Sikkim Travel Guide

The four regions at a glance

Sikkim is easiest to understand as four regions, each with its own character.

• East Sikkim has Gangtok, the capital, plus Rumtek Monastery and the high road to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La.
• South Sikkim is made up of tea hills and hill towns such as Ravangla, Namchi and Temi, with calmer scenery and lower altitude.
• West Sikkim is centred on Pelling, with Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse and views of Kanchenjunga.
• North Sikkim is the high, remote region around Lachen and Lachung, with Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake.

Getting there

Most travellers arrive at Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri station near Siliguri and continue by road. Gangtok is around four to five hours away, depending on traffic and road work. Pakyong Airport near Gangtok has limited flights, so check current options. If you are combining Sikkim with Darjeeling, a road transfer between them takes most of a day.

What to expect on the road

Sikkim's roads are narrow, steep and winding. Distances that look short on the map often take hours. Landslides are common in the monsoon, and North Sikkim roads can close at short notice. We recommend travelling with a private car and an experienced driver, and keeping flexible dates for onward connections.

Altitude and permits

Gangtok sits at roughly 1,650 metres, Tsomgo Lake at around 3,700 and Gurudongmar above 5,000. Ascend gradually if you plan to go high. Indian citizens need a Protected Area Permit for Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and North Sikkim, and foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit for the state. Details change, so see our guide to Sikkim travel permits.

Choosing your route

First-time visitors usually enjoy Gangtok combined with either Pelling or Ravangla. Those with more time and good health can add North Sikkim. Our Gangtok and East Sikkim itinerary is a good short introduction, and Mountains, Monasteries and Valleys covers three regions at a comfortable pace.

Planning tip

Decide first how much altitude and driving you want, then choose the regions. Our Sikkim destination page has more detail, or tell us about your trip and we will suggest a route.