Sikkim

A small Himalayan state with views of Kangchenjunga, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and alpine lakes.

Sikkim lies in the Himalayas of northeastern India, wedged between Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, with Gangtok as its capital. It is home to Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak, and Khangchendzonga National Park is a World Heritage Site. Gangtok overlooks snow peaks and has Rumtek Monastery and Tsomgo Lake nearby; Pelling in the west offers close views of snow peaks and a visit to Pemayangtse Monastery; and Lachung and Lachen in North Sikkim are known for their flower-filled valleys and alpine lakes. The best seasons are March to May, when rhododendrons bloom, and October to December, when skies are clear. The gateways are Pakyong Airport or Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, and some areas require permits.

Destinations

• North Sikkim
• Gangtok
• Pelling
• Namchi

Itineraries

• Darjeeling, Pelling, Gangtok & Lachung Panorama – Travel from Darjeeling into Sikkim, covering tea gardens, ancient capitals, the modern capital, and northern alpine val…
• Gangtok, South Sikkim & Pelling Monastery Route – Skip North Sikkim and connect Gangtok, the pilgrimage sites of Namchi, and the ancient ruins of Pelling.
• Gangtok & North Sikkim Alpine Circuit – Starting from Gangtok, stay in Lachung and Lachen to explore Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake.
• Darjeeling, Sikkim & Kanchenjunga Loop – A loop connecting Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling to see sacred lakes, ancient monasteries, tea gardens, and the Kanch…