India tour & travel

Sikkim Tourism

Bhag Pool on the way to Sikkim
Sikkim is a small and beautiful state of Himalayan region of India. Located at an altitude of 5500 ft is a tourist paradise for its 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.
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


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. 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

Rangpo check post, entry point to Sikkim stateBy 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. Cost is Rs 2200/- per head.

Permit / Permission to enter and visit Sikkim

Being a border state and for some other reasons special permission is to be taken for Indian ( to some areas of Sikkim ) and for foreigners to enter into Sikkim.

Foreigners

Handicrafts center at Gangtok 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, consulates , high commissions abroad, Sikkim tourism offices at Kolkota, New Delhi, Siliguri, Rangpo check post and Darjeeling magistrate office. Two photos and photocopies of passport and visa details are required for getting ILP. This is normally issued for 15 days. Your permit can be extended three times and in total you can stay 60 days ( maximum ) in Sikkim. Contact Local tourist office in Sikkim to extend your stay. Note that wit this permit you can access to many places in Sikkim but some border places like North Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake etc requires special permission which can be obtained from your travel agent. Each permit requires two passport size photos, proof of identity and copy of your passport and visa. Carry your passport, visa and photos with you. Keep some copies of these documents and copy of your photo. Some areas like Guru Dongmar Lake and beyond Yumthang valley only Indians are allowed.

Indian Tourists

Indians can easily enter into Sikkim through its various check posts. You can reach Gangtok, Pelling or other district headquarters without any permission or permits.

For some areas to visit inside Sikkim like Nathula, Tsomgo Lake, North Sikkim 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. Each permit requires two passport size photos ( of all adult members ) and copy of identity proof. Separate permits are required for Nathula and for North Sikkim. So carry 4 Nos of photos if you have plan to visit Nathula, and North Sikkim.

Sikkim travel Your permits are to be checked at different check posts and on return journey it will be submitted. All these will be taken care by your driver or guide.

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.

Number of User Comments : 4







abhijit

14-01-2011

good, i want economy hotels in gangtok
HIRAL PATEL

03-08-2011

Hi,
we 4 couple are planning to visit SIKKIM AND NEARBY in the Month of Dec..MOST probably from Dec 30th to jan 10th 2012. Send me the package details including following information.
1. per couple package amount
2. Places to visit.
3.from which city tour starts
chandra sekhar sunkara

02-09-2011

we want to visit in dec to jan 2012
Parmeshwar Sharma

18-09-2011

We are planning to visit the following location between 21 to 31 December 2011
1 Bagdogra
2. Silliguri
3. Darjelling
4. Pelling
5. Gangtok
6. Lachung ( need to have mininum 2 night and 3 days stay)
7. Gurudongmar
8. Yumtang
9. Zero point

Do let me know what will be the cost of stay and travelling for Couple. We are Pure Vegetarian and the hotel stay should be in an arround the pure veg hotel.

Also we want to cover one ride in chopper between any destination during this period

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