Sikkim is a small Himalayan state with big views of Kanchenjunga. Gangtok is the base for Tsomgo Lake and the Nathu La border pass; North Sikkim has Lachung, the Yumthang valley and Zero Point; West Sikkim has Pelling, the Pemayangtse monastery and the skywalk.
Tsomgo, Nathu La and North Sikkim are protected areas – permits are arranged by a registered tour operator with your ID and photos.
| Capital | Gangtok |
|---|---|
| Airport | Bagdogra (IXB) · Pakyong (limited flights) |
| Rail head | New Jalpaiguri (NJP) |
| Permit | Protected-area permit for Tsomgo, Nathu La & North Sikkim |
| Best time | March – May, October – December |
| Route | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Bagdogra – Gangtok | 125 km | 4 – 5 hrs |
| Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake | 38 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Gangtok – Nathu La | 56 km | 2.5 hrs |
| Gangtok – Lachung | 115 km | 5 – 6 hrs |
| Lachung – Yumthang | 25 km | 1 hr |
| Gangtok – Pelling | 115 km | 5 hrs |
| Gangtok – Darjeeling | 100 km | 4 hrs |
Approximate road distances and times – mountain roads can take longer in snow or rain.
🎟️ Entrance fees (per person, paid at the gate or online)
| Place | 🇮🇳 Indian | 🌍 Foreigner |
|---|---|---|
| Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandirprotected area – Indians only, ID + photos | Permit incl. | — |
| Nathu La Passper vehicle incl. permit, Wed – Sun – in the calculator | approx. ₹3,000 | — |
| Gangtok Ropewayreturn | approx. ₹170 | approx. ₹170 |
| Rumtek Monastery | approx. ₹20 | approx. ₹20 |
| Banjhakri Falls | approx. ₹50 | approx. ₹50 |
| Yumthang ValleyNorth Sikkim permit | Permit incl. | — |
| Zero Pointper vehicle – in the calculator | approx. ₹3,500 | — |
| Pemayangtse Monastery | approx. ₹20 | approx. ₹20 |
| Pelling Skywalk | approx. ₹50 | approx. ₹50 |
Fees as published for 2026 and can be revised by the authorities; "approx." rates are local / private and may differ. Children are usually free or half rate. Camera fees extra at some places.
Packages by Travel Himalayas that stay in Sikkim – hotels and a private cab, with the complete price for your date on each page.
🚗 Pickup: Bagdogra airport / NJP railway station
🌇 Drop: Bagdogra airport / NJP railway station
🏨 Night stay: Gangtok × 3
🚗 Pickup: Bagdogra airport / NJP railway station
🌇 Drop: Bagdogra airport / NJP railway station
🏨 Night stay: Gangtok × 2 · Darjeeling × 2
🚗 Pickup: Bagdogra airport / NJP railway station
🌇 Drop: Bagdogra airport / NJP railway station
🏨 Night stay: Gangtok × 2 · Lachung × 1 · Gangtok × 1 · Darjeeling × 2
🚗 Pickup: Bagdogra airport / NJP railway station
🌇 Drop: Bagdogra airport / NJP railway station
🏨 Night stay: Gangtok × 2 · Pelling × 2 · Darjeeling × 2
🚗 Pickup: Bagdogra airport / NJP railway station
🌇 Drop: Bagdogra airport / NJP railway station
🏨 Night stay: Gangtok × 2 · Lachung × 1 · Gangtok × 1 · Pelling × 2 · Darjeeling × 2
Indians need no permit for Gangtok and Pelling, but a protected-area permit is needed for Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and North Sikkim – we arrange it.
Nathu La is usually open for Indian tourists from Wednesday to Sunday, weather permitting.
March – May: rhododendrons and clear days – peak season. June – September: monsoon – landslides, North Sikkim roads can close. October – December: clearest Kanchenjunga views. January – February: cold, snow at Tsomgo and Zero Point – roads may close.
By air – Bagdogra, then 125 km to Gangtok. By train – New Jalpaiguri (NJP), then 120 km to Gangtok. By road – Siliguri – Gangtok on NH 10 along the Teesta.
Our Sikkim packages start from about ₹12,200 per person (2 sharing) with hotels and a private cab – open a package for the complete price on your date.