🇮🇳 Sikkim, India: Ultimate Guide by an Indian Local
About Sikkim
Sikkim is one of the smallest states of India, located in the northeastern part of the country, in the eastern Himalayas. It is a mostly mountainous region, home to the majestic Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Ideal for adventure junkies, nature lovers, and road trippers.
💬 LANGUAGE
English, Hindi, Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha
💰 CURRENCY
Indian Rupee (INR)
How to get there
For anyone wanting to go to Sikkim, they must pass through Siliguri, West Bengal which is considered the gateway to Sikkim.
Fly to Kolkata first, then reach Siliguri
Especially for travellers arriving from outside India, you need to first fly to Kolkata International airport.
From there, you can reach Siliguri by air, train, bus or car.
✈️ Flight (Recommended ✅) | 1 hr
Take another flight or a connecting flight to Siliguri (Bagdogra airport)
🚄 Take a train (Cheapest 💵) | 8 - 12 hrs
It's much cheaper than flight, and you can take an overnight train so that you reach in the morning fresh and early.
Though I must warn those of you who are unfamiliar with Indian Railways - they are not always the cleanest or most comfortable mode of transport.
🚌 Bus | 12 - 13hrs
Take an overnight bus to Siliguri. Again, this may not be the most comfortable ride, but it is very cheap.
🚗 Car | 13 - 14 hrs
If you have no other option, you can reach Siliguri by road. But I don't recommend this, as this will be a long and tiring journey.
Permits
You will need Protected Area Permits to travel to several parts of Sikkim, also depending on whether you're an Indian national or a foreigner.
The simplest way to go about this is through a trusted travel agent or to ask your driver/hotel for information - or simply book a custom itinerary with me and I'll help you arrange everything.
How to get around
🔹 In Sikkim, it's essential to have a car - and it's recommended to pre-book one with a driver for the duration of your entire stay. Especially in peak season - you may not find any vehicles for hire if you don't book ahead.
🔹 Self drive is not recommended unless you have experience driving on mountainous terrain or Himalayan roads.
🔹 The driver will usually pick you up straight from Siliguri Train station or the Bagdogra airport.
If you haven't booked in advance, you can also find taxis (both private and shared) outside the station and airport that will take you to Gangtok and other lower altitude areas. Make sure you research about the rates beforehand, and bargain with them.
(Plug: If you book a custom itinerary for Sikkim with me, contacts for a trusted driver and car + arrangements for any permits will also be provided in the package👇)
Places to visit
Gangtok
The most popular destination in Sikkim is Gangtok, the capital. It's a populous bustling town that often gets very crowded with tourists during peak season. By road, it takes 4-5 hours from Siliguri and the route is scenic.
Here are a few things you can do within Gangtok.
Outside Gangtok
Lachen
Climb higher and deeper into the mountains, and head north into Lachen. These areas are more remote, and you will find lesser amenities and comforts the higher you go - but the trade off is worth it, because it is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The drive itself is also very scenic, and you'll encounter a number of view points and waterfalls on the way, including 👇
Where to stay
Our recommendation👇
Other options👇
Lachen itself is a quiet, sleepy town so there's not much to do. People usually make this a base for seeing other attractions further north, so that they can get gradually acclimatised to the high altitude.
What to see: outside Lachen
Lachung
Another small picturesque mountain village, known for its waterfalls, pine forests and hot springs. A bit more bustling than Lachen, it is a paradise for nature lovers.
Where to stay - Our recommendations
For backpackers/bikers:
For families/high end travellers:
What to see: outside Lachung
That's all for Sikkim - happy travels!
Don't be intimidated! If you need help planning a trip to Sikkim, I'm all ears! Book a custom itinerary with me and I'll take care of all the stress👇
Customised Services
Important Links
🇮🇳 Sikkim, India: Ultimate Guide by an Indian Local
About Sikkim
Sikkim is one of the smallest states of India, located in the northeastern part of the country, in the eastern Himalayas. It is a mostly mountainous region, home to the majestic Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Ideal for adventure junkies, nature lovers, and road trippers.
💬 LANGUAGE
English, Hindi, Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha
💰 CURRENCY
Indian Rupee (INR)
How to get there
For anyone wanting to go to Sikkim, they must pass through Siliguri, West Bengal which is considered the gateway to Sikkim.
Fly to Kolkata first, then reach Siliguri
Especially for travellers arriving from outside India, you need to first fly to Kolkata International airport.
From there, you can reach Siliguri by air, train, bus or car.
✈️ Flight (Recommended ✅) | 1 hr
Take another flight or a connecting flight to Siliguri (Bagdogra airport)
🚄 Take a train (Cheapest 💵) | 8 - 12 hrs
It's much cheaper than flight, and you can take an overnight train so that you reach in the morning fresh and early.
Though I must warn those of you who are unfamiliar with Indian Railways - they are not always the cleanest or most comfortable mode of transport.
🚌 Bus | 12 - 13hrs
Take an overnight bus to Siliguri. Again, this may not be the most comfortable ride, but it is very cheap.
🚗 Car | 13 - 14 hrs
If you have no other option, you can reach Siliguri by road. But I don't recommend this, as this will be a long and tiring journey.
Permits
You will need Protected Area Permits to travel to several parts of Sikkim, also depending on whether you're an Indian national or a foreigner.
The simplest way to go about this is through a trusted travel agent or to ask your driver/hotel for information - or simply book a custom itinerary with me and I'll help you arrange everything.
How to get around
🔹 In Sikkim, it's essential to have a car - and it's recommended to pre-book one with a driver for the duration of your entire stay. Especially in peak season - you may not find any vehicles for hire if you don't book ahead.
🔹 Self drive is not recommended unless you have experience driving on mountainous terrain or Himalayan roads.
🔹 The driver will usually pick you up straight from Siliguri Train station or the Bagdogra airport.
If you haven't booked in advance, you can also find taxis (both private and shared) outside the station and airport that will take you to Gangtok and other lower altitude areas. Make sure you research about the rates beforehand, and bargain with them.
(Plug: If you book a custom itinerary for Sikkim with me, contacts for a trusted driver and car + arrangements for any permits will also be provided in the package👇)
Places to visit
Gangtok
The most popular destination in Sikkim is Gangtok, the capital. It's a populous bustling town that often gets very crowded with tourists during peak season. By road, it takes 4-5 hours from Siliguri and the route is scenic.
Here are a few things you can do within Gangtok.
Outside Gangtok
Lachen
Climb higher and deeper into the mountains, and head north into Lachen. These areas are more remote, and you will find lesser amenities and comforts the higher you go - but the trade off is worth it, because it is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
The drive itself is also very scenic, and you'll encounter a number of view points and waterfalls on the way, including 👇
Where to stay
Our recommendation👇
Other options👇
Lachen itself is a quiet, sleepy town so there's not much to do. People usually make this a base for seeing other attractions further north, so that they can get gradually acclimatised to the high altitude.
What to see: outside Lachen
Lachung
Another small picturesque mountain village, known for its waterfalls, pine forests and hot springs. A bit more bustling than Lachen, it is a paradise for nature lovers.
Where to stay - Our recommendations
For backpackers/bikers:
For families/high end travellers:
What to see: outside Lachung
That's all for Sikkim - happy travels!
Don't be intimidated! If you need help planning a trip to Sikkim, I'm all ears! Book a custom itinerary with me and I'll take care of all the stress👇
Customised Services
Important Links