MG Marg, Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Kaala Pathar, Namchi Char Dham, Buddha Park in Ravangla, and numerous monasteries are among Sikkim’s key attractions.
No, the Nathula Pass remains closed to all tourists on Mondays and Tuesdays of each week.
Except for the wet months of July and August, Sikkim is a year-round destination. However, October to March is the greatest season to visit for a clear glimpse of the mountain range and snow. And if you want to see snowfall, the months of January through March are ideal. The months of April through June are the most popular for travellers who want to avoid the heat.
Gangtok (with neighbouring places of Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathula Pass), Lachen and Lachung (containing Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley), and Pelling with Namchi and Ravangla require 7 to 8 days to cover the key places in Sikkim.
All kinds of transportation connect Sikkim (air, rail, and road). Pakyong Airport (30 km from Gangtok) and Bagdogra Airport are the closest airports (120 km from Gangtok). New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the closest station (120 km from Gangtok)
Gangtok (with neighbouring places of Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathula Pass), Lachen and Lachung (containing Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley), and Pelling with Namchi and Ravangla require 7 to 8 days to cover the key places in Sikkim.
Because Sikkim is a tiny state, it is possible to go to surrounding towns. Furthermore, it is bordered by many beautiful sites that you may easily visit in addition to Gangtok. When visiting Sikkim, you must visit the neighbouring towns of Darjeeling, Pelling, Lachung, Lachen, and Kalimpong.
For adventurers, Sikkim has a lot to offer. Thrilling river rafting on the Teesta River, mountain biking and cycling, paragliding, trekking, rock climbing, and wildlife safaris are just a few of the spine-chilling sports available.
The Gurudongmar Lake, Nathula Pass, Yumthang Valley, Lake Tsomgo, Rumtek Monastery, and Khangchendzonga National Park are just a few of Sikkim’s many tourist attractions.
Sikkim does have some immigration restrictions, but if you are an Indian citizen, you do not require a visa to visit the state. Foreign nationals need to get a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
The months of March to May and October to December are regarded as the best times to visit Sikkim. Sikkim provides a cool respite during the country’s sweltering summers. The views of the snow-capped mountain ranges will steal your breath away throughout the winter months.
North Sikkim has two important tourist sites, Lachung and Lachen, which are 120 kilometres from Gangtok and take about 5-6 hours to visit due to the limited roads.
No, Indian nationals do not need to obtain a permit to travel to Sikkim. Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, and Yumthang Valley are among the areas where all Indian tourists must get an Inner Line Permit from a local tour operator.
Pakyong Airport in Sikkim’s newest airport (around 30 km from Gangtok). However, there is currently very little flight connectivity, and flights are frequently cancelled. As a result, it’s best to plan flights to Bagdogra Airport (about a 5-hour drive from Gangtok), which is well connected to all of India’s major cities.
The high-altitude regions of Sikkim, such as Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Baba Mandir, Gurudongmar Lake, and Yumthang Valley, do receive snowfall. It normally snows from the end of December to the beginning of March.
Throughout the year, Sikkim has a calm and pleasant temperature. As a result, bringing thick woollen clothing is essential. The people of Sikkim follow a set of severe norms and clothing codes that must be followed. When attending religious institutions, always be careful to dress suitably and completely.
Mahatma Gandhi Road, the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms, and the Lal Bazaar are all popular shopping destinations. Prayer flags and prayer wheels, Thangka paintings, singing bowls, and tea must all be on your buying list.
Many of the tourist attractions would require you to have a permission to access, which will apply to both foreigners and Indian citizens. Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, Dzongri and Goecahala Tre, Thangu/Chopta Valley, and Gurudongmar Lake are among the attractions. Indian citizens can apply for permits online or at the Sikkim Police Check Post.
Unlike other metro towns, there is a scarcity of public transportation vehicles such as buses and railroads. However, the use of shared automobiles is an alternative that can be freely pursued. To prevent any problems, the best option is to hire a cab from a reputable and government-approved tour operator.
Despite the fact that Sikkim now has its own modest airport, Bagdogra International Airport is the best route to get there. The airport’s connectivity is excellent, and it connects significant cities. If you want to get to Sikkim by train, the New Jalpaiguri station in Siliguri is the best option.