A Himalayan wonderland, Sikkim is nestled in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and nature has gifted this state with unique beauty. The state is bestowed with a greater variety of vegetation and undisturbed valleys, five climatic zones, total sanitation, peaceful environment, hospitable and humble people and a rich cultural heritage – which is unmatched and would be hard to find anywhere else. Among its mountains is the fabulous Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world. Sikkim is also the least populous state in the Indian union. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is situated at a height of over five thousand feet above sea level.
Sikkim was once a remote mountain kingdom, ruled by Chogyals (Kings) until 1975; Sikkim is today opening up and proving to be an enchanting new world of friendly, socialite people, exotic flora and fauna, fabulous vistas and serene monastic settlements. Sikkim Tourism India offers several treks that lead through pine forests and picturesque valleys. The state is also the base for mountaineering expeditions and excellent river rafting. In the past few years the state has become one of the most sought after tourist destination.
Sikkim – a small Himalayan wonderland is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The picturesque state is dotted with plethora of scenic beauty, stunning sights, bliss of snowfall and pleasant weather and many other charms. Tucked away in the lap of Mother Nature, its ambiance is the remedy that can sooth your grueling nerves with its pure air, forest covered valleys and snow-capped mountain peaks. Best known to be the gateway to the North-Eastern corridor of India, Sikkim Tourism not only boasts of nature wonders, but also offers an endless list of things to do and wonderful places to visit. Let’s take on a virtual Sikkim Tour to know and explore if we plan for a peaceful vacation in the state.
The blend of the enchanting sound of the sacred words and the whirring of the prayer wheels made a spiritual impact on the mind and body in any of the monasteries located in any corner of Sikkim. The spiritual monks dressed in their religious attire of red robes and chanting the sacred Buddhism religious hymns in the sync of the sound of thumping of drums and trumpets make an enchanting environment which is so peaceful and soothing to the mind.
Sikkim is known as paradise for trekker’s. The trek from Yuksom to Dzongri peak is challenging and adventurous. If you are up then enjoy the most popular trek in Sikkim that takes the trail towards the famous Goecha La. It is premier trekking trail in Sikkim that takes you close to the spectacular view of mighty Kanchenjunga.
River Rafting is one of the latest adventure sports in Sikkim. If you want to walk with the momentum of nature, come and get plunged in the crystal clear blue water of river. River Teesta and its tributary Rangeet provides wonderful routes for river rafting. Hit the challenging water streams of the turbulent Tessta by just rafting
The glory of Sikkim is its breathtaking array of flora and fauna. Sikkim has a rich heritage of different kinds of flowers. The dense forest of Sikkim is home to variety of animals. Different kinds of birds, animals, and flowers; over 450 species of birds, 400 species of butterflies, 450 varieties of orchids, and 40 species of rhododendron.
Natula La Pass serves as the trade link between India and China. If you are willing to make your trip more adventurous nothing could be better than journey along the former silk route to Natula.
Sikkim – one of the most fascinating Indian state with exclusive green environment and appealing surroundings is a perfect holiday destination in India for tourists who seek peace of mind in the lap of Mother Nature from their routine life. Sikkim is famous for its astonishing beauty.
It is vital importance to know an ideal season to visit Sikkim only because this imperative Northeastern state always tops the wish-list of every enthusiast travelers across the globe. Sikkim tour brings an opportunity to view the beauty of the snow-clad Himalayan Mountains, modern regions where monasteries and skyscrapers coexist.
Sikkim lies in the north-east part of India famous across the globe for their unparalleled natural beauty and noteworthy opportunities for adventure sports. Therefore Sikkim is one of the most popular tourist spot of Northeast India. The enchanting beauty of Himalayan Kingdom with lush green landscapes attracts thousands of tourists every year.
As a suggestive note by Sikkim Tourism, the best time to explore Sikkim is either between the months of March and May or October and mid-December. If you wish to capture the glimpses of blooming natural beauty in Gangtok the perfect time to visit would be spring season, from March to May. If you want to see picturesque beauty of Himalayan Range, then October to December is the best season to visit Sikkim. This season is also a time of various festivals like the Maniram Bhanjyang Tourism festival where you can enjoy local homestays among many other things. Cherry Tea Festival as well as Red Panda Winter Festival is also observed during this season.
| Travel Months | Min/Max Temperature | Season |
|---|---|---|
| April to June | 24°c to 45°c | Summer |
| July to Sep | 21°c to 35°c | Monsoon |
| Oct to March | 10°c to 27°c | Winter |
Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri (West Bengal) is the nearest airport, then hire a private taxi to Gangtok. Alternatively, you can take the train to New Jalpaiguri and reach Gangtok by surface.
Lachen and Lachung are the two main tourists attractions in North Sikkim which are located at a distance of 120 km from Gangtok and it takes around 5 to 6 hours to reach these places from Gangtok via surface.
Yes, all destinations in North Sikkim require permit for tourists to visit.
The months of March to May and October to December are considered to be an ideal season for visiting Sikkim. When the country experiences hot summers, Sikkim offers calming heaven. During winter season the view of the sow-capped mountains are eye-soothing.
Pakyong Airport is the newest airport of Sikkim located at a distance of around 30 km from Gangtok. However, this newly inaugurated airport receives very few flight connectivity at this time. Hence, Bagdogra Airport is recommended to reach Sikkim.
No, Indian nationals do not require entry permit to visit Sikkim. However, there are certain destinations like Baba Mandir, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley – for which all Indian visitors have to obtain an inner line permit which is arranged by us.
No, Nathula Pass remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays of Every week for all tourists.
Among the numerous sightseeing places in Sikkim, you must visit the Gurudongmar Lake, Nathula Pass, Yumthang Valley, Lake Tsomgo, Rumtek Monastery and the Khangchendzonga National Park.
Sikkim, due to its adjacency to the borders of neighboring countries like China, Bhutan and Nepal, the whole of Sikkim is under restricted area regime. And therefore foreign tourists are required to get first Restricted Area Permit (RAP) earlier known as Inner Line Permit (ILP) issued by Sikkim Tourism Officers in order to explore any part of Sikkim including the capital city Gangtok. The entry permit is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India only on the strong basis of valid Indian Visa. However, Indian tourists do not require such kind of permit or permission.
With a motto to promote tourism in Sikkim, constraints on the entry for foreigners in to restricted areas of Sikkim have been relaxed by the government up some extent. Foreign travellers can now visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong, Pemayangste and the Yuksom after obtaining the restricted area permit from any of the concerned department offices in India. They are required to get Inner Line Permit and this can be obtained from all Indian Missions, Sikkim Tourism Offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, and District Magistrates office of Dajeeling, Siliguri and Rangpo on the basis of an Indian Visa.
For Indians : Indian nationals intending to visit Sikkim, they do not require any special permit. They can visit some of the unrestricted areas of Sikkim like Gangtok, Yuksom, Rumtek, Pemayangtse, Phodong etc. But for the following restricted areas in North Sikkim, Inner Line Permit is necessary to enter. Areas of north Sikkim like Yumthang Valley, Chungthang, Lachung, Yumesamdong, Lachen, Thangu, Chopta and Gurudongmar Lake. It is mandatory for Indian nationals also to obtain the permit.
Note: Re-entry in to Sikkim is not allowed within 03 months after you leave the Sikkim. The gap of 90 days is necessary as per the instruction of Ministry of Home Affairs.
1.) Foreign nationals intending to visit Sikkim for tourism can obtain a permit for an initial period of 15 days that is further extendable up to 30 days. Foreign tourist has to be in the group of two or more to visit restricted and protected areas of Sikkim like Yumthang Valley (for five days) as they are not allowed to club and go with Indian tourist.
2.) A two days Inner Line Permit is also available at Rangpo. The same permit can be further extended from Home Ministry Gangtok.
3.) Foreigners can visit Rumtek, Gangtok, Phodong and Pemayangtse for a period of fifteen days after obtaining the restricted area permit. If they are intending to visit Yumthang Valley, Zongri the rules are slightly tight.
| Area | 7096 Sq. Kms. |
| District | 4 |
| Sub-division | 16 |
| Total Forest Cover | 47.34% |
| State Animal | Red Panda |
| State Bird | Blood Pheasant |
| State Flower | Dendrobium Nobile (Nobile Orchid) |
| State Tree | Rhododendron Niveum |
| Population | 6,10,577 |
| Density of Population | 86 Persons per Sq. Km. |
| Literacy Rate | 81.4% |
Here you can find the reliable information on how to plan hassle holiday plant to Sikkim. Sikkim Tourism India put together for tourists relevant details like how to reach Sikkim, best time to visit along with complete information on different means of transportation. You can also explore here the different tourist attractions and spots in Sikkim with the help of our navigation map.
