About Sikkim And Darjeeling Travel Guide

Destination Overview – Sikkim & Darjeeling

Sikkim and Darjeeling offer a breathtaking blend of Himalayan landscapes, Buddhist culture, and colonial-era charm. While Sikkim is a serene state known for its monasteries, high-altitude lakes, and snow-capped peaks, Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station in West Bengal famous for its tea gardens, toy train, and stunning views of Kanchenjunga.

Together, they create a perfect itinerary for travelers seeking mountains, spirituality, nature, and history.

Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Sikkim & Darjeeling

In Sikkim:

• Gangtok – Capital city with cable car, MG Marg, and monasteries

• Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) – Glacial lake at 12,000 ft

• Nathula Pass – Indo-China border crossing (requires permit)

• Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir – Revered memorial shrine

• Rumtek Monastery – Largest monastery in Sikkim

• Yumthang Valley – Valley of flowers, snow, and hot springs

• Lachung & Lachen – Base for Gurudongmar Lake (17,800 ft)

In Darjeeling:

• Tiger Hill – Sunrise point with views of Mt. Everest & Kanchenjunga

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) – UNESCO-listed steam train ride

• Batasia Loop – Scenic railway loop with war memorial

• Japanese Peace Pagoda – Hilltop Buddhist stupa

• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – Home to red pandas & snow leopards

• Happy Valley Tea Estate – Tea tasting with estate tour

• Darjeeling Ropeway – Cable car with panoramic views

Best Time to Visit Sikkim & Darjeeling

Ideal Months:

• March to June – Spring & early summer, clear skies

• October to December – Post-monsoon, crisp mountain air

Avoid:

• July to September – Heavy rains may cause landslides

• January to February – Very cold, some routes closed by snow

Special Events:

• Losar Festival (Feb–Mar) – Tibetan New Year in Sikkim

• Darjeeling Carnival (Nov) – Music, food, and cultural shows

How to Reach Sikkim & Darjeeling

Nearest Airport:

• Bagdogra Airport (IXB) – Serves both Gangtok & Darjeeling
  (approx. 4 hrs to Darjeeling, 5 hrs to Gangtok)

By Train:

• New Jalpaiguri (NJP) – Closest railway station for both destinations
  (Toy train to Darjeeling starts from here)

By Road:

• Well-connected by shared taxis, private cabs, and buses from Siliguri, Bagdogra, or NJP

Accessibility for Differently-Abled Travelers

Mountain terrain poses some mobility challenges, but MG Marg in Gangtok and certain parts of Darjeeling like the Ropeway Station are wheelchair-friendly. High-altitude spots may be difficult without assistance.

Things to Do & Experiences

• Ride the Toy Train through tea gardens

• Visit ancient monasteries and participate in prayers

• Soak in the views of Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill

• Try local Sikkimese and Nepali cuisine

• Explore flower valleys and alpine lakes

• Indulge in tea tasting at Darjeeling estates

• Enjoy cable car rides in both towns

• Experience snow (Dec–Feb) in North Sikkim

Accommodation Options

Luxury:

• Mayfair Spa Resort, Gangtok

• Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling

• Denzong Regency, Gangtok

• Glenburn Tea Estate, near Darjeeling

Mid-Range:

• Sterling Gangtok

• Little Tibet, Darjeeling

• Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel

Budget:

• Zostel Gangtok

• Backpackers Darjeeling

• Hotel White Yak

Local Cuisine & Dining

What to Eat:

• Momos, Thukpa, Phagshapa, Gundruk soup

• Darjeeling tea with fresh scones or pastries

• Sikkimese-style fermented foods (chhurpi, kinema)

Top Places:

• Taste of Tibet (Gangtok)

• Kunga Restaurant (Darjeeling)

• Baker's Café (Gangtok)

• Glenary’s & Keventer’s (Darjeeling)

Travel Tips & Safety

• Carry ID & extra passport-size photos for permits (Nathula, North Sikkim)

• Avoid overexertion at high altitudes – acclimatize slowly

• Always check weather and road conditions during monsoon

• Respect monastery rules, dress modestly

• Local SIMs work better than roaming networks

Weather & Packing Suggestions

Summer (Mar–Jun): Light woolens for evenings
Winter (Oct–Feb): Heavy woolens, gloves, thermals
Rainy (Jul–Sep): Umbrella, raincoat, waterproof shoes

Must Carry:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, motion sickness tablets, reusable water bottle

Currency & Connectivity

• ATMs are available in Gangtok & Darjeeling town centers

• Most places accept digital payments

• Carry cash for remote areas like Lachen, Yumthang

• Jio & Airtel have decent 4G coverage in main towns

• Wi-Fi available in most hotels

Suggested Itinerary for Sikkim & Darjeeling

5N/6D Combined Itinerary Example:
Day 1: Arrive Bagdogra → Transfer to Gangtok
Day 2: Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir
Day 3: Gangtok local (MG Marg, Rumtek Monastery) → Drive to Darjeeling
Day 4: Tiger Hill sunrise, Toy Train, Tea Garden visit
Day 5: Darjeeling sightseeing + leisure
Day 6: Return to Bagdogra/NJP

For North Sikkim (Lachen, Lachung), add 2–3 extra days.

Shopping & Souvenirs

• Sikkim: Handmade woolen clothes, Buddhist artifacts, organic tea, local pickles

• Darjeeling: World-famous tea, woolens, handcrafted curios, singing bowls

Popular Markets: MG Marg (Gangtok), Chowrasta (Darjeeling)

Cultural & Historical Background

Darjeeling evolved as a British hill station and tea-producing region, while Sikkim was once an independent kingdom, later joining India in 1975. The region is a melting pot of Nepali, Tibetan, Lepcha, and Bhutia cultures. You'll find colorful prayer flags, stupas, and monasteries across the landscape.

Local Transport Options

• Shared jeeps, taxis, and hired cars

• Ropeways in both cities

• Local walking tours in Darjeeling, MG Marg walk in Gangtok

• No Ola/Uber – use hotel-arranged taxis

Nearest Railway Station

• New Jalpaiguri (NJP) – Main rail hub for both Darjeeling and Sikkim

• From NJP: 3.5 hrs to Darjeeling, 4.5 hrs to Gangtok

FAQs About Sikkim & Darjeeling Tour

Is a permit required for Sikkim?
For Indian nationals, only Nathula and North Sikkim require a permit. Foreigners need ILP (Inner Line Permit).

Can I visit in winter?
Yes, but high passes may be snow-covered. Dress warmly and check road updates.

How is internet connectivity?
Good in Gangtok and Darjeeling, spotty in remote areas.

Is it family-friendly?
Yes – ideal for family, honeymooners, and solo travel.

Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

• Avoid plastic bottles – use reusable ones

• Don’t disturb wildlife or pluck flowers in Yumthang Valley

• Respect Buddhist customs in monasteries

• Support local homestays and eco-friendly operators

• Do not litter in forest trails or mountain zones