Sikkim travel: places to visit

Sikkim travel
Sikkim is a small and beautiful state of Himalayan regions of India. Located at an altitude of 5500 ft is a tourist paradise for hits natural beauty, culture and handcrafts. There are many famous Buddhist monasteries located inside Sikkim. State of Sikkim is located at latitude of 27-28 North and Longitude of 88-89 degree east. The temperature varies from 21 to 13 degree Celsius in summer and 13 degree to 5 degree Celsius in winter. Light woolen cloths in summer and heavy woolen cloths in winter are required.

There are different road links available to enter Sikkim but most important of them is from NJP (New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal State) on National Highway Number 31A ( NH 31A ). This road enters Sikkim at Rangpo check post. Rangpo check post is located at a distance of 77 KM from Siliguri, Kalimpong is 40 KM and Darjeeling is 77 KM. From Darjeeling the road joins the road from NJP by the side of river Teesta.

Distance from Gangtok
Gangtok to Darjeeling: 105 Kms
Gangtok to Siliguri: 110 Kms
Gangtok to Kalimpong: 80 Kms
Gangtok to Lachung : 105 Kms
Gangtok to Pemayabgtse : 117 Kms

Rangpo check post, entry point to Sikkim state

Rangpo check post, entry point to Sikkim state

By rail nearest station is New Jalpaiguri ( NJP) located at a distance of 125 Kms. NJP is well connected by long and short distance trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and other major cities of India. NJP is one on the main station for the train line connecting Gauhati and north east States of India with main train lines of the country. From all corners of the country train goes to Gauhati passing through NJP station.

By air the nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal State and approximately 125 Km from Gangtok. By road it will take four hours and Sikkim tourism department operates daily helicopter service between Gangtok and Bagdogra during different flight timings.

Foreigners must obtain ILP ( Inner Line Permit ) to enter into Sikkim. This is issued based on Indian Visa. ILP can be obtained from all Indian missions, Sikkim tourism offices at Kolkota, New Delhi, Siliguri and Rangpo. Two photos and photocopies of passport and visa details are required for getting ILP. This is normally issued for 15 days.

For some areas to visit inside Sikkim like Nathula, Tsomgo Lake etc prior permission is to be taken (for Indian tourist also ). Your local tour operators can easily arrange one for you. But submit your details one day before as the permits are issued on the day of journey in morning hours.

There is no meter system in Sikkim Taxis but all have rate chats pasted in window and have a copy inside. Rates are fixed between two places and vary little depending on type of vehicle.

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