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Incredible India Part 17: Sikkim Travel Guide – Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, North Sikkim and Pelling

Snow peaks, high-altitude lakes and Buddhist monasteries in India's first organic state: plan your Sikkim trip with permits, best time, places and itineraries.

Raj ·Founder & Editor
Published in Travel · 2 min read ·
Snow-covered peaks above Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim with prayer flags in the foreground
Snow-covered peaks above Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim with prayer flags in the foreground
In this article

    This is Part 17 of Incredible India, our state-by-state travel series. Start from Part 1: Ladakh or read the previous part, Part 16: West Bengal.

    Tucked between Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, Sikkim is one of India's smallest states and one of its most beautiful. It is clean, peaceful and dominated by Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain. Sikkim was also declared India's first fully organic state.

    Best time to visit

    March to May brings rhododendron blooms and clear days; October to December offers the best mountain views. Winter (December-February) brings snow to higher areas and some road closures. The monsoon (June-September) can cause landslides.

    Top places to see

    • Gangtok: MG Marg, Enchey Monastery, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and ropeway views.
    • Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and Nathu La: a glacial lake and a high pass on the India-China border (Nathu La is open to Indian nationals only).
    • Rumtek Monastery: one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet.
    • North Sikkim: Lachung, the Yumthang Valley of Flowers and the sacred Gurudongmar Lake at over 5,000 m.
    • Pelling: views of Kanchenjunga, Pemayangtse Monastery and the ruins of Rabdentse.
    • Ravangla and Namchi: the Buddha Park and Char Dham complex.

    Getting there and around

    The nearest major airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal (about 4-5 hours to Gangtok), and the nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri. Sikkim's Pakyong Airport has limited flights. Within the state, shared and private taxis are the norm.

    Permits

    • Indian nationals don't need a permit for Gangtok, but do need permits for Tsomgo, Nathu La and North Sikkim, usually arranged by registered tour operators.
    • Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit (Restricted Area Permit) for Sikkim, available online or at entry points; some areas remain off-limits or require group permits.

    Sample 7-day itinerary

    1. Arrive in Gangtok.
    2. Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La (for Indians).
    3. Rumtek and Gangtok sightseeing.
    4. Drive to Lachung.
    5. Yumthang Valley (or Gurudongmar Lake from Lachen).
    6. Drive to Pelling.
    7. Pelling sightseeing, then depart.

    Practical tips

    • Plastic water bottles and many single-use plastics are banned in places; carry a reusable bottle.
    • Acclimatise before visiting high lakes and carry warm layers.

    What to eat

    Momos, thukpa, phagshapa, gundruk and sel roti. Try our momos recipe.

    Next in Incredible India: Assam.

    India TravelTravel guideNortheast IndiaIncredible IndiaSikkimGangtok
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    Written by Raj

    Founder & Editor

    I write HorizonDesk: practical, no-hype articles on technology, money, business and the vehicles we drive. Everything here is something I’ve researched, tested or wanted explained clearly myself.

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