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A partly frozen high-altitude lake among snowy mountains in SikkimPhoto: Bhaskar Palit / Unsplash

Sikkim

Sikkim, India

Kanchenjunga at sunrise, monasteries above the clouds, and a clean, easygoing capital. Sikkim is small but mountainous, so distances take longer than the map suggests.

Backpacker / day
₹2,000–3,200
Mid-range / day
₹6,600–11,900
Best time
March to May and October to November
Ideal length
6–8 days
Gateway
Bagdogra (IXB) airport or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station
Altitude
Gangtok about 1,650 m; Gurudongmar Lake about 5,400 m

Sikkim is India's least populous state, wedged between Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Gangtok is the base for high lakes and passes to the east and north; Pelling in the west has the best views of Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain.

Parts of Sikkim near the border need permits, usually arranged through registered local operators, so plan those days first and fit the rest around them.

Day by day

7-day itinerary

₹14,000–22,400per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there

  1. 1

    Day 1: Bagdogra to Gangtok

    Drive up along the Teesta river; evening on MG Marg.

  2. 2

    Day 2: Gangtok

    Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, and a ropeway ride over the town.

  3. 3

    Day 3: Tsomgo Lake

    Day trip (with permit) to the high lake, and Nathu La if it's open to visitors that day.

  4. 4

    Day 4: North Sikkim (if roads are open)

    Shared package to Lachung and the Yumthang Valley, or an extra day around Gangtok if the north is closed.

  5. 5

    Day 5: Ravangla

    Buddha Park and the drive west through tea gardens.

  6. 6

    Day 6: Pelling

    Kanchenjunga at sunrise, Pemayangtse Monastery, and the Rabdentse ruins.

  7. 7

    Day 7: Back to Bagdogra

    A long drive down; leave early.

Estimate budgetCompare

When to go

  • Jan—
  • Feb—
  • Mar★ Best
  • Apr★ Best
  • May★ Best
  • Jun—
  • Jul—
  • Aug—
  • Sep—
  • Oct★ Best
  • Nov★ Best
  • Dec—
  • Oct–Nov: BestThe clearest mountain views of the year, crisp days, and festival season.
  • Mar–May: BestRhododendrons in bloom and pleasant weather; views can be hazier than in autumn.
  • Jun–Sep: AvoidMonsoon landslides regularly cut roads, especially in the north.
  • Dec–Feb: MixedCold but often clear. Snow can close high lakes and passes.

Getting there

By air
Bagdogra in West Bengal is the main airport, about 4–5 hours by road to Gangtok. Pakyong, near Gangtok, has only limited flights.
By train
New Jalpaiguri (Siliguri) is the nearest major station, with shared jeeps and taxis to Gangtok.
By road
Shared jeeps run from Siliguri to Gangtok, and between Gangtok, Ravangla, and Pelling.

Budget per person per day

Estimated daily costs in Sikkim
ItemBackpackerMid-range
Stay (homestay or budget hotel)₹800–1,500₹2,500–5,000
Food₹400–700₹800–1,400
Local transport (shared jeep)₹400–800₹2,500–4,000 (private vehicle)
Permits, tours and entry₹300–800₹800–1,500
Typical day₹2,000–3,200₹6,600–11,900

North Sikkim and Tsomgo Lake are usually visited on shared packages from Gangtok that include the permit, vehicle, and (for the north) stay and meals. Compare a few registered operators.

Highlights

  • Kanchenjunga from Pelling

    The clearest sunrise views are in October and November.

  • Tsomgo Lake

    A glacial lake at about 3,750 m, a day trip from Gangtok with a permit.

  • Yumthang Valley

    Alpine meadows and rhododendrons in spring, reached from Lachung.

  • Rumtek Monastery

    One of the most important monasteries of the Karma Kagyu school.

Practical tips

Permits
Indian citizens can visit Gangtok, Pelling, and Ravangla without a permit, but Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, and North Sikkim need permits, usually arranged by registered operators. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit to enter Sikkim, and some areas stay closed to them. Check current rules with Sikkim Tourism.
North Sikkim roads
Roads in the north have been repeatedly damaged since the October 2023 Teesta floods, and access to Lachen and Gurudongmar has been restricted at times. Confirm the current status before planning around it.
Plastic
Sikkim restricts single-use plastics in many areas. Carry a refillable bottle.

Sikkim FAQs

What is the best time to see Kanchenjunga?

October and November, when skies are clearest after the monsoon. Early mornings from Pelling give the best chance.

Do Indians need a permit for Sikkim?

Not for Gangtok, Pelling, or Ravangla. Permits are needed for Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La, and North Sikkim, usually arranged by registered tour operators.

How many days are enough for Sikkim?

Six to eight days covers Gangtok, a high-lake trip, and Pelling. Add two days if North Sikkim is open.

Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.