About Sikkim and How to get here
Sikkim, once a separate kingdom, is now a part of India and located in the northern region of the country. It is also part of the Northeast sisterhood, along with other northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Sikkim shares its borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and China (Tibet), making it a sensitive area where permits are required to enter certain parts of Sikkim. Since becoming a part of India, Sikkim has undergone significant economic changes, with education reaching most parts of the state and rapid development occurring in many towns and villages. Despite these changes, Sikkim remains one of the most beautiful places to visit, boasting majestic mountains, lakes, rivers, and lush greenery.
Gangtok – The Starting Point:
he capital city, Gangtok, is typically where your adventure begins if it's your first time in Sikkim. The state is well-connected by good roads to places like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri, and other parts of Sikkim. From Gangtok, you can plan your trip to explore other destinations within Sikkim. However, if you prefer not to visit Gangtok, that's perfectly fine too. You can find vehicles commuting directly to other parts of Sikkim from Siliguri itself.
Flying In:
Bagdogra Airport is currently the main entry point for reaching Sikkim. You can catch flights from cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati to Bagdogra. It takes roughly 4 hours to travel from Bagdogra to Gangtok by road. There's also an airport in Pakyong, Sikkim, which is only about 30km from Gangtok, but it operates only during certain times of the year. This could be due to a lack of appropriate radar systems or insufficient daily flights. Therefore, it's crucial to check flight availability before planning a trip to Pakyong Airport. Additionally, there's a helicopter service with 26-seater helicopters available from Bagdogra to Gangtok, offering a scenic view from above for a slightly higher price.
Taking the Train:
The closest train station is New Jalpaiguri, about 148 km from Gangtok. From there, you can hop into a taxi or a shared jeep to reach Sikkim. It's a nice journey surrounded by nature's calmness.
Road Tripping:
If you're driving from Siliguri, it's only a 4-hour ride to Gangtok. Taxi fares are usually reasonable throughout the year, except during the tourism season when demand for vehicles increases and fares can sometimes become high. You can find plenty of taxis at the SNT bus stand in Siliguri. The road trip can be both enjoyable and tiring, especially if you're not familiar with hilly roads, and weather conditions can sometimes affect road conditions during the year. However, on clear and sunny days, the trip offers breathtaking views of the scenic beauty along the road.
Entering Sikkim – What You Need:
To visit Sikkim, Foreigners must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) along with your Indian visa. You can get the ILP from Indian missions or Tourism Offices in places like New Delhi, Kolkata, and Siliguri. It allows you to stay for 15 days, which can be extended for another 30 days. If you're planning to trek deep into Sikkim, you'll need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP), which you can get through registered travel agencies.
Best Time to Visit:
The best times to explore Sikkim are from March to June and September to December. That's when the scenery is at its most beautiful.
Adventure Time:
Sikkim offers lots of exciting activities for thrill-seekers. You can go trekking, climb mountains, raft in rivers, or even try a yak safari.
Where to Stay:
There are plenty of places to stay in Sikkim, from fancy hotels to cozy lodges and budget-friendly guesthouses. You'll find comfort surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Himalayas.
In Conclusion:
Sikkim is a magical place waiting for you to explore. Whether you love adventure, nature, or culture, there's something here for everyone. So, pack your bags, come uncover the mysteries, and let Sikkim enchant you.