About Sikkim

Trip Duration 7
Best Time for Visit Summer (April and May), Monsoon (June to September)

Trip Overview

SIKKIM

Sikkim, a small Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom, in later years became the twenty second state to join India in 1975. It is also on the southern slope of Himalaya and bounded on the north and northeast by Tibet Autonomous region of China, on the south by West Bengal state of India, on the east by Bhutan and on the west by Nepal. One of the highest regions of India, It also traversed by the main range of the Himalayas and by several spur ranges.

It also lies between 27° 04’ 46” and 28° 07’ 48” North of Latitude and between 88° 55’ 25 “and 88° 00’ 58” East of Longitude. It is also entirely mountainous area i.e. 7,096 sq km. Out of this 5,765 Sq km i.e. 81 % area is also forest and out of forest 2091 sq. km also snow covered area. The main rivers are also Teesta and Rangit which originates from the eastern and southern parts of Mt. Khangchendzonga.

        Sikkim also offers diverse cultural activities due to its geographical location and is the centre for many Himalayan languages and cultures from where all can avail facilities and encouragements.

FACTS & FIGURES ABOUT SIKKIM

State Capital

GANGTOK which is also well connected by daily services of Jeeps, Buses and helicopter services to Bagdogra Airport and other places of this area & neighboring areas by road.

Nearest Airport

Bagdogra Airport, 124 km, 4-5 hrs drive and is also connected by daily flight services to Delhi, Kolkata, Gauhati, Mumbai, Chennai, etc. Nearest Railway Station – New Jalpaiguri, 123 km, 4-5 hrs which also connect to all parts of India. Sikkim Visit Permit, Trekking & Protected Area Visit Permits Acquiring Places and Procedures for foreign nationals are also mentioned in map section.

Facts - *

Population–540,493 – Census 2001 [(Males-2,88,217 & Females-2,52,276), - North : 41,030 ( Males-23,414 & Females- 17,616 ), West : 1,23,256 ( Males-63,912 & Females-59,344), - South : 1,31,525 (Males-68,241 & Females-63,284) & East : 2,45,040 (Males-1,32,917 & Females-1,12,123) ], * Temperature – Summer : Max 21 C / Min. 13 C & Winter : Max 13 C / Min. 05 C., * Clothing – Summer : Light woolens & Winter : Heavy woolens, * Annual Rainfall – varies between 2200 mm to 5000 mm, * Orchid - 550 species (95 Genera ),           * Rhododendron– 36 Species (45 varieties ), * Bamboo – 20 Species, * Plants- 4000 Species, * Ferns & Allies – 300 Species, * Conifers– 9 Species,* Mammals – 81 Species, * Birds – 550 Species, * Butterflies - 650 Species, * Reptiles 33 Species, * Frogs– 16 Species, * Mountains and Peaks– 28, * Glaciers – 21, * Lakes – 180,  * River & Streams– 104, * Post Office– 210 nos. * State Bird - Blood Pheasant, * State Tree – Dendrobium Nobile, * State Animal-Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), * Lepcha name for Mt. Khangchendzonga: Khongchen Konglo

Important Mountain Ranges - *

Singalila, * Chorten Nyima, * Donkya, * Chola, * Pangola & * Maenam.

Spoken Languages: *

English, * Hindi, * Nepali, * Lepcha, * Bhutia, * Limbu, * Rai, * Gurung, * Tamang,  * Sherpa, * Magar, * Newari, * Sunuwar, * Tibetan, * Marwari, * Bihari, * Bengali, etc.

Festivals –

HINDU: * Dassin, * Tihar, * Saraswati Puja, * Magh Sakranti, * Maha Shivratri, * Holi, * Chaite Dassain or Ramnami, * Raksha Bandhan, * Janamastami, * Vishwa Karma Puja, * Rangey Mela, * Sakewa, etc ; BUDHIST: * Saga Dawa, * Drukpa Tseshi, * Guru Rinpoche’s Trungkar Tsechu, * Pang Lhabsol, * Lhabab Dhuechen, * Losoong, * Lossar, * Bumchu, * Tamu Lochhar, * Sonam Lochar, * Kagyad Dance, etc. CHRISTIAN: * Good Friday, * Easter,  * Christmas, * New Year, etc.  LEPCHA: * Tendong Lho Rum Faat, * Namsoong, etc. Tourism Festivals & Event: * Gangtok Flower Festival, * Winter Tourism Festival, * Namchi Flower Festival, * Namchi Maha Utsav, * Kalez Valley Heritage Festival, * Khangchendzonga Mountain Biking Championship, * Ravangla Tourism Festival, *

Sacred Peaks- *

Ghanchhen-m Zod-Nga [(Khangchendzonga) i. Khangchendzonga-Main, ii. Khangchendzonga-South & iii. Khangchendzonga - West], * Mt. Narsing, * Gabur Gangtsen (i. Kabru-North, ii. Kabru-South & iii. Kabru–Dome), * Mt Pandim, * Mt. Simvo, * Goecha Peak, * Fork Peak, * Pao Hungri   (Pauhungri) & * Mt.Siniolchu.

Sacred Lakes - *

Omechho (Omai-tsho)-West, * Sungmteng Chho (Tsho)–West , * Lamchho–West, * Tolechho (Dole–Tsho)-West Sikkim, * Kabur Lamchho (Gabur Lah-Tsho)-West Sikkim, * Khachoedpalri Pemachen Tsho (Khachoedpalri Lake)-West, * Kathongtsho at Yuksam-West Sikkim,  * Tsho-mGo Lake-East Sikkim, * Guru Domgmar Lake-North Sikkim & * Mulathingkhai Tsho (Green Lake) at Zemu Clacier-North Sikkim.

Important Glaciers - *

Zemu Glacier -359,85 Sq.km (North), * Talung Glacier 145.90 Sq. km (West–North), * North & South Lhonak Glaciers (North), * Changsang Glacier (North), *  Teesta Khangsa Glacier (North),  * Khangpup Khangsa (North), Zumthul Phuk Glacier (North),* Langbu Glacier (North),* Hidden Glacier(North), * Rathong Glacier-58.44 Sq km (West), etc.

Sacred Caves - *

Sharchhogbayphuk at Sangmo-South Sikkim, * Khadosangphuk at Sanganath-South, * Dechenphuk above Nambu - West Sikkim, * Lharinyingphuk, Kongro-Labdang-West Sikkim, * Phagmorong, West & * Tragtungrong, - West Sikkim.

Sacred Rocks - *

Yongzokdrak–West Sikkim, * Tragkar Rock, Tashiding–West Sikkim, * Gyalwa Lhatshun Chhenpo’s Footprint at Yuksam, * Coronation Throne at Yuksam, * Thegchhok Yangtse Khadoi Drora Rock–West Sikkim, * Guru Rinpoche’s Footprint Naydo at Chungthang–North Sikkim and * Kabi- longtsok stone Naydo at Kabi – North Sikkim.

Sacred Hot Springs - *

Phur Tshachhu at Khadosangphuk-South-West Sikkim, * Ralong Tshachhu at Borong–South Sikkim, * Gangyap Chhutshen– West Sikkim, * Takrum Tshachhu – North Sikkim, * Yumesamdong Tshachhu –North Sikkim, * Zee Tshachhu–North Sikkim, * Shagyong Phedok Tshachhu–North Sikkim and * Thulong Kang Tshachhu at Dzongu–North Sikkim.

Sacred Choedtens (Chorten/Stupa) *

Norbugang Chhoedten Tashi Hodber at Yuksam–built by Naljor, * Chhoedten Thongwa Rangdrol at Tashiding–built by Gyalwa Phatsun Chhenpo, * Khacheodpalri Bheyul Chhoedten–a replica of Nepal’s Boudanath Stupa, * Dhud-Tsen-Lu-Sum Chhoedten at Rabdentse–West Sikkim, * Gyalshing Mendang–built by Kyabgon Jigme Pao to avert famine–West Sikkim and * Mendang at Singhek, Tashiding-West Sikkim.

National Parks, Wildlife / Birds Sanctuaries & Conservation Zones -

* Khangchendzonga National Park-1784 Sq. km, * Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary- 34.35 Sq. km, * Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary-51.76 Sq.km, * Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary- 31 Sq km, * Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary- 43 Sq.km, * Barsay Rhododendron Sanctuary-104. sq. km, * Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary-128 Sq. km, * Kitam Birds Sanctuary, * Himalayan Zoological Park at Bulbuley- 205 Sq.Hectere (East), *Yongzokdrak Blue Sheep Conservation Zone-55 Sq.Km within KNP (North-West), * Areylungtshok Musk Deer Conservation Zone- 27 Sq.km within KNP (West), * Lampokhari Medicinal Plants Conservation Zone-15 sq. km-within KNP (West), * Singalila Eco-Tourism Promotion Zone (West), * Birds Watching Centre at Rabdentse (West  * Birds watching Centre at Khachoedpalri (West), * Birds Watching Centre at Rinchenpong (West).

History:

Sikkim was also a separate kingdom until 1975 when it became a part of India after a referendum. Prior to that, it had a monarchy. The merger with India has also brought about significant changes in the state's governance and infrastructure.

Forest Department was also constituted in the year 1893 during the reign of Maharaja Thutob Namgyal. The Department was also reorganized during 1956 and was placed under Conservator of Forest.

This is also for general information that if any action found offensive as per Notification

No: 887/FEWMD Dated :10th Feb,2006 of its Wildlife ( Regulation of Trekking ) Rules – 2005,

Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim shall be punishable as per the Law.

 Trip Highlight

  • Explore the local markets of Gangtok.
  • Sightseeing at Gangtok.
  • Visit one of the glacial lakes in India, Tsomgo Lake.
  • Take a heritage walk in Lachen Village.
  • Visit the last Buddhist monastery.
  • Explore the Yumthang Valley.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive to Gangtok.

Itinerary

Welcome to the North Sikkim tour! Our representative will assist you to your hotel in Gangtok. After check-in, complete formalities and unwind. Then, enjoy free time at leisure. You can relax at the hotel or explore the local markets to shop for souvenirs. Once done, return to the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.

Arise for a nutritious breakfast and get ready for the sightseeing tour. Visit Tsomgo Lake, also called Changu Lake, by the locals. It is at an elevation of 3753 m above sea level and is located close to the Indo-China border. After spending time, come back to the hotel. As the sun goes down, you can go out to savor local street food and go shopping. Then, get back to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Note: Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit to visit Tsomgo Lake

Greet the early morning sun, have breakfast, and checkout from the hotel. Today you will be driven from Gangtok to Lachen. En route, take a pause at Chungthang for lunch, and afterward, continue your drive. After reaching Lachen, get an assisted transfer to the hotel, complete your check-in formalities and relax. Later in the evening, you can take a heritage walk around the Lepcha Village and admire its beauty. Once done, return to the hotel and get over the journey fatigue with a refreshing sleep.

On fourth Day of your North Sikkim tour, we will transfer you from Lachen to Lachung. Joseph Dalton, a British explorer, mentioned Lachung as the “Most Picturesque Village of Sikkim” in The Himalayan Journal.

On arrival, complete your check-in formalities at the hotel and relax. Later in the evening, visit Lachung Monastery, renowned as India’s last Buddhist Monastery before the Indo-China border. Afterward, get back to the hotel and surrender yourself to the world of dreams

Wake up and enjoy your delicious breakfast. Get ready for a day trip to Yumthang Valley, called the Valley of Flowers. En route, halt near a popular hot-spring known for its medicinal values. Once reached, you can explore the valley, admire its scenery and the green pasture on meadows. After a fun-filled day, drive back to Lachung by evening. The rest of the time is free at leisure. Savor dinner and hop onto the bed for a restful sleep.

On sixth day of your North Sikkim trip, you will be driven back to Gangtok city. Enjoy the views of the Himalayan mountain range and Kanchenjunga Peak throughout the road trip. On arrival at Gangtok, complete your check-in formalities at the hotel and relax. Later in the evening, wander around the local street of Gangtok to enjoy local delicacies and shopping. Finally, enjoy an overnight stay at Gangtok.

Today, your 6 nights, 7 days Sikkim tour concludes. Get an assisted transfer to the airport/railway station for your journey back home with cherishable memories.

Departures & Availability

The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.

Check Available Dates
Start Date Price Availability

All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.

Gears And Equipment

Sikkim Tour Trip Information

If you’re planning a trip to Sikkim, here’s some essential information to help you prepare and make the most of your journey:

1. Best Time to Visit:

  • The best time to visit Sikkim is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rainfall that can lead to landslides.

2. Permits and Entry Requirements:

  • Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Sikkim, which can be obtained online or at check posts. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP) depending on the areas they wish to visit.

3. Transportation:

  • The nearest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Within Sikkim, taxis and private cars are the primary modes of transport.

4. Accommodation:

  • Sikkim offers a range of accommodation options including luxury hotels, budget guesthouses, and homestays. In popular tourist destinations like Gangtok, Pelling, and Lachung, you’ll find comfortable hotels and resorts.

5. Language:

  • The official languages of Sikkim are Nepali, Bhutia, and Lepcha. English and Hindi are also widely understood, especially in tourist areas.

6. Places to Visit:

  • Gangtok: Explore the capital city known for its scenic views, monasteries (like Rumtek Monastery), and markets.
  • Pelling: Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, and enjoy panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range.
  • Lachung and Lachen: Base towns for exploring Yumthang Valley (Valley of Flowers) and Gurudongmar Lake.
  • Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake): A stunning glacial lake located at an altitude of 12,313 feet.
  • Namchi: Visit the famous Char Dham and the giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche).

7. Adventure Activities:

  • Sikkim offers opportunities for trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and mountain biking. Popular treks include the Dzongri trek, Goechala trek, and Singalila Ridge trek.

8. Local Cuisine:

  • Try traditional Sikkimese dishes like momos, thukpa (noodle soup), gundruk (fermented greens), and sel roti (rice doughnuts). Don’t miss tasting local beverages like tongba (fermented millet drink) and chhang (local beer).

9. Culture and Festivals:

  • Experience the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim through its monasteries, festivals (like Losar and Saga Dawa), and traditional dances (like Cham dance).

10. Responsible Tourism:

  • Practice responsible tourism by respecting local customs, minimizing plastic waste, and supporting local communities through homestays and eco-friendly initiatives.

By considering these aspects and planning your trip accordingly, you can have an enriching experience exploring the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Sikkim. Make sure to check the latest travel advisories and guidelines before planning your visit.

FAQS

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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

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