my home state.

Your take on the culture, landscape, and people of Sikkim was both interesting and engaging. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to reading more of your posts in the future.

I just finished reading your blog post about your journey to Sikkim and I have to say, it was a pleasure to read.

thanks a million Varun 🙂

Hello Guys Thanks for such in depth review. Can you tell one thing : is the sikkim trip safe for someone who is 6 month pregnant. I am expecting and planning a trip for there but not very sure if it would be feasible, considering my pregnancy

Hey would suggest skipping North Sikkim for sure as the roads are very bumpy and might not be suitable for you ?

Sikkim is the heaven which the lower class people can also afford . such a beautiful place existed in earth , once you visit those place you will forget the all the daily life tensions and will feel a inner joy in your soul

Your writing style is so engaging and I can tell you put a lot of thought into this post. Thanks for the great read

Sikkim is nice place in North east part of India. A perfect place for mountain lovers.

Nice photography, it looks like pleasant photos.

Lovely to know Sikkim is getting the attention that it deserves. Have been there in 2018, and it is just still untouched.

Such a great Article.Thanks for Sharing

very good and nice services..

It was fun reading it. Please writing these kinds of beautiful articles.

Thank you for this comprehensive Sikkim tour guide! Your article has provided valuable insights and tips that will definitely help me plan my visit efficiently.

It’s really amazing to visit such a beautiful place. No doubt Sikkim is among one of the most mesmerizing and picturesque destinations. You have shared such wonderful pics that one cannot say no to a tour to Sikkim.

thanks for sharing nice information and very easy to understand your blog

You wrote a very detailed article about the tour. The photos are amazing and the content is very helpful for tourists visiting Sikkim.

Nice article on sikkim , It is famous tourist place love you.. thanks for provided us informative details about the destination. love this destination lot

nice to visit

Reading it was enjoyable. Write more of these lovely essays, please.

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

Experience Community Tourism in Sikkim – An Unconventional 10 day Travel Itinerary

Sikkim, a tiny state tucked in the North Eastern region of the country has gained popularity among travellers over the past decade. Snow capped peaks, icy lakes, rhododendron sanctuaries, tea estates and rich biodiversity, the reasons to visit Sikkim are plenty. If you are someone who loves mountains, there are high chances that you have already visited Sikkim. But what’s surprising is, most of the travellers tend to follow a generic Sikkim Travel Itinerary (unlike this one ?) and head to the conventional and touristy destinations in Sikkim, ultimately missing out on the authentic experiences.

I believe that a place is all about its people. The best way to know about a place, its history and culture is by interacting with the original inhabitants. It is the locals who will be able to tell you about hidden gems which you otherwise would have never been able to discover. The concept of community tourism has evolved in Sikkim on the same note. Community tourism allows you to live with the local community, explore the untrodden paths and experience their lifestyle.

There are several villages in Sikkim that have been modeled on community tourism principles with aid from the government. Locals in these villages have transformed their homes into home-stays to host guests from all over the globe. There are several culinary, adventure and cultural experiences that are hosted in these villages which you can be a part of. Various festivals are held as a part of community tourism initiative to boost the economy. And these festivals are nowhere close to what we experience in cities. Go ahead to read about some of the places you can visit to make your trip to Sikkim an unconventional one. 

Here is a 10-day detailed Sikkim Travel itinerary covering East, West and South Sikkim which you can follow, along with details on how to plan your trip to Sikkim. This Sikkim itinerary covers quaint villages and dreamy locations, away from all the tourist hotspots, perfect for discerning travellers or for ones who have already visited Sikkim once and are expecting to see the other side of the state.

How to reach Gangtok?

Recommendation for cafes and restaurants, where to stay in gangtok, how to reach yangang, where to stay in yangang, day 3 : explore yangang, how to reach kewzing, where to stay in kewzing.

Day 5 : Explore Kewzing

How to reach Kecheopalri Lake?

Where to stay near kecheopalri lake, day 7 : local hikes around kecheopalri lake, how to reach yuksom, where to stay in yuksom, what to do in yuksom.

Day 9: Yuksom to Gangtok/Siliguri

Day 10 : Fly out from Gangtok/Bagdogra

Things to remember while planning this trip to Sikkim:

Share this:, 10 day offbeat sikkim travel itinerary.

Day 1 : Arrive in Gangtok

• The nearest airport to Gangtok is Pakyong. You can directly fly to Pakyong and then take a cab from Pakyong to Gangtok. You should not pay more than INR 1200 for this distance of 1 hour.
• Alternatively, you can fly to Bagdogra Airport and travel from Bagdogra to Gangtok.
• Reserved cabs from Bagdogra to Gangtok would cost you about INR 3000. You can opt for a shared cab from wizzride as well. The pickup would be from the airport itself and you can choose your convenient drop off point in Gangtok.

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim and a vibrant town with a character of its own. Unlike other hill towns, where the city shuts down by late evening, you will find restaurants and pubs open post 11pm. To start your trip in Sikkim, you’d have to reach Gangtok, unless you are aware of alternative routes from Bagdogra.

If you manage to reach by afternoon, head out to visit Enchhey Monastery, Gangtok Ropeway and Tashi View Point. You can opt for local cabs for this.

In the evening, stroll at MG Marg and head to the amazing cafes and restaurants lined up at MG Marg.

• Nimtho for authentic Nepali/Sikkimese cuisines
• Sass and Guff for Thai and Tibetan
• Café Live and Loud and Gangtok Groove to experience nightlife in Gangtok
• Breakfast platters and coffee at The Coffee Shop
• Hostels: Tagalong | Zostel
• Home-stays: House of Meesu | The Aura | Live Away Home 

Head back to your hotel/homestay and sleep early on this day.

Day 2 : Gangtok to Yangang

• From Gangtok, take a reserved vehicle till Yangang. It will take about 2-2.5 hours to reach Yangang, and a reserved cab will cost you between INR 2000-2500 for a drop off.
• If you want to opt for a shared vehicle, you’d have to break the journey at Singtam. First, take a shared sumo till Singtam, from where you can take a second cab till Yangang.

Tungna Homestay | Dhuni Homestay

You can spend the rest of the day at your homestay and interact with your hosts, followed by dinner or explore the orchards and farms in your homestay.

This is your first day, in this 10 Day Sikkim Itinerary, when you get some time without having to worry about ‘what to see next.’ The village stay itself is an experience. Start the day with a healthy breakfast at your homestay and head out to explore the village on foot.

Take a tour of the lush green paddy fields in Yangang and spend a quiet day in the monasteries with your hosts. You can ask your host to arrange for a vehicle to drive you till Mangzing Waterfall, a hidden spot in the village where no tourist goes.

You can request your hosts to give you a guided walk through their farm lands in the evening after which you can spend the evening in the outdoor area of the homestay. You could join the hosts to prepare dinner and learn more about local cuisines.

Day 4 : Yangang to Kewzing

On your fourth day, prepare to head to Kewzing after breakfast in Yangang.

Kewzing is a perfect example of community tourism where the Lepcha and Bhutiya communities have worked together to boost the economy of the village through tourism. All the home-stays are run by the families themselves who’d make you feel at home right as you arrive.

• Shared vehicles are not available on this route. So you’d have to hire a vehicle till Kewzing. Best option is to inform the hosts beforehand so that they can arrange a cab to pick you up from the homestay.
• Alternatively, you could take a cab till Ravangla and take a second cab from Ravangla till Kewzing. There’s a possibility of finding a shared cab till from Yangang till Ravangla.

Samaghang Cottage | Bon Farmhouse

It will take 2 hours at the most to reach Kewzing from Yangang. After a sumptuous lunch at your homestay, explore the village. Start with Kewzing Monastery right in the middle of the village where young monks would be ready to greet you and take you around the monastery. Walk further to the cardamom plantations and tea gardens. If you have time in the evening, head towards Bon Monastery in Kewzing to have a look at the preserved scriptures and religious texts.

Return to the homestay by evening and spend time with the hosts by the fireplace. You could request the hosts to arrange for a momo making session. Savour on some delicious momos for dinner as you also learn to make them in the most traditional way.

Wake up to the beautiful views of Mt. Narsing and Mt. Pandim and set out to explore the hamlet.

Opt for a bird watching tour or a guided hike in the forest trails in and around the village. If you are comfortable for a long walk, head to Doling Monastery and Seven Mirror Lake on foot or hop onto a cab to reach this place. Doling Monastery is not frequented with tourists at all. You may find a couple of locals who visit the monastery to offer prayers. The mystic vibe at the Lake is something that cannot be described with words. An array of prayer flags reflects on the water of the lake to make the scene gorgeous.

Return back to your homestay in the evening and enjoy a bonfire session with the hosts.

Day 6 : Kewzing to Khecheopalri Lake

Start early on Day 6 of this 10 Day Sikkim Itinerary, from Kewzing to head towards Khecheopalri Lake. You’d be crossing Pelling, a rather famous stop in Sikkim. Stop over at Pemayangtse Monastery and Rhabdentse Ruins in Pelling while heading towards Kecheopalri Lake.

Most of the travelers visit Kecheopalri Lake on a day’s tour from Pelling. But not many people know that this place is a treasure for nature lovers. Apart from the famous Kecheopalri Lake, there are several waterfalls, natural pools and hikes that you can visit from here. A visit to Khecheopalri Lake would be the highlight of your unconventional trip to this North Eastern State.

From Kewzing, you do not hav many options to reach Khecheopalri Lake. Either ask your host to arrange a cab for you which can directly reach you to Khecheopalri Lake or book a cab till Pelling. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery and Rhabdentse Ruins in Pelling and reserve another can till Khecheopalri Lake.

For both the options, either a direct cab or two, the expense would go upto around INR 3000, if not more.

Kecheopalri Sanctuary Homestay (Contact Mr Latup at 8145702994)

Reach your homestay by noon and relax by the lake. Spend a leisurely hour soaking in all the calmness and energy. Later, return to your homestay to enjoy your dinner by the bonfire.

Wake up early to watch the first light of the day over the lake. Make sure you stay in a room facing the lake. Just waking up in the morning would be such a fulfilling activity, that will surely become one of the highlights of this 10 Day Sikkim Trip, and something that you will remember for the rest of your life.

After breakfast, ask your host to guide you or arrange a guide to lead you through the forest trails. There is a short and beautiful trail that leads to a gorgeous natural pool. Nothing would beat the idea of taking a dip in the cool waters of the natural lake. The freshness of the water is sure to wipe off all your worries.

Explore the forest with your guide and learn about the unique flora and fauna of this part of Sikkim. Return to your homestay by early evening to enjoy some wood-fired pizza and indulge in a jamming session or conversations with the fellow travellers.

Day 8: Kecheopalri Lake to Yuksom

If you want to encounter Sikkim’s unknown history, Yuksom is the place you should be in. Yuksom is one of the 10 Hidden Gems of Sikkim , which is also the gateway to Kanchendzonga National Park ( One of the Best National Parks in India ) and happens to be the base for famous Himalayan treks like the Goecha La Trek and Dzongri Trek. The age old monasteries and  the enchanting lakes will leave a trail in your heart.

The chances of finding a shared cab are quite low. But depending on the season and plans of other guests in your vicinity, you may find one for yourself and share the cab. Ask your host beforehand on this so that arrangement can be made easily.

Or ask your host to get you in touch with a driver who can drop you at Yuksom. It’s a 1.5 hours of drive and expect to spend around INR 1800-2000 for a drop off.

Yak Homestay | Lobding Homestay  

Reach Yuksom by 12pm and spend the day to explore Norbu Gang, the Coronation throne of Namgyal Dynasty, Kathok monastery and Kathok Lake. Watch the fluttering white prayer flags around the lake, a sight that is sure to touch your soul and instill a sense of gratitude within you.

Do not miss out on dropping in at Dubdi Monastery. Established in 1701 during the reign of Chogyal Namgyal, it is considered to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim.

On your 9 th day of your trip to Sikkim, there are two options you can opt for. First is to head back to Gangtok if you’re flying out from Pakyong.

In this case, you have to follow the following route.

• Take a shared cab from Yuksom to Geyzing.
• From Geyzing, take a shared cab till Gangtok.
• There are not many vehicles in Yuksom so the best idea is to reach Geyzing in the available mode of transport and choose the comfortable option for the longer segment of the journey, i.e. Geyzing to Gangtok.

If your flight is scheduled from Bagdogra, you can head to Siliguri directly from Yuksom. Please note that Siliguri is the nearest city, about 10 kms from Bagdogra. Bagdogra is a small town in the outskirts where the airport is located.

If you are opting for a shared cab, follow this route to reach Siliguri:

Yuksom – Geyzing – Jorethang – Siliguri

If you get a direct cab from Yuksom to Jorethang, then you’d only have to change your vehicle one. If not, then twice, at Geyzing and Jorethang.

In case you want to book a vehicle entirely for yourself, you should come to Geyzing and then reserve a vehicle for Siliguri.

Stay over in Siliguri for the night before you fly out the next day.

Recommendation for stay in Siliguri  :  Mulaqat BnB

On the 10 th and last day of your trip, fly out from Pakyong or Bagdogra.

Or you can even start your 7 Day Road Trip to Bhutan starting from Bagdogra.

10 Day Sikkim Travel Itinerary – Summary

Day 3: Explore Yangang

Day 6 : Kewzing to Kecheopalri

Day 7 : Local Hikes

• As this itinerary consists of places located in remote parts of Sikkim, there are not many options to opt for shared vehicles. The cost of the trip gets high for a solo or budget traveler as you’d need to reserve an entire vehicle on most of the days. Plan the trip in groups of 4 or 6 to cut down on your expenses by splitting the costs.
• Your stay in all the places would be in home-stays run by local families. Do not expect luxury as they have limited resources to operate. You can expect a lot of love and warmth though, making your trip a truly unconventional one.
• All the recommendations for accommodation made are of home-stays, which I believe is where you will experience an outstanding hospitality and learn about Sikkim. If you wish to put up in hotels during your stay in Gangtok, check this one stop travel guide for Sikkim .
• Keep your luggage as light as possible as you might need to walk with your luggage at times to reach the homestay.
• This Sikkim Travel Itinerary makes for a great road trip for bikers. North East being the hub of adventure activities, there are many bike rentals in Gangtok. The Bikers Hub is one of the best Bike rentals from where you can rent a bike and set out to explore the beauty of Sikkim.
• The best time to visit Sikkim is March-April and October-November. The weather during these months is pleasant and the views of the snow capped mountain peaks are clear.

This itinerary covers East, West and South Sikkim. The only region that is left untouched and deserves a separate attention is North Sikkim. Check this North Sikkim travel guide to plan a trip to the land of high altitude lake and valley of flowers.

If you have not started traveling to the North East India yet, maybe this is the time to begin!

If you enjoyed reading this 10 Day Offbeat Sikkim Itinerary and Travel Guide , you might also want to check out some other Travel Guides and Itineraries , that you can take in and around India!

• The Epic 7 Day Leh – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
• 7 Day Meghalaya Travel Itinerary
• 7 Day Manali Travel Itinerary
• 7 Day Kolkata – Kurseong – Darjeeling Travel Itinerary
• 7 Day Uttarakhand Road Trip Itinerary
• The Dharamkot Travel Guide
• One Week in Kerala – God’s Own Country
• Sikkim Travel Guide + 7 Day Travel Itinerary
• 7 Day + 10 Day North Sikkim Road Trip Itinerary
• The 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary
• 7 Day Road Trip to Bhutan – The Last Shangri La
• 10 Day Nepal Travel Itinerary and Guide

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Hailing from the foothill town of Siliguri, Michelle takes keen interest in storytelling, through words and photographs. Having a home so close to the mountains is what she considers a gift. A law student and freelance content writer at present, she often takes time out to travel to the mountains and pen down her experiences. She believes in giving back to the community through volunteering in local projects and strongly supports community tourism.

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The Complete Sikkim Itinerary for 8 Days | Cost Breakdown & Tips

traveller Raji

Sikkim Itinerary for 8 days will come in handy for travellers who are visiting the beautiful state of Sikkim for the very first time.

In 8 days, we were able to cover some of the major spots in all four districts of Sikkim. I was mesmerized by how each one had its own unique flavour, aesthetics and natural beauty.

In the current blog, I will share with you my experience and a Sikkim Itinerary for 8 days. This itinerary will help all you travellers plan a wonderful trip to this North Eastern Indian state.

Sikkim Itinerary for 8 Days: What, Where & How?

Well, no precise word can describe the heaven on earth that Sikkim is. The word Sikkim means a new palace but the original inhabitants of this place the Lepchas use to call it NYE-mae-el meaning paradise.

The entire Sikkim is painted in magnificent colours which offer you shades of history, culture and hospitality with a touch of a modern wave that encircles the entire state.

Before I delve into the details, here is a quick overview of my Sikkim Itinerary for 8 days:

So, on the eve of 3rd December with our bags stuffed with woollens and our hearts overflowing with a mix of excitement, enthusiasm and anxiety. We finally began our overnight train journey from our home town Jodhpur to Delhi.

From Delhi, we took a flight to Bagdogra which is a city in Siliguri in West Bengal and also has an airport nearest to Sikkim.

MG Marg is the centre of the hill town of Gangtok. The square is the perfect place to take leisurely stroll or just sitting around and enjoying the ambience. The place has some amazing cafes and restaurants.

On Day 1, Reach Sikkim’s Capital Gangtok

Reaching Gangtok was one tiring journey but a plate of hot pakoras served with spicy tomato chutney and a cup of hot adrak chai geared me up again for the mountains.

One thing about Sikkim that astonished me was the early setting of the sun. By the time we reached Gangtok, it was already dark. However, since we were too excited to be there in Gangtok, we decided to go to MG Marg.

From our Hotel Golden Crest which was conveniently located in Deorali we took a cab to reach MG Marg. To our surprise, Gangtok was quite sleepy by the time we decided to explore. Almost all the shops were closing down so we decided to sip on some tea and get back to our hotel for dinner.

Gangtok ropeway is the perfect place to get an aerial view of this beautiful hill town. I just loved the view of the town from the cable car. 

Include 8 Beautiful Sights in Gangtok for Day 2 of Sikkim Itinerary for 8 Days

I woke up to dew-drenched windows, I could barely see through. After having a cup of piping hot tea, and swallowing the mist of the mountains, we decided to go out exploring the town.

I found Gangtok to be a laid-back hill station, just the kind I love.  Nobody was in a hurry to start the day, rather everyone around was relaxed and soaking in the warm rays of the sun.

Gangtok in December is an amazing mix of cold breeze and warm sun.  After having Momo Rolls for breakfast, we set to explore Gangtok.

8 Beautiful Places to see in Gangtok in a day

If you are not travelling in Gangtok using a self-driven vehicle, I suggest you take a city tour. It is a convenient and cheaper option since you will easily find shared taxis.

We did an eight-point city tour, but I would suggest that if time permits you should choose a 10-point instead. These are the beautiful places that we covered on Day 2 in Gangtok:

We started the day with a ride on the Gangtok Ropeway. We could see the entire town from up there.

The clear skies made it possible for us to see the mountains clearly from the viewpoints. I was mesmerised by the view of the Kanchenjunga. 

Next were the viewpoints- Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok.  Since we were in Sikkim in December, the skies were clear and we could see mountains from the viewpoints. Being a person from the desert, seeing Kanchenjunga standing tall covered in white, was absolutely spectacular. 

We ended our city tour by visiting Ban Jhakri Falls . The falls are so soothing to be around that you almost forget to keep a track of time and can spend hours on a stretch just sitting there

Around 4 o’clock in the evening, we came back to our hotel in Gangtok, but the feel of the town was captivating so rather than hitting back to our room we decided to go for an aimless stroll on MG Marg and bought some souvenirs. Did a quick dinner at Baker’s Café (strongly recommended).

On Day three of our Sikkim 8 day trip, we headed towards Lachen. I was really impressed by the Sikkim government’s efforts of tackling plastic waste. I feel more such efforts are important in making responsible travel a norm. 

On Day 3, Enjoy the Bumpy yet Scenic Journey to Lachen in North Sikkim

We began our journey up north at around 11 a.m. from the Vajra taxi stand. All tours to North Sikkim start from this place. The distance between Gangtok and Lachen in North Sikkim is around 120kms but owing to the terrain, it feels much longer.

The Bumpy ride to Lachen from Gangtok

Because of my fear of heights and motion sickness, I was a little scared. I had read a lot about the condition of the roads. However, once we began the journey, it was not at all like what I had imagined it to be.

The roads were bumpy, and to be honest, at some places, there were no roads at all. For me, however, this was a blessing in disguise. Our driver Kamal was very careful and therefore, I didn’t feel sick on the way.

Also, his friendly behaviour and interesting stories made our journey easy and entertaining.

On the way to North Sikkim from Gangtok, you will go through the Testa River Dam. Although the ride to North Sikkim is bumpy, views like these make the journey completely worth it. 

Interesting Spots to be covered on the way to Lachen

Gangtok to Lachen was a 7-hour journey during which we stopped by to see a few points like

• Seven Sister Waterfalls
• Teesta River Dam

By the time we crossed all the military points and reached Lachen, it was dark. The sun had already retired for the day, so we couldn’t explore the little village.

So, I advise all travellers to start early and keep some time in hand to stroll around the small cantonment town of Lachen. The town has a population of about 1500 Bhutia people.

Staying at a cosy homestay in Lachen

We opted for a homestay named Lhakhim homestay . Our host Dathoop was extremely humble and he told us a lot about the place and the culture of Lachen.

The entire family was super comforting, Dathoop’s mother offered us an amazing cup of tea which we drank sitting next to the fireplace. We were served a simple yet the most satisfying dinner ever.

As we had no room heaters, we snuggled in our blankets with our hot water bag, somehow trying to keep ourselves warm, and fell asleep soon enough.  The hosts provided us with enough hot water and a water heating kettle in the room.

Dedicated Day 4 on your Sikkim Itinerary for 8 Days to visiting Gurudongmar Lake 

Day 4 of our Sikkim Itinerary for 8 days began too early. We got up around 4 am in the morning and started our journey at 5 a.m. to Gurudongmarg Lake.

The sacred Gurudongmarg lake is 66 km away from Lachen. The moment you see the lake, you are left spellbound. This is a must-visit place in your Sikkim Itinerary for 8 Days.

Visiting Gurudongmarg Lake, India’s 2 nd highest lake

The day was too cold, so, we wore 3 layers of warm clothes. At around 7 a.m. we reached Mangan- the capital of North Sikkim. Here we stopped for some hot tea Maggi and bread jam.

The way up to Gurudongmarg was unbelievably bumpy and deserted. Nothing other than a few military vehicles going up to the lake could be seen over a long stretch. But finally, when you reach the lake the view is breathtakingly beautiful and serene.

The wind blows at a terrifyingly high speed and there is a drastically low level of oxygen up here. Despite that, you would want to be there and absorb the stillness and tranquillity of the sacred lake and its surroundings.

If you are feeling well and are comfortable with your breathing, I would suggest going closer to the lake. Since I am a little asthmatic, I avoided such adventures.

There is something about the waterfalls in Sikkim. No matter how tired you are, the moment you look at them, you feel so eased and relaxed. This is the beautiful Bhim Nala Waterfall on the way to Lachung. This was my favourite. 

Visiting the Beautiful Waterfalls on the Way to Lachung

From the lake, we went straight to Lachung, a small yet mesmerising village in north Sikkim which is 47 km from Lachen. On our way, we saw Bhim Nala waterfalls (Bhimwa fall)- which according to me is the best waterfall in Sikkim.

We finally reached Lachung before sunset and checked into our stay at Hotel Green Tara . Lachung had everything beautiful, nature had to offer, encapsulated in itself.  From our hotel, we saw green mountains encircled by snowcapped mountains and a perennial Lachung river flowing through the village.

Explore Lachung & head back to Gangtok on Day 5 of your Sikkim 8-Day Trip

Morning in Lachung was yet another experience. We woke up to the burbling of the Lachung River flowing close to our hotel. The burble filled both of us with enthusiasm to begin our day at Lachung.

Yumthang Valley is also known as the Valley of flowers. During the spring season, the entire valley is covered with rhododendron flowers. Since we visited in December, we were greeted by fresh snowfall. 

Visiting the incredible Valley of Flowers is an absolute must on Sikkim Itinerary for 8 Days

We packed some dry fruits, biscuits and chocolate bars, to begin our trip to Yumthang Valley at around 6 a.m.

Yumthang Valley popularly known as the Valley of flowers is home to a large variety of rhododendrons. During the blooming season, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom, you wouldn’t see an inch of the land.

However, December is a non-blooming season we couldn’t find many of the flowers. What Yumthang offered us in place of the flowers was freshly fallen snow to play around with.

The entire way to the springs is extremely picturesque. I especially loved this beautiful bridge over the Lachen River decorated with colourful Buddhist flags. 

Taking a dip in the Hot Water Springs is an absolute must on your Sikkim Trip

They say if you didn’t take a dip at the hot water springs of Sikkim, the visit isn’t complete. A few kilometres from Yumthang Valley is Yumthang hot spring. The way to reach the spring is even romantic.

You have to cross this bridge with the Lachung River flowing underneath and the bridge is decorated with a variety of colourful flags, these flags have significant importance in Buddhist mythology. After clicking over a hundred pictures at the bridge and around, we finally took a dip in the hot spring and washed off all our fatigue.

On the way back from North Sikkim to Gangtok, we bought a lot of organic vegetables and oranges from the local shops on the roadside. I bought quite a few different types of fruits from these stalls. 

Travelling back to Gangtok from North Sikkim

Locals told us that there was barely any snow at the zero point, so we skipped it and spent some more time at the hot spring pool.

The cold wind struck us as soon as we came out of the hot spring, so we decided to stop by a small tea shop just near the hot spring. It was owned by a very friendly young woman who served us an amazing tea and an insight into the lives of the people living around.

We came back to our hotel for a quick breakfast and started our journey back to Gangtok. It was a 7-hour journey from Lachung to Gangtok. On our way back we bought a lot of organic vegetables and oranges from the local shops on the roadside. These people have their farms down in the village and also sell organic veggies.

On Day 6, Travel from Gangtok to Pelling with a quick stopover at Namchi

We wanted to travel to Nathu La Pass, but since we were travelling in December, the pass was closed due to snowfall.

Our day began with a long journey from Gangtok to Pelling via Namchi. We started our journey at around 9 a.m. and reached Namchi at 12 noon.

The Char Dham in Namchi is located on Solophok hill. It is a miniature version of the Char Dhams Pilgrimage n Hinduism – Jagannath, Dwarika,  Rameshwaram and Badrinath Dham. 

Quick Sightseeing in Namchi

We visited the very famous Char Dham temple skipped Rawangla and proceeded to Pelling. Sikkim is a small state but my god the natural diversity that this state is blessed with cannot be expressed in any word. No wonder it was called the paradise on earth.

In a stretch of 170 km, we witnessed such stark change in the landscape. the snow was replaced by flowers, fog by mist and bitter cold by pleasant hilly temperature.

Sunflower became our constant companion in west Sikkim. At around 2 p.m. we reached our hotel and took a quick lunch and an aimless stroll nearby. We decided to call it a day and spend some time just soaking in the beauty of Pelling.

Visiting the Orange Garden and Rimbi Waterfalls on Day 7 of the Sikkim Itinerary for 8 Days

Day 7 and Day 8 of our Sikkim Itinerary for 8 days were dedicated to exploring Pelling, a beautiful town in West Sikkim.

Situated on the banks of the Rimbi River is the Rimbi Orange Garden. You can buy fresh oranges, juices, rice beer and many other local things here. The garden lies on the way to Khechopari Lake. 

Trying some juicy oranges at Rimbi Orange Garden

When we started our day, it felt like moving in the clouds. We visited the Nimbi Orange Garden on the banks of the Rimbi River. Make sure to buy some fresh oranges and juices from here to keep yourself fresh throughout the day.

Visiting the splendid waterfalls in Pelling

Next, we then headed to Rimbi Waterfalls and later to the Kanchenjunga Waterfalls. The waterfalls in Sikkim are magical. I say this because, in a matter of seconds, they will cast a spell on you and take away all your tiredness, leaving you feeling fresh, young and full of energy.

On Day 8, Cover Pelling’s Most Beautiful Spots

Pelling has a lot of beautiful spots that we were not able to cover in one day. Therefore, we covered them on Day 8 of our Sikkim Itinerary for 8 days.

The places we covered are:

Whatever you read about the lake’s beauty is no match to how serene the lake actually is. Away from the hustle-bustle, this place is quite soothing. 

Visiting the Breathtaking Khecheopalri Lake

I had read a lot about the beauty of the lake and was very excited to see it for myself.  No matter what you read about this place, I bet nothing will ever justify the stillness, serenity and calmness the lake has to offer a visitor.

If you aren’t an observer, to you it will look like just another water body. However, if you can feel the aura of the lake, it will hit your soul and give a weird sense of calmness. This feeling will travel with you for the rest of your day.

The Pelling Skywalk is a glass structure and one of its kind in India. That’s me striking a pose with my husband on the skywalk. 

Staring at the Gigantic Chenrezig statue from Pelling Skywalk

From a natural wonder to a man-made one, we went to the famous and the only skywalk in India- the Pelling skywalk. The primary attraction here is the gigantic Chenrezig statue.

One gets good views of Kanchenjunga and Pelling town from the skywalk.  You do get that tipsy feeling while walking over it(wink!wink!). From the skywalk, a few steps down is the Sanga Choeling Monastery.

Visiting Sanga Choeling Monastery, the oldest Monastery in Sikkim

It is the oldest monastery in Sikkim. The walls are adorned with Buddhist paintings, and statues and the entire compound is surrounded by colourful prayer flags. It was relaxing to be there.

The Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the most important monasteries of Sikkim. The monastery was originally built for “monks of pure Tibetan lineage” who remain celibate and have no physical abnormality.  

Ending the day at Pemayangtse Monastery, the Most Famous Monastery in West Sikkim

At the Monastery,  one can witness ancient scriptures and manuscripts related to different schools of Buddhism. It is a three-storied structure which holds within itself a collection of statues of some of the very famous Buddhist monks like Guru Padmasambhava and Rinpoches

We headed back to our hotel tired but content and mesmerised by our Sikkim 8 Day trip.

Complete Cost Breakdown of My 8-Day Sikkim Trip

Although I am a commerce graduate, sometimes it becomes very difficult for me to cut down my travel expenses and plan a budget trip. So that’s where my meticulous planner husband took up the centre stage.

Here’s the cost breakdown of the 8 Days trip to Sikkim. The cost given here is for 2 people.

Cost Breakdown of Day 1, Reaching Gangtok

Bagdogra airport to Gangtok – 2600 INR non-sharing, 300 INR for a shared cab.

Stay at Hotel Golden Crest  near Deorali stand – 1800 INR per night

Hotel to MG Marg – 100 INR (non-sharing) and 25 INR per person (sharing)

Cost Breakdown for Gangtok Sightseeing on Day 2

There are three options for local sightseeing

• 8-point sightseeing charging 2000 INR (bargainable) non-sharing,  450 INR per person sharing
• Full day city tour which covers 10 places 3000 INR (bargainable) non-sharing, 700 INR per person sharing
• Tsongo Lake and Nathula pass 2000 INR

Cost Breakdown of Travelling to North Sikkim on Day 3

Conveyance charges – 11000 INR ( Bolero)

Stay at Lhakhim homestay .- 2000 INR including all 3 meals

Miscellaneous -1000 INR

Here is a little insight into our north Sikkim tour, I suffer from acute motion sickness so even though we were extremely lured by the sharing prices we couldn’t travel that way. So, we had to go in a personal vehicle to the north.

Cost Breakdown for Day 4 of Exploring North Sikkim

Lachen to Gurudongmarg lake – 100 INR  tea, Maggi and bread jam

Stay in Hotel Green Tara in Lachung – 2000 INR including breakfast

Cost Breakdown of Lachung Tour on Day 5

The conveyance was included in the car we had hired from Gangtok

Miscellaneous -500 INR

Cost Breakdown of travelling from Gangtok to Pelling on Day 6

Gangtok to Pelling- 300 INR per person in a shared cab with 10 people sharing, 13000 INR  non-sharing Inova car (including Namchi, Pelling sightseeing and Darjeeling drop)

Stay at Magpie Pachhu Village Resort in Pelling – 2025 INR per night

Cost Breakdown of Pelling Sightseeing on Day 7 & Day 8

250-300 INR  per person in a shared cab with 8-10 people per day

Sikkim is a beautiful destination but in order to enjoy it completely, you need to be well prepared and well packed. If you are visiting during winter, warm clothing is an absolute must.

What to Pack for 8-10 Day Sikkim Trip?

For 8-10 days Sikkim trip during the cold months, you will need to carry the following things

• 3 very warm jackets/sweaters/overcoats
• 1 pair of thermal innerwear
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 2 warm joggers
• 2-3 sweatshirts
• 4-5 pairs of socks (If you do not feel like packing these many pairs, you can always buy them in Gangtok at Laal Bazar, a pocket-friendly and amazing market to be at)
• Mufflers/stole/shawl
• 1 pair of hand gloves (preferably leather ones)
• 2 pairs of shoes (one pair is enough, but if you encounter rain then you might require the other one as it will not be possible for you to dry your wet shoe unless you spend a considerable amount of time with a hairdryer and your shoe )
• 6 sets of innerwear (it was so cold on some of the days in Sikkim that washing our face was also a task, so you won’t feel like bathing or even changing)
• Hot water bag (it’s a must if you travel to North Sikkim)
• Medical kit – I carried the following medicines : paracetamol, Stemetil (when you feel giddy),  Avomine (for AMS),  Pain reliever spray, Iodine tablets (for water purification) Vomit bags, Oxygen cylinder (you can easily rent them from any medical store at mg marg),  Antidiarrhoeal pills, Mosquito repellents, bandages.

In the end, I would like to say that what we experienced in Sikkim cannot be summarised in a few words. It was a journey that helped us grow as responsible citizens and taught us how to love our native place.

Sikkimese are proud to be the inhabitants of one of the most beautiful pieces of landscape ever created by God. Therefore,  they give it their 100 per cent to keep it clean, green and beautiful. Therefore, I urge all you travellers to be respectful of nature and responsible travellers, no matter where you are headed.

THIS POST IS AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF BUDGET WAYFARERS. ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ASSOCIATION INDULGING IN PLAGIARISM WILL BE DEALT WITH STRICTLY . IF YOU WANT TO USE INFORMATION FROM THE ARTICLE ABOVE, KINDLY QUOTE THE SOURCE.

The Ultimate travel guide to Sikkim – 5 day itinerary

Located in the North East India, Sikkim is known for its huge mountain ranges  and a dramatic landscape. With its beautiful lakes surrounded by snowcapped mountains and meandering roads with high cliffs, Sikkim has a lot to offer. Last year, during our visit to India, we went on a 5-day trip to Sikkim. It was on our bucket list for a long time.

In this travel blog, I will share all the details about places we visited along with a detailed itinerary and travel tips and recommendations

  Affiliate Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for all our readers. Thank you for supporting the work I put into mrnmrstraveler!

Ideal time to visit Sikkim

We visited in the week of April. Usually, the weather is good with little to no snow at higher elevation. However, when we visited it snowed with some landslide situations at few places. Not trying to scare you but its always good to be aware !

The ideal time to visit either is Summer (April – June) or Winter (October – March). Though, keep in mind winter could be harsh, so carry all the warm layers with you. I would suggest avoiding rainy season (July to September) if you are planning to visit North Sikkim.

How to reach

The best way to reach Gangtok – either fly to Bagdogra or take a train to Siliguri. After reaching Bagdogra or Siliguri, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to arrive in Gangtok. There is also  a direct flight from Kolkata and Delhi  to Pakyong Airport in Gangtok.

Budget for the trip

F lights to Bagdogra roundtrip  is about INR 10000-15000 per person. If time is not a constraint, you can book a train to Siliguri which will cost way less than the flight.

North Sikkim tour + a day trip from Sikkim + Cab to Bagdogra – INR 35000 for 2 people which includes private cab, Permits and hotel stay. 

Food and other miscellaneous things – INR 10,000

If you want to know about the tour agency we opted for, you can  contact us .

Getting Around in Sikkim

Renting a car for self-driving is not an option in this area. Therefore, I recommend booking a tour or hiring a cab through a local tour agency as the best alternative. Although we faced some issues with the tour agency we had booked, however, the overall experience was good.

You will need multiple permits to visit various places of interest if you choose to drive your own car from a different state.

Permit Requirements

A permit is required to visit certain parts of Sikkim. Tour agencies and cab providers usually handle permit arrangements for visitors, so it’s best to check with them directly when booking.

5-day itinerary to visit Sikkim

We planned our entire trip with the assistance of a local tour agency, which included the hotel bookings, private cabs and permits. Based on our experience and the places we visited, below is a sample itinerary. You can customize the itinerary based on your preferences and work with the local tour agencies to make necessary arrangements. If you want to know about the tour agency we opted for, you can  contact us .

Day 1 - Arrival in Gangtok, Sikkim

After our trip to Bhutan, we hired a taxi from Jaigaon, the border town between India and Bhutan, to reach  Gangtok , the capital city of Sikkim. It took us around 6-7 hours to reach Gangtok from Jaigaon. 

We arrived at our hotel late in the evening and after check-in, we headed out to the bustling streets of  Gangtok . MG Marg, situated at the heart of the town, was buzzing with a lively atmosphere. We spent the evening leisurely exploring this vibrant market and ended the night with lots of momos for dinner.

If you are arriving from other parts of India, you can either  fly to Bagdogra  or take a train to Siliguri. After reaching Bagdogra or Siliguri, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to arrive at Gangtok. There is also  a direct flight from Kolkata and Delhi  to Pakyong Airport in Gangtok.

Day 2 - Northward bound to Lachen

The next day was all about the drive from Gangtok to Lachen in  North Sikkim , which is situated at 9000 ft. The journey was spectacular with roller coaster rides through the bumpy roads, offering panoramic views of lush valleys and the Teesta River. We took a lot of pit stops to sip chai, have maggi and enjoy few waterfalls along the way. 

After arriving at Lachen, we checked in and called it a day as it started to rain. It was very cold in  Lachen , so we would recommend to bring warm layers. Also, our  hotel  here was very basic with limited facility.

Day 3 - Gurudongmar Lake

The highlight of our adventure unfolded on this day with an excursion to India’s highest lake – Gurudongmar Lake. After a light breakfast, we began our epic journey early morning around 6 am with the goal of reaching our destination, which was at 17000 ft above the sea level. The drive from 9000 ft to 17000 ft was breathtaking, both figuratively and literally. There was snow everywhere, as we reached the higher elevations. It looked absolutely gorgeous.

After an arduous yet beautiful journey, we finally arrived at the Gurudongmar Lake. The lake, situated at an awe-inspiring altitude, reflected the grandeur of the snow-capped peaks. We were ecstatic! 

However, altitude sickness is common in this region, so we made sure to carry medicines with us. The oxygen level at 17000 ft is low, which may cause dizziness and shortness of breath. Therefore, we took it easy, walked slowly, and kept our activity to a minimum. 

After spending some time admiring the lake, we said goodbye and headed back to Lachen for lunch. Then, we picked up our bags from our hotel in Lachen and continued towards  Lachung . This city is bigger than Lachen in terms of facilities. The  hotel  we stayed in was decent and good for a night’s stay.

Day 4 - Yumthang Valley & Zero Point

On this particular day, our plan was to visit the stunning Yumthang Valley and Zero Point. This valley is known for its beautiful flowers and is home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. We were eagerly looking forward to experiencing the best view that the valley has to offer.

However, on our way, we were informed that there had been a landslide, and the road to Yumthang Valley was closed until further notice. We waited for a few hours, hoping that the roads would reopen, but unfortunately, they didn’t. So, we decided to turn back and head back to Gangtok. On the way, we stopped at Amitabh Bachan Falls, which is a very popular tourist spot.

The drive back to Gangtok was a nightmare as it began to pour heavily, and the visibility was very very low. We heaved a sigh of relief only when we finally reached our  hotel . It’s essential to note that the weather in Sikkim is very unpredictable and can change quickly, so it’s best to be aware of that.

Day 5 - Day trip to Namchi & Ravangla (South Sikkim)

Next day, we went on a day trip to Namchi and Ravangla. We visited Char dham in Namchi and Buddha park in Ravangla.

Char dham in  Namchi  has the replicas of all the dhams of India. Badrinath, Jagannath Puri, Rameshwaram and Dwarka. It is also popular for the statue of Lord Shiva. 

Buddha Park in  Ravangla  is popular for the 130 feet high statue of Lord Buddha.  

The other option would be – Gangtok city tour or visiting Nathula pass. Our initial plan was to visit Nathula pass but unfortunately our plan got cancelled due to heavy snow and landslide. Do note that the Nathula pass is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Day 6 - Heading back home

Next day,  our flight  was at 10.30 am from Bagdogra. So, we started quite early from Gangtok and headed back home after making a lot of memories in this trip.

If you have an extra day or two, I would suggest visit  Peiling  (West sikkim) or  Zuluk  (East Sikkim).

Things to know before you go!

Here are few things to keep in mind while planning a trip to Sikkim

1. There are mainly 4 different regions in Sikkim to explore – North, East, West and South. A trip to North is the most challenging due to weather and altitude. You would need at least 14 days to cover all the different regions.

2. Permits are required for most of the places and you can get those with the help of local tour agencies.

3. If you prefer comfortable accommodations, you can choose the North Sikkim Tour (Lachen – Gurudongmar – Lachung – Yamthang Valley) which includes only a cab and a driver. You will need to  book your own accommodation . 

Hope you find this blog helpful to plan your trip to the beautiful state of Sikkim, India. 

Also, let us know in the comments if have any questions. Happy to answer! or if you find our blog useful. Happy to know!

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Sikkim Sojourn: 7 Days Itinerary to Immerse Yourself in Nature

Ashish Verma

Sikkim is the land of pristine beauty and serene landscapes Known as a traveller’s paradise, the state is tucked away in the Himalayan foothills of India. 

With its lush green valleys, majestic mountains, and rich cultural heritage, the location offers a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. 

This Sikkim itinerary for 7 days is designed to immerse you in the breathtaking natural beauty. It will also allow you to explore its unique culture and traditions. You can also create a Sikkim itinerary for 6 days , depending on your convenience and comfort.

Travel across the bustling streets of Gangtok to the tranquil village of Lachung – all during your Sikkim tour . The picturesque town of Pelling is also worth exploring. Each destination on this journey promises unforgettable experiences. 

So, pack your bags, embark on this Sikkim sojourn, and follow this Sikkim itinerary to make the most out of it. Get ready for an adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Sikkim Tour Itinerary

Day 1: arrival in gangtok.

Your Sikkim sojourn begins in Gangtok. The capital of Sikkim is an integral part of your North Sikkim tour plan . This place will captivate you with its picturesque landscapes and vibrant aura. 

Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, you’ll be driven to Gangtok. It is approximately a 4- to 5-hour drive. So, if you arrive in the morning, you will get plenty of time to explore the city.

Check into your hotel and relax for the day so that you can be fresh to explore the places in the evening.

Hotel Suggestion

1. the royal plaza.

Location: Upper Syari, Deorali

Rating: 3.5/5

Estimated Cost: INR 4,500

Pros: Restaurant, lounge, kids’ meal

Cons: Limited access to hot water

2. Muscatel Grand Silkroute

Location: Arithang, Below Corporation Bank

Rating: 4.5/5

Estimated Cost: INR 3,200

Pros: Close to attractions, restaurant, bakery

Cons: Slow service

Places To Visit

As you are well-rested, it is time to explore what all Gangtok has to offer. Check out the attractions you can visit during your Sikkim trip itinerary .

1. MG Marg:  

In the evening, take a walk around the MG Marg, a popular shopping and dining street. Lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and a variety of vendors, it’s a great place for shopping, dining, and observations.

2. Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok:

These are two small temples that offer panoramic views of Gangtok and the surrounding mountains. They are perched on hills and are excellent spots for photography.

3. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: 

This institute houses an impressive collection of Tibetan artefacts, religious artworks, and a research centre for Tibetan studies. It’s a great place to learn about the region’s culture and history.

4. Enchey Monastery: 

Enchey Monastery is a place of great spiritual significance. It is a serene and historic monastery perched on a ridge. The architecture and the peaceful surroundings make it worth a visit.

Places to Eat

1. shuffle momos, 2. roll house, 3. café live & loud, day 2: explore gangtok.

Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Tsomgo Lake. This tourist attraction is located around 38 km from Gangtok. 

The lake promises breathtaking views and the opportunity to enjoy a yak ride. On your way back, visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. It is time to make the most of your Sikkim tour itinerary .

In the afternoon, explore the enchanting Banjhakri Waterfall and the Do Drul Chorten Stupa. Your North Sikkim tour plan can be easily covered in 2 days.

Day 3: Trip to Lachung

The next destination in your Sikkim itinerary is Lachung. This charming mountain village known for its pristine beauty and peace. 

The journey takes around 6-7 hours, but the scenic views make it worth the drive. On the way, you can visit Singhik Viewpoint for an awe-inspiring view of the Teesta River.

In the evening, take a walk around Lachung and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Hotel Suggestion in Lachung

1. yarlam resort.

Location: Lachung, Near Army Camp

Rating: 4/5

Estimated Cost: INR 7,800

Pros: Well-maintained, game room, BBQ facilities

Cons: Requires improvement

2. Lachung Pride

Location: Macha Tanky Road Katao

Rating: 4.2/5

Estimated Cost: INR 1,800

Pros: Room service, reasonable food prices, polite staff

Cons: Limited menu

Places to Eat in Lachung

1. lachung eyes, 2. café lachung, 3. sonam view point, day 4: yumthang valley and zero point excursion.

Your Sikkim tour is incomplete without visiting the “Valley of Flowers”.

1. Yumthang Valley

Early in the morning, proceed to Yumthang Valley. This is a paradise for nature enthusiasts with its vibrant blooms and hot springs. During spring, the valley comes alive with an array of colourful blooms, including primulas, rhododendrons, and orchids, creating a vibrant carpet of flowers.

2. Zero Point Excursion

Continue your journey to Zero Point, a location known for its stunning vistas and snow-capped peaks. It is the last point accessible by vehicle before the Tibetan plateau.

This inaccessibility adds to its allure. The drive to Zero Point is an adventure in itself, as you traverse rugged terrain, high mountain passes, and cross streams, giving you a sense of remoteness and isolation.

If you are an avid adventurer then this place is the right addition to your Sikkim trip itinerary .

Return to Lachung for another peaceful evening.

Day 5: Ravangla Exploration

The next city in your Sikkim itinerary for 7 days is Ravangla. It is a picturesque town located in South Sikkim, known for its lush landscapes and peaceful surroundings. You can reach the place within 5 hours.

If you leave early morning, you can check into the hotel and explore the place in the evening.

Hotel Suggestion in Ravangla

1. Hotel Zumthang

Location: Legship-Rabongla Road

Pros: Lawn, seating area, shared terrace

Cons: Small rooms

2. 9 Senses Group of Hotels

Location: 8937+76F

Rating: 3/5

Estimated Cost: INR 1,200

Pros: Bonfire, jungle safari, indoor games

Places To Eat In Ravangla

1. kookay restaurant, 2. rigzal restaurant & bar, 3. tathagata kitchen, places to visit in ravangla, 1. ralong monastery:.

Visit the beautiful Ralong Monastery, which offers a tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding hills.

2. Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal):

Explore the massive Buddha statue at Buddha Park, which is one of the tallest in the world. The park also provides breathtaking views of the mountains and the town.

3. Tea Gardens:

Sikkim is famous for its tea, and you can visit the Temi Tea Gardens near Ravangla to learn about tea cultivation and enjoy a peaceful walk among the lush plantations.

Cover these places for a memorable Sikkim tour and head on to your next destination.

Day 6: Visit To Pelling

Leave for Pelling, a serene town in the Himalayas. The drive takes around 2 hours. Upon arrival, proceed with check-in to your hotel to freshen up. It is time to explore the west side in your Sikkim trip itinerary .

Hotel Suggestion in Pelling

1. the elgin mount pandim.

Location: Monastery Road, Pemayangtse

Estimated Cost: INR 10,000

Pros: Close to attractions, spa, free breakfast

Cons: Expensive as compared to services

2. Magpie Chestnut Retreat

Location: 864V+88, Naku

Estimated Cost: INR 3,600

Pros: Kids’ play area, yoga, bonfire

Places to Visit

1. rabdentse ruins: .

Discover the charming Rabdentse Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you wander through the enchanting pathways, you’ll feel a sense of timelessness, surrounded by overgrown vegetation and mystic ambience. 

The intricately carved stone chortens and sculptures narrate tales of the kingdom’s glorious past.

2. Khecheopalri Lake: 

Take a stroll in the beautiful lake, known for its sacred and pristine waters. It is believed that the lake has the power to fulfil the wishes of those who visit with a pure heart. 

As you approach the lake, you’ll be entranced by the calm, mirror-like waters, reflecting the towering hills and lush vegetation that surround it.

3. Pemayangtse Monastery:

Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga from the viewpoint near the monastery.

4. Singshore Bridge: 

End your day by visiting the Singshore Bridge and experiencing a mesmerising sunset. This suspension bridge, suspended gracefully between towering cliffs, is one of the highest of its kind in Asia. 

As you step onto this swaying bridge, the sensation of walking amidst the clouds is an experience like no other.

Your Sikkim tour itinerary is completed here and comes with a promise of great adventures and memories.

Day 7: Departure

Your Sikkim itinerary for 7 days has come to an end. After breakfast, depart for Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station to catch your flight or train back home.

If you have some time, you can finish off your Sikkim tour by exploring some good café options near the airport.

Book Your Flights for the Sikkim Tour

This Sikkim itinerary will immerse you in the natural beauty of the northeastern state. It will also allow you to explore a rich culture and traditions. Remember that the best time to visit Sikkim is during the spring and autumn months. 

The weather is pleasant then and the landscapes are at their most beautiful. If you want, you can also create a Sikkim itinerary for 6 days by skipping Ravangla or Pelling.

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SIKKIM – A one-stop Travel Guide

Bordered by Bhutan , China’s Tibet Autonomous region and Nepal , Sikkim is that state in India which is special and unique from every perspective – geographical location, climate, diversity, culture and the list goes on. From frozen lakes in the north to vistas of tea gardens in the south, meandering roads in the east to beautiful shades of rhododendrons in the west, this tiny state has diverse landscapes and a myriad of experiences to offer.

Be it a backpacking trip, a vacation with family or a leisurely escape, Sikkim fits well into everyone’s idea of travel and unfolds many surprises during the course of one’s journey.

Having visited Sikkim multiple times, I have received unimaginable hospitality from my hosts and made great friends. It has been a place where I’ve listened to stories about heritage and culture from my hosts, where I’ve found myself exchanging travel stories with fellow travelers in a hostel dorm and where I have learnt the value of time.  

In this blog, I have attempted to combine all of these experiences to put out a well crafted source of information to help you plan your trip to Sikkim without any hassle.

Interesting facts about Sikkim

If you’re still not convinced on why Sikkim should be in your bucket list, here are few facts that will give you an idea why Sikkim is indeed special.

• Sikkim happens to be I ndia’s first fully organic state .
• World’s third highest mountain peak, Kanchendzonga , is located in Sikkim.
• There are about 227 high altitude lakes in this state.
• Kanchendzonga National Park , comprising of glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, forests and a rich flora and fauna has been declared as India’s first Mixed World Heritage Site by UNESCO .
• The state houses over 200 vibrant monasteries .
• Singshore Bridge, Asia’s second highest suspension bridge is situated in Sikkim.
• Red Panda , the state animal of Sikkim which is an endangered species can be spotted in their natural habitat here. Additionally, Sikkim hosts a winter carnival every year with the name “Red Panda Festival.”

How to reach Sikkim

Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri are the nearest airport and railway stations to Sikkim . Once you reach any of these two places, you’d probably want to get to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim to continue your journey further.

To reach Gangtok , you could either book a private vehicle or hop onto a shared vehicle . The wisest way to make the journey a comfortable one without spending much is to book two seats on a shared vehicle. Works best for budget travelers. You could also check out NE Taxi or Wizzride , which offers luxury vehicles on a shared basis.

Remember to keep your government IDs with you all the time. There’s a possibility that you might have to show it at the check post in the border of Sikkim.

How to travel within Sikkim

Trying to figure out how to travel from one place to another within Sikkim can take some time. I’ve attempted to break down all possible modes of transport that you can avail to travel within the state.

• For backpackers and budget travelers, shared sumos are the best means of conveyance to travel within various places in Sikkim. Initially it might appear a bit confusing but all you need to do is have a rough idea of the route or simply ask a local, they’d be more than happy to help. When you’re in Gangtok, remember the names of a few points like Deorali taxi stand and Rumtek taxi stand from where you can get tickets for other places like Ravangla, Pelling, Namchi, Geyzing, Jorethang and Singtam. Travelling in any of these routes would cost you between INR 100-300 , depending on the distance. A wise idea is to book two seats if you’d want to travel more comfortably without making a hole in your pocket by booking an entire cab. 
• More comfortable way to travel to various places within Sikkim is by booking a private vehicle. You can book them directly through your hotel, travel agents or can look up NE Taxi or Wizzride  online which offer reserved vehicles and sightseeing packages.
• To get from one place to another within Gangtok, the easiest way is to grab a local cab . They usually ply on shared basis but might insist you to reserve it. In any case, there is no possibility of you being cheated for money in Sikkim so you can rely on the rates the cabs ask from you.
• You can even hire bicycles if mountain biking interests you. Hub Outdoor is one such place from where you could get one for yourself.
• The most exciting one comes at the end. Sikkim is famous among bikers and road trip lovers for its versatile and adventurous roads. Pick up any random adrenaline junkie and traversing through the mountains on a RE would be their ultimate dream.  Biker’s Hub is one of the best places which can transform that dream into reality, on the roads of Sikkim. Calvin (Contact No: +91 9647237847), from Bikers Hub is an extremely calm, professional and knowledgeable person who can help you plan and execute your bike trip with his recommendations on routes and other details. The bikes are in top notch condition, necessary permits are made without any hassle and they even have in-house mechanics to deal with any glitch. You can trust them with eyes closed and set out on an epic road trip.

Best time to visit Sikkim

The months when the weather is pleasant in Sikkim are October to November and March to May . During this time, the roads to North Sikkim, Nathu La Pass are open and there is no risk of roads getting blocked due to heavy snowfall. The state receives heavy rainfall between June to September and landslides are a common phenomena during this period. Thus, traveling should be strictly avoided over these months. From mid-December to end of February, possibilities of roads being open for North and parts of East Sikkim are usually low. However, other parts of Sikkim are open and plans can be made accordingly.

Popular Tourist Hubs in Sikkim

Gangtok is the hub from where you may proceed to your next destination in Sikkim. It’s a well developed and a vibrant town with many interesting places to visit on a day tour. There are a plenty of chic cafes and restaurants serving authentic Nepali cuisines to relish on. Unlike many other towns in the hills, Gangtok is well lit till about 10pm and some of the pubs are open even beyond that time.

You may not have to allot too many days to explore Gangtok specifically but it can be a rest stop between covering North Sikkim and other parts. You may choose to add in a couple of extra days for Gangtok at the end of your trip so that you can relax a bit, indulge in some shopping and get your hands on souvenirs to take back home.

Where to Stay in Gangtok

• Hostels:  Tagalong Backpackers |  Zostel Gangtok
• Homestays:  Soenam la Homestay | The Other Side |  House of Meesu
• Budget Hotels:  Hotel Dew Pond | Hotel Karponang
• Luxury Hotels:  Netuk House | The Elgin Norkhil Resort and Spa | Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino

Where to Eat in Gangtok

• Baker’s Café for breakfast platters
• Nimtho for authentic Nepali cuisines
• Sass and Guff for Thai and Tibetan
• The Travel Café for great coffee, burgers and dessert
• Café Live and Loud for Pizza and cocktails

Nightlife in Gangtok

Café Live and Loud and Gangtok Groove are two of the most happening places in Gangtok that host live performances about twice a week, usually on Fridays and Saturdays. Along with vibe, the food is amazing too in both of these places. You should definitely not miss visiting any one of these two places. You could even try your luck at the casinos in Gangtok. Make sure you read the rules before you enter one.

Things to do in Gangtok

• Visiting Tsongmo lake (also known as Changu lake), Baba Mandir and Nathu la pass on a day tour from Gangtok is a must. You can book one of these trips from any local travel company that’s lined up near MG Marg or pre-book just to avoid last minute hassle. Your hotel or homestays would also be able to guide you on this. A shared trip would cost you between INR 800-1200 per person , depending on the season. Costs for private tours would go higher.
• Stroll at MG Marg in the evening, shop and explore the wonderful eateries.
• Visit Tashi View point to watch the sun rise above the snowcapped peaks of Kanchendzonga.
• Explore Rumtek, Enchhey and Ranka Monastery to dive deep into the essence of spirituality.
• Take a cable-car ride and capture drone-like shots from above.
• If you’re a book lover, you may opt to spend a laid back afternoon at the famous Rachna Books , a hub of cultural exchange and browse through their collection. If you’re lucky, you might find yourself in the middle of an open mic session or a live gig that this bookstore and cafe frequently hosts.

An important hub in the map of South Sikkim , Ravangla, is a fine blend of tranquility and spirituality. It is located 80 kms away from Gangtok and takes about 3 hours to reach . In Ravangla, you will often find yourself playing hide and seek between clouds. Being a comparatively slower town, it is a lovely place to spend a day or two and wake up to the gorgeous views of Himalayan peaks of Mt. Kanchendzonga, Mt. Sinialchu, Mt. Kabru and Mt. Narsing. 

Where to Stay in Ravangla

• Homestays: Seven Mirror Lake Homestay
• Hotels:  The Barfung Retreat | The Lindsay Everland | Vamoosetrail Rabongla

Where to Eat in Ravangla

Apart from the usual momos, you must try a bowl of thukpa, she-phaley and meat balls . You can try out these dishes at any local eatery in Ravangla to get an experience of the local food scene. Do not miss out Tathagata Kitchen near Buddha Park, a Sikkimese restaurant offering best tastes from the land.

Things to do in Ravangla 

• Buddha Park , also known as Tathagata Tsal situated within Rabong Gompa is the most popular tourist spot in Ravangla. The 130 ft high statue of Gautam Buddha, set against the backdrop of Himalayan ranges is a marvelous sight. The entire area is very well maintained and has ample space for visitors to sit and relax. There are souvenir shops and cafeterias where you could give a peek too. The park is open from 9 am to 5pm.
• Ravangla is the starting point of Maenam Hill Trek , which can be covered in a day. A steep trail through the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary would lead you to the highest point of the trek, at an altitude of 10,300 ft. You could expect to spot Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear and many species of deer on the trail. The view from the top is unimaginable, with an array of Himalayan ranges right before you. The valley of Kalimpong and Darjeeling are also visible on a clear day. If you intend to spend a night, you must carry all your camping gears and have a guide with you as there is no provision of hiring tents or camping gears in Ravangla.
• You could visit Doling Monastery and Seven Mirror lake , a fascinating spot which is not too famous among travelers yet, mostly because of the connectivity. You’d have to hire a cab to reach this place and get back to Ravangla as it is situated in a secluded area. If you have a bike with you, it would be quite convenient to visit this place.

Pelling is a spectacular destination in West Sikkim and a box full of treasure with a bundle of incredible places to visit. Apart from its enticing natural beauty, there are places of historical significance, spiritual relevance and architectural marvels. Pelling is on the verge of developing quite fast, with many luxury hotels being functional now. To cover Pelling and its surrounding places of interest, you should set aside at least three days. But in case you’re on a short trip, there are many companies that offer day long sightseeing packages combining the best of these places.

Where to Stay in Pelling

• Hostels:  Mochilero Ostello
• Homestays:  Khi Ga Thang | Laliguras Village Homestay
• Budget Hotels:  Delight The Touristo | Hotel Snow View
• Luxury Hotels:  The Aryan Regency | The Elgin Mount Pandim

Where to Eat in Pelling

• Melting Pot Restobar for Sikkimese and Chinese dishes; they have a great view from the seating area in the balcony.
• Taatopani Resto Bar for Sikkimese and Nepali cuisines.
• Lotus Bakery for baked items and tea.
• Hotel Hishella Bar and Restaurant , a multicuisine restaurant a few kms outside Pelling, is a good option for a stopover meal on the way out.

Things to do in Pelling 

• Visit the first skywalk of India in Pelling . Built adjacent to Sanga Choeling Monastery, this skywalk is the first of its kind. The pathway is made of glass and you’d be able to have a look down below while walking up to the 137 ft high statue of Chenrezig . It’s a thrilling experience that you should not miss at any cost.

• Make a visit to the 300 year old Pemayangtse Monastery . Built in the 17 th century, this monastery is home to a large collection of Buddhist art, murals and scriptures.

• Rabdentse Ruins set within chestnut groves and deciduous forests used to be the palace of Sikkimese Kings till 19th century. A walk through these ruins would be a subtle encounter with the history of Sikkim hills.
• A drive for an hour and half would reach you to Kecheopalri lake , considered holy among both Buddhists and Hindus. It is commonly known as a wish fulfilling lake. The waters are crystal clear and it is said that the birds pick up even a piece of leaf that falls on the waters. Visit this holy lake and spend half a day to witness time slow down before you as you watch the swirling prayer flags beside the lake.

• 33 kms away from Pelling is Singshore bridge, Asia’s second highest suspension bridge . Walk down this bridge 240m long bridge and look at the breathless view around you.
• You could also visit the several hot springs around Pelling , known for their medicinal properties.
• Make a quick stop at Bermiok Bazaar or Rural Artisan Marketing Centre to pick up some souvenirs.

Road trips in Sikkim

Even though you’re mostly on the roads while you’re visiting Sikkim, there are two specific routes that deserve a separate mention as a road trip, as driving these routes have been some of the Most Memorable Experiences in the Himalayas ,  for some travellers.

The Old Silk Route in East Sikkim

Previously a trade route between India and Tibet, the Old Silk Route is not yet explored at great lengths. Zuluk used to be the transit point in this route and is now a place for stopover while covering this stretch. There are many places from where one can start the journey.

An ideal start could be from Gangtok and head over to Tsongmo Lake, explore the Nathu la pass, cross the entire stretch of Zuluk and return to Gangtok circling the entire route.

The 32 hairpin bends makes it an ideal destination for unforgettable road trip. Do not miss to catch the sunrise from Lungthung Shiva sunrise point , deviate from the main road for a while to have a look at Heart lake , and take amazing photographs at Gnathang valley.

North Sikkim

It would not be an exaggeration if I say that a road trip to North Sikkim is a celestial experience. The surreal skies, lustrous snow, and bewitching high altitude lakes make North Sikkim look like a slice of heaven on earth.

The two hamlets Lachen and Lachung are the base in this trip where you’d be required to book your stay. From these two villages, you can head over to the places of higher altitude during the day.

The mesmerizing view of Gurudongmar Lake , situated at an altitude of 17,800 ft is the main highlight of a road trip to North Sikkim. Yumthang valley, Katao, Zero point add up to give you a once in a lifetime experience. You could also add Lhasar valley and Dzongu in your itinerary, two offbeat destinations in North Sikkim that do not attract the regular crowd.

7-Day itinerary for Sikkim

Day 1: Arrive at Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri and transfer to Gangtok . Spend the evening strolling in MG Marg.

Day 2: Leave for Lachen . Reach Lachen by late afternoon and explore the village on foot; head to Lachen monastery, enjoy bonfire after dinner.

Day 3: The drive for Gurudongmar Lake starts at 4am. Visit the spectacular high altitude lake and return to Lachen by 10am. Spend some leisure time and transfer to Lachung post lunch. Spend the night in Lachung.

Day 4:  Explore Yumthang Valley and Zero point . Transfer to Gangtok post lunch.

Day 5: Leave for Ravangla by 7am through the Temi Tea Estate route. Stop by the beautiful landscapes of Temi on the way. Visit Buddha Park and head to Pelling in the evening.

Day 6: Explore Pelling skywalk , Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Kecheopalri Lake on a day tour. Stayover in Pelling.

Day 7: Leave for Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri by 7am or earlier . You must book an evening flight/train or spend the night in Siliguri to take a flight/train the next morning, to be on the safer side.

Sikkim FAQs – Answered

Q – Do I need a permit to enter Sikkim?

Ans. An Indian National does not need any permit to enter Sikkim.

However, foreign nationals are required to have an Inner Line Permit to enter Sikkim that can be obtained from any Sikkim Tourism Office at New Delhi, Kolkata, District Magistrates Office of Darjeeling, Siliguri and Rangpo.

Q – What kinds of permits are required for Protected Areas?

Ans. For protected areas like Tsongmo lake, Nathu la Pass and North Sikkim , a Protected Area Permit is required for both Indian and Foreign nationals which is issued by the Sikkim Tourism Department and can be obtained through travel companies and tour operators.

In North Sikkim, areas beyond Singhik like Gurudongmar Lake, Thangu is a Restricted Area where only Indian Nationals are allowed to enter.

Q – Do I need any permit for visiting West and South Sikkim?

Ans. No, there is no permit required to visit West and South Sikkim for Indians.

The Inner Line Permit, issued while entering Sikkim is sufficient for Foreign Nationals.

Q – Can I visit North Sikkim without booking a package through a travel company?

Ans. Technically, no. You can’t visit North Sikkim without booking a stay-food-vehicle inclusive package from a registered tour agent because permits are not issued to individuals without making a booking.

However, if you’re going to North Sikkim on a bike, the bike rentals would arrange the permits for you and you’d have the option to book your accommodation yourself.

Things to remember 

• It is advisable to carry enough cash as you might not find ATMs everywhere and there might be no provision of making e payments.
• Have a rough idea of the map and carry offline maps or prints, just to avoid any hassle.
• Carry extra layers of warm clothes. It might get chillier than you’d expect.
• Carry backup batteries for your camera if traveling to remote places. There might be no provision for charging your camera.
• For once, let Google rest and approach the locals with your queries. They’d give you better recommendations.
•  Do not play loud music while traveling to remote areas. Respect the communities and the environment they’re used to be in.
• Do not miss out on having some hot maggi in local huts. Snow and maggi is the best travel combination.
• It’s advisable to carry your own steel or glass bottles and refill them. Sikkim is highly strict on the usage and disposal of plastic.
• Please do not litter any place you go to and stop others politely if they do.
• Read more about the regulations at  Official website of Sikkim Tourism .

Sikkim, best known for its hospitality will never fail you in any aspect. On your visit to Sikkim, you will not only collect photographs but stories. The best way to experience Sikkim is to go local, strike a conversation with fellow passengers in the vehicle, ask more about the place to your hosts. You will take back much more than you ever expected!

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Hailing from the foothill town of Siliguri, Michelle takes immense interest in storytelling, through words and photographs. Having a home so close to the mountains is what she considers a gift. A law student at present, she often takes time out to travel to the mountains and pen down her experiences. She believes in giving back to the community through volunteering in local projects and strongly supports community tourism.

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28 replies to “sikkim – a one-stop travel guide”.

I have been really trying to visit this place since so long but it just never happens. I hope I am able to explore this beauty soon as it the first place on my wishlist to visit.

I’m sure you’d get to be in Sikkim soon.

It is indeed a lovely place to explore, Such great captures I must say that and your description is lovely. Thanks for sharing this useful tips I am bookmarking this article for future.

Thank you. Yes, it is indeed a lovely place for many reasons – the natural beauty and the people. I hope the article will help you in future if you travel to Sikkim.

Wow! Such an informative post! I have been wanting to visit Sikkim for so long. The NE has a different kind of magic. Hoping that lockdown opens and travel begins!

North East is truly magical and Sikkim has a charm of its own. You should definitely visit Sikkim in future.

RAVANGLA looks like a great place. Love the detailing especially all the hotel options and details too. Now can’t wait to be there

Ravangla is indeed a beautiful place to be in. It will be worth the wait.

Your post is well researched and also pretty detailed. I haven’t traveled to that side ever but would like to keep your pointers in mind while traveling that side. I have added Kecheopalri lake, in my bucket list, who will not like to visit the wish-fulfilling lake. Amazing piece of article.

Thank you so much! Do spend a night in one of the homestays next to Kecheopalri Lake. You’d be thrilled to see clouds appear and disappear over the lake, right from your balcony!

This is the kind of Sikkim Itinerary with detailed brief I was looking for. Thanks for all the required info and the FAQ section which really helpful for me. I will consider this article as my Sikkim guide

Thanks a ton. I hope you get to travel to Sikkim soon!

Hey Michelle, I won’t be bragging if I say that I haven’t come across such an epic guide on Sikkim ever! Right from facts, travel info, costs, itinerary, and even some FAQs, you’ve covered more than enough for everyone! Too cool. Sikkim has always been on my list.

I hope this article would be of help to you when you make your trip happen. Thank you so much for reading.

Sikkim is mesmerizing. We did a road trip across Sikkim starting from Bagdogra and back to Bagdogra. Relived the moments of reading your post. We absolutely loved Ravangla and Pelling. Another highlight of course was our road trip from Gangtok to Nathula Pass.

I’s so glad you relived the memories of your trip to Sikkim. I missed on Nathu la pass due to excessive snow but would want to go back again some time.

This is a great place for a vacation and as you mentioned your post is the one stop shop for all details pertaining to the trip. Thank you for detailed information

Thank you so much. Yes, it’s a lovely place to spend vacation.

This is the best and most comprehensive blog on Sikkim… looking forward to visiting Sikkim now and live all these experiences.

Thank you so much. I really hope that you have a good time if you happen to visit Sikkim.

Gangtok, Ravangla and Pelling were my fav spots in Sikkim. Rode through it for a week and it was one of my best rides ever

I am really glad that you had a good time in Sikkim. You should definitely come back to ride through the Old Silk Route. It will make a once in a lifetime experience.

Sikkim has always been on my list forever but unfortunately, I have never had the chance to visit it. I would love to go there and see Gangtok first and then the other places. I really cannot wait to start traveling again and see India more.

Well, I too cannot wait to traveling again. I hope you make it to Sikkim some day.

Sikkim has been a dream destination for me for the longest time. I would’ve loved to pack my bags and head out the moment I read your post – but alas! This was definitely an extremely detailed and extensive guide. Thanks for the work you put into writing this – it’s much appreciated. Definitely bookmarking this for later!

Thank you so much for your appreciation. I have been to Sikkim thrice but I still feel that there is so much left to see. I hope the situation gets better and you make it there soon.

Hi.. I am definitely visiting Sikkim and abiding by your recommendations. Is it safe and popular for solo female traveller?

It is, extremely safe for solo female travellers.

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Sunday, 28 April 2024

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The perfect 10-day Sikkim Itinerary: Places to visit in Sikkim, India

If you want to visit India, then you should plan a Sikkim trip as well!

Here, you’ll be able to enjoy the mighty nature in an unaltered form. From old, impressive monasteries to frozen lakes, great hospitality services, and locals warmth, you’ll have it all here.

This perfect 10-day Sikkim itinerary shows you the best places to visit in Sikkim, India and the best Indian experiences to have here.

The recommendations for the perfect Sikkim trip and the useful tips for visiting Sikkim are presented by High On Himalayas and will help you have the best Sikkim vacation possible, admiring the best views, discovering the top attractions, the culture and more.

Dylan’s ‘Blowing in the wind’ plays in the car while you traverse though the winding roads in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. The snow-capped peak of Mt. Kanchendzonga engages in playing hide and seek and the green waters of Teesta River accompany you throughout your journey. Yes, that’s Sikkim, for you!

Sikkim, India’s first fully organic state is bordered by Bhutan, China’s Tibet Autonomous region, and Nepal .

With its rich culture, unique geographical location, climate and biodiversity, Sikkim is famous among all sets of travelers, be it a backpacker, family vacationer or anyone in between. Sikkim offers a myriad of experiences – frozen lakes in high altitudes, picturesque valleys with rhododendrons in full bloom, vast tea gardens and century old monasteries.

In the beautiful state of Sikkim, you’d receive out of the world hospitality and discover the best of nature. A visit to Sikkim is a must for every traveler who seeks to experience nature in its unadulterated form.

Go ahead to read this 10-day itinerary to know more about the destinations in this mountain state and experience an epic trip to Sikkim.

How to reach Sikkim

The nearest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport.

The nearest railway station to Sikkim is New Jalpaiguri.

From Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri take a private cab or a shared vehicle to Gangtok, which is the starting point of your trip.

This 10 days Sikkim itinerary includes:

Day 1: bagdogra to gangtok.

• Day 2: Explore Gangtok city

Day 3: Gangtok to Lachen

• Day 4: Gurudongmar Lake and Lachung
• Day 5: Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and back to Gangtok

Day 6: Gangtok to Ravangla and Kewzing

Day 7: explore kewzing, day 8: kewzing to pelling.

• Day 9: Kecheopalri Lake
• Day 10: Pelling to Bagdogra and fly out

Sikkim Itinerary – In detail

Your trip to Sikkim starts with an incredible journey from Bagdogra to Gangtok. Just as you cross the city of Siliguri , you’d be entering forests in Sevoke region, followed by the first sight of the Teesta River .

Watch out for the very famous Coronation Bridge built in 1937 that you will come across (but won’t cross) on your way.

After a drive of about 2.5 hours, you’d be entering Sikkim through Melli check post. Stop at Oasis Café in Majitar for a meal. This café with open seating, overlooking the Teesta River will mark the best start of your trip.

It will take you another 1.5 hours to reach Gangtok , the capital of Sikkim. Spend the evening strolling at MG Marg, the most chic spot in Gangtok.

Check out the cafes and pubs in MG Marg. Most notable ones are – Café Live & Loud, Sass and Guff, Nimtho, and The Coffee Shop.

Day 2: Gangtok sightseeing

Assigning an entire day to go around Gangtok would be a good idea, so the second day of this Sikkim Itinerary focuses on this city.

Though the city is well developed, it is entwined with history and culture at many junctures.

Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast consisting of a Himalayan platter at The Coffee Shop or Bakers Café and set off to explore the best of Gangtok.

Take a drive of 23 kms to visit Rumtek Monastery, the largest monastery in Sikkim and spend some time in the courtyard to soak the spiritual vibe.

Return to Gangtok and head to Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. This institute, built to promote scholastic and cultural research, houses a museum with an amazing collection of paintings, statues, scriptures, and artefacts to educate visitors about Tibetan Buddhism and culture.

Visit Tashi Viewpoint from where you’d be able to spot the snow-clad peaks of Kanchendzonga and it is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok.

While coming down from Tashi Viewpoint, stop at Banjhakri waterfall surrounded by a landscaped garden spread over 2 acres of land.

Also, visit The Flower Exhibition Centre, Do Drul Chorten, Enchhey Monastery and take a cable car ride over Gangtok city if time permits. One thing is clear: there are numerous Gangtok attractions worthy to be discovered!

Day 3 of the 10 days in Sikkim trip marks the beginning of an exciting road trip to North Sikkim, something that’s highly recommended in this Sikkim Travel Guide .

Try to leave as early as possible so that you can stop multiple times on the way. This journey, covering about 121 kms would take approximately 7 hours.

Stop at Singhik Viewpoint and Seven Sister Waterfall on the way, the two most popular spots in this route.

Lachen is a quaint secluded village in North Sikkim situated at an altitude of 9000 ft which serves as the base for heading to Gurudongmar Lake the next day.

If you manage to reach before evening, hike up to Lachen Monastery , one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim built in 1858.

The monastery is situated at a higher ground as compared to the village and offers a wide view of the entire village of Lachen. Drop in at the Handicraft Center to check and buy various items that are locally crafted. As you can see there are plenty of things to do in Lachen to include on your Sikkim itinerary.

Head back to your hotel and wait for a jaw-dropping experience that is going to come your way on the next day.

Day 4: Gurudongmar Lake and transfer to Lachung

The journey on your fourth day of your Sikkim vacation begins as early as 4am. It takes about 4 hours to reach Gurudongmar Lake from Lachen.

The weather conditions at Gurudongmar Lake start to deteriorate as the head progresses so it is advisable that you reach the spot early and head back early.

On your way, you’d be stopping at Thangu situated at an altitude of 13000 ft, the last village on this route. You can take a quick sip of tea or have some hot maggi to keep you warm.

The sight of the alpine meadows dotted with wooden houses is an absolute delight and will elevate your excitement of reaching Gurudongmar Lake.

Upon reaching Gurudongmar Lake, you’d realize that it is undoubtedly the major highlight on your trip to North Sikkim. Situated at 17,800 ft, this high altitude lake is surrounded by snow-covered Himalayan ranges.

Legends say that the lake was touched by Guru Padmasambhava after locals prayed to him for the scarcity of water in this area as the lake remained frozen throughout the year. The part of the lake that was touched by Guru Padmasambhava, never freezes, even during winters.

Thus, the lake is not only a treat to the eyes, but is also considered holy by the locals. After spending some time by the lake and taking pictures with all your heart and soul, return to Lachen for lunch.

Post lunch, drive to Lachung – the twin hamlet of Lachen, where you’d be spending the night.

Day 5: Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and transfer to Gangtok

Next on this Sikkim travel guide is a day when you’d be waking up at Lachung, the other hamlet in North Sikkim that serves as a base to explore places like Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and Katao .

Take a leisurely walk in the village if you find the time and you’d realize that it is the laid back life that makes this village so special.

Finish your breakfast by 7 am and head towards Yumthang Valley – the valley of flowers. This spectacular valley is also home to Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary and if you’re visiting in the spring season, you can expect to witness various shades of rhododendrons in full bloom, making the valley look no less than paradise.

From Yumthang Valley, head to Yumesamdong , more commonly known as Zero Point .

The sight at Zero Point, the last point where the road ends is awe-inspiring. You’d easily be tempted to sit back and keep staring at the majestic Himalayas for hours.

Head back to Lachung and leave for Gangtok post lunch. You’d be reaching Gangtok in late evening so staying in would be a better idea after the long and tiring journey.

Keep this day of your Sikkim tour only a bit lighter as you’d still be tired from the previous day’s long journey. After breakfast in Gangtok, start your journey to Ravangla .

It takes approximately 4 hours to reach Ravangla from Gangtok. You can choose the route through Temi Tea Estate, which is one of the most picturesque roads of Sikkim. The other route to reach Ravangla is via Yangang which happens to a bit shorter.

Upon reaching Ravangla , spend a little time at Buddha Park . Situated within Rabong Gompa, this park houses a 130 ft high statue of Gautam Buddha, set against the backdrop of Himalayan ranges.

With manicured gardens, souvenir shops, and cafeterias, Buddha Park is the most popular place of interest in Ravangla.

Do keep in mind that the park closes at 5pm. If you’re unable to make it on time, you can come back the next day.

After spending some time at Buddha Park, head to Kewzing , 10 kms down the Ravangla on the Legship-Ravangla road, where you’d be spending the night.

You’d soon realize that choosing to stay in a village homestay instead of a hotel in Ravangla town was definitely one of the best decisions taken by you on this Sikkim trip.

Relax at your homestay in the evening or engage in conversations with your hosts and take down details of any local activity they offer.

Kewzing, inhabited by the Lepcha and Bhutia families is a perfect example of community tourism. All the homestays are run by the families themselves who instantly make you feel at home.

Engage in activities like cooking sessions, village hikes, or guided bird-watching. If you want to spend more time outdoors, then head to Doling Monastery and Seven Mirror Lake , a very interesting place full of mystical energy.

Doling Monastery is not frequented with travelers as of now and thus you’d be able to spend a quiet time here. The mesmerizing sight of fluttering prayer flags and their reflections over the little lake is an indescribable sight.

Watch and listen to stories about the sacred objects in the premises like the footprint of deity Kanchendzonga and Lama Dorje Lingpa and how they happened to be placed in the monastery.

Return back to the homestay and relax by the fireplace. Almost all the houses are traditionally constructed old houses and are equipped with a fireplace. Experience the best of this rustic village life and gather memories of a lifetime.

On the eighth day of your Sikkim 10-day itinerary leave for Pelling, post breakfast. It takes about 1.5 hours to cover this distance of 40 kms. Check in to your hotel/homestay in Pelling.

You can visit the nearby attractions on this day.

Start with Sanga Choeling Monastery and Pelling skywalk , the first skywalk of India of this kind. The skywalk reached up to the 137 ft high statue of Chenrezig .

A walk over the skywalk made of glass while looking down below is a thrilling experience you should not miss.

On the same day, also visit the 300-year-old Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse Ruins , which used to be the palace of Sikkimese Kings till the 19th century.

A visit to these two places would subtly take you back in time to the rich history of Sikkim.

Day 9: Khecheopalri Lake

Dedicate this whole day to explore Khecheopalri Lake and the nearby places. Start your day early and head towards Khecheopalri Lake. Stop at Rimbi Waterfalls and Rimbi Orange Garden on the way.

It won’t take you more than 1.5 hours to reach Khecheopalri Lake, which is considered to be a wish-fulfilling lake . This lake is holy among both Buddhists and Hindus.

With crystal clear waters, this lake is a manifestation of how time slows down in Sikkim. Spend a leisurely afternoon beside the lake, explore the village and head back to Pelling.

You’d be heading to the airport the next day and so it is advisable to prepare to leave as early as possible.

Day 10: Pelling to Bagdogra

This day marks the end of your trip to Sikkim. Leave from Pelling as early as 7am. It takes about 4 hours to reach Bagdogra from Pelling so your flight should be scheduled for late afternoon or the evening.

If there are no evening flights to your destinations, you may choose to spend this night in Siliguri/Bagdogra and fly back the next morning.

Recommendations for making the best out of your Sikkim trip

To get a more authentic experience of this state, choose homestays run by locals over hotels. They’d be able to give you insights and recommendations of the unexplored parts of Sikkim. And who doesn’t fancy a homely meal by the fireplace, while listening to age old stories!

Places like Gangtok and Pelling now have many hostels for backpackers. These hostels are great places to socialize with other travelers and have great conversations.

Sikkim is an absolute favourite for bikers. A road trip to the Old Silk Route would be an incredible experience. Check our Bikers Hub in Chandmari area in Gangtok for renting bikes in the most hassle-free manner.

If you cannot make it to North Sikkim for a shortage of time or would want to add in a day to explore East Sikkim, make a day tour to Tsongmo Lake and Nathu La Pass. This will give you a glimpse of the snowy Sikkim.

Plan your trip in the spring season which lasts between April and May. This is the time when the valleys are in full bloom, making it look like a slice of heaven.

Things to remember before planning your trip to Sikkim

An Indian National does not need any permit to enter Sikkim. However, they’d need a Protected Area Permit to travel to Tsongmo Lake, Nathu La Pass, and North Sikkim. These permits can be arranged only through a tour operator.

A foreign national needs an Inner Line Permit to enter Sikkim which can be obtained easily at the check-post while entering Sikkim or any Sikkim Tourism Office at New Delhi, Kolkata, District Magistrate’s Office of Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Rangpo.

Foreign nationals are not allowed to travel to North Sikkim due to security reasons and its close proximity to the border of China. However, they can travel up till Singhik in North Sikkim till where a permit is not required.

To travel to North Sikkim, it is mandatory to book an accommodation-travel-food inclusive package from a registered tour operator.

It is advisable to carry enough cash as you might not find ATMs everywhere except for bigger towns like Gangtok and Pelling and there might be no provision of making e-payments as well.

Do remember to carry power banks and backup batteries for your camera if traveling to remote places. There might be no provision for charging your camera.

It’s advisable to carry your own steel or glass bottles and refill them. Sikkim is very strict on the usage and disposal of plastic.

If traveling to North Sikkim, carry extra layers of warm clothes. Temperatures often reach minus degrees and it might get colder than what you expect.

People with breathing conditions should avoid going to Gurudongmar Lake as the air is very thin and oxygen levels are low.

Children below 10 years of age are not issued entry permits to travel to North Sikkim.

Avoid traveling to Sikkim in the monsoon and winter months and the conditions of the roads deteriorate and landslides often take place. Permits too are not issued generally.

Be respectful of the local communities and the environment and do not play loud music while traveling to remote areas.

Read more about the regulations at http://www.sikkimtourism.gov.in/Webforms/General/Default.aspx

Concluding thoughts of this Sikkim trip

Sikkim will keep on unfolding many surprises before you. If this is the first time you’re going to travel to Sikkim, you’d surely be convinced to come back for the second time to explore the remaining places and there are plenty of them. These 10 days would fill you with an inexplicable sense of joy and contentment; a reassurance that travelling to Sikkim is the best decision you’ve made in a while.

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One of India’s best and fast-growing Community of Himalayan Lovers # HighOnHimalayas – One Source for all your Himalayan Inspiration. You can follow them on Instagram and Facebook .

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The Ultimate Sikkim Itinerary

Situated in the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is one of the most beautiful states of India. It boasts of the third highest mountain in the world, Mt. Khanchendzonga which is also worshipped as the Guardian Deity of Sikkim. Sikkim is blessed by Nature in all aspects, from snowy mountains to medicinal hot-springs.

It is a destination for all seasons and here is how you can make the most of it –

DAY 1: In and around Gangtok

• Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Enchey Monastery (you can squeeze this into day 2, though I wouldn’t suggest that)
• Tashi view point – Spectacular view of Kanchenjunga and Siniolchu and nearby located Labrang Monastery and Phodong Monastery (can be seen on the way to North Sikkim)
• Rumtek Monastery, Lingdum Monastery, Banjhankri falls, Bakthang falls (Banjhankri falls has a fun park as well with sculptures and children’s playground and a small food court as well)
• Aritar lake (in Rongli subdivision, 3.5 hrs. drive)
• Himalayan Zoological Park (The state animal of Sikkim is Red Panda)

DAY 2: East Sikkim

A day’s trip from Gangtok to

• Tsomgo lake, NathuLa Pass and Baba Harbajan Temple
• Zaluk It’s a small village and a transit point within the Silk Route. A great attraction of Zuluk lies in watching the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjungha and its allied peaks from Thambi View Point (around 14 kms away) at 11,200 feet. That’s possible only if you stay- there are some basic homestays available if you’re interested. But this is not suggested in summer months and in monsoon because it often gets foggy and the landslides are a regular occurrence.

DAY 3: Rest at Gangtok, visit places around (you may follow schedule from day 1)

Days 4, 5, 6: north sikkim.

Sadly, I couldn’t go to North Sikkim during my visit to Sikkim because of a road-block. But here is what makes North Sikkim a MUST visit:

• Places enroute- Kabi Lungchok, Phensang monastery, 7 sister falls, Phodung monastery
• Yumthang Valley side (Lachung, Yumthang, and Yumesamthong)
• Gurudongmar lakeside (by the river Teesta, Tarum hot spring- off-road, Lachen, Thangu, Chopta valley- off-road, Gurudongmer lake)

DAYS 7, 8, 9: West Sikkim

About  4 hours drive to the main city- Gyalzing. You can reach Pelling (which is half an hour ride away from Gyalzing) and make Pelling your base for next two days to visit the nearby attractions of West Sikkim.

• Rabdentse Palace ruins, Pelling, Darap, Khecheopalri Lake, Khangchendzoga falls, Yuksam – Phamrong Falls, Tashiding monastery
• Chagey falls, Singshore Bridge – takes you to the Mainbaas falls.
• Yuksom – Dubdi Monastery (oldest monastery in Sikkim), Coronation Stone. Yuksom is also the starting point of many treks of the higher eastern Himalayan region.

At Pelling, you will find many tour agencies which offer you one day tour covering most of these sites (except Yuksom) for as low as 350-400/- in shared taxis (8-10 people).

DAYS 10/ and 11: South Sikkim

• Ravangla (Buddha Park)
• Namchi (Siddhesvara Dham, Samdruptse)
• Temi Tea Garden (you can opt to stay one day in the resorts near Temi)

Drive back to Gangtok, rest, go for a short and relaxing walk, shop and eat a fine dinner or go café-hopping. Gangtok has a crazy night-life. Almost all the pubs and café have live music scenes. Your Sikkim trip is incomplete if you come back without rocking Gangtok at one of those karaoke nights!

Helicopter rides from Gangtok:

Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation operates 5 seater helicopter tours from Gangtok. You can contact at the office for reservation at below given address. Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation Tourism & Civil Aviation Department Building, M.G Marg, Gangtok. Phone: 03592-203960/281372

India nationals only require a permit for North Sikkim and East Sikkim (Nathu La).

It can be collected from Sikkim House in Delhi, Kolkata and Rongpo. Some of the destinations within Sikkim come under restricted or protected categories. These areas can be accessed with special permission from Sikkim Police.

Foreigners must obtain Restricted Area Permit (RAP) from Sikkim Tourism Offices at Delhi, Kolkata, Siliguri and Rangpo. The total permissible duration of stay to the foreign tourist is 60 days. Initially, 30 days duration permit is issued on production of photocopies of the passport and visa details along with two passport photos. A permit can be further extended twice for 15 days each. The extension of the permits can be obtained from Foreigners Registration Office at Gangtok and SP Office in North, West and South Districts.

For trekking in the interior region of the state, the Department of Tourism issues Protected Area Permit (PAP) at Gangtok which is available for groups consisting of two or more foreigners subject to the condition that the trekking program is arranged through a registered travel agency.

There are packages available with local tour agencies for East and North Sikkim. Also, there are permits required for both these sides so it’s wiser to go through them unless you want to try your hand at going through the process yourself. You can opt for a shared taxi (usually a sumo) or hire a cab be depending upon your feasibility. Make sure you ask them about hotel pick up and drop to avoid any nuisance later.

(Contact Soul Trails in case of any travel query or a personalized itinerary for Sikkim with hotel and other recommendations)

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Classic Sikkim Itinerary For 9 Days

Wanting to explore Sikkim for a long time? So here’s our classic Sikkim Itinerary for 9 days to help you discover the magical Sikkim in a whole new way.

                Sikkim Itinerary For 9 Days

Nestled in the North Eastern part of India, Sikkim has so much to offer to its visitors. Charming landscapes, monasteries, Flower-cad Mountains, waterfalls, lakes, hot springs, culture centres, you name it, and Sikkim has it.

We hope this Sikkim Itinerary will help you plan a perfect trip! Let us begin! 🙂

Itinerary At A Glance

Day 1: Fly to Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Gangtok

Day 2&3: Explore Gangtok

Day 4-6: Explore North Sikkim (Lachung, Lachen)

Day 7&8: Explore Pelling

Day 9: Transfer to Bagdogra.

North Sikkim areas are little challenging in terms of infrastructure and roads. Therefore, in case this makes you anxious, skip North Sikkim and visit only Gangtok and Pelling. 

Day-wise Breakdown of Sikkim Itinerary

This blog covers the West and North of Sikkim.

Day 1- Fly into Bagdogra

Arrive at Bagdogra Airport and opt for the most comfortable and speediest option – Taxi, to Gangtok.

We would suggest you to book the Taxi in advance to get some best deals and avoid haggling with taxi drivers at the Airport .

Distance and Time

  Distance to Gangtok is about 140 Kms and driving time is about 4.5 to 5 Hours.

Taxi Fare from the Airport to Gangtok:

Depending on small or big taxi, fare should cost you around INR 3000 to INR 4000. If you are on a budget trip, share a taxi and your cost will go down significantly.  

For more details on how to reach Sikkim, visit the website of Government of Sikkim

Day 2 & 3 – Explore Gangtok

Gangtok is the largest town in Sikkim and rich in culture and sightseeing, outstanding hotels, friendly locals and good eateries.

Places Recommended In Gangtok

1. Ramtek Monastery. ( Appreciate its beautiful interiors and acquaint yourself with nearby Monasteries. )

2. Hanuman Tok

3. Immerse yourself in the culture of Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

4. Enjoy Gangtok Ropeway to witness wonderful views of the town

5. Visit Tashi View point for sunset

6  Enchey Monastery 

7. In the evenings, go wandering on MG road. Pick up souvenirs and enjoy local food such as momos  (dumplings) and thupka (noodle soup) .

If you are not visiting North Sikkim, then rent a car and take a day trip to Tsomgo/Changu Lake. It is about 2 hour drive from Gangtok. A trip should cost you around INR 3000- INR 3200.

Do not forget to eat the Maggi that is served in some of the small dhabas near this lake. 🙂

If you are  visiting North Sikkim and are short on time, you can give this Lake a miss, as you will see lots of lakes and waterfalls in North Sikkim.  

If you are an adventure lover, there’s so much for you to do in Gangtok! These are some top activities to do in Gangtok .  

Day 3 – Excursion to Changu/Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass from Gangtok  

Nathula can be an optional tour. Leave the hotel early morning and drive for 2 hours (40 km).

Cuddled amidst the snow-clad mountain, and pristine water, Tsomgo lake is a glacial lake located at an altitude of 12,310 feet.

Nathula Pass is a mountain pass, and the Indo-Chinese border is nestled at an elevation of 14,140 feet.

This trip is usually combined with Lake Tsomgo. Marked by the fenced gates of both countries, and military bunkers on both sides, you can see the border is guarded by respective countries.

Nathu-la Sikkim

Due to high altitude, the oxygen level in the air is quite low, and few can face breathing issues. Nathula is a protected area. A special permit is required from the Tourism office of Gangtok to visit this place.

The permit is made through a travel agent (authorized by Sikkim Government). Private taxis or self-driven cars are not allowed. For more details, please click here.

Day 4 – Explore North Sikkim

Start your day early. You will drive to Lachen, which is about 135 km, about 5 to 6 hours.

Next couple of days, you will be spending most of your time in your rental car, so gear yourself up for bad roads and stock some snacks, good music and lots of positivity! 🙂

Lachen is a small fantasy town located at an elevation of 2,750 meters and commands panoramic Himalayan Mountain views. On your way to Lachen, stop for some wonderful photographs or just sip a cup of tea. You can also take a lunch break at Chungtang, which is about 100 kms from Gangtok and 35 Kms from Lachen.

Day 5 – Excursion to Gurudongmar Lake and Transfer to Lachung

Leave your hotel early morning and drive for about 4 hours to visit this lake. 

Gurudongmar Lake  is one of the highest and most remote lakes in the world and a definite place to visit in Sikkim. The road isn’t that good, and drive time may vary. However, once you reach this scenic place, we bet you will not be able to get your eyes off it. 

Bright blue sky and fresh mountain air will summon you to surrender yourself.

After admiring the beauty, head towards  Lachung , which is about 5 hour’s drive, 113 km. Overnight in Lachung.

Day 6 – Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and transfer to Gangtok

Today is your last day in North Sikkim, and we promise you that visiting Yumthang Valley will be a treat for your eyes. During winter, the valley is covered with snow-peaked mountains and in spring, with purple colour flowers.

Most importantly, if the idea of snow mesmerises you, then continue to Zero Point, which is about 40 minute drive.

During summer, you may find snow at Zero point, but you may not experience snowfall. On your way back to Gangtok, stop for tons of waterfalls. Stay overnight in Gangtok.

Yumthang Valley

Day 7 & 8 – Explore Pelling

Here we go again!

Keep an early alarm and proceed for a bumpy road drive to Pelling. That being said, the drive is definitely worth it! Pelling is a small hill town located at an altitude of 2,150 and perhaps the biggest tourist destination after Gangtok.

Spend next 2 days in rejuvenating yourself, chasing waterfalls and appreciating mountains. 

Here are some of the places that we recommend:

1. Permayangtse Monastery – This monastery is 8 kms from Pelling

2. Rabdentse Ruins – Close to Permayangtse Monastry is this archaeological site which has ruins of an  ancient palace .

3. Pelling Helipad –  It is about 1 km from Police check post and 7 kms from central Pelling. This place offers brilliant panoramic views of Kanchenjunga mountain range.

4. Kanchenjunga Falls and Rimbi Falls.

Day 9 – Transfer to Bagdogra Airport

Here we are with the last part of our road travel! The approximated distance to the airport is about 142 Kms and duration will be around 5 to 6 hours.

Relish your memories of lakes, waterfalls, mountains, monasteries and local food as you take your flight back home.  

That’s a wrap! Hope this Sikkim itinerary is useful and helps you make unforgettable memories. 

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Suggested Read: “Visit these countries under INR 60,000”

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Sikkim was its own mountain kingdom till 1975 and still retains a very distinctive personality. The meditative, mural-filled traditional monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism coexist with Hindu shrines of the ever-growing Nepali community, with both religions creating some astonishing latter-day megasculptures to adorn the skyline.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Sikkim. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Buddha Park

With a breathtaking backdrop of Himalayan peaks, the gigantic, 41m-tall Buddha statue is one of Sikkim's most iconic sights. Finished in 2013, it's…

Resum Gompa

This wobbly old temple is a peaceful, half-forgotten delight with appealingly naive paintings and an incredible 360-degree mountain panorama. There's no…

Norbugang Park

All aflutter with prayer flags, the Norbugang 'coronation park' is a historic woodland garden containing a small temple, a huge prayer wheel, a chorten…

Visible for miles, this 45m-high statue of Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) is painted in shimmering copper and gilt and sits on a lotus plinth high above…

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

The NIT's 1958 core building feels like a Tibetan fantasy palace, with corner towers, colourful mural frontage and a forest-glade setting. The main hall…

This unmissable feast of colour is a remarkable Hindu religious theme park crowning Solophuk hilltop, 5km southwest of Namchi. It brings together replicas…

Tsuklakhang

Gangtok's 'royal' monastery has a very impressive centrepiece temple whose superb interior incorporates a pair of carved dragon columns flanking the main…

Rumtek Gompa

Rumtek is Sikkim's most spiritually significant monastery complex. It's essentially a self-contained village with a colourful main prayer hall that was…

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Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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Read-and-go: the perfect Sikkim itinerary

By Charukesi Ramadurai

The Himalayan state of Sikkim was once rightly dubbed ‘the hidden kingdom' after a book by the same name by Alice Kandell. The mighty  Kanchenjunga , considered a benevolent protector, dominates the region, making itself visible from various points within the state. As the mercury rises across the country in May, Sikkim provides a much-needed retreat. Here's a good way to cover the state's best attractions:

Begin at Gangtok

Walk up and down the pedestrian-only MG Road, stopping for hot momos and chowmein at one of the various cafés on the street.

Make a day trip to Tsomgo lake (called Changu by locals), located in the middle of snow-covered mountains. Here, you can ride on a docile yak or pose for photographs next to one. From there, head on to Nathu-La (open to Indian visitors only on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday), on the Indo-Chinese border to play in snow and wave at Chinese soldiers on the other side.

Pay a visit to the monasteries in and around Gangtok, in particular, the stunning Enchey and Rumtek.

Take a ropeway ride (open from 8.00am to 4.30pm) up to the highest point in Gangtok for fabulous views of the town and the surrounding valley.

Where to stay The Mayfair Gangtok  comes with a spa and a casino and is set amidst lush greenery away from the bustle of the town. The Oriental  is another popular hotel in the heart of Gangtok.

Go west to Pelling

Path to the Khecheopari lake. Photo: Charukesi Ramadurai

Pelling is not for active vacationers since there is nothing much to do here. But take long walks on shaded mountain roads and gaze in awe at the Kanchenjunga. The views are spectacular, especially after the monsoon (between October and February).

A must-visit in this region is the Pemayangtse monastery, one of the oldest in Sikkim, founded in 1705. If you are lucky and the skies are clear, the Kanchenjunga may be visible clearly from here.

Visit the Khecheopari Lake, also known as the ‘wishing lake' and considered sacred by the Sikkimese. Indeed, this is a place of worship for both local Hindus and Buddhists , and surprisingly clear of tourist traps. The path to the lake is studded with prayer wheels on either side, while colourful prayer flags whirl in the wind closer to the water.

If you happen to be there on a weekend, look out for local haats (markets) where farmers from the area bring in their produce for sale; it makes for a lively and colourful morning.

For those really bitten by the travel bug, a trip to Yuksam village 38km away is recommended. Yuksam is the starting point for a tough trek into the Kanchenjunga National Park. Spend your day ambling down the narrow main road, snacking on chilli-cheese toast and tea at Guptaji's small café, and watching the clouds play hide and seek with the mountains surrounding you.

Where to stay In Pelling, stay at the Elgin Mount Pandim Hotel , close to the Pemayangtse monastery. It also comes with a spa in case you want to soothe those aching muscles after long drives on the mountain roads.

Go north to Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmark lake. Photo: Charukesi Ramadurai

This is the most popular circuit among visitors to Sikkim. You can start your day early and head north to Gurudongmar lake situated at a (literally) breathtaking 17,000ft. Most vehicles take a compulsory halt for an hour at Thangu village at 14,000ft for breakfast, and more importantly, to get you acclimatised to the altitude. Enjoy the ride thereon through a surreal moonscape path, which affords plenty of photo-ops. Go prepared with layers and layers of woolies and the idea that you will feel disoriented at that height and for perhaps a couple of hours after you descend.

Condé Nast Traveller

Laura Lai Coughlin

Geetika Sachdev

The next morning, make your way to Yumthang, a mere 24 kilometres from Lachung and at a relatively more comfortable altitude of 12,000ft. The road leading to Yumthang, known as the  ‘valley of flowers' is well laid and lined with rhododendron trees. This area comes under the protected Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (home to over 24 species of this flower) and is especially pretty during the summer when the ground is covered with flowers of all colours. Yumthang is the stuff of picture postcards, with snow-capped mountains on all sides, and the crystal clear Yumthang river flowing through the meadow.

Where to stay Lachung and Lachen villages are the base for Yumthang valley and Gurudongmar lake respectively. The Fortuna  is one of the most popular and comfortable hotels in this area. Accommodation otherwise is mostly basic and not very luxurious there–discuss your options with your tour operator before you leave. The friendliness of the locals, the pure mountain air and the freshwater springs all around more than make up for any mild discomfort you may experience.

Note: You cannot rent or drive your own vehicle in Sikkim since many places require special permits. Therefore you need to arrange for excursions through an authorised tour operator in Gangtok. For North Sikkim, it is best to take a package that includes your travel, stay and food from one of the authorised tour operators who line MG Road.

The Ultimate Guide to Sikkim in 10 days

Ultimate Guide to Sikkim

Sikkim is one of the smallest states in India, but nonetheless one of the most beautiful places nestled in the heart of the majestic Himalayas. The place is simply enchanting with lofty Himalayan peaks, green valleys, mystical lakes, ancient monasteries and a rich variety of flora and fauna. The snow-clad Kanchenjunga peaks dominate the skyline of the region and the Sikkimese consider Kanchenjunga as their guardian deity.

Apart from the natural beauty and biodiversity of the small state, Sikkim is known to preserve and protect its cultural heritage. The only Lepcha Reserve area is at Dzongu in North Sikkim. The people of Sikkim have developed an inimitable lifestyle of their own, all guided and influenced by their ancient faith.

Sikkim is also known as the ‘kingdom of flowers’ with more than 4000 varieties of wild flowers, trees, orchids grown in the state. The place is simply a heaven for botanists and bird watchers. It is a perfect place for a long vacation in the beautiful mountains!

Permits to visit Sikkim

Indiand do not require permits to visit Gangtok and South Sikkim. All foreign nationals require Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit any part of Sikkim including Gangtok.

But for some specific areas in Sikkim, there are restrictions for all visitors including Indians. The areas like Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, Nathula, Yumthang Valley, Gurudongmar Lake, Dzongri, Dzongu are defined as Protected Areas and have special army deployment. Both foreigners and Indians require a separate permit known as Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit such places. But foreigners are not allowed to visit the border areas like Nathula Pass and Gurudongmar Lake. In Sikkim, the only way you can get a permit for these areas is through a registered tour operator or travel agent.

10 Days Itinerary in Sikkim

After you arrive at Gangtok, roam around the quaint capital city of Sikkim. Gangtok is situated at a height of 5410 feet in east Sikkim and is mainly inhabited by the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. Stroll around the M. G. Marg and you will feel that you are not in India! Sikkim is a clean state and they do take their cleanliness seriously. So littering the beautiful boulevard is a big no. As the sun sets, the M G Marg becomes more beautiful with all the light and sound.

And while you are roaming around the city, don’t forget to give your ID proofs and photographs to the travel agent so that they can get your permits for the next days.

M G Marg, Gangtok

Accommodation:

Gangtok has a number of hotels catering to all budgets near the M G Marg. It is better to stay near the M G Marg.

Places to eat: Again the M G Marg is the best option with a number of cafes and restaurants.

Exploring Gangtok

Spend this day for Gangtok Sightseeing. There are 3 points, 5 points, 7 points and Mixed points tours available. Since you have the whole day in hand, it is better to opt for a mixed point tour. You will visit the Tashi View Point from where you would get a breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga range. You will also visit the Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Bakthang Waterfall and Enchey Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim. The mixed point tour also offers you to visit either the Rumtek Monastery or the Ranka Monastery. I would suggest you to visit the Rumtek Monastery.

Rumtek Monastery

Tsomgo Lake

Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake – Nathula – Gangtok

Gear up for a long day as you will visit the Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass. Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake at an altitude of 12310 ft. You can also go for yak rides near the lake. Baba Mandir is a memorial built in the memory of Harbhajan Singh, a soldier from the Punjab Regiment who was posted here. The army believe that Baba Harbhajan still protects them in this difficult terrain. A further drive will take you to the Nathula Pass at 14410 ft. The Nathula Pass used to be the silk trade route between India and Tibet.

After this wonderful visit to the Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass, you will return to Gangtok for a good nights rest, because the next days will have long rides.

Tsomgo Lake (Courtesy: Wikimedia)

Gangtok – Lachen

Start early from Gangtok towards Lachen. Lachen is a beautiful destination in North Sikkim. On the way, you can stop at the Seven Sisters Falls and the Phodong Monastery. The distance from Gangtok to Lachen is 121 km, but it takes 6 – 7 hours to reach there because of the road conditions. On reaching Lachen, spend your time exploring the beautiful village surrounded by the hills and mountains.

Lachen also has a number of hotels, homestays and resorts. Talk to your travel operator who is arranging your North Sikkim trip about your hotel preference.

Places to eat: There are not many eateries in Lachen except a few small ones that serves tea, Maggi and delicious momos. You will get your main meals from your hotel or homestay.

Gurudongmar Lake

Lachen – Gurudongmar – Lachung

You have to start very early this day in order to visit Gurudongmar Lake. The lake, considered holy among the Hindus and Buddhists is the largest lake in Sikkim and one of the highest in the world. On your way towards Gurudongmar, you will visit the beautiful Chopta Valley that remains full of flowers during the soring and snow-covered during the winters. After visiting Gurudongmar Lake, drive back to Lachung, another beautiful village in the Sikkim hills.

Once you reach Lachung, try to visit the Lachung Monastery.

Lachung too has a number of hotels, homestays and resorts.

Places to eat: Just like Lachen, there are not many eateries in Lachung except a few small ones that serves tea, maggi and delicious momos. You will get your main meals from your hotel or homestays.

Lachung – Yumthang Valley – Gangtok

Yumthang Valley is also called the Valley of Flowers of Sikkim. During April and May, the whole valley is filled with blooming rhododendrons. It is a majestic sight. A few kilometers further is the Zero Point. This is the place where three rivers meet and the surrounding snow-clad mountains and offering marvelous scenic views. Zero Point generally remains snow covered for most part of the year.

After visit to Yumthang Valley, return back to Gangtok.

Yumthang Valley in snow

Gangtok – Pelling

Start off towards Pelling through scenic hilly roads, tiny hamlets and beautiful landscape. Pelling is a small hill town in Sikkim at an altitude of 6800 ft with magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Pelling is known for its breathtaking views, natural landscapes and beautiful waterfalls.

Accommodation: Pelling has a number of hotels, homestays and resorts.

Places to eat: There are a few good restaurants in the main area of Pelling. Do try the delicious momos or dumplings from here.

Kanchenjungha Waterfalls, Courtesy: Wikimedia

Pelling Sikkim

Exploring Pelling

Explore Pelling as much as you can. Visit the ancient Pemyangtse monastery, Rimbi falls, Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjungha Waterfalls, Darap Village, Rabdentse ruins and Singshore Bridge. You can also visit the Pelling Helipad Ground that will give you a panoramic view of the valley beyond.

Khecheolpalri Lake, Courtesy: Wikimedia

Rinchenpong

Pelling – Rinchenpong

Rinchenpong is a slightly offbeat deatination in West Sikkim. Start early from Pelling and you will reach Rinchenpong within 2 hours. The main attraction of this place is the great views of the Kanchenjunga ranges. Take the whole day to explore the beautiful town. Visit the Rinchenpong Monastery, the ancient Resum Monastery and the Poison Lake.

Accommodation & Food: Rinchenpong has a few good hotels. As for food, there are few restaurants in the market area. It is better to have food from the hotel you are staying.

Rinchenpong – Siliguri/Bagdogra

Return back to Bagdogra or Siliguri for your return journey.

How to reach Gangtok:

The Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport. But the Pakyong Airport near Gangtok is going to be functional soon.

The nearest Railhead is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). From Bagdogra/Siliguri/NJP, you can take a shared sumo or hire a car to Gangtok.

Moving around in Sikkim:

For North Sikkim and Tsogmo Lake & Nathula Pass, you have to take the help of a registered travel Agent to get the permits and vehicles. For North Sikkim, the operators provide 2N/3D packages for Lachen and Lachung. Compare with a few operators and choose the best one that suits you.

For Pelling, you will get shared cab. For the sightseeing in Gangtok, Pelling and Rinchenpong again, you have to hire a cab.

Best Time to visit Sikkim:

You can visit Sikkim at any time of the year except the monsoons. Rains are unpredictable in the mountains and the road conditions remain bad due to landslides.

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Sikkim, India

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The tiny and beautiful state of Sikkim lies to the south of Tibet, sandwiched between Nepal and Bhutan . Measuring just 65km by 115km, Sikkim's landscape ranges from swelteringly hot valleys just 300m above sea level, to lofty snow-capped peaks such as Kanchenjunga (Kanchendzonga to the locals) which, at 8586m, is the third-highest mountain in the world. A small but growing network of tortuous roads penetrates this rugged and beautiful Himalayan wilderness. In 2018, Sikkim became a role model for India , and the world, by becoming the first-ever organic state, and earning a Future Policy Gold Award in the process.

The best travel tips for visiting Sikkim

What to do in sikkim, best places to stay in sikkim, how to get around, how many days do you need in sikkim, what is the best time to visit sikkim, how to get here, tailor-made travel itineraries for india, created by local experts.

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Historically, culturally and spiritually, Sikkim’s strongest links are with Tibet . The main draws for visitors are the state’s off-the-beaten-track trekking and its many monasteries, more than two hundred in all, mostly belonging to the ancient Nyingmapa sect.

Tashiding, a Nyingmapa monastery built in 1717, surrounded by prayer flags and chortens and looking across to snow-capped peaks, is considered Sikkim’s holiest. Pemayangtse in West Sikkim is the most historically significant, and houses an extraordinary wooden mandala depicting Guru Rinpoche’s Heavenly Palace. Rumtek is the seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa – head of the Karma Kagyu lineage – and probably the wealthiest monastery in Sikkim.

The capital, Gangtok , a colourful, bustling cosmopolitan town, is Sikkim’s gigantic mountain walls and steep wooded hillsides, drained by torrential rivers such as the Teesta and the Rangit, are a botanist’s dream.

The lower slopes abound in orchids, sprays of cardamom carpet the forest floor, and the land is rich with apple orchards, orange groves and terraced paddy fields (to the Tibetans, this was Denzong, “the land of rice”).

At higher altitudes, monsoon mists cling to huge tracts of lichen-covered forests, where countless varieties of rhododendron carpet the hillsides and giant magnolia trees punctuate the verdant cover.

Rough Guides tip: Planning a trip to India? Perhaps our local experts in India can help you!

Gangtok © Shutterstock

From towering peaks to vibrant monasteries, Sikkim offers a myriad of unforgettable experiences for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers alike. These are the best things to do.

#1 See masked chaam at Enchey Monastery

Right at the top of town, just below a colossal telecom tower, sits Enchey Monastery, a small two-storey Nyingmapa gompa. The monastery was built in the mid-nineteenth century on a site blessed by the Tantric master Druptob Karpo, who was fabled for his ability to fly.

Built by the chogyal on traditional Tibetan lines, the prayer hall’s beautifully painted porch is filled with murals of protective deities and the wheel of law, while the conch shells that grace the doors are auspicious Buddhist symbols. Surrounded by tall pines, and housing more than a hundred monks, the building suffered some damage in the 2011 earthquake, but remains a gem of a place.

Rough Guides tip: Visitors are welcome, but go between 7am and 8am when the monastery is busy and the light is good. It is also good to know that Enchey holds an annual masked chaam, during the Losung festival (December).

The Enchey Monastery is a Vajrayana Buddhism monastery near Gangtok in Sikkim, India © Shutterstock

#2 Visit one of Sikkim’s most venerated monasteries, Rumtek

Visible from Gangtok, and a popular 24km day-trip southwest of the capital, Rumtek is one of Sikkim’s largest and most impressive gompas. The main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage – also known as the Black Hat sect – it was founded during the twelfth century by the first Gyalwa Karmapa, Dusun Khyenpa.

Foreigners need to register passport details at the checkpoint off the village bazaar; even Indians and locals are sometimes asked for ID.

#3 Head to Pemayangtse, a monastery perched on a commanding ridge

The hallowed monastery of Pemayangtse, the “Perfect Sublime Lotus”, was founded in the seventeenth century by Lhatsun Chempo and is one of the three lamas of Yoksum. Extended in 1705 by his reincarnation, it’s one of the most important gompas in Sikkim and belongs to the Nyingmapa sect. The views and the surrounding woods create an atmosphere of meditative solitude.

Perched at the end of a ridge, with a grand panorama of the entire Prek River watershed including the Kanchenjunga massif, the monastery is poised high above the Rangit River. It’s a 9 km journey along the main road from Gyalshing; or you can take a steep, 4km shortcut, walking through the woods past a line of chortens and the otherwise uninteresting remains of Sikkim’s second capital, Rabdantse, now made into a pleasant park.

#4 Wade through the botanical paradise of Varshey Rhododendron Sanctuary

The Singalila Range’s rhododendron forests, lauded by the famous botanist Sir J.D. Hooker, who travelled here in 1848, are best visited between mid-April and mid-May when the flowers are in full bloom.

Of these forests, the Varshey Rhododendron Sanctuary (aka Barsey or Varsey) covers 104 square kilometres, ranges in altitude from 2840m to 4250m and is home to black bear, red panda and pheasant. Entry to the forest is via Hilley, Soreng or Dentam and entry permits for the sanctuary are available from forestry departments at Hilley, Soreng, Uttarey and Gangtok.

The most popular route is the 8km round trip from Hilley to Varshey (3030m), which offers majestic views. You can extend the walk to Uttarey (3–4 days with tented accommodation), from where you can either take transport out or continue on foot to the small town of Dentam.

Sikkim rhododendron forests, India © Shutterstock

#5 Take high-altitude treks on the Dzongri and Singalila trails

Two high-altitude treks are currently allowed in Sikkim:

• The first, from Yoksum to Dzongri, in the shadow of Kanchenjunga, passes through huge tracts of forest and provides incredible mountain vistas. The all-inclusive rates from a decent agency are available including permits.
• The second, the Singalila Ridge, explores the remote high pastures of the Singalila frontier range with breathtaking views of the massif.

Trekkers for either route must have special permits, travel in groups of at least two and organise the trip with an authorised agency.

#6 Tackle the Monastery Trail

You won’t need a guide for this rewarding circuit which has come to be known as the Monastery Trail, taking in the highlights of western Sikkim including several holy places and monasteries. Don't expect a totally wild experience, as parts of the trail nowadays are along paved roads.

Most walkers start the popular three-to-four-day trail from Pelling via Darap to Khecheopalri, then continue to Yuksom (with a steep descent and a knee-grinding ascent to the small town). Continuing from Yuksom takes in monasteries such as Dubdi (above Yuksom), Hongri and Sinon before descending to Tashiding. To return to Pelling, walk down to Sakyung from where there is an unrelenting ascent to Pelling.

Each section takes between four and seven hours, and the growing network of homestays allows trekkers to find comfortable accommodation.

Rough Guides tip: Ask for a trail map from Hotel Garuda in Pelling and details on the most scenic route.

#7 Explore the sacred monastic complex of Tashiding

Considered the holiest in Sikkim, the beautiful gompa of Tashiding occupies the point of a conical hill 19 km southeast of Yoksum, high above the union of the Rangit and the Rathong rivers. On the fifteenth day of the first month of the Tibetan New Year, devotees from all over Sikkim gather in Tashiding for the Nyingmapa Bhumchu festival.

“The Devoted Central Glory” was built in 1717, after a rainbow was seen to connect the site to Kanchenjunga. While a paved road has eaten its way through the forest to the monastery, the climb is still recommended. The well-marked path leaves the main road near an impressive mani wall (inscribed with the Buddhist mantra Om mani padme hum: “Hail the jewel in the lotus” in silver paint). It leads steeply past rustic houses and fields, and along a final flag-lined approach.

#8 Hike the rhododendron-filled valley of Yumthang

As the road north ascends past yak pastures, it enters the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, announcing the start of Yumthang (3645m), 25 km north of Lachung, with spectacular rock and ice pinnacles towering to 6000m on either side.

A pleasant purpose-made walking trail leads 10km along the valley floor, back to the sanctuary gates – due to the high altitude and problems with acclimatisation, descent rather than ascent is recommended. Past Yumthang, the road continues up the valley and emerges on the high plateau land at Yumesamdong or Zero Point (the end of the road), at an altitude of 4770m with a backdrop, weather permitting, of the snowy sentinels along the Tibet border.

This beautiful tree-lined valley does not have accommodation but boasts somewhat neglected hot sulphur springs.

Yumthang valley in Sikkim (India) known as valley of flower © Gyanveer Singh/Shutterstock

Permits and trekking in Sikkim state access permit

Foreigners need to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP; previously known as an Inner Line Permit or ILP) to visit Sikkim.

Permits can now be obtained online at Wsikkimilp.in, or in advance along with your Indian visa, but agencies abroad charge exorbitant fees so are best avoided.

If obtained within India, Sikkim permits are free and can be arranged through the tourism agencies, trekking operators or at the Sikkim border at Melli and Rangpo in a dedicated office.

In order to apply, you’ll need two passport photographs, and photocopies of your passport and Indian visa.

Check the latest information at Wsikkimtourism.gov.in. Permits are date-specific and initially valid for thirty days from entry (no return within three months); extensions are normally available up to a maximum of sixty days.

As well as Gangtok and its surroundings in East Sikkim, the RAP covers all of South Sikkim and most areas in the east and west of the state, apart from most high-altitude treks.

Sensitive border areas, like Tsomgo Lake (also known as Changu or Tsangu) in East Sikkim, most of North Sikkim except for Mangan and its immediate vicinity, and all high-altitude treks including the Singalila Ridge and Dzongri, require the additional Protected Area Permit (PAP).

Foreigners can only enter these areas in groups of at least two accompanied by representatives of approved travel agents who arrange the permits.

Many travellers will base themselves in Gangtok, but if you’re travelling around the state, Rumtek, Pelling and Yoksum are all worthy stops too.

Gangtok’s hotels are expensive in high season (broadly speaking April–June and Sept–Nov), but offer discounted rates at other times. As the town has spread, so has the choice of accommodation , with some excellent hotels and guesthouses springing up along the highway at Deorali.

Rumtek has a limited choice of budget accommodation, but an increasing number of more upscale resorts offering a quiet alternative to crowded Gangtok.

Most of Pelling’s hotels , whose rates rise steeply in the high seasons (March–May & Sept–Nov) are spread along a 2 km stretch of road between Upper, Middle and Lower Pelling.

At Yoksum most options are around the small market area. The KCC at the Visitors Information Centre, at the head of the town, organises several homestays around the village

Accommodation around Tashiding’s Sinek Bazaar is generally disappointing, though there are some good homestays on the footpath up to the monastery and a few in the compound itself.

Browse the places to stay in Sikkim.

Beautiful Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, India © Shutterstock

Transport is extremely limited in Sikkim. There are buses by most travellers will get around using shared jeep or taxi.

Due to the mountainous terrain in Sikkim, most travelers will make their way around the state by shared jeep.

Sikkim State Transport (SNT) operates regular bus services connecting different towns and villages in the state. However, it's important to note that the frequency and availability of buses may vary, particularly in remote areas.

Taxis are readily available in more popular destinations like Gangtok and Pelling.

For a well-rounded Sikkim experience, allocate a week to 10 days, maybe more if you’re planning to hike. That will allow you to spend 2 to 3 days in Gangtok and discover local attractions like Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, MG Marg, before embarking on day trips to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass.

Pelling, known for its stunning Kanchenjunga views, merits 2 to 3 days on its own. Explore Pemayangtse Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, and venture on a trek to the panoramic Singalila Ridge.

You will then need a minimum of 3 to 4 days for North Sikkim's Lachung and Lachen to immerse yourself in the beauty of Yumthang Valley, Gurudongmar Lake, and the region's incredible landscapes.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Check our India itineraries .

Summer, from April to mid-June, is characterised by warm weather and clear skies. The monsoon lasts from June to September, when road conditions deteriorate and landslides are common.

From late September to November, temperatures are moderate, cherry blossoms are in bloom and the skies intermittently clear for views of Kanchenjunga. An influx of tourists during these two high spells means higher hotel rates, especially in Gangtok and Pelling.

Winter can be bitterly cold in the northern reaches, but still a good time to travel. Discounts are possible during low season, from February to March, when it’s freezing and the fog plays spoilsport. Remember to check for road closures when it snows.

Find out more about the best time to visit India .

The Pemayangtse Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, near Pelling in the state of Sikkim, India © Shutterstock

Shared jeeps and taxis are far more popular and efficient than buses for accessing Gangtok. Due to occasional agitation in neighbouring Darjeeling , the busy route to and from Siliguri in West Bengal sometimes sees closures, though the authorities endeavour to keep it open.

Most travellers arrive by jeep from Siliguri (4hr 30min), the current transport centre for the railhead at New Jalpaiguri (NJP; 117 km). Jeeps to North Sikkim depart from the Vajra stand until 1pm. Destinations from Mainline taxi stand:

If you’re determined to suffer the buses, you can choose between the state carrier, SNT (Sikkim Nationalized Transport), or a number of private operators.

All buses run by SNT use the SNT Bus Stand on Paljor Stadium Rd, but passengers may prefer to be dropped off earlier at Metro Point, MG Marg, which is more convenient for the tourist office and most hotels. Non-SNT buses stop at the Mainline Stand,

The nearest railway station to Gangtok, New Jalpaiguri (NJP), is 117 km away. SNT has a train reservations counter, but the reservations quota for Gangtok is highly inadequate so you are advised to book in Siliguri or online.

SpiceJet flies to Pakyong airport, 32 km southeast of Gangtok, from Guwahati and Kolkata . Coming from elsewhere you must fly to Bagdogra (124 km) in West Bengal and reach Sikkim by shared taxi.

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written by Andy Turner

updated 02.07.2023

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North Sikkim tour-Everything you need to know for your 6 days vacation!

Sikkim, bordered by Nepal, Bhutan , and Tibet is one of the most aspired tourist destinations in India . Located in the serene Himalayan ranges, you will fall short of words to describe its immense beauty. Home to snow-capped peaks, spectacular valleys, mighty waterfalls and stunning alpine meadows, it offers a truly challenging trip to remember for a lifetime. Your 6 days North Sikkim tour will cover 2 major cities and many must-visit places in Sikkim . Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar lake being the major attractions here.

6 days North Sikkim itinerary

The beautiful state of Sikkim can never really be described in words or be captured in photographs. The best way is to experience it first hand. If you have a short holiday and are wanting to visit this serene state, we have got your back. Here is your 6 days North Sikkim tour itinerary.

Day 1- Bagdogra airport to Gangtok (125 Kms | 4 Hours)

The nearest airport to reach Sikkim is the famous Bagdogra airport connecting major Indian cities. And if you travel by train, New Jalpaiguri Junction should be your final destination. After landing, it takes about 4 hours to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra airport. Check-in to the hotel and the day is at leisure for you. Take a stroll in the famous M G Marg during your evening free time. This place is magical and has plenty of good restaurants and cafes!

Day 2- Discover Gangtok: Tsongmo Lake|Baba Mandir|Nathu La

• After having some hot tea and a hearty breakfast, start off your day by visiting the iconic Tsongmo Lake. This oval-shaped lake is located 40 kilometres away from Gangtok city, at an elevation of about 3,780 metres above sea level. On top of the breathtaking views and scenery, it is famous for housing the Brahminy Ducks and many other migratory birds.
• Next, set off to visit the shrine of the famous Baba Harbhajan Singh, a war hero. This is popularly known as the Baba Mandir . You can spend quality 2 hours here and the visiting hours are from 8 am to 2.30 pm.
• After spending some hours here, grab yourself a quick lunch in the nearby restaurants. One must definitely try the traditional dishes of Thukpa, Momos, Shah-Phaley, Wonton, Thenthuk, and Gyathuk that are easily available in many restaurants.
• Post lunch, you can drive until the Nathu La pass and explore its beauty. *Important* Nathula is open for Indian nationals on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; 5 days a week.

Day 3- Adventurous ride to Lachen (118 Kilometres | 6 hours)

• Lachen is a village surrounded by snow-capped peaks and beautiful alpine meadows located at an elevation of 9500 feet. Although the distance is 118 kilometres, it easily takes around 6-7 hours of an adventurous bumpy ride. With a population of about 1000 people, Lachen has its unique form of local self-governance called the “Dzumsa”.
• Visiting the Singhik viewpoint, Naga falls on your way to Lachen is a must-to-do thing in your North Sikkim tour itinerary.
• By the time you reach this offbeat village, it is almost evening and you can self explore its small city centre and nearby places. For adventure seekers, you can trek to its nearby valleys and hills.
• Bird watching in the evening is another thing you can try out and spot some rare wildlife species.
• Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4- Get stumped by Gurudongmar Lake (40 km)|Lachung (44 kilometres)

• This day starts early as you have a whole day to explore exciting and breath-taking places to visit in North Sikkim. Have your breakfast in the Thangu market, Do not miss trying their local salt tea.
• Start off by visiting the Kanchenjunga National park. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites , additionally the first “Mixed Heritage” site of India. Located at the heart of the Himalayan range, one can experience the unique diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests. Mount Khangchendzonga, the third highest peak in the world is a treat to traveller’s eyes and the view is absolutely stunning.
• Later, you will visit the mighty scenic Gurudongmar Lake . Located at an altitude of 5,154 metres, it is one of the highest lakes in the world. The  best time to visit Gurudongmar Lake  is between November and June where the climate is quite pleasant. Temperatures range from  10 degree Celsius  to  4 degree Celsius .
• After spending some good time at the glacial lake, arrive at the Lachung village which is a 2 hours drive. This place is something that every North Sikkim itinerary should include.

Also read: 5 Breathtaking Places To Visit In Lachung For A Tranquil Vacation In 2024

Day 5- Visit Yumthang valley (26 km)|Gangtok (130 kilometres)

• After trying out some authentic momos for breakfast here, start your day early. A visit to Yumthang valley also known as Valley of Flowers is nothing short of a fairytale experience. Located at a height of 11,800 feet above sea level, it is a 2 hours drive from Lachung.
• At the end of the tree line, the valley erupts in a large multi-coloured blanket of flowers of Primula, Rhododendron, other alpine flowers.
• Rejoice this Sikkim valley of flowers sanctuary with lakes, hot springs, mighty yaks and grazing pasture on rolling meadows. This is nothing less than a natural wonder on earth. Yumthang valley tops the list of places to visit during your North Sikkim tour .
• Grab your lunch at the Lachung village and then leave for the city of Gangtok.
• After a long day, have dinner and overnight stay at your Gangtok hotel.

Suggested Read: Gangtok for 3 nights 4 days—The only Gangtok tour plan you’ll ever need

Day 6- Your 6 days North Sikkim Tour comes to an end

Take a flight from the Bagdogra airport or leave by train from the New Jalpaiguri Junction. Your mesmerizing 6 days North Sikkim tour comes to an end here. This place will tempt you to visit again and you will take back memories for a lifetime to cherish.

Already dreaming about your Sikkim itinerary and places to visit in Sikkim? The experts at Pickyourtrail will guide you with some best travel hacks, top suggestions and hand-curated itineraries. Check out some of the top-selling Sikkim itineraries here. Book your vacation and leave the rest to the 24*7 live concierge team to take care of. We at pickyourtrail are at your service to give you a premium experience to these offbeat places and help you plan your International tour package .

Interesting Read: Honeymoon in Sikkim – Guide for a memorable honeymoon in Sikkim

Punith Jain

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SIKKIM SILK ROUTE Tour in East Sikkim – A Complete Travel Guide

Last Updated on: Aug 8, 2021  

About this blog: Sikkim Silk Route tour is one of the most famous attractions in East Sikkim. Zuluk (also spelled as Dzuluk) was once an important stop on the Ancient Silk Road. Today Sikkim Silk Route is known for its clear and gorgeous views of the mountains, the dizzying zig-zag roads and hairpin bends and quaint villages on the route. Read this blog about Sikkim Silk Route Guide and get information on how to reach, where to stay, attractions and the tentative cost of Silk Route Tour.

We had explored Sikkim to a great extent. However, the Silk Route in East Sikkim seemed to elude us for a long time. While we explored the high altitude lakes, offbeat hamlets and the monasteries of Sikkim, we were yet to experience the famed hairpin bends of Zuluk. Finally, it was an impromptu decision that had us boarding the Darjeeling Mail to reach New Jalpaiguri and finally go for the Sikkim Silk Route trip.

The Sikkim Silk Route tour can be started from either New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal or Gangtok in Sikkim. We had decided to start our journey from NJP and end it in Gangtok and stop at Aritar, Zuluk and Nathang Valley for the night. Read on to know more.

Sikkim Silk Route in Visuals

History of Sikkim Silk Route

The Silk Route in East Sikkim that is open for the tourists to explore is actually a part of the ancient Silk Road. The Ancient Silk Road was actually a huge network of ancient trade routes that stretched from Asia to the Mediterranean traversing China, India, Persia, Arabia, Egypt, Greece and Italy. This route was formally established during the Han Dynasty of China in 130 BC. It linked regions of the ancient world in commerce between the periods of 130 BCE-1453 CE.

The Sikkim Silk Route as we see today was only an offshoot of the Ancient Silk Road. Infact, it is only a small part of the ancient silk route that connected Lhasa in Tibet to Tamralipta in West Bengal. Yes, Lhasa was once the hotspot of ancient trade and commerce. The nearest sea port to Lhasa was at Tamralipta, or present day Tamluk in West Bengal.

This entire Silk Route covered a distance of 900 km from Lhasa to Tamralipta starting from Chumbi Valley in Tibet, going across Nathu La and then through the hills of East Sikkim before finally entering into the plains of Bengal. The Chumbi Valley is connected to Sikkim to the southwest via the mountain passes of Nathu La and Jelep La. It is the thin slice of land between India and Bhutan that is known more for the Doklam issue between India and China.

A lot of commodities were traded along the Silk Road. The Chinese Silk was considered one of the luxury items and was traded from the east to the European countries. Other items included textiles, tea, spices, dyes, medicines, glassware, fruits and even camels. Apart from commodities knowledge, ideas and culture were also exchanged along these old routes. Well, the Silk Route is not of much significance today because of the geo-political boundaries.

Silk Route Sikkim Travel Guide

The Indian part of the Silk Route is open for tourists from Rongli to the Nathula Pass. The region is no doubt historically interesting, but it is the stunning vistas of the route that attracts tourists to this part of East Sikkim.

Although the Silk Route gets a lot of tourists from Bengal during the months of October (mainly due to the Durga Puja holidays), this part of Sikkim is relatively offbeat to tourists from other parts of India. There are actually no major towns enroute the Silk route circuit. Homestays are available all throughout the Silk Route in Sikkim that provides basic amenities to the tourists.

The Sikkim Silk Route circuit basically starts from Rongli, located at an altitude of 5000 feet near Bengal-Sikkim border. You might have seen Sikkim Silk Route packages mentioning stays at Rishikhola, Icchey Gaon or Sillery Gaon. Well, these places are located in West Bengal and are technically not part of the Silk route. These beautiful villages are located at the foothills of the route and you can stop at any of the villages to break your journey.

Our Itinerary

As I mentioned above, we started from NJP for our Silk Route tour. Here is a detailed itinerary of our Sikkim Silk Route Tour.

Day 1: NJP – Aritar (110 km)

We spent our first night at Aritar, a beautiful hamlet of Sikkim. Aritar is also a slight detour from the actual ancient Silk Route, located at an altitude of 4000 feet. 

Our train to NJP was a bit late and we reached at around 10 AM. We had already booked a car for the entire Silk Route trip. The car was waiting for us at NJP and we started as soon as we reached there. It took about 4.5 hours to reach Aritar after crossing the Rangpo Checkpost at Sikkim border. By the time we reached Aritar, it was drizzling.

We checked into our homestay, had our lunch and then went to explore the village on foot. As it was already late afternoon, we decided to rest for the day. We decided to explore Aritar the next day.

Alternative Stop: Mankhim

Day 2: Aritar – Zuluk (42 km)

Exploring aritar.

We started early from Aritar. The weather was a bit dampener with dark clouds hanging over us. Aritar is known for Lampokhri Lake, an artificial lake surrounded by hills covered with pine trees. There is also a small monastery near the lake. You can also go boating at Aritar Lake.

There is another monastery on the hilltop by the Aritar Lake. There is a trekking trail from the side of the lake leading to the Mankhim Top viewpoint and the local monastery. You can also reach the monastery by car. There is also an old British dak bungalow at Aritar.

Mankhim is located about 3 km from Aritar and is famous for the Mankim Top viewpoint. A forested trail through a rough and muddy road actually leads to the Mankhim Top. Aritar Lake is located just at the foothills of the Mankhim top.

Mankhim is a small village located at the top of the hill inhabited by the Rai Community. There is a temple and a monastery at Mankhim. From the Mankhim Top, you will get a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga ranges at the horizon. This is, perhaps, the best thing about the Sikkim Silk Route. Through the entire route, you will get viewpoints from where you can get unobstructed views of the snow-capped mountains.

You will also get a view of the Lampokhari Lake from the viewpoint. There are several places on the trekking trail from where you will get great views of the lake.

There is a homestay just located a few metres from the Mankhim Top. It is a great place to stay, mainly for the views and the hospitality.

Note: Both Aritar and Mankhim are located before Rongli. So you do not need a permit to visit and stay at these places.

The Que Khola Falls is located just 2 km from Mankhim. It falls on the way towards Rongli. Que Khola is a small waterfall on the road side having a few tea stalls. You will get tea, coffee, momo and snacks at these stalls.

Rongli was the next stop. This is an important town in East Sikkim. This small town is surrounded by greenery and the Rangpo River flows by the town.

Rongli is an important stop in the Silk Route because you have to get your mandatory permit from here. You can get your ILP (Inner Line Permit) from the SDPO Office for travelling beyond this point to Zuluk and Nathang Valley. We too stopped at Rongli to get our passes.

You can also stay at Rongli for the night. The town is quite peaceful and there are a number of forest trails from here.

After we got our permits from Rongli, the actual journey through the Silk Route started. The roads were smooth and we quite enjoyed our drive amidst the beautiful scenery of Sikkim. Just imagine, centuries ago, caravans laden with expensive goods would commute along these roads! That is definitely a goosebump inducing feeling! After Rongli, the increase in altitude starts.

The next village on this route is Lingtam. The permits are checked at the Lingtam Checkpost. This is a small village and a few homestays are found here. You can stop here for some time, take a few photographs before travelling further.

Padamchen, located at 8000 ft is one of the most beautiful villages in Sikkim Silk Route. It is only 15 km from Rongli and is surrounded by greenery all around. Padamchen has pleasant weather all throughout the year and the village offers a sweeping view of the surrounding valleys.

Padamchen is a good place to stay for the night at Sikkim Silk Route. There are a number of homestays in Padamchen that offer all the basic amenities for tourists.

Padamchen has a few walking trails in the adjoining forests. If you are lucky enough, you might see a few Himalayan birds or even the elusive red panda.

We stopped at Padamchen for some time and then proceeded towards Zuluk, our final destination for the day.

The actual fun started after we crossed Padamchen and headed near Zuluk. The hairpin bends, that the Silk Route in Sikkim is so famous for, starts before Zuluk. After crossing a few bends, we finally arrived at Zuluk.

Zuluk is probably the most famous stop on the Sikkim Silk Route. And Zuluk also happened to be one of the major transit points in the past as well.

Located at 10000 feet, Zuluk is a small settlement on the Himalayan hillside. The place also has a huge army camp on the hill top.

Zuluk is known for its picturesque mountain views. The view of the sunrise from Zuluk is also quite breathtaking. During the spring, rhododendrons bloom in the region making the place a riot of colours. Being at a high elevation, Zuluk is often covered by mist and clouds. This was what we experienced mostly at Zuluk. In our entire Sikkim Silk Route tour, the weather was a bit gloomy with no sunshine. However, mist and clouds also have their own charm!

During the winter months, Zuluk experiences heavy snowfall and the entire region is covered in a blanket of snow.

There is a Shiva Temple at Zuluk that you can visit. Otherwise, it is quite pleasant to walk around the small village.

It was late afternoon when we reached Zuluk. After checking into our homestay, we went out to explore the temple and the area. We walked aimlessly along Zuluk while enjoying the cool mountain air.

Day 3: Zuluk to Nathang Valley (24 km)

This was the curtain raiser day, when we would drive through the famous zig-zag roads of Sikkim Silk Route and view them as well from the Thambi Viewpoint . The viewpoint is also known for its spectacular view of sunrise. However, the weather did not improve and there was no chance of viewing a proper sunrise. So we did not bother to wake up early in the morning to view the sunrise.

If the weather is good and you want to view the sunrise from Thambi View Point, then you have to start quite early in the morning and reach Thambi by 6 AM.

Thambi View Point

Thambi Viewpoint is located about 14 km from Zuluk and it will take about 40 minutes to reach there. At 11600 feet, Thambi viewpoint naturally offers a breathtaking view of sunrise, as well as a majestic view of the loops. See the picture below!

Did you know, there are 32 hairpin bends on the way from Zuluk to Thambi Viewpoint?

About 2 km from Thambi is another viewpoint – Lungthung Viewpoint, located at 12000 feet. This is perhaps the best place from where you can get an all-encompassing view of the Kanchenjunga ranges.

Nathang Valley

Located at an altitude of 13500 feet, Nathang Valley will simply take your breath away. This beautiful hamlet was originally inhabited by Tibetan yak herders. Nathang Valley is known as the “Ladakh of the East” because of its similarities in landscape with Ladakh.

Mountain streams criss-cross the barren landscape of the valley. The valley changes colour according to season. During the spring, rhododendron blooms paint the landscape in a riot of red, pink and yellow hues. Autumn sees the valley in a golden-yellow hue. Winters are totally blanketed by white snow.

Nathang Valley has only about 50 houses inhabited by people of Tibetan origin. There are a few homestays in Nathang Valley. If you are staying at Nathang Valley for the night, carry woolen clothes. The altitude makes the climate quite chilly and the winds are strong as well.

There is a Buddhist Monastery and Krishna Temple that you can visit at Nathang Valley.

Day 4: Nathang Valley – Kupup Lake – Baba Mandir – Gangtok (74 km)

This was our final day. We wanted to travel a bit slow, so we stayed at Nathang Valley at night. You can also opt to carry forward from Nathang Valley towards Gangtok on the same day. There are a few attractions near Nathang Valley that you should not miss:

Eagle Nest Bunker

Eagle Nest Bunker is located a few kilometres from Nathang Valley at an altitude of 13700 feet. This abandoned bunker is perched on a strategic location and gives a panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayas. You get a beautiful view of the Kanchenjunga ranges and other peaks of TIbetan plateau.

Kupup Lake is quite beautiful and on a clear day, the lake looks clear blue. The lake is also known as Elephant lake, because of its shape.

Memencho Lake

Memencho Lake cannot be reached directly by car. You have to trek downhill about 4 km to reach the lake. Menmecho Lake is a beautiful Lake located amidst conifers on all sides.

Tukla Valley

Tukla Valley is located about 15 km from Kupup. This is a relatively unexplored valley located quite close to international borders. Only a part of the Tukla Valley is accessible to civilians. The place is as charming as Yumthang valley in North Sikkim, if not more.

There is another interesting attraction at Tukla Valley. There is an eighteen-hole golf course called Yak Course located at an altitude of 13025 feet making it the highest golf course in the world.

Old Baba Mandir

This is the actual bunker where Baba Harbhajan Singh resided. You can go inside the bunker and see Baba’s personal effects.

The New Baba Mandir is located about 10 km from the Old one and the Silk route merges with the conventional road towards Nathula and then towards Gangtok.

Tsomgo Lake or Changu Lake

You can stop at Changu Lake or Tsomgo Lake on your way towards Gangtok. Tsomgo Lake is a beautiful lake considered sacred by the locals. The lake is a famous attraction of Sikkim and is visited by a lot of tourists.

Tentative Sikkim Silk Route Itinerary

The minimum days required for the Sikkim Silk Route is 2N/3D. You can extend your trip if you have more days in hand. We will share a few itineraries according to the number of days you have in hand.

Sikkim Silk Route Itinerary for 2N/3D *

• Day 1: NJP – Aritar/ Mankhim
• Day 2: Aritar/Mankhim – Zuluk
• Day 3: Zuluk – Nathang Valley – Gangtok

*You can do this the opposite way as well

Sikkim Silk Route Itinerary for 3N/4D *

• Day 1: Gangtok – Nathu La – Nathang Valley
• Day 2: Nathang valley _ Zuluk – Padamchen
• Day 3: Padamchen – Mankhim
• Day 4: Mankhim – NJP

Sikkim Silk Route Itinerary for 4N/5D *

• Day 1: NJP – Icchey Gaon/ Reshikhola
• Day 2: Icchey Gaon/ Reshikhola – Mankhim
• Day 3: Mankhim – Zuluk
• Day 3: Zuluk – Nathnag Valley
• Day 4: Nathang Valley – Gangtok

What is the Best time for the Sikkim Silk Route Tour?

March to May (Spring and Summer)

The best time to visit East Sikkim or Sikkim Silk Route is the spring time between March and May. During this time, the weather remains pleasant.  Rhododendrons bloom during the spring.

June – September (Monsoon)

This season is best avoided. Sikkim witnesses heavy rainfall as well as landslides during the monsoon. Roads are treacherous and often get blocked due to landslides. You will also not get good views of the mountains during monsoon.

October – November (Autumn)

Autumn is one of the best times to visit the Sikkim Silk Route. The weather remains pleasant and clear and is good for viewing the mountain ranges.

December – February (Winter)

Winters are usually harsh in the higher altitudes. Snowfall is experienced at Zuluk and Nathang Valley. Views are quite clear during December and January. However, during February, the weather remains foggy and you might not get good views. Also during the winter season, often roads are blocked due to excessive snowfall and you might not be able to complete your trip.

Where to Stay on the Sikkim Silk Route?

The only option to stay at Sikkim Silk Route circuit is the homestays. The homestays are basic in nature having all the basic amenities like comfortable beds, quilts and hot water facilities. Some of the homestays might also have televisions and geysers.

There are hardly any restaurants or eateries at any of the villages apart from Rongli. So the homestays are the best bet to have your meals. The homestays provide tasty and homemade food. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is available. The homestays will provide breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner.

Usually, the homestays in the Silk Route circuit usually cost INR 800 – 1200 per head per day including food.

How to obtain permits for Sikkim Silk Route?

You will need Protected Area Permits to travel to Sikkim Silk Route. Permits can be obtained by going to the tourist Centre at Gangtok or contacting a travel agent. You will need an identity proof and passport size photographs to obtain the permit. You also need to keep the original ID proofs handy as it might be asked at the check posts.

Remember, that Adhar Card is not a valid ID proof for obtaining a permit. You can use Voter ID Card, Passport or Driving License to obtain a permit.

The Permits for the Old Silk Route are given out of both Gangtok and Rongli. However, the p[ermits for NathuLa are only given from Gangtok. So if you are entering from Rongli and exiting from Gangtok, then you cannot perhaps visit NathuLa. You can talk to your homestay owner or Driver to know more about the passes to Nathu La.

Currently, you also have to apply for a Travel Card for entering any area of Sikkim. This is an easy process and can be applied online . You have to carry a print out of the filled form with you while travelling to Sikkim.

Permit for Foreigners

While foreigners are allowed to travel in parts of Sikkim, they are not allowed in the Old Silk Route. Foreigners need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. The ILP can be obtained from all Indian Missions, Sikkim Tourism Offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, District Magistrate’s Office of Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Rangpo on the strength of an Indian Visa.

How to reach?

New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest railway head. NJP is well connected by trains from all the major Indian stations. You can also fly into Bagdogra. You can start your journey from either NJP or Gangtok.

If you want to start from Gangtok, you can reach Gangtok from NJP/Siliguri or Bagdogra. You will get shared sumos from NJP Station and Siliguri SNT Stand to Gangtok. You can also book a car to Gangtok from Siliguri or Bagdogra or NJP.

Sikkim Silk Route Travel Guide (FAQs Answered)

The best time for the Sikkim Silk Route tour is the months of April and May as well as October and November. During this time the climate is perfect for road trip without the wrath of rains and snow. The months of April, May and October are the peak seasons for Silk Route Tour.

You can start your Silk Route tour in Sikkim either from NJP or Gangtok. Starting from NJP, you can stop at Aritar for the first night. On the second day, get your permits for Silk Route from Rongli and then carry on towards Zuluk and Nathang Valley and finally to Gangtok. You can also start from Gangtok and return to Siliguri or NJP.

The height of Zuluk is 2865 m

Zuluk is a small village in East Sikkim and is an important stop in Sikkim Silk Route. Zuluk is beautiful with a handful of settlements, surrounded by moutains and gorgeous views. Zuluk is also famous for the famous hairpin loops of Silk Route. Zuluk has emerged as quite a famous hill station in East Sikkim and is definitely worth your time.

Yes, homestays are available along the entire Silk Route. Most of the villages have homestays these days offering basic and comfortable stays, hot water and good food. The most famous points of stay in Silk Route are Aritar, Mankhim, Rongli, Padamchen, Zuluk and Nathang Valley. You can stay at any of these places as per your plan.

Mobile network works satisfactorily on almost the entire Silk Route, except near Nathang Valley. Vodafone, Airtel, BSNL & Jio network works pretty well. However, internet speed is not that good.

You will find a number of ATMs between Siliguri and Rongli, as well as in Gangtok. Beyond Rongli, there are no ATMs

I hope this blog on Silk Route will help you plan your Sikkim Silk Route Tour. If you have any queries, drop us a comment below or send us an email. If you liked this post and found it useful, please share it with your family friends and neighbours.

Pin it for a later read!

Agni Amrita

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I loved reading your blog post on the Sikkim Silk Route Tour. It was so informative and I learned a lot! I’m definitely going to book my tickets and go on this amazing tour!

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Exploring Majestic Mountains and Mystical Villages: The Ultimate North Sikkim Travel Guide

Nestled high in the Himalayas, North Sikkim is a land of towering peaks, ancient monasteries, crystal clear lakes, and charming hillside villages. For those seeking breathtaking mountain scenery, unique cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, a visit to North Sikkim promises memories to last a lifetime. This comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know to plan the ultimate trip exploring this majestic and mystical corner of India.

The towering peaks and flower-filled valleys of North Sikkim offer a sanctuary yet to be tainted by crowds, inviting you to slow down and simplify. As you journey between peaceful villages separated by rugged mountain trails, you’ll feel the stresses of daily life fade away. The key to a rewarding visit is to match the relaxed local pace, shedding hurry and allowing this magical land’s beauty to saturate your senses. With an unhurried mindset, North Sikkim’s vistas, people, and culture will work a tranquilizing magic, carrying you to a place where time stands blissfully still.

From witnessing an ancient monastery ritual with chanting monks to catching a rainbow over a remote waterfall or waking up to unparalleled views of Kanchenjunga’s snow-capped peak from your homestay, North Sikkim offers travel experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

As you read through this North Sikkim travel guide , get ready to start planning your own epic adventure through one of India’s last remaining secrets. Here are the top things you need to know to travel North Sikkim like a pro:

Read more : Gangtok zoo & Ganesh tok

The Top North Sikkim Destinations and Attractions

From the historic capital of Mangan to the sacred heights of Gurudongmar Lake , North Sikkim packs a range of unforgettable attractions into its rugged terrain. Choosing which places to visit in North Sikkim depends on your interests, timeline, and budget. To help with planning your North Sikkim travel, here is an overview of the top destinations and attractions you won’t want to miss:

The gateway village for exploring North Sikkim’s mountain wilderness, Lachen serves up knockout views. Spend a few nights here to acclimatize while enjoying day hikes through flowering rhododendron forests and soaking in hot springs under the stars. Don’t leave Lachen without visiting the dramatic Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake , considered two of Sikkim’s most sacred sites.

This peaceful mountain village boasts even more epic scenery and is another excellent base for North Sikkim travel adventures. Test your fitness on the steep climb to Sharchog Bheypai, a sacred peak blessing Lachung, or journey up to the spectacular Zero Point near the Chinese border. Back in town, visit historic monasteries or try your luck bargaining in Lachung’s humble handicrafts market.

Katao Valley

A drive through this high-altitude valley rewards with views of snow-capped Himalayan giants lining both sides. Stop along the way to admire North Sikkim’s tallest falls, the plunging Katao Falls, or explore ancient cave monasteries. At the end of the valley lies the China border and the scenic Heaven Lake—a must-visit on any North Sikkim itinerary.

Phodong & Labrang Monasteries

North Sikkim’s most renowned monasteries showcase elaborate murals and statues dating back centuries. Soak up their mystical atmosphere by attending a puja ceremony or chatting with a maroon-robed monk over a cup of salty butter tea. Trying traditional dishes at the monasteries’ vegetarian cafeterias also offers cultural insight.

Read more : Saramsa Garden & Nightlife in Sikkim

Villages & Homestays

Dotting North Sikkim’s hillsides, quaint villages like Yumthang, Dzongu, and Thangu welcome visitors seeking Himalayan views paired with immersive cultural experiences. Base yourself out of a local homestay, where your days fill with village hikes, monasteries, hot stone baths, and traditional cuisine. This is North Sikkim travel at its most authentic.

Read more : Sikkim Tourism & Ravangla Tourism

Top Things to Do in North Sikkim

Once you’ve mapped out the destinations for your North Sikkim travels, it’s time to start plotting your adventures. North Sikkim promises no shortage of heart-pumping treks, peaceful nature trails, and memorable cultural encounters. Here are the top things to do on a North Sikkim trip:

Read more : Things to do in Ravangla & Best time to visit namchi

Find Spirituality at Holy Lakes

Gurudongmar Lake and Khecheopalri Lake hold special spiritual significance in Sikkimese culture and draw pilgrims and curious visitors alike. The crystal waters promise spiritual awakening and good fortune to those who glimpse them. Reaching the sacred sites requires ambitious hiking or jeep safaris through breathtaking mountain scenery.

Soak Up Hot Springs

Thanks to North Sikkim’s geothermal activity, many villages have their own natural hot springs. For stiff muscles after long hikes, you can’t beat soaking in the warm mineral waters surrounded by Himalayan peaks. Popular spots include Yumthang’s springs and eco-friendly bathing pools in Lachung.

Read more : Bagdogra & Siliguri tourism

Cross Borders on Treks

Two unforgettable North Sikkim treks lead right to the Chinese border: the Gurudongmar Lake Trek and the Chopta Valley Trek. Witnessing wild mountain beauty devoid of human touch, reaching thrilling high-altitude passes, and finishing at sacred lake sites spell a magical adventure. Hire experienced guides to arrange permits for these restricted areas.

Read more : Gangtok Tourism

Try White Water Rafting

If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush between North Sikkim’s laidback village stays and peaceful hikes, look no further than the frothing Teesta River. Its high-grade rapids slicing between steep forested banks promise a world-class rafting experience from bases like Sang and Dzongu.

Visit Flower Valley

Yumthang’s nickname as, Valley of Flowers, rings true once spring takes hold. Time your North Sikkim travel between April and June to wander trails bursting with rhododendrons, primulas, and countless other Himalayan blooms in this Shangri La-esque wonderland.

Read more : Art and Craft of Sikkim

Planning Tips for North Sikkim Travel

Now for the key details to pull together your dream North Sikkim adventure. Use these planning tips when arranging logistics:

The Best Time to Visit North Sikkim

While North Sikkim impresses year-round, April-June and September-November have optimal weather. Spring showcases flowers and festivals, while the fall dry season promises clear mountain views. Book early during these peak seasons. Winters get very cold with some access challenges but boasts frozen delights.

Permits & Paperwork

Both Indian nationals and foreigners need special permits to enter North Sikkim due to its proximity to international borders. Most visitors arrange permit logistics through registered local tour agencies. Bring extra passport photos and copies, plus allow up to 10 days processing time when planning your North Sikkim travel.

Transport Logistics

Jeep safaris booked via travel agencies provide the only transport in and around North Sikkim, which lacks mainstream travel infrastructure. Prepare for bumpy rides when factoring North Sikkim’s winding mountain routes into trip timelines. Most travel between destinations happens in shared jeeps with locals and fellow travelers.

Hiring a local guide boosts safety, environmental stewardship, and cultural understanding when trekking, peak bagging, or exploring off-the-beaten paths. Guides are really very helpful when you are on North Sikkim travel as they ensure that you steer clear of any troubles on your trip. Experienced guides also handle permits and navigate language barriers. Reputable agencies like Himalayan Footprints pair visitors with knowledgeable guides for North Sikkim’s more ambitious adventures.

Respecting Local Culture & Environment

Sikkim’s rural communities and fragile high-altitude environment require thoughtful travel practices. Support locals by shopping handicrafts directly or staying in village homestays. Limit waste, stay on marked trails, and never remove stone cairns or prayer flags. This will make sure that your North Sikkim travel experience goes very smoothly and becomes a memorable one for you with no troubles. Together, we can preserve North Sikkim’s irreplaceable culture and pristine mountain beauty.

Read more : How to reach gangtok

Travel Mistakes to Avoid in North Sikkim

It’s also key to sidestep certain travel mistakes while enjoying hassle-free North Sikkim adventures. Heed these tips:

Embrace North Sikkim’s slower pace, building ample flexibility for canceled jeep rides or lengthy monastery visits. Overstuffing your North Sikkim itinerary causes unnecessary stress in trying to adhere to rushed timetables. Travel light and leave room for unexpected magic.

Read more : Sikkim in Summer & Sikkim in winter

Avoid Altitude Sickness

North Sikkim’s high elevation can trigger serious altitude sickness without proper acclimatization. Strictly follow trek itineraries, allowing rest days before hitting lofty viewpoints. Hydrate frequently, limit exertion, and descend immediately if symptoms arise.

Don’t Disrespect Local Customs

Display cultural sensitivity by dressing modestly for temples and monasteries, receiving blessings respectfully, avoiding public intimacy, and heeding all photography rules. Also, abstain from smoking, as Sikkim enforces a statewide ban.

Don’t Litter

With no formal rubbish infrastructure, North Sikkim relies on visitors to practice zero-waste ethics by taking everything and bringing it back out. This keeps North Sikkim’s famous mountain wildernesses pristine. Travel prepared with reusable water bottles and containers.

Steer Clear of Wildlife

Refrain from feeding, touching, chasing, or engaging too closely with North Sikkim’s exotic birds and furry mountain critters. This protects both visitors and Sikkim’s vulnerable species. Simply observe wildlife respectfully from afar.

The Remote Allure of North Sikkim Travel

As this North Sikkim guide has laid out, adventures through these mystical mountains promise jaw-dropping beauty, cultural eye-openers, and travel memories stretching far beyond your photo reel. With sound preparation and respect for the environment, extra effort in reaching North Sikkim’s remote realms will pay back a hundred times over.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your own epic travels exploring North Sikkim travel adventure! Let the remote allure of towering peaks, vivid flower meadows, steaming hot springs, and charming villages call you to venture beyond the beaten track on your next vacation.

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Silk Route Tour (Sikkim) – Attractions, Trip Itinerary

• June 11, 2023
• 10 min read

The Silk Route is a historic trade network that linked Central Asia and the Mediterranean Sea for centuries. A part of this 10000 kilometers long route is situated in East Sikkim. It has shaped the civilizations of the past by facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures.

This route is regarded as the world’s first information superhighway and offers some of the most spectacular landscapes.

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From the part of the Silk Route situated in Sikkim, you can get mesmerizing views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga along with the marvelous horizon. Here you will also learn about the rich cultural and historical heritage of the place, where different civilizations met and exchanged goods and ideas.

The route is a paradise for tourists and travelers who are drawn to its beauty, tranquility, and heritage.

In this article, you will get to know the following points about the Silk Route in Sikkim,

• Trip Itinerary
• Permits needed

Let’s see each of these points in detail.

History of the Silk Route

The Silk Route in Sikkim is a part of the ancient trade route that was used by traders for more than 1500 years. The route originates from Central Asia and connected India, China, Persia, Arabia, Greece, and Italy before reaching the Mediterranean. This route is said to have been established during the Han Dynasty. They opened trading in 130 BCE. Business in these parts was still on when the Ottoman Empire closed off any kind of trade with the Western world.

The term ‘Silk Route/road’ was first used by German Traveller and Geographer Ferdinand Von Richthofen in 1877 CE. The words particularly mean a well-traveled pathway of trading silk between Europe and East Asia. The route crossed some of the most challenging terrains in the world, such as the Pamir mountains and Gobi Desert. Merchants carried silk from China to Europe, where it was transformed into luxurious clothing. They also brought porcelain, tea, jade, spices, and other valuable items with them from Asia. In return, they took back glassware, textiles, horses, and other manufactured goods.

The famous traveler Marco Polo also traversed along the silk route between 1254 CE to 1324 CE. This route has had a profound influence on the history of Europe and Asia. It was a conduit for the spread of ideas and religions among different countries. It also fostered the growth of towns and cities with diverse cultures along the way. It stimulated innovations and new technologies through the sharing of information and knowledge. This historic pathway has witnessed so much of the past and now some of its sections are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You can know more about the history of the route on various books available online.

3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary of Silk Route (Sikkim) Trip

Here, I will be sharing our experience of how we explored the stunning Silk Route and what was our feeling regarding the same.

You can start your journey by traversing the routes of Zuluk, either directly from NJP, from Gangtok, or anywhere near Rongli.

We, as in our group of 5 people, had explored the west and north of the state. Now we wanted to see the east as well. We spent a night in Rangpo, where we arranged a car for our journey along the silk route. We also enjoyed some sightseeing and shopping in the town before we set off.

You can also stay at Gangtok and book a cab from there. If you directly want to start with Silk Route, on this day, reach your hotel, rest, and explore the local attractions. Then, get ready to explore the next day.

Our adventure began when the car we had booked the previous day arrived at 6:00 AM to take us to Rongli, where we had to get our permits . We made it to Rongli in around 40 minutes and went inside the office where the PAP (Protected Area Permits) is made.

Rongli is a charming town and is quite important because from here you can get permits such as PAP and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the SDPO office. ILP is mainly for Foreigners and is required if you want to go beyond this place to Zuluk and Nathang Valley. Bliss surrounds the place and is worth looking around.

We couldn’t due to the lack of time and headed straight to the silk route. The journey through the silk route was mind-boggling. The smooth road, nature’s lap, clear blue skies, and clouds covering the path all add to the experience along the way. We felt like we were in a dream.

As we drove past Rongli, the road climbed higher and higher until we reached the charming village of Lingtam. We took a break to stretch our legs and admire the scenic views.

There were some homestays available for travelers who wanted to stay overnight. We wished we had more time to explore, but we had to move on.

Padamchen was our next stop along the silk route, at an elevation of 8000 feet. We took a halt again to have a warm meal and soak in the stunning sights of the towering peaks and green valleys. We lingered there for a while before continuing our journey.

The next destination in our journey was Zuluk. The path leading up there brings the actual thrill. Here come the hairpin bends and the stimulation that the silk route is so famed for. 

When we reached Zuluk, at 10100 feet above sea level, we could see the zigzagging route below us, with clouds wrapping us up at times. It looked like a painting from afar. The scenery was heavenly. This was the essence of the silk route that we had come to experience.

We also saw a large army camp, with trucks parked inside the fence. It reminded me of a video game I used to play as a child. 

We spent the night at a homestay in Zuluk and prepared to leave for Nathang Valley the next morning. I loved Zuluk and explored it as much as I could. The tranquility rejuvenated me in every way. My friends missed out on this opportunity as they were busy resting.

Nathang Valley

The next morning, we left Zuluk and followed the winding silk route for 24 kilometers until we reached Nathang Valley, our next destination.

On the way, we stopped at Thambi viewpoint, where we had a breathtaking view of the historic road. We could see the loops of the silk route, which was an amazing sight. The magnificence was awestricken.

After 10 more kilometers, we finally got to the much-awaited valley. It was so beautiful that we understood why it is called the “Ladakh of the East.”

Kupup Lake and Baba Mandir

After the scenic beauty of the valley, we continued our journey toward Kupup Lake. It is a must to get down at this site or else you will miss out on the charm. The lake is also known as the Elephant Lake and it changes its color with the sky.

Then we drove past Tukla Valley, which was beautiful but we didn’t get out of the car. We were more interested in Baba Mandir, the next stop. This is the residence of Baba Harbhajan Singh. There is a fascinating real-life story related to it, which we learned in detail from the locals there.

We entered the Bunker and saw the belongings of Baba. It was an incredible experience that we will never forget.

Changu Lake

One of the most scenic places in the state, this lake captivated me with its natural beauty. I couldn’t stop taking pictures of the stunning views, especially at this lake, which also goes by the name Tsomgo Lake. It is often listed as one of the most beautiful lakes in Sikkim .

We were hungry after exploring the lake, so we decided to try some local cuisine at a nearby restaurant. The momos and the Chow Mein were delicious. Coffee was in our order too to sip on while looking at the remarkable lake and clouds that were coming down to touch the cool waters.

To get a better view of the lake, we took a ropeway ride that cost us ₹360. It was worth every penny. When we reached the top, it started to rain lightly, and we were surrounded by clouds. The cold breeze, the drizzles, and the temperature of 2 degrees made us feel alive. We were standing under the open sky on the rugged rock, at an elevation of 14,500 feet. It was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

It was already time for us to return and so all of us took to the road again. We looked back once again and started with our journey. The silk route joins the conventional road in the direction of Nathula; one goes towards the pass and another towards Gangtok. We had to end our Silk Route tour there as we turned towards Gangtok.

After about an hour and a half, we arrived at the city. We spent the night at a hotel and departed for NJP the next morning.

Permits and documents needed for Silk Route

There are two places from where you will be able to get the permits to enter all the restricted areas towards East Sikkim. These are Gangtok (MG Marg) and Rongli.

For the Indian Citizens:

If you are traveling through a travel agency or registered tour operator, then they will help you to get the PAP (Protected Area Permit). However, if you are on your own, you can ask your car driver to help you get the permit when you book the car for your trip. The fee is usually around ₹200 per person.

The documents that are needed are:

• A valid ID proof (Aadhar Card, or any other kind of Id proof, except a Pan Card, as it is not accepted).
• Two passport-size photos of yourself.

For Foreigners :

Foreigners need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit any area in Sikkim, and they are not allowed to enter the protected areas near international borders. The ILP can be obtained from the Foreigner’s Registration Office near MG Marg at Tadong.

It is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days if needed.

You can learn more about the permit requirements from the official website of the Sikkim government.

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