🏔️ Complete Travel Guide to Sikkim (From Kolkata)

 

 

📍 Location: Eastern Himalayas, bordering Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet

🗓️ Best Time to Visit:

• March to June (Spring & Summer – best for families)

• October to November (Autumn – clear skies & festivals)

• December to Feb (Snowfall in North Sikkim – travel is limited)

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🚉 How to Reach Sikkim from Kolkata

✈️ By Flight:

• Direct Flights from Kolkata to Bagdogra Airport (IXB)

  • Duration: ~1.5 hours

  • From Bagdogra: Taxi to Gangtok (4–5 hours drive)

  • Fare: ₹2,500–₹4,500/person (book early for best rates)

🚆 By Train:

• Train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

  • Trains: Padatik Express, Darjeeling Mail, Saraighat Express

  • Duration: 10–12 hours (overnight)

  • From NJP: Taxi to Gangtok (~5 hrs)

🚘 By Road:

• Self-drive or rental from Siliguri to Gangtok

• Route: Kolkata → Siliguri (NH34/NH27) → Gangtok

• Total distance: ~700 km (15–16 hrs by road)

✅ Recommended Route: Kolkata → NJP (train) → Gangtok (cab)

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🌄 Top Places to Visit in Sikkim

🔹 Gangtok (Capital)

• MG Road, Cable Car Ride, Enchey Monastery

• Tashi Viewpoint, Ganesh Tok, Flower Exhibition Centre

🔹 Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir

• 12,400 ft altitude, glacial lake

• Kids can enjoy snow (April–June)

📍 Permit Required (Hotel/travel agent can arrange)

🔹 Nathula Pass (Optional)

• Indo-China border at 13,000+ ft

• Great experience for adults & older kids

❌ Not advisable for children below 5 due to high altitude

🔹 North Sikkim – Lachung, Yumthang Valley & Zero Point

• Snow, hot springs, valley of flowers

• Amazing family trip with a local tour package

🔹 Pelling (Optional Extension)

• Skywalk, Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, Pemayangtse Monastery

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🏨 Family-Friendly Budget Hotels

In Gangtok

✅ The Royal Heritage – ₹2,500–₹3,500/night
✅ Summit Alpine Abode – ₹3,000–₹4,000/night
✅ Hotel Suhim Portico – ₹2,800–₹3,500/night

In North Sikkim

✅ Apple Valley Inn, Lachung – ₹2,000–₹3,000
✅ Magellan’s Lachung Retreat – ₹2,500–₹3,500

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🍽️ What to Eat in Sikkim

• Momos, Thukpa, Phagshapa (pork stew)

• Gundruk, Bamboo Shoot Curry

• Local teas, butter tea, yak cheese dishes

Recommended Eateries:

• Taste of Tibet – MG Road, Gangtok

• Baker’s Café – Coffee, pizza, bakery for kids

• Roll House – Veg & chicken rolls

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🛎️ 6N/7D Sample Family Itinerary (From Kolkata)

Day 1: Kolkata to NJP (Train) → Gangtok (Cab)

• Evening walk on MG Road, dinner

Day 2: Gangtok Sightseeing

• Tashi Viewpoint, Ganesh Tok, Monasteries

• Cable Car ride & shopping

Day 3: Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir

• Permits arranged prior

• Snow activities, yak ride

Day 4: Drive to Lachung (North Sikkim)

• Scenic waterfalls, overnight stay

Day 5: Yumthang Valley & Zero Point

• Return to Gangtok by evening

Day 6: Optional Pelling Day Trip / Free Day

• Explore or relax

Day 7: Return to NJP → Kolkata (Train/Flight)

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💸 Estimated Family Budget (2 Adults + 2 Children)

Category	Cost (INR)
Hotels (6N)	₹12,000–₹18,000
Kolkata–NJP Travel	₹3,000–₹5,000
Cab (NJP–Gangtok–North Sikkim–return)	₹10,000–₹15,000
Permits & Sightseeing	₹2,000–₹3,000
Food & Miscellaneous	₹4,000–₹6,000

Total: ₹31,000 – ₹47,000 (1 week trip)

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✅ Travel Tips for Sikkim

• Carry ID proofs & passport photos for permits

• Avoid Nathula with young children

• Book North Sikkim via local travel agents (Gangtok-based)

• Carry basic medicines & snacks for long road trips

• Power cuts are common in North Sikkim – carry torch & power bank

• Network coverage limited in remote areas

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Sikkim is a serene Himalayan paradise perfect for family holidays — offering snow, valleys, monasteries, and unforgettable scenic drives. 🏔️✨

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Disclaimer

This travel plan is a general guide created for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data as of April 2025. Prices for accommodation, food, fuel, and entry tickets may vary depending on season, availability, and inflation. Travelers are advised to double-check all bookings, routes, weather conditions, and COVID-19 (if applicable) guidelines before the trip.

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we do not take responsibility for any unexpected closures, changes in schedules, or inaccuracies in third-party services such as hotel accommodations, restaurants, or sightseeing spots.

Travel at your own risk and discretion. Always prioritize safety, especially while driving through hilly terrain and with children. Please respect local customs, wildlife, and the environment during your visit.