Sikkim: Indians know this state very well -mainly Kalimpong and Gangtok along with Darjeeling-the best hill station in West Bengal. Sikkim, in my opinion, is the most beautiful state in North East-the Nathula and Yarab Tso in the east, Yumthang -“The valley of flowers” and Gurudongmar Lake in the North and Pelling-base of Kanchenjunga Trek in Northwest makes up the complete package for a week with Gangtok and Darjeeling already assumed to be in must-visits when in Sikkim!
Reasons why you must visit Sikkim:
- Sikkim is known for monasteries, especially Rumtek, Enchey, Ralang, Phodong and Pemayangtse monasteries. These are not mere tourist places-these. Places give ultimate peace and comfort to the soul. Stay for a day or two in a monastery, talk to monks and engage in prayers, and you’ll know the experience.
- Tsongmo Lake /Changu Lake and Gurudongmar Lakes are two beautiful lakes that you can’t afford to miss-the landscape around them are so breathtaking-snow capped mountains, yaks around and partly frozen lake-wonderful scenes, right!
- Sikkim is known for its flora and fauna like the Himalayan tahr, red panda, snow leopard, Takin and Himalayan blue sheep.
- Gangtok is famous for some scenic Himalayan views, mini waterfalls, and monasteries, along with a gondola ride from Deorali to Tashiling and Baliman Dara paragliding centre.
- Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok are a few temples in Gangtok from where you get to pray to the Almighty and get a clear view of the Himalayan ranges.
- M.G. Road in Gangtok is a most happening place in Sikkim where you have great nightlife, casinos and lots of food options to explore.
- Pelling is a beautiful place to find peace among orchards and streams and view Mt. Kanchenjunga on a clear sunny day! Also, don’t miss the fantastic views of Kanchenjunga falls and the Himalayas from Yuksom.
- Yumthang, known as the valley of flowers of Sikkim, offers a spectacular view of Himalayan ranges along with meandering streams and snow-capped mountains-ideal for the summer retreat.
Location: Gangtok is approx 100 km north of Siliguri, the base town of West Bengal for the Himalayas, whereas Yumthang and Pelling are close to 140 km north of Gangtok.
Tourist Attraction on the spot:
Lachen Monastery, Tsongmo and GurudongmarLake, Yumthang-Zero Point, Pelling, Nathu La, Rumtek, Enchey, Ralang, Phodong and Pemayangtse monasteries.
Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:
Imphal, Itanagar, Dzokou Valley, Aizawl, Shillong, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Tawang, and Haflong are some exciting places 500-600 km from Gangtok.
Distance Charts:(From Gangtok)
- Guwahati(550 km)
- Ukhrul(1100 km)
- Pelling(140 km)
- Yumthang(140 km)
- NathuLa(60 km)
- Dimapur(810 km)
- Itanagar(780 km)
- Tawang(870 km)
- Imphal(1020 km)
- kolkata(690 km)
- Delhi(1550 km)
- Agartala(1080 km)
- Aizawl(1000 km)
- Shillong(550 km)
- Darjeeling(985 km)
How to Reach Sikkim:
Road Routes:
Jalpaiguri-Siliguri-Kalimpong-Gangtok-Lachung-yumthang-Lachung-Pelling-Gangtok-Nathula
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:
1)Gangtok is by prominent a vital tourist place: come in September through November to experience Sikkim under clear skies and amidst fantastic Himalayan ranges. You’ll not regret it. April-May is great, but not for clear skies.
2)Rainy season is a must to be avoided. It rains badly and causes landslides and floods, creating havoc and making roads inaccessible. Also, if you are keen on seeing snow-capped mountains, please avoid winters-December through March-you can’t expect anything other than snow at most places. Yumthang and Pelling-Yuksom are not a great choice in winters. Nathula also tends to be closed due to snow blockades.
3)Roads are typically a mix of good and evil but not much to worry about as distances between big towns are not that huge, and mechanic shops are easier to find here.
4)Pelling and Yumthang should be visited between April-June and September-October as the weather will be ideal for getting the clear, most picturesque view.
RAIL: Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri/Darjeeling are three stations after which you can reach Gangtok by road.
You can watch the below video to get a better idea! Do like and share if you find it worth it.
AIR:Bagdogra is very close to Siliguri and hence pretty easy to get to Gangtok.
ROAD:Come from any part of world to Siliguri and from there take a shared or pvt taxi.Refer this for bus(SNT) timetable.
Map:
Time to Visit:
Best time to visit will be from October to May.
Spend Time With:
Family,Friends,Solo,Couple,Groups
Food and Lodging:
Hotels are anytime and readily available. You can go to Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, and EaseMyTrip if you want to make a booking..Zomato and Swiggy can be used for food bookings! By the way, You won’t face the issue of food and snacks at most places in Sikkim,
Expense:
For a 5 day trip to Sikkim:
Food: INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X5
Transport: INR 1000 for public transport; shared car for Yumthang and NathuLa-3000 INR/head for three days including food and stay; INR 500 for local Gangtok sightseeing
Lodging: INR 700/day X2 at Pelling and Gangtok (two nights stay)(rest three days covered by shared tour cars)
Entry Fees include various places (varies): Consider around INR 300 in total(Pelling, Gangtok, and NathuLa have some charges)
Total: 7700 INR
Nearby Attractions(Gangtok) :
- Guwahati(550 km)
- Pelling(140 km)
- Yumthang(140 km)
- Nathula(60 km)
- Itanagar(780 km)
- Thimpu-Bhutan(370 km)
- Tawang(870 km)
- Shillong(640 km)
- Darjeeling(985 km)
- Majuli(810 km)
- Haflong(870 km)
