Sikkim Tour Packages 2025 | Gangtok, Tsomgo & Kanchenjunga | HMX Global

Sikkim

The Himalayan kingdom — Kanchenjunga views, Buddhist monasteries, and pristine valleys

5 Days

Starting ₹20,000

March to May (best: rhododendrons in bloom). October to December (clear Kanchenjunga views). Avoid monsoon (June-September).

Overview – Best Places to Visit in Sikkim

Sikkim is India's smallest and least-visited state — a former Buddhist kingdom wedged between Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan in the eastern Himalayas, home to India's third-largest peak (Kanchenjunga, 8,586m), dozens of ancient monasteries, and valleys so beautiful they inspired the legend of Shangri-La. Unlike Manali or Shimla, Sikkim remains largely undeveloped and uncrowded — the tourism infrastructure exists but the landscape, the culture, and the pace of life remain authentic. The state is India's most organic state (no chemical pesticides allowed), producing excellent cardamom, ginger, and tea. For travellers tired of the noise and crowds of mainstream Indian hill stations, Sikkim feels like a sanctuary.

Kanchenjunga sunrise view from Gangtok

Tsomgo (Changu) Lake at 3,753m — glacial high-altitude lake

Nathula Pass — India-China border (permit required)

Rumtek Monastery — seat of Kagyu lineage

Pelling — panoramic Kanchenjunga views

Yuksom — starting point of Kanchenjunga trek

Ravangla Buddha Park — 130ft sitting Buddha

Gurudongmar Lake (North Sikkim) — one of world's highest lakes

Things to Do in Sikkim

Top attractions and experiences for your Sikkim tour package

Gangtok

Sikkim's charming capital at 1,650m — the MG Marg pedestrian street, Rumtek Monastery (30km away), Enchey Monastery, and the cable car to Tashi Viewpoint for Kanchenjunga views.

Tsomgo Lake (Changu)

A sacred high-altitude glacial lake at 3,753m, 40km from Gangtok. Surrounded by steep mountains, accessible by shared jeep. Permit required for Indian citizens.

Nathula Pass

A Himalayan mountain pass on the Indo-China border at 4,310m — 54km from Gangtok. Permits required and issued from Gangtok. Weather-dependent access (often closed in winter and monsoon).

Pelling

A quiet town in West Sikkim with arguably the best views of Kanchenjunga's southern face — Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse ruins, and the Skywalk glass bridge are nearby.

Gurudongmar Lake

One of the world's highest lakes at 5,430m in North Sikkim — a high-altitude pilgrimage and trekking destination. Permit required. Accessible only from October to May (closed monsoon).

How to Reach Sikkim

By Road

NH10 from Siliguri to Gangtok — 4h by shared jeep (cheap) or 2h by private taxi. The road along the Teesta River is scenic.

By Air

Fly to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) near Siliguri from Kolkata (50min), Delhi (2.5h), Mumbai (3h). From Bagdogra, shared or private taxis reach Gangtok in 2-2.5h (95km). Pakyong Airport near Gangtok has limited flights — check availability. SpiceJet operates some routes.

By Train

Train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) — well connected from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai. Jeep from NJP to Gangtok: 4-5h.

Sikkim Trip Cost – Budget Breakdown

Budget

₹15,000–22,000 per person (budget guesthouse, shared jeeps, dal-bhat meals)

per person

Mid-Range

₹30,000–45,000 per person (3-star hotel, private cab, permits, guided day trips)

per person

Luxury

₹70,000+ per person (Elgin Nor-Khill or Denzong Regency, private vehicle, full North Sikkim package)

per person

Where to Stay in Sikkim

Budget

Hotel Sonam Delek / Modern Central Lodge Gangtok

Mid-Range

Chumbi Mountain Retreat / Royal Plaza Gangtok

Luxury

Elgin Nor-Khill Gangtok / Denzong Regency / Mayfair Gangtok

Must-Try Food in Sikkim

Thukpa

A Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables, egg or meat in a hearty broth — the perfect warming meal at altitude. Available everywhere in Gangtok.

Momos

Steamed or fried Himalayan dumplings with vegetable or pork/chicken filling — ubiquitous street food in Gangtok. Best eaten with tomato-chilli chutney.

Dal-Bhat

The Nepali and Sikkimese staple — lentil soup with steamed rice, achar (pickle), and curried vegetables. Most homestays serve this for both lunch and dinner.

Chhurpi

A hard Himalayan yak cheese — chewed slowly as a snack. Sold by vendors throughout Gangtok. An acquired taste.

Chang

A mildly fermented millet beer — the traditional drink of Sikkim, served warm in a bamboo vessel called a tongba. Try it at a local restaurant in Gangtok.

What to Buy in Sikkim

MG Marg, Gangtok

Thangka paintings, Sikkimese cardamom and tea, prayer flags, Buddhist artefacts

Lal Bazaar, Gangtok

Fresh produce, local snacks, cheaper day-to-day shopping

Pelling local market

Handwoven Sikkimese fabrics, lokta paper products, local honey

Sikkim Travel Guide – Tips & Advice

1All tourists (including Indian citizens) need permits for restricted areas — Inner Line Permit for Nathula and North Sikkim, obtainable in Gangtok
2Acclimatise properly — Gangtok is at 1,650m but day trips go to 3,500-5,400m. Don't rush altitude gains
3Book a local taxi driver/guide who knows the permit system — most organized through hotels in Gangtok
4Dress in warm layers even in summer — temperatures drop sharply above 3,000m
5Sikkim is one of India's cleanest states — plastic bags and bottles are restricted. Carry a reusable bag and water bottle
6North Sikkim (Gurudongmar Lake circuit) requires 3 days and is best booked as a package in Gangtok