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How to reach SIkkim?
Or, Which is the nearest airport to Sikkim?
Or, How to reach Sikkim by flight?
Or, Which is the nearest railway station to Sikkim?
Or, How to reach Sikkim by train?

There are several modes of transportation available to reach Sikkim. The most widely used entry point to Sikkim is the NH-10A, which starts from Siliguri in West Bengal and ends in Gangtok. Thereafter, almost every trip to Sikkim starts from Gangtok which is the capital city of Sikkim as well.

The nearest major airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra International Airport (IXB), also known as Siliguri Airport. Distance from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok is approx 135 km which will require roughly 5 hours of a breathtaking road journey along the NH-10A. Sikkim also has its own airport as well which is only 28 km away from Gangtok — Pakyong Airport. However, this airport has very little connectivity of flights as of now.

Is there any permit required to visit Sikkim?

One can enter and visit Sikkim without any permit. However, it is mandatory to get a permit to visit certain places which are near the Indo-China border areas, like Nathula Pass, Changu (Tsomgo) Lake, Baba Mandir, Zuluk, Gnathang, Kupup in Eastern Sikkim and Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim. These permits will be arranged by authorised tour operators only. However, there is no permit required to visit Gangtok, West Sikkim (Pelling, Okhrey, Kaluk, Hi Patal, Gorkhey, etc) & South Sikkim (Namchi, Ravangla, Temi Tea, etc).

What are the documents required for permit to Nathula?
Or, What are the documents required for permit to North Sikkim?
Or, How to get a permit to visit North Sikkim and Nathula?

Aadhaar Card and PAN Card are not accepted as valid proof of identity document for permit to East and North Sikkim
For adults, any one among Voter ID (both sides), Passport (both pages) or Driving licence will be required alongwith his or her passport size photograph.

For children below 18, any one among Passport or Birth Certificate will do.

Which month is best for travelling to Sikkim?
Or, Which is the best time to visit Sikkim?
Or, In which months does North Sikkim remain closed?
Or, Which is the best month for Sikkim trip?
Or, Which is the best time to visit Gangtok and North Sikkim?

Sikkim, being located on the Himalayas, experiences a typical hilly climate with pleasant summer and chilly winter. Rainfall is quite heavy during monsoon months. The best time to visit Sikkim, like most other places, largely depends on individual preferences and what one wishes to experience.

Spring season (March to early June):
This is the most preferred time for tourists as this season offers comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities like trekking, sightseeing, and exploring the rich biodiversity of the region. This is the best time to explore Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim, which is also known as ‘valley of flowers’. Also, it is the perfect time to witness the vibrant blossom of rhododendrons across West and Sikkim (noteworthy places of interest in West Sikkim are Phoktey Dara, Hilley, Varsey/Barsey, Okhrey, Yuksom, Kaluk, Rinchenpong, Pelling, etc.). Snow can be found in high altitude areas like Zero-point, Kalapathar and Nathu-la till May.

Autumn (mid-September to November):
Autumn is another perfect time to visit Sikkim. With the monsoon rains having gone, people get to enjoy lush greenery, clear skies, and the stunning view of the majestic Kanchanjungha. According to data, autumn is the most preferred season for trekking, motorcycling and educational tours. Cherry blossoms can be found as well at this time of year.

Winter (December to February):
A large number of tourists flock to Sikkim during winters simply to experience snowfall. Places like Tsomgo (Chhangu) Lake, Nathula, Lachen, Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Katao, etc., remains covered in blankets of snow during this time of the year. Occasional snowfall occurs in various parts of West Sikkim as well. Temperature in Gangtok drops to 0 degree celsius. Temperature in North Sikkim remains at sub zero level.
It’s important to note that different parts of Sikkim experience distinct seasons, each offering its own charm. During monsoon (late June to August), Sikkim experiences heavy rainfall, often leading to landslides and road closures in some places. However, there’s a growing trend of spending time in Sikkim as a retreat during monsoon months, since there’s lush greenery and fewer crowds.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Sikkim depends on one’s own interests and what he or she hopes to experience. Be it valleys full of colourful flowers, clear mountain peaks, adventurous treks, snowfall, or cultural festivities – Sikkim has something to offer throughout the year.

Which is the best time for travelling to North Sikkim?
Or, Which is the best time to visit North Sikkim?
Or, In which months does North Sikkim remain closed?
Or, Which is the best month for a trip to North Sikkim?
Or, Which is the best time to visit Gangtok and North Sikkim?

The best time to plan your visit to North Sikkim is during the summer months, particularly between April & June, and then again during autumn, between October and December. During the summer months, North Sikkim experiences pleasant weather with less chilling temperatures, making it a perfect time to visit. The snow starts to melt, revealing lush green valleys, blooming rhododendrons all around, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors get to witness clear views of the majestic mountains and pristine lakes, such as Gurudongmar Lake and Sanglaphu Cho. Road accessibility is also remains better during this time, allowing for easier travel over long distances.

Autumn in North Sikkim offers somewhat similar advantages to summer but with the added beauty of autumnal foliage and post monsoon clear skies. The landscapes are smeared with hues of red, orange, and yellow as the leaves change colour, creating a mesmerising sight. The weather remains pleasant, with clear skies, providing excellent visibility. Autumn is also a great time to witness local festivals and events celebrated by the local communities of North Sikkim.

It’s essential to note that North Sikkim experiences harsh winters with heavy snowfall, particularly between late-December to mid-March, which can result in road closures and limited accessibility to certain high altitude areas. Additionally, during the monsoon, i.e., between late July and mid-September, these areas receive heavy rainfall, which can trigger landslides and make travel challenging.

Overall, the best time to visit North Sikkim is during the summer and autumn months when the weather is quite favourable, and the landscapes are at their zenith of beauty.

How many days are required to visit Sikkim?

Sikkim can be divided into four parts while planning a travel itinerary — East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim and South Sikkim. For the first time visitors, a 7 nights and 8 days itinerary is enough to visit the most mainstream popular places across Sikkim. You can visit Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake), Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley and Pelling in this itinerary. Also, there are hundreds of other places, mostly the offbeat ones, to visit in Sikkim.

Is alcohol cheap in Sikkim?

Yes, alcohol / liquor is comparatively cheaper in Sikkim than in most other states of India because of less excise duty on liquor.