I’d love to guide you through planning a trip to Sikkim. Ready?

Let’s talk about the Sikkim trip. Ready to dive in?

Here, I’m discussing an incredible journey from Delhi to Sikkim, brimming with breathtaking natural vistas. If the monotony of everyday life leaves you longing for tranquility and escape, then Sikkim beckons.

Delhi to Sikkim: A Journey into Nature’s Embrace

Sikkim, a haven where the tranquility and splendor of nature reign supreme. Immerse yourself in the embrace of majestic mountains, captivating vistas, and refreshing sub-zero temperatures. As the sun gently kisses the landscape, indulge in moments of pure bliss amidst the morning serenity, as dewdrops glisten like pearls on the leaves.

Let’s delve into why Sikkim stands as a beacon of hope and rejuvenation, especially after the challenging times of lockdown.

Nestled in the northeastern corner of India, Sikkim shares its borders with Tibet, the autonomous region of China to the north, Bhutan to the east, Nepal to the west, and West Bengal to the south. This enchanting state boasts a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for seekers of solace and adventure alike.

Also, Read Delhi to Jibhi Complete Travel Guide

How Can I plan a trip to Sikkim?

Sikkim is the state that is also close to India’s Siliguri Corridor near Bangladesh. Sikkim is the state of the country with the least population and the second smallest among the Indian states. This place is a host to the Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and the third–highest on Earth. Sikkim’s capital and largest city are Gangtok. Almost the entire state is hilly with an elevation of 280 meters.

Distance From Major Cities to Sikkim

The distance between Delhi to Sikkim is around 1602 km by road. This is the straight-line distance and most of the time the actual distance can be covered in more time due to the curvature of the road. The aerial distance from Delhi to Sikkim is around 1096 km.

The distance between Mumbai to Sikkim is around1860 km. The road distance is around 2235 km from Mumbai.

How to reach Sikkim

Delhi to Sikkim By Road

Sikkim is connected to other states of the country via National Highway 31A. This is a scenic route to travel on with lush greenery and the Teesta River which is going to follow you all through the way. The National Highway 31A connects Gangtok to Siliguri, and the latter is connected to the others parts of the country through a web of highways. If you are looking for a road trip from Delhi to Sikkim then the following are the means of transport you can opt for;

Delhi to Sikkim By Car

If you want to enjoy the scenic route that leads to Sikkim then hiring a cab can be a good option for you so that you can stop in between whenever you feel tired. Private can services are easily available from Bagdogra Airport as well as from New Jalpaiguri railway station.

Delhi to Gangtok By Bus

Sikkim can be easily accessible by bus. The state government of Sikkim has fixed–rate buses. There are a number of buses from New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok. Most of the tourists avail trains from the New Jalpaiguri to reach Gangtok which is around 125 km away from Sikkim. Sikkim Nationalized Transport from its bus terminal at Siliguri and Gangtok. The road routes from Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri all meet at the Sevoke Road Which leads further to National Highway 10.

From North, Tibet China is easily accessible by the Nathu La pass that is once a part of the famous Silk Route.

Delhi to Sikkim Flight

Delhi to Sikkim by air

The only airport in Sikkim is Pakyoung Airport that is 32 km south of Gangtok. Pakyoung airport spreads over 21 acres and it is a Greenfield airport. It is one of the five airports in the country at 4590 ft. There are no international flights that land at Sikkim, Pakyoung airport.

There is also an airport Bagdogra that 126 km from Gangtok. Bagdogra airport has many daily flights to several cities in India and to neighboring foreign countries like Bhutan. There is also a helicopter service available between Bagdogra and Gangtok that takes only 35 minutes for one way.

Also, Read Kochi to Munnar Complete Travel Guide

Delhi to Gangtok by train

The nearest railway stations to Sikkim are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. Several trains are connecting these railway stations to Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai.

There are also few trains running between Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri which is 595 km away. The limited trains between Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri are KOAA (12363), Darjeeling Mail (12343), and Testa Torsa Express (13141).

There is a number of trains that run weekly as well as daily from Guwahati to Siliguri, which is located at a distance of 435 km. The daily trains running from Guwahati to Siliguri are North-East Express (12505), DBRT Rajdhani Express (12423), Brahmaputra Mail (14055), Saraighat Express (12346), Abadh Assam Express (15909), and Kamrup Express (15960).

There are also trains available that run from Mumbai to Siliguri which is a longer route around 1800 km. Few weekly trains are

running on this route are Karambhoomi (22511), Guwahati Express (15647), Guwahati (15645), LTT KUQAC Express (12519), and KYQ SUVIDA Special (82505).

The trains running between Delhi to Siliguri including both daily and weekly are numerous, the distance covered by these trains is around 1450 km. There are some trains: DBRT Rajdhani (12424), Avadh Assam Express (15910), Mahananda Express (15484), and Brahmaputra Mail (14056).

Sikkim 5 day Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi-Bagdogra Airport- Gangtok.

You can reach the airport Bagdogra by flight from Delhi. As you collect your bags and exit the airport, expect a rush of taxi drivers and travel agents. You can book your cab here or book in advance that will be your private transfer to Gangtok from Bagdogra which costs you between Rs 3000 to Rs 3500.

Day 2: Sightseeing at Gangtok

On the second day after reaching Gangtok, you can explore the largest town in Sikkim! Yes, here I am talking about the Gangtok itself. This bustling town is also home to a number of amazing eateries. You can spend some quality time here while sipping on a cup of local black tea and you can also enjoy watching the locals go about their lives and visiting impressive sites in the area.

Day 3: Gangtok to Lachen (6 hours, 120 km)

On day third you can go from Gangtok to Lachen. Lachen is a small village that is the perfect place to break the travel between the

Gangtok to the famous Gurudongmar lake. The drive to Lachen is full of spectacular views of lush green valleys. You must stop here to take photographs of waterfalls or to just sip on a cup of tea at a small eatery that offers you stunning views of the Young Himalayas.

Day 4: Lachen- Gurudongmar lake- Lachung

You have to leave your hotel by 4 am for the long and exciting drive which leads you to Gurudongmar lake, one of the remote and highest lakes in the world. After spending about 30 minutes at the glacial lake you will return to Lachen and transfer to Lachung which is around 45 km.

Day 5: Lachung- Yumthang Valley-Gangtok

After taking breakfast you will have to leave to visit Yumthand Valley that is located at the height of 11800 ft above sea level. After spending some amazing time at this place you will then return to Lachung then go back to Gangtok.

Day 6: Gangtok-Bagdogra airport-Delhi

Also, Read Delhi to Srinagar Complete Travel Guide

Best Places to visit in Sikkim

Sikkim is the place full of beautiful sights that are famous among the tourist. Here is the list of some places you must visit when you are planning a trip to Sikkim;

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo lake is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok, Sikkim. It is located at a distance of 35 km from Gangtok. The lake is also known as the Changu Lake, is a water body made of the glacier. This is one of the highest altitude lakes in the world. The lake is about 1 km long and having a shape is like an egg. The best time to explore Tsomgo lake is in the winters.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp

Kanchenjunga is a heaven for all adventure lovers. It is located at a height of almost 14000ft above sea level. It is located at a distance of 60 km from Gangtok. Kanchenjunga is one of the best parts of the Himalayas and the picturesque regions of Sikkim. The real adventure for the people is to see the highest mountain of India and the third–highest in the world that is the reason this place is worth the visit at least once in a lifetime. The best time to visit is between April to June and mid-September to October.

Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass is the best place to be for trekking enthusiasts when visiting Sikkim. It is located at a distance of 60 km from Gangtok. The border trade market, Sherathang is a famous place among tourists where they can buy different kinds of Tibetan items at an affordable price. There is a place called Kupup that always stays under clouds which will be a nice experience. The view of the Nathula Pass is breathtaking. the best time to visit the place is from May to October. This place is open from Wednesday to Saturday. The permit needs to visit this place which costs Rs 200 per person.

Yumthang Valley of Flowers

The valley of flowers is located at a height of more than 11000 ft above sea level and around 130 km from Gangtok. The river and many more hot springs between the position of the high-mountains peaks Yumthang valley among the best places to visit in Sikkim. The best time to visit this place is in late February to March when the Losar festival is celebrated by the local people. There is an entry fee of Rs 150 for Indian visitors. This place is open from 6 am to 6 pm on all days of the week.

Which is the best time to visit Sikkim?

March to June are the best months to visit Sikkim. With a light snowfall and the mean temperature in between 1 degree C to 5 degree C, the season of summer is the best time to plan a trip to Sikkim.

How much does a trip to Sikkim cost?

A trip to Sikkim could costs you around 25,000 with a duration of 5 days for 4 adults which includes breakfast, hotel stay, sightseeing. In this budget, the exclusions are lunch, dinner, entry fees, and personal expenses.

How many days are enough for Sikkim?

5 to 6 days are enough to visit Sikkim less than 5 days can be a little tiresome if you want to visit all places. If you want to explore the whole state of Sikkim including the China-India border and Darjeeling, etc then you must plan a trip for 8 to 10 days.

Also, Read Delhi to Ranthambore Complete Travel Guide

Sikkim Travel Tips

As we know Sikkim is the state of India that shares its border with the neighboring country China, so most of the tourist spots in Sikkim lie in restricted areas, it is advisable to check permits that are needed to visit the places. You require permissions from authorities depending on the type of the area to want to visit so apply for the permits well in advance.

The weather of the Sikkim remains chilly throughout the year it is recommended to carry some proper woolen clothes.

Keep in mind to maintain cleanliness while visiting national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

For adventure activities, you should always consider a licensed tour operator who provides you with all the equipment and safety gear.