Planning guides
Sikkim permitsNathula, Tsomgo, North Sikkim, foreignersBest time to visitMonth by monthHow to reach GangtokBagdogra, NJP and road
Tour itineraries6, 8 and 12 daysJain food in SikkimPure veg at every stopWhere to stayTip Top Group hotels
Destination guides
East Sikkim & GangtokMonasteries, MG MargTsomgo Lake & NathulaThe border day tripNorth SikkimLachung, Lachen
Gurudongmar & YumthangHigh lakes and flowersWest SikkimPelling, YuksomPelling sightseeingTwo-day plan
South SikkimRavangla, TemiNamchiChar Dham, SamdruptseDarjeelingQueen of the Hills
Places to visit in Darjeeling18 best sightsBhutanPermits and routeBhutan travel adviceMoney, food, etiquette
Quick facts
| Gateway | Bagdogra Airport or NJP station, then 4–5 hours by road to Gangtok |
| Best seasons | March–May and October–mid-December |
| Permits | Needed for Tsomgo, Nathula and North Sikkim; foreigners need a RAP to enter Sikkim |
| Currency | Indian rupee; carry cash for North Sikkim |
| Mobile signal | Good in towns, weak or none beyond Chungthang |
| Plastic | Sikkim restricts single-use plastics and packaged water bottles in many areas – carry a refillable bottle |
What to pack
- Warm layers all year – thermals, a fleece and a down jacket for North Sikkim and Nathula
- Rain jacket or umbrella (essential June–September)
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm for high altitude
- Photo ID and passport photos for every traveller
- Basic medicines, including anything your doctor advises for altitude
- Dry snacks for long drives
Frequently asked questions
Is Sikkim safe for tourists?
Yes. Sikkim is known as one of the safest and cleanest states in India. The main risks are natural – landslides in the monsoon and altitude at high places – so plan with a local operator.
Do I need a permit to visit Gangtok?
No, Indian visitors need no permit for Gangtok, Pelling or Namchi. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit to enter Sikkim.
How many days do I need for Sikkim?
6 days for Gangtok and Darjeeling, 8 days with North Sikkim, and 10–12 days to include Pelling.
Can we get vegetarian and Jain food in Sikkim?
Vegetarian food is available in towns, but Jain food is rare. Tip Top Group hotels serve pure vegetarian Gujarati and Jain food at every stop.
Is mobile network available in North Sikkim?
Coverage is weak or absent beyond Chungthang. Inform your family before you go.
Updated October 2026 by the Tip Top Group team.