Sikkim is small but spectacular: Gangtok’s MG Marg, Rumtek monastery, the glacial lake Tsomgo, and in North Sikkim, Lachung and the Yumthang valley of flowers.
Highlights
- MG Marg in Gangtok
- Rumtek Monastery
- Tsomgo Lake and Nathula (permits needed)
- Lachung and Yumthang Valley
- Pelling and Pemayangtse Monastery
What to eat
- Momos
- Thukpa
- Sel roti
- Churpi (yak cheese)
Where to stay
Gangtok as a base; homestays in Lachung and Pelling.
Getting there
Fly to Bagdogra or take the train to New Jalpaiguri, then 4-5 hours by road. Sikkim’s small Pakyong airport has had only intermittent flights.
Tips
- Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit to enter Sikkim (available on arrival at entry points or online).
- Some areas need additional permits arranged through a registered tour operator.
- Landslides are common in the monsoon.
Best time to visit
Oct-Dec, Mar-May. See what else is good in March and our best time to visit India guide.
Temples and shrines near Gangtok & Sikkim
- Rumtek Monastery Seat of the Karma Kagyu school in exile
Places to see in and around Gangtok & Sikkim
58 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.
- Lake Tsongmo Lake, 16 km
- Rumtek Monastery Monastery, 1 km
- Neora Valley National Park National park, 31 km
- Buddha Park of Ravangla Garden, 24 km
- Khecheopalri Lake Lake, 40 km
- Lake Menmecho Lake, 23 km
- Tholung Monastery Monastery, 37 km
- Changey Falls Waterfall, 25 km
- Hanuman Tok Temple, 3 km
- Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple Temple, 21 km
- Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 8 km
- Pemayangtse Monastery Monastery, 35 km
- Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 14 km
- Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 15 km
- Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 22 km
- Banjhakri falls and park Waterfall, 2 km
- Thakurbari Temple, Gangtok Temple, 0 km
- Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery, 36 km
- Ralang Monastery Monastery, 27 km
- Phodong Monastery Monastery, 33 km
- Enchey Monastery Monastery, 2 km
- Cho La, Sikkim Mountain pass, 22 km
- Amitabh Bachchan Falls Waterfall, 35 km
- Singla Tea Garden Garden, 39 km
And 34 more on our Sikkim map.
Food to try in and around Gangtok & Sikkim
Sikkim favourites to look out for.
- Momo
- Gyathuk
- Sel roti
- Gundruk
- Phagshapa
- Dhindo
- Ningro
- Sikkim Large Cardamom GI: spice or chilli
- Dalle Khursani GI: rice or grain
The full food passport, state by state.
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