Sikim attracts large number of tourists almost all the year round. This former Himalayan Kingdom emerged with India in mid seventy of last century. There were restrictions to travel in north , west Sikim and Nathula.
Now almost all restrictions are withdrawn. If you want to see towering ridges of snow peaks and golden sun ray reflection in top of these peaks in must visit Sikim, The land of Lepchas. Gantok its capital ,
The best time to visit this place are March to mid June and September to November.. Nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri and nearest airport is Bagdogra. The distance of Gantok is 119 km from Siliguri.
General information
Summer :Light woolen (if Nathula and Yungthang are not planned)
Winter: Heavy woolen
For Nathula and Yungthang always you nee Heavy Jacket.
SNT ( Sikim Nationalised Transport ) is 5 km away from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and 10 km from Bagdogra airport. Near SNT bus stand the is stand for Maruti and Jeep for Gantok.
Bus fare is Rs 80 and fare for Maruti and Jeep is Rs 100 for Gantok ( per person) .It takes four hour to reach Gantok. On your way there is dense forest of Teak and Shal where Sun ray can not penetrate. In Sevok you will see Tista river is entering in plains. Tista is in your right. You will see amazing view of Kalijhora, Rombhi khola, Tista Bazar , Rongpo, Singtom on your way . Then you will reach Gantok.
Hotels of Gantok
More than Rs 1000
Tashi Dilek
Hotel Tibet
Norkhil
Netuk House
Chumbi residency
Rs 600-100
Sonam Dilek
Golden Nest
Hotel Rendezvous
Pine Ritz
Vinayak
Golden Pagoda
Rs 400 to 600
Orient Hotel
Quality Lodge
Mount View
Twilight Lodge
Hotel Nag Vila
Viewpoint
Hotel Nataraj
Places of Interest
Hire a Car for Rs 400 and go Rumtek Monastery, about 24 kilometer away from Gantok.
On the other side of Ranipool valley is the seat of head Kagyu-pa-sect Gyalwa Karmapa.
The sect which is founde in 11th century has its teaching transmitted orally.
Research Institute of Tibetology.In this Institute you will see highest collection of manuscripts on Buddhaism.
Orchid Santuary
Flower Show
Botanical Garden
Do Drup Chorten Monastery
Tashi View Point
Hanuman Tok
Ganseh Tok
Next day you contact with any traveling agent to visit to Nathula. Fare of share Jeep is Rs 350.. You will see majestic view of Mt.Chomalhari from here. On your way back you will see Tsongu lake. In the month of March and mid April you will get snow in the lake.
Natula is 52 km from Gantok.
Next day make plan to go Yungthang and accordingly contact with traveling agent for day and one night tour . It will take Rs 2500 in the month of April, May. Yungthang is valley of Flower. You have to stay Lacheng at Night. Then go to Yungthang and come back.You will see 400 varieties of Rhododendrons.
It will take 5 days to cover these place.