Sikkim Travel Guide
Gangtok, high lakes and North Sikkim — plus the permits you need to plan for.
Gangtok
Sikkim's capital is clean, compact and built on a ridge. MG Marg is the pedestrian heart; Rumtek and Enchey monasteries, Do Drul Chorten and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology are all close by.
Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La
Tsomgo (Changu) Lake sits at about 3,700 metres, a few hours from Gangtok. Nathu La, on the border with Tibet, is open to Indian nationals with a permit on specific days.
North Sikkim
Lachung is a mountain village that serves as a base for Yumthang Valley, famous for rhododendrons in spring. Roads here can be affected by landslides, so plans stay flexible.
Permits
Tsomgo, Nathu La and North Sikkim require permits, arranged with your ID. Foreign nationals have additional restrictions in some areas, so share your nationality when planning.
When to go
March to May for flowers and pleasant weather; October to December for clear mountain views. The monsoon can disrupt roads.
Combine with
Darjeeling, a few hours away, is the most common addition, as is Pelling in West Sikkim for Kanchenjunga views.
Travel conditions, permits and timings change. Check current rules before you travel — we confirm them in every quotation.
