Uncover Hidden Gems in East Sikkim: A Must-Visit Itinerary

As we made our way to the lush, green meadows, away from the city, the silence engulfed us, the serenity took over, and thus we began our road trip to the secluded parts of the state, which is home to Mount Kanchenjunga, Sikkim 

Sikkim is adorned with peace, serenity, history, culture and amazing food. Here, you can witness India’s highest mountain – Mount Kanchenjunga, breathtaking lakes and experience mouth-watering delicacies. 

Sikkim is a state with a lot to explore, but in this article, I will cover the hidden gems that you must not miss when you travel to East Sikkim. 

Want to know a few tips on how you can travel to Sikkim alone? Click here – Sikkim Solo tips

Map

The map below covers the route we took from Siliguri to Gangtok and from there, towards the offbeat places in Sikkim. This will help you in understanding the route a little better. 

Best Time to Visit Sikkim

The best time to visit Sikkim depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. I would definitely recommend Spring and Summer if you are travelling to Sikkim for the first time and would like to explore the state as much as possible. 

Spring & Summer (March to June): Best for Sightseeing & Pleasant Weather

This is ideal for exploring Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Yumthang Valley, and Pelling. The rhododendrons and orchids bloom this season, adding vibrant colours to the landscape. The temperatures range between 10°C to 25°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Winter (October to February): Best for Snow Lovers  

The higher regions like Lachung, Lachen, and Nathula Pass are covered in snow in this season. The temperature can drop to -5°C to 7°C, making it stunning, albeit really cold. However, the crowd is smaller, and this is the ideal season to explore Sikkim if you are looking for a tranquil trip. 

Monsoon (July to September): Not Recommended 

Heavy rainfall can lead to landslides, making travel extremely risky.  However, if you love misty landscapes and fewer tourists, you can visit Gangtok and Pelling during this time.

Below, you will also find a detailed itinerary along with the accommodations I stayed in, for your reference. 

How to Reach Sikkim?

To reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, you would either need to take a flight to Bagdogra in West Bengal or Pakyong in Sikkim. Domestic flights to Pakyong are limited in number as compared to the Bagdogra airport. 

Gangtok via Pakyong

Pakyong airport is not only one of the most beautiful airports in India, but also one of the five highest airports in India. The frequency of domestic flights to Pakyong is still very limited. But in my opinion, taking a flight to Pakyong will cut down your travel time a lot. However, flights to Pakyong are often subject to weather-related disruptions due to the region’s challenging terrain and climatic conditions, leading to frequent cancellations

The distance between Gangtok and Pakyong is just 35 km, and from thereon, you can board a bus or a taxi to Gangtok. In fact, private taxis are also available from Pakyong. 

Gangtok via Siliguri

By Air

You can board a flight to the Bagdogra airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, which is easy and economical, as the airport is connected to most major airports in India. From here, you can board a shared taxi/bus/or private vehicle to Sikkim.

By Train

The nearest and most feasible railway station to get to Sikkim is the New Jalpaiguri Junction Railway Station in Siliguri. Bookings for train tickets can be done through the IRCTC website. You can get a vehicle to Sikkim quite easily from the railway station. 

The distance between Bagdogra and Gangtok is 120 km. One travels along with the meandering Teesta River while driving from Bagdogra to Gangtok. The drive is quite scenic and something which will enchant your mind. 

Further, you will also cross the first Sikkim check post, Rangpo, where permits to enter Sikkim and all its restricted areas are obtained. If you are travelling in an unregistered Sikkim vehicle, the vehicle would need to stop at the check post and obtain a permit to enter Sikkim. 

By Bus

There are regular state-run bus services from Siliguri’s Tenzing Norway bus station. From NJP railway station, you can take an Auto Rickshaw and reach the bus terminus. Buses from Siliguri to Gangtok are quite frequent, and you need not worry about making a reservation in advance. However, if you are travelling during the peak season, I would recommend that you make your reservations in advance. 

State-owned buses, such as those operated by Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT), commence services as early as 5:00 AM, with the last bus departing around 4:15 PM. The ticket prices range from ₹270 to ₹500, depending on the type of bus and amenities offered.

Private bus operators offer services throughout the day, with departure times starting from 5:00 AM and the last bus leaving at 4:15 PM.

Both state-owned and private buses typically terminate at the Deorali Bus Stand, which is approximately 2 kilometers before Gangtok’s main market area. 

From Deorali, travelers can either take a taxi to the main market or use the connecting stairs leading up to the Gangtok Mall area.

By Taxi

You can also take the private jeeps and taxis, which are available at a reasonable rate. 

As mentioned above, all the unregistered vehicles have to take a permit at the Rangpo check post. Further, these vehicles cannot enter Gangtok and stop at the Deorali stand, from where you would have to take another taxi, just like the bus services. So, it is ideal to choose a Sikkim-registered vehicle.

However, the number of Sikkim-registered vehicles is limited, and the prepaid counters both at Bagdogra airport and NJP railway station provide only West Bengal state-registered taxis.

Places to Visit in Sikkim

Dzongu – North Sikkim 

Dzongu, bordered by the Teesta and Tholung Chu rivers, is a pristine, green haven reserved for the Lepcha community by Chogyal. A permit is required to visit, even for Sikkimese locals. The Lepchas worship Mount Kanchenjunga, sometimes symbolizing it with rocks when obscured by clouds. The region remains largely untouched, offering monasteries, hot springs, waterfalls, and rivers with sulphur-rich medicinal waters. A major 2016 landslide in Mantam Village created a natural dam, altering the river’s flow and intensifying its currents.  

Also Read – 15 Breathtaking Places To Visit in Sikkim for First-Time Visitors

Gnathang (Nathang) – The Ladakh of East India  

Situated at 13,000 feet, Gnathang is the highest habitable tourist region in Sikkim, part of the old Silk Route, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Winters turn it into a cold desert with sub-zero temperatures. The site features the ‘Tukla War’ memorial, monasteries, and scenic bridges.  

Nearby Attractions

Kupup Lake (Elephant Lake) – A 14,000-foot-high lake shaped like an elephant, home to the world’s highest Yak Golf Course.  

Adi Baba Mandir – A temple dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, a revered army figure.  

Hidden Lake – A preserved, unnamed lake rich in flora and fauna, about an hour from Gnathang. 

Zuluk Loops & Thambi View Point  

Located near the Indo-China border, the Zuluk Loops feature unique zig-zag roads over three levels, best visited between December and March when covered in snow. The Thambi View Point (11,200 feet) offers the best vantage point of these loops and a clear view of Mount Kanchenjunga.  

Also, read our detailed guide on Zuluk, click the link – Zuluk Travel Guide

Lingtam & The Silk Route  

The stretch from Gnathang to Lingtam forms part of the Silk Route, a serene hamlet with mountains, rivers, and forests, known for its cleanliness and peace.  

Pang Lhabsol Festival  

Celebrated in honour of Mount Kanchenjunga, this festival features an elaborate masked dance performed by trained locals and monks. Revived in recent years, it takes place at the palace grounds, showcasing vibrant performances despite challenging conditions.

If you want to explore more places in north Sikkim other than these, check our guide on the Places to Visit in Sikkim

Itinerary

Day 1: Reach Gangtok

The road to Gangtok from Siliguri feels like a different world altogether. As soon as you enter Sikkim, you are greeted with a serenity that you will find nowhere else. 

If you reach Gangtok late in the evening, enjoy the bustling streets of the city, the delicious food, and take a rest after the long journey from your hometown. You can explore the Mall Road of Gangtok if you have the energy and time left.

Day 2: Gangtok to Dzongu

The distance between Gangtok and Dzongu is about 70 KMs. We departed early in the morning from Gangtok, and it took us about 4 hours to reach Dzongu. The ride is really beautiful, but also bumpy! The very picturesque valley of Dzongu overlooks a bridge to create a surreal scenery.

Accommodation

Munlom Nature Resort.

We reached Munlom Nature Resort, which lies in the lower parts of Dzongu. Munlom means blessing, and I could not agree more. All of us felt immensely blessed to be there at that resort. The exact location of Munlom Nature Resort is in the Gyathang Village of Dzongu. The resort is built in a traditional way with wood crafting and bamboo coverings. 

Here you can ask for local wine and cuisine.

Our first day was mostly spent in and around Munlom Nature Resort. We went on a hike to the nearby areas, where we were accompanied by Kim, the owner of Munlom Nature Resort. He took us to Ringhem Monastery nearby, from where we could see the green mountains at a distance and a part of Gyathang Village.

Day 3 – Dzongu Exploration

The next day, we explored the northern areas of Dzongu, which had been cut off for the past 2 years due to a massive landslide. Our first stopover was at a natural sulphur hot spring known for its medical benefits. Later, we ventured onto the riverside where we had our picnic, as well as explored some nearby footbridges.

Permit – A special permit is required to enter Dzongu as it is a protected area reserved for the Lepcha community in North Sikkim. Indians need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be obtained from the District Administrative Office in Mangan or through authorized travel agencies. Foreigners, however, cannot enter this area. 

There is a halt in Sanklang where the permit is checked at the check post. 

It is advisable to get the permits done in advance and not on the same day of your visit, as it takes a little time.

Temperature – The weather is humid as compared to Gangtok. So, if you are arriving in winter, of course, you will need woollen clothes, but then again, the temperature would be slightly hotter than in Gangtok. During summer, you would not need woollen clothes at all.

Health Facility – There is a health facility and a hospital nearby – Mangan District Hospital. 

ATMs – It is advisable to carry cash with you from Gangtok as the ATMs here are quite far-off places in Dzongu.

Network Connectivity – Network connectivity here is generally available but can be inconsistent and slow, particularly for internet services. Vodafone is comparatively better in certain areas. However, it’s important to note that connectivity can be affected by natural events. Additionally, certain areas beyond the landslide or dam regions may experience a complete loss of network connectivity. Be prepared for limited communication options while visiting Dzongu.

Day 4 – Gangtok Exploration and ‘Pang Lhabsol’

From Dzongu, we left early in the morning for ‘Pang Lhabsol’. Pang Lhabsol is a traditional Sikkimese festival celebrated to honor Mount Kanchenjunga, regarded as the guardian deity of Sikkim. The festival also commemorates the historic brotherhood treaty between the Lepchas and Bhutias, sworn under the mountain’s witness.

The festival is conducted at the Royal Chapel of ‘Tsuklhakhang’. It is one of the best things I have witnessed in Sikkim – vibrant colours, mask dance, and prayers of monks to Mount Kanchenjunga.

Later, we explored MG Road, where we shopped for souvenirs and tried out different cuisines in the cute cafes of Gangtok.

If you wish to shop for souvenirs in Sikkim, read the list of things you can buy – Souvenirs to buy in Sikkim

Accommodation

The Mazong Hotel

This cosy hotel has a garden as well as a restaurant. With numerous books here to understand the culture of Sikkim, the staff is really friendly and caring, too.

Day 5 – Gangtok to Gnathang

The next day, we left Gangtok at 7 AM to experience the views at the Tsomgo Lake. 

Also known as the Changu Lake, the Tsomgo Lake is located at a distance of 40 km from Gangtok, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and pristine blue waters. You can try out activities such as yak rides, cable car, etc, to get a panoramic bird’s eye view of the region. 

We drove further ahead to the Elephant Lake, Kupup village and later, to a very pristine, offbeat lake for a picnic. The lake was the highlight of my day because of how crystal clear it was. 

Later, after a stroll in the forest beside the lake, we left for Gnathang. Gnathang was colder, and I was thankful for the butter tea, which we were served by the host of the homestay. We spent a fun-filled evening with light music, chit chat and the best of jokes.

Accommodation

Gnathang Residency

Lying in the small hamlet of Gnathang, this homestay is warm and cosy. The family that runs this place is kind, sweet and very caring. 

Permit – A Protected Area Permit or PAP is required for Indians to visit Gnathang while foreigners are not allowed here, due to the region belonging to the Indo-China border. You need a registered tour operator through whom you can apply for this permit.  

Clothing – Carry warm clothes. Once you attain a certain altitude, it gets really cold, starting from Tsomgo Lake. Do carry gloves, a cap and woollen clothes. During the months of December to February, the place is enveloped in snow. Therefore, carry heavy garments during that time.

Health – Carry medicines along with you to this place, as there are no pharmacy shops here. If you have an issue with AMS, carry the appropriate medicines for the same. The nearest health facility/medicine shop is available at Rongli. 

ATMs – There are no ATMs in Gnathang. It is better to withdraw cash from Gangtok.

Network Connectivity – The mobile network is really weak here, and one hardly gets any cell reception.

Day 6 – Gnathang to Lingtam 

After breakfast, we went on a little exploration of Gnathang. We went to the War Memorial, crossed several bridges on tiny little streams, walked through the misty weather and got to know the history of the monasteries here. Upon conversing with the owner of our homestay, I got to know that Gnathang’s yak is the best breed because of the constant exchange of these animals between China and India in the olden times. He further mentioned how difficult their lives get during the winters, and how their village is evolving rapidly with changing times.

After this, we moved towards Lingtam through the Zuluk loops. Sadly, we could not see the loops due to clouds and mist, but the drive through the zigzag road was amazing. It was a magical experience, a drive through a very serene environment and entering right inside the forest. It took us about three hours to reach Lingtam from Gnathang, and on the way, we also stopped at Zuluk – a quaint village on the old Silk route.

Accommodation

Dhungkar Homestay

This was another beautiful homestay, right in the middle of the forest. This homestay has four bedrooms with an attached bathroom. They even taught us how to cook momos, which was a unique experience for all of us. The homestay is really clean and peaceful, and one can spend days here in absolute peace. 

Day 7 – Return from Lingtham 

We left early from Lingtham and drove back to Siliguri. The drive usually takes about 5-6 hours. It would be better to plan your return flight accordingly. 

You can find the details of all the permits below in these links –

Zuluk and Nathula Pass

Lachung, Lachen and Gurugomer Lake

I have never been much of a fan of group trips, but certain areas are quite difficult to navigate through, solo. Eastern Sikkim is one such area. Hence, if you are planning on visiting these areas, I would highly recommend that you plan with a tour agency. 

Let me know how you liked the blog and if you have visited any of these places.