If you’re planning a tour or travel itinerary for Sikkim, here are the key things to include:
1. Major Destinations • Gangtok – Capital city, MG Marg, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass • North Sikkim – Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point • West Sikkim – Pelling, Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins • South Sikkim – Ravangla, Namchi, Buddha Park, Temi Tea Garden • East Sikkim – Zuluk, Silk Route, Aritar Lake 2. Adventure Activities • Trekking (Goechala Trek, Dzongri Trek, Green Lake Trek) • River Rafting in Teesta River • Paragliding in Gangtok • Yak Rides at Tsomgo Lake • Mountain Biking in Silk Route 3. Permits Required • Indian Tourists – Restricted areas like Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, and North Sikkim require permits. • Foreign Tourists – Need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) and additional permits for North Sikkim and border areas. 4. Culture & Festivals • Losar (Tibetan New Year) • Pang Lhabsol (Festival honoring Mount Kanchenjunga) • Saga Dawa (Buddhist festival) • Dasain & Tihar (Nepali festivals) 5. Local Cuisine • Momos, Thukpa, Phagshapa (pork dish), Gundruk, Chhurpi, Sikkimese Tea 6. How to Reach • By Air – Pakyong Airport (limited flights), Bagdogra Airport (major access point) • By Rail – Nearest station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) • By Road – Well-connected via Siliguri, taxi services available 7. Best Time to Visit • March – June (Spring/Summer) – Best for sightseeing and adventure • September – December (Autumn/Winter) – Clear views of Kanchenjunga, snowfall in high-altitude areas
When planning a trip to Sikkim, here are some things to exclude or avoid for a hassle-free experience:
1. Restricted & Off-Limits Areas • Certain border areas near China and Bhutan are off-limits for tourists. • Nathula Pass is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. • Foreign tourists are not allowed in Nathula Pass and Gurudongmar Lake. 2. Visiting During Monsoon (July–September) • Heavy rainfall causes landslides, roadblocks, and travel delays. • Trekking and outdoor activities become risky. 3. Plastic and Littering • Sikkim is a plastic-free state; avoid carrying single-use plastics. • Littering is strictly prohibited, especially in eco-sensitive zones. 4. Overpacking or Carrying Unnecessary Items • Avoid carrying excessive luggage, as hilly terrain and narrow roads make traveling difficult. • Stick to essentials like warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and rain gear (if visiting in monsoon). 5. Disrespecting Local Culture & Monasteries • Do not wear revealing clothes while visiting monasteries. • Avoid making noise or clicking photos where restricted. 6. Last-Minute Permit Arrangements • Permits for North Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake, and Nathula Pass take time. Get them in advance through a registered travel agent. 7. Driving Without Experience on Mountain Roads • The terrain is tough; it’s safer to hire a local driver instead of self-driving. 8. Expecting Nightlife & Party Culture • Sikkim is known for its peaceful ambiance, not nightlife. • Most places close early, especially in remote areas.