Sikkim Tour Packages

Cradled by snow peaks and rhododendron forests, Sikkim is a small state with outsized beauty. Misty valleys tumble into teal rivers, monasteries crown ridges, and on clear mornings the sun gilds the five-summited massif of Khangchendzonga, the state’s guardian mountain. Nearly one‑third of Sikkim is protected inside Khangchendzonga National Park, India’s only UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site for its exceptional nature and living culture—think sacred lakes, Lepcha lore, and trails that thread from subtropical woods to ice and sky. Add to that a cuisine shaped by Nepalese, Bhutia (Tibetan), and Lepcha homes, a gentle pace, and the pride of being India’s first fully organic state, and you have a destination that feels both pristine and welcoming.

Type of destination

• Nature and slow travel: alpine meadows, high lakes, hot springs, tea gardens, birding.
• Culture & pilgrimage: centuries‑old monasteries, sacred lakes, festivals like Pang Lhabsol and Bumchu.
• Soft adventure: high‑altitude trekking, river rafting, mountain biking, paragliding, skiing (seasonal).
• Road‑trip & photography: the Old Silk Route hairpins, glacier lakes, dark‑sky nights.

Prime season and snow season

• Prime season (March–June; October–November): Clear views, rhododendron bloom (spring) and crisp post‑monsoon skies (autumn). Ideal for treks, monastery circuits, and high‑altitude lakes. Yumthang’s famed flowers peak from late February to mid‑June; the valley usually closes Dec–Mar under snow.
• Snow season (late December–February): Snow is common at high passes and in North/East Sikkim—Tsomgo Lake freezes, and Nathula, Zuluk–Gnathang and North Sikkim can see heavy snowfall and weather‑related closures. Expect road controls and permit curbs in bad weather.

Languages spoken

• Official: English, Nepali, Sikkimese (Bhutia), Lepcha.
• Also heard: Hindi and several indigenous tongues (Limbu, Tamang, Rai, Gurung, Sherpa, Newari).

Local transport options

• Shared jeeps and local taxis connect most towns and sightseeing points; they are the workhorse of Sikkim travel.
• SNT (Sikkim Nationalised Transport) runs intercity buses on key routes; services are limited compared with jeeps.
• Gangtok Ropeway (Deorali–Namnan–Tashiling) offers an easy aerial city panorama.
• Self‑drive/ride is possible, but mountain driving, weather and permits make hired vehicles more practical.

How to reach

• By air:
  • The most reliable gateway is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Siliguri, West Bengal; drive ~4–5 hours to Gangtok.
  • Pakyong Airport (PYG), Sikkim is 31 km from Gangtok but has had intermittent schedules; as of late July 2025 there are currently no bookable scheduled commercial flights—always check latest operations before planning.
• By rail:
  • New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railhead (≈120 km to Gangtok).
  • The Sivok–Rangpo railway is under construction; timelines have shifted, with recent targets rolling to 2027. When complete, it will bring rail to Sikkim at Rangpo.
• By road:
  • From Siliguri/NJP, follow NH‑10 (old NH‑31A) via Sevoke–Teesta Bazar–Melli–Rangpo to Gangtok. Expect landslide‑related delays in the monsoon.

Best time to visit (season‑by‑season)

• Summer (April–June)
  • Weather: Pleasant in Gangtok (avg 15–22°C); rhododendrons bloom; high lakes open as snow recedes.
  • Crowd/Budget: Peak season; book permits and stays early; prices at a premium.
  • Pack: Layers, light rain jacket, sunblock, trekking shoes; warmers for early mornings above 3,000 m.
• Monsoon (June–September)
  • Weather: Very wet (July is wettest), foggy; frequent landslides may affect NH‑10 and high‑altitude access.
  • Crowd/Budget: Fewer tourists; better hotel value.
  • Pack: Sturdy rain gear, leech socks for low‑alt hikes, flexible plans; check advisories as tourist passes can be suspended during severe weather.
• Winter (December–February)
  • Weather: Cool in Gangtok (avg 5–14°C), very cold at altitude; Tsomgo freezes; occasional closures at passes.
  • Crowd/Budget: Moderate; festive breaks aside, deals possible.
  • Pack: Heavy layers, gloves, thermals, winter shoes, lip balm; plan extra buffer days.

Places to visit

1. Khangchendzonga National Park (UNESCO Mixed Site) – Glaciers, sacred lakes and one of Earth’s greatest vertical eco‑gradients (1,220 m to 8,586 m). Superb trekking and biodiversity, anchored by the spiritual presence of Mt Khangchendzonga.
2. Tsomgo (Changu) Lake – A turquoise, high glacial lake 40 km from Gangtok at 3,753 m; it freezes in winter and is revered by locals. Foreigners are allowed up to the lake (with permits); Indians can continue to Nathula on permit days.
3. Nathula Pass – A historic Silk Route pass on the Indo‑China border. Indian nationals only, by pre‑arranged permit and subject to weather/army schedules.
4. Yumthang “Valley of Flowers” – Alpine meadows and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary carpeted in bloom from late Feb to mid‑June; hot spring nearby. Usually closed in peak winter.
5. Gurudongmar Lake (5,183 m) – One of the world’s highest lakes near Lachen. Spectacular, but extreme altitude—go slow and heed acclimatisation. (Indians only.)
6. Pelling & the Chenrezig Skywalk – India’s first glass skywalk beside a 137‑ft statue of Chenrezig; pair with Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse royal ruins.
7. Khecheopalri Lake – A sacred “wish‑fulfilling” lake where even fallen leaves are whisked away by birds; no boating or fishing allowed.
8. Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal), Ravangla – A serene complex with a 130‑ft statue of the Buddha and walking circuits.
9. Rumtek Monastery (Dharma Chakra Centre) – Sikkim’s largest monastery and an important seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage, with vibrant murals and gold stupas.
10. Temi Tea Garden – Sikkim’s only tea estate; taste organically grown teas, stroll terraces, and linger at the guesthouse.

Things to do

• Ride the Gangtok Ropeway at sunset for city and peak views.
• Tea & terroir at Temi: factory tour, tasting, and gentle walks through emerald slopes.
• Monastery circuit: Rumtek–Phodong–Pemayangtse–Tashiding; time your visit for monastic cham dances during festival days.
• MG Marg cafe crawl & shopping: pedestrian‑only boulevard with local cafés and handicrafts.
• Rhododendron trails: spring walks in Kyongnosla or Barsey sanctuaries to see Sikkim’s state tree in bloom.

Adventure activities

• Trekking: From weekend hikes (Dzongri) to the classic Goecha La for sunrise over Khangchendzonga. Best in Apr–May and Oct–Nov; permits required.
• River rafting: Grade II–IV rapids on the Teesta and Rangit; cool water, big scenery.
• Paragliding (Gangtok area): Tandem flights over terraced hills and forests (weather‑dependent).
• Mountain biking: Forest and tea‑country routes around Pelling and the Old Silk Route.
• Skiing (seasonal): Short winter window at Phuni Valley/Yumthang when snow conditions permit.

Cuisines to try

• Momo (steamed dumplings), thukpa/gyathuk, thenthuk (hand‑pulled noodles)
• Sha phaley (Tibetan meat pasties), phagshapa (pork with radish & dried chillies)
• Gundruk soup, kinema curry (fermented soybean), ningro with churpi (fiddlehead ferns with local cheese)
• Sel roti with aloo, tongba (millet brew), and Temi tea.

Dining places (curated picks)

• Taste of Tibet (MG Marg, Gangtok): Iconic for momos, thukpa and shyaphaley—go early; it gets packed.
• 9INE Native Cuisine (Gangtok): A delicious primer on Sikkimese plates—try gundruk soup, kinema, churpi.
• Nimtho (New Market, Gangtok): Warm, homestyle Nepali‑Tibetan fare with veggie options.
• The Dragon Wok (MG Marg, Gangtok): Asian‑forward menu with Japanese and Tibetan touches; great for groups.
• Baker’s Café (MG Marg, Gangtok): Coffee, bakes and mountain views—perfect mid‑stroll break.
• Jungle Café at MAYFAIR (Gangtok): A pleasant sit‑down for local Sikkimese dishes in a bamboo‑accented setting.

Resorts & stays

• MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino, Gangtok: Sprawling 5‑star with villas, spa and a 24‑hr casino.
• Denzong Regency, Gangtok: Heritage‑style luxury with Khangchendzonga views; within city limits.
• The Elgin Nor‑Khill, Gangtok: Royal 1930s guesthouse turned heritage hotel, minutes from MG Marg.
• The Elgin Mount Pandim, Pelling: Heritage charm by Pemayangtse; lush trails and mountain views.
• Yarlam Resort, Lachung: Comfy North Sikkim base for Yumthang/Zero Point day trips.
• Apple Orchard Resort, Lachen: Eco‑friendly wooden lodge en route to Gurudongmar.

Nightlife

• Cafe Live & Loud (Gangtok): The OG live‑music venue—bands, DJs, and a lively crowd.
• Osm Lounge (MG Marg): Cocktails and city views; easy for groups.
• Pub 25 (MG Marg): British‑style pub, popular burgers and ribs.
• Lounge 31A: Late‑night dance floor energy.
• Gangtok Groove (MG Marg): Casual bar with live acts and indie vibes.
• Casino Mahjong at MAYFAIR: Round‑the‑clock tables inside the resort complex.

Shopping

• MG Marg boutiques for teas, teasers and souvenirs.
• Lal Bazaar / Khangchendzonga Shopping Complex: Sunday haat vibes, fresh produce, churpi, and Alpine cheese; closed Thursdays.
• Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom (DHH) Emporium: Carpets, thangkas, Lepcha weaves—fixed‑price, authentic.
• Temi Tea outlets (Pelling, Namchi): Stock up on Sikkim’s only estate tea (and allied local products)

Off‑beat places

• Dzongu (Lepcha reserve): River valleys, bamboo bridges, village homestays, forest hot springs; permits required.
• Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary (West Sikkim): An easy 4–5 km forest walk from Hilley into a bloom‑soaked ridge with Khangchendzonga views.
• Maenam Hill & Bhaledunga (Ravangla): A rewarding forest trek with big‑sky summits; permits and guide from the forest office.
• Zuluk–Gnathang Valley (Old Silk Route): Hairpin‑laden roads, high meadows and winter snows; permits essential; foreigners face additional restrictions in this border belt.
• Kabi Lungchok: Sacred grove where the 13th‑century Blood‑Brotherhood Treaty bound Lepchas and Bhutias; tranquil and historic.

Festivals & events (typical months)

• Losar (Tibetan New Year): Feb/March (lunar).
• Bumchu at Tashiding Monastery: Holy water divination, 14–15th day of the first Tibetan month (Feb–Mar).
• Saga Dawa: Full moon of the 4th Tibetan month (May/June).
• Pang Lhabsol: Unique to Sikkim—thanks to Khangchendzonga, celebrated late Aug/early Sept.
• Tendong Lho Rum Faat (Lepcha): July/August; thanksgiving to Mount Tendong.
• Recent special event: International Street Food Festival at Gangtok’s Ridge Park (May 28–June 1, 2025).

Key experiences (don’t miss)

• Catch a clear‑day sunrise of Khangchendzonga from Pelling or Tashi View Point.
• Walk the Chenrezig Skywalk and the ruins of Rabdentse in one Pelling loop.
• Sip Temi tea at source and carry some home.
• Glide over Gangtok in the ropeway; stroll MG Marg by night.
• Trek to Dzongri/Goecha La for that golden first light on the peaks.

Travel tips

• Permits:
  • Indians need permits for Nathula, Tsomgo, North Sikkim circuits and the Old Silk Route; arrange via registered operators 24–48 hours in advance.
  • Foreigners require a Protected/Restricted Area Permit to enter Sikkim and can visit only certain areas (e.g., Tsomgo; not Gurudongmar/Zuluk).
  • Bring 2 passport photos per traveler; carry Voter ID/Passport/Driving Licence—Aadhaar is often not accepted for these high‑border permits; kids <18 need birth certificates.
• Altitude & health: North/East Sikkim day trips reach 4,000–5,000 m. Hydrate, avoid alcohol, ascend gradually, and reconsider if you have heart/respiratory issues.
• Monsoon caution: Heavy rain can disrupt roads and cause temporary suspension of tourist passes—monitor advisories and keep buffer days.
• Cash & connectivity: ATMs cluster in Gangtok; carry cash for remoter belts. Mobile data can be patchy up north.
• Sustainable Sikkim: The state champions eco‑policies—carry your own bottle, avoid single‑use plastic, and pack out all waste.

Interesting facts

• First fully organic state: Since 2016, all Sikkim farmland is certified organic; the state won the FAO Future Policy Gold Award in 2018.
• UNESCO Mixed Site: Khangchendzonga National Park is India’s only mixed (culture + nature) World Heritage Site.
• MG Marg magic: Gangtok’s MG Marg is a landscaped, pedestrian‑only high street—perfect for evening flânerie.
• Glass‑skywalk first: India’s first glass skywalk stands at Pelling beside the 137‑ft Chenrezig statue.
• Singshore Bridge: At over 100 m high and 240 m long, it’s Sikkim’s highest suspension bridge near Pelling.

Packing at a glance

• Spring/Summer: layers, rain shell, hat, SPF, trail shoes
• Monsoon: full rain gear, quick‑dry pants, waterproof bags for electronics
• Winter/High passes: thermals, down jacket, gloves, warm hat, sunglasses, lip/skin protection

Getting around essentials

• Primary corridor: Siliguri/NJP ⇄ Gangtok via NH‑10 (4–5 hrs).
• Air note: If you prefer to fly direct into Sikkim, double‑check Pakyong’s current schedules; Bagdogra remains the most dependable gateway as of August 2025.