Sikkim: the Hidden gem in the Himalayas

Same yet different

When you think of the mountains, you think of those with green covers and the bald ones without any grass. In this mountainous Indian state, you will find mountains getting taller as you go further north, though beyond them you will find the Tibetan plains. There are rivers with green valleys and lakes with magnificent views. Then there are the few cities where you will find the impact modernity has had on the way of life of the locals and then there are the rural areas where you will find people still living the traditional way of life. There are tea farms where all tea lovers will want to see how the popular refreshing drink comes to their table from the farms. Here we list what all you can indulge in when you get here.

The right time to come to Sikkim

This small state in the Northeast of India has different climates in different parts according to the altitudes that you wish to explore. While in winter the temperatures will get below the freezing point at higher points in summer you will find high temperatures with rain when it is summer in most of the world. Though, the spring months when the trees will be smiling with greenery will come with dry periods and enjoyable temperatures. So, if you wish to go river rafting March to June will be the right months for you, and if you want to watch the amazing sights of the high mountains, which will change with different snowfall every year, the October to February months will be ideal. Though not many will choose to come in the rain, you will be able to enjoy the smell of fresh mud in the other months.

The temples and monasteries

This country was ruled by a monarchy, though without much power, till 1975, so you can expect to see the old palaces, where they resided. This country was traditionally Buddhist so you will find plenty of monasteries in different parts of the country. Some of you will prefer to have quiet time here observing the statues while others can come here during the festival times, when locals will be celebrating together, in their traditional dresses, some with locals dancing to the tunes of traditional music instruments. What will amaze you is that the largest majority in the state are of Hindu religion, with their own language, so expect to see some interestingly built temples too.

The protected areas

You will find a national park here, named after and containing the highest peak in India, Kanchenjunga. Many of you will want to come trekking here and there will be tour operators who will be able to arrange everything for you. There are numerous sanctuaries here to protect the green cover from deforestation and the wildlife from poaching, though some allow visitors to see what they will not see in any other parts of the world. Then there are the tea farms that are for commercial purposes and allow you to have a day to walk through them, enjoying the small towns where the people who work there live. You will have the option of staying in colonial-style bungalows or you can stay in houses where the locals offer you rooms to share for the length of the period you wish to be here.

The taste of hill food

When you travel to any Indian state, you can expect to find restaurants serving items from the cuisines of other Indian states alongside those of the local cuisine. If you enjoy North Indian cuisine, known for its spicy dishes or Tibetan cuisine, with noodles and momos, you will find plenty of eateries for this, some offering these items as street food. As for the Sikkim cuisine, you will find soups and breads that the locals consume and offer to visitors in their eateries. There are bars too where you can enjoy alcoholic drinks made in India along with the local drinks.

The stumbling blocks on your way

Though this state is part of India, you will need more than an Indian visa to explore the cities and some documents to go beyond them. This state requires foreigners to obtain a permit which limits your say to a fortnight to a month and restricts the parts of the state you can explore. So, before going forward with an itinerary recommended by a tour operator, you should find out how all this will be possible, in terms of approval from the authorities. Also, there will be steep roads high up in the mountains, so you must make sure that you are comfortable at heights that some may not enjoy.

How to Reach Sikkim from the USA

The closest major international airports to Sikkim in India are Delhi (DEL), Kolkata (CCU), and Bagdogra (IXB).

Popular airlines operating flights from the USA to India include:

1. Fly from the USA to India

• Air India (direct flights from JFK, SFO, ORD to DEL)
• United Airlines (direct flights from EWR to DEL)
• Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Singapore Airlines (one-stop flights via Middle Eastern or Southeast Asian hubs)

2. Fly to Bagdogra (IXB)

From Delhi or Kolkata, take a domestic flight to Bagdogra Airport (IXB), the nearest airport to Sikkim. Airlines operating on this route include:

• IndiGo
• Air India
• SpiceJet
• Vistara

3. Reach Sikkim from Bagdogra

You can travel to Sikkim from Bagdogra by:

• Helicopter: Sikkim Tourism operates a helicopter service from Bagdogra to Gangtok (30 minutes).
• Road: Take a taxi or shared jeep to Gangtok (approximately 4–5 hours).

4. Travel within Sikkim

To explore destinations like Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Pelling, or North Sikkim:

• Hire a local taxi or join a guided tour.
• Permits are required for some areas, such as Nathula Pass and North Sikkim, which can be arranged through your travel agency or hotel.

Key Tips

• Permits: Foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim.
• Best Time to Visit: March–May or October–December.
• Packing: Carry warm clothes, especially for winter.

Conclusion

Where there is a will there is a way, so if you want to explore the mountains that not many of your countrymen have ever seen, you should plan a trip to Sikkim.