The perfect destination for vacationers in quest of enchantment, tranquillity or adventure. A jewel embedded in now clad mountains, Sikkim is a primeval land that is unlike anywhere else.
Where one dreamy day blends into the next. Bordered by Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and West Bengal, Sikkim tour takes you to the rugged and dramatic terrain has elevation variations ranging from 284 mts. to 8540 mts. This land of mystery and myths casts an enchanted spell that holds a visitor in thrill. A land so rich in culture, tradition and steeped in religion.
The second smallest state of India, this tiny region in the north east gives you glimpses of the Himalayas in all its glory. With its pristine and unspoilt natural beauty and peace loving people, Sikkim offers you a truly unique travelling experience.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the state is March to May end and October to mid December. There are three seasons, when you can take a trip to Sikkim, the "crested" Shangri-La.
- Summer - Mid April - May end. Oppurtunity to see the rhododendrous in full bloom at Yumthang, Vashey in West Sikkim.
- Autumn - Following the monsoon the weather breathes a sigh of relief, manifested in clear skies. Naturally, snow-clad peaks are visible now.
- Winter - This is the time for iceman, who can withstand severe cold. The famous Chhangu lake is frozen solid, till early March. This is best season to witness Sikkim snow.
Landslides
Like most of the hilly terrain, especially in the North-Eastern India, Sikkim is a lanslide prone area. And during the monsoon, late May to early September, many parts of the state turn inaccessible. The stupendous repair job is undertaken by the Border Road Organisation. Therefore, if you are visiting the area during monsoon, check out thoroughly at Siliguri, Gangtok, Kalimpong or darjeeling. Wherever you are staying, before you start. If trapped and have a time crunch, try find out alternative routes viz from Gantok, you can the take the route to darjeeling and then to Siliguri. And if the weather offers you a bright sunny day, go for the helicopter service. It costs you around Rs 1500 for a ride to Bagdogra
Yak Safari
It's indeed, a never before experience. Except in Leh & Ladakh, you can't find it anywhere else. Organised by Sikkim Tourism and recognised agencies, the safari is available from Zongri.
Mountain Biking
Sikkim Tourism is working hard to promote the sport in North and West Sikkim. For details : get in touch with their offices.
Entry Formalities
For Indians
Indian nationals do not require any permit to visit unrestricted areas in Sikkim like Gangtok, Rumtek, Pemayangtse, Yuksom, Phodong etc. But for the following restricted areas Inner Line Permits (ILP) are required:
- North Sikkim: Chungthang, Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Yumesamdong, Lachen, Thangu, Chopta and Gurudongmar Lake.
- East Sikkim: Tsongo Lake, Nathula Pass, Kupup and Menmecho Lake. The ILP can be obtained from Sikkim Police, Gangtok. Any reputed travel agent will also organise the same for you. For Nathula Pass, Kupup and Menmecho Lake, small groups are now permitted to visit these with special permits from the Army.
For Foreign Nationals
(A) Foreigners visiting Sikkim for tourism are issued a permit for an initial period of 15 days, extendable by a further 30 days from the Home Deptt., Govt. of Sikkim, depending on merits of the case. Organised groups of four or more foreign tourists escorted by registered Travel Agents are allowed to visit Yumthang ( North Sikkim ) for five days, and Tsango Lake ( East Sikkim ) for one day.
(B) A two-day inner line permit may also be obtained at Rangpo. This permit can be further extended at Gangtok, Home Deptt.
(C) Foreigners interested in religious / research work will require a special permit for long term stay from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India. Individual tourists should confirm permitted areas from the Tourist Information centre, Gangtok.
Newer areas for trekking, white water rafting and mountain biking have since been further opened for tourists.
Connectivity
Gangtok, the state capital, can be accessed from Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri by road as well as by helicopter services.
- Airways - Though Gangtok has its own airport, linked with helicopter service, however, that is not dependable all the time. Bagdogra, the airport proper, is about 125km from Gangtok, and is approximately 5 hrs drive from there. Regular Indian Airlines and Private Airlines service operate between Bagdogra and delhi (as well as Guwahati and Calcutta).
- Railways - Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the nearest railway stations.
- Roadways - Gangtok is connected by all weather road to Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and also to all the district headquarters within Sikkim.
- Bus - The Sikkim Naionalised Transport (SNT) plies regular bus services to & from Gangtok to all major cities and towns in North Bengal and within the state. Booking facilities are available at Siliguri and Gagtok.
