West Sikkim Travel Packages

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West Sikkim Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-4 days

Best Time: April to June, October to December Read More

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Top places within West Sikkim

"The base of Kangchenjunga"

West Sikkim Tourism

Nestled at the foothills of the awe-inspiring Mount Kanchenjunga, West Sikkim beckons travelers with a blend of breathtaking landscapes and profound spiritual heritage. This region, sharing its borders with Nepal, is a haven for those seeking a rendezvous with nature and spirituality alike. As the Southeast face of Mt. Kangchenjunga unveils itself, West Sikkim stands as a picturesque canvas, drawing wanderers from across the globe.

West Sikkim is not just a panorama of mountains; it holds the sanctity of ancient monasteries. Among them, Sangachoeling and Pemayansgtse Monasteries stand as venerable witnesses to the spiritual history of Buddhism. The tranquil ambiance of Pelling, with its calmness owed to these sacred sites, makes it a sought-after destination for those seeking both solace and natural beauty.

Amidst the embrace of a dense forest lies the holy Kchehepalri Lake, a sacred haven that captivates devotees and tourists alike. The serenity of this place, enriched by the ancient monasteries and the pristine lake, creates an atmosphere that soothes the mind, body, and soul.

For the adventure enthusiasts, West Sikkim unveils a realm of trekking trails, each narrating its own story of natural grandeur. The Goecha La trek, with its stunning vistas, takes explorers through pristine mountains, while the Barsey Rhododendron Trek and Dzongri Trek showcase the region's diverse flora. As you trek through high altitudes, the panoramic view of the Talung Glacier during the Kasturi Trek becomes an unforgettable spectacle.

While the allure of West Sikkim is undeniable, certain areas, like Yumthang Valley, require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) due to military control. Visitors can obtain this permit from the Gangtok Tourism office or through tour operators. The permit not only safeguards the area but also ensures that the pristine beauty of Yumthang Valley is preserved for all who seek to experience its charm.

The best time to visit West Sikkim is during the spring and autumn months, from March to June and September to November. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, offering clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the picturesque landscapes, ancient monasteries, and trekking trails. It's advisable to avoid the monsoon season (July to August) due to heavy rainfall, and winter (December to February) may bring colder temperatures, especially in high-altitude areas.

Must Know Before You Travel to West Sikkim

Permits & Regulations
  • Foreigners must obtain an Restricted Area Permit (RAP), also popularly known as Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Sikkim. 
  • Restricted Areas for Foreigners in West Sikkim : Gyalshing, Soreng, Pemagyangtse, Khechepopalri, Tashiding, Yuksom.
  • In order to enter Sikkim, nationals of Pakistan, China, or Myanmar must obtain a written approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi before they can be issued a Restricted Area Permit.
  • Indians do not require any permit to enter Sikkim. However, some places are designated as Protected Areas due to their proximity to international borders and the presence of special army deployment, It is mandatory for both foreigners and Indian visitors to get a separate permit called Protected Area Permit (PAP) in order to visit protected areas. Regular tourists are advised to go through a registered tour operator or travel agency in Sikkim to obtain this permit.
  • PAP for Domestic Tourists/Locals: Dzongri Trek - Permits are issued by TIC Pelling & TIC Gangtok. Singalila Trek - Permits are issued by TIC Pelling after clearance from Home Department, Forest Department, and Army through registered Travel Agencies.
  • Presently, it is not possible to avail any Sikkim permit (ILP or PAP) online.
  • In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Sikkim has introduced new travel requirements for visitors. These include obtaining a mandatory Travel Card (also known as Sikkim Arrival Card), adhering to health and safety guidelines. These requirements are in addition to the need for permits (ILP and PAP) and getting this card is free of cost. Online application for Sikkim Travel Card can be made from this government website.

Top Hotels In West Sikkim

More on West Sikkim Travel

Trekker's Paradise

Yuksom is a quaint town located 36 km away from Pelling. This town was the first capital of Sikkim. It's a trekker's paradise, as this town is the starting point of the mountaineering treks to higher ranges of Kanchenjunga.The oldest monastery, i.e., the Dubdi Monastery also is in Yuksom. There are a lot of trekking options available. For novices, an hour's trek from Yuksom to Dubdi monastery is an ideal option. For professional the Dzongri trek is the right choice. The highest point on this trek is 4200mt above the sea level. Snowfall is common here, during winter months.

If you are planning for this trek, be prepared to face extreme cold climatic conditions around any time of the year. It takes around 6-7 days to complete this trek. Apart from this trek, Barsey Rhododendron trek, Goecha La trek, Kasturi trek are some of the other options available, which have moderate to a difficult gradient. Kanchenjunga National Park trek is one of its kind in the world. This park has many beautiful crystal-like glaciers, Zemu glacier being the most famous. You have to obtain all the permissions and permits before you start the trek. In this trek, you will get to see a wide variety of flora and fauna and experience the nature in its absolute form.

Restaurants and Local Food in West Sikkim

Sikkim is a subtle and natural blend of everything in and around. It gives birth to a unique culture which is colourful and twinkling and with which a huge part of the North-East is identified. The cuisine here follows pretty much the same pattern as it derives its flavors ingredients, styles and elements from Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and India, together. Sikkim's Cuisine, hence, draws inspiration from all that's around and the numerous cultures and religions that it, itself fosters to give you a cuisine that is authentic and defining to the area.
While staple items of the cuisine are Momos, Thukpa and a local beer 'Chang', fermented foods are popular given the natural conditions. Rice is almost essential in each meal. Add to it a dash of authentic and splendid soups, pickles and handful of meat and vegetable delicacies and you get the colourful and tasteful cuisine of Sikkim.
View Top Restaurants in West Sikkim

Suggested Itinerary for West Sikkim

Day 1: Arrive in Pelling. Check in at the hotel and relax. Later you can go to the Pemayangste Monastery. Experience the peace and calmness around. From the monastery, you can go to see the Rabtense Ruins. The scenic beauty of the snowcapped mountains and the valleys below is just incredible. Overnight stay at Pelling.

Day 2: In the morning you can go to the Khecheopalri Lake. Later on, you can go and see the oldest monastery in Sikkim, i.e., the Sangachoeling Monastery. Drive to Yuksom from here, a journey of about 1hr and 40 mins. Overnight stay at Yuksom.

Day 3: Being a trekkers paradise, you can get several options for trekking. If you are an amateur, you could probably try trekking from Yuksom to Dubdi monastery. In the evening, you can explore the village.

Best Time to Visit West Sikkim

How to Reach West Sikkim

How to Reach Overview

Pelling is about 133 km away from Siliguri and 125 km from Gangtok. You can either take a jeep or a bus to reach the town. The quickest way to reach Pelling is to take a jeep from Geyzing, which is the hub of transportation for the area. You can also trek from Geyzing to Pelling which will not take more than 6 hours. 

How to reach West Sikkim by flight

Located 140 km from Pelling, Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport. Flights of Air India, Spice Jet, Jet Airways, Indigo etc have direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Guwahati. Once you reach the airport you have to hire a car or a taxi to go to Pelling. It takes around 5 hours to get there.

How to reach West Sikkim by road

Regular buses ply from Siliguri to Pelling which is a 5 hours drive. Buses are also available from Kurseong, Gangtok. The view of the route is stunning.

How to reach West Sikkim by train

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri.This station is well connected to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai. Buses regularly ply between New Jalpaiguri and West-Sikkim. Alternatively, you can also hire a taxi from the railway station.

Local transport in West Sikkim

Taxis should be able to take you to most of the motorable roads. Otherwise, trekking is also an option to access this area nicely.

West Sikkim Photos

West Sikkim, Sikkim
Main Shrine of Pemangytse Gompa with prayer flags
Sanga-Choeling Monastery.
Khangchendzonga Range view from Geyzing

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photos

FAQs on West Sikkim

What are the places near West sikkim?

The top places near to West sikkim are Gangtok which is 36 km from West sikkim, Darjeeling which is located 31 km from West sikkim, North sikkim which is located 35 km from West sikkim, Kalimpong which is located 36 km from West sikkim, South sikkim which is located 21 km from West sikkim

What are the things to do in West sikkim?

The top things to do in West sikkim are Pelling, Geyzing, Pemayangtse Monastery, Yuksom, Darap village, Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. You can see all the places to visit in West sikkim here

How much does a package cost for West sikkim?

The packages for West sikkim start at INR 14174 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What is the best way to reach West sikkim?

Pelling is about 133 km away from Siliguri and 125 km from Gangtok. You can either take a jeep or a bus to reach the town. The quickest way to reach Pelling is to take a jeep from Geyzing, which is the hub of transportation for the area. You can also trek from Geyzing to Pelling which will not take more than 6 hours. 

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What is the local food in West sikkim?

Sikkim is a subtle and natural blend of everything in and around. It gives birth to a unique culture which is colourful and twinkling and with which a huge part of the North-East is identified. The cuisine here follows pretty much the same pattern as it derives its flavors ingredients, styles and elements from Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and India, together. Sikkim's Cuisine, hence, draws inspiration from all that's around and the numerous cultures and religions that it, itself fosters to give you a cuisine that is authentic and defining to the area.
While staple items of the cuisine are Momos, Thukpa and a local beer 'Chang', fermented foods are popular given the natural conditions. Rice is almost essential in each meal. Add to it a dash of authentic and splendid soups, pickles and handful of meat and vegetable delicacies and you get the colourful and tasteful cuisine of Sikkim.
Read More

What is the best time to visit West sikkim?

The best time to visit West Sikkim is during the summers when the weather is pleasant. It is not advisable to visit this town during the winters when the temperature drops to subzero levels. October-November is also a good time to visit this place.
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Who should visit West sikkim?

West-Sikkim is a perfect destination for couples, family vacationers, and adventure lovers. Should be visited by people looking for a peaceful and tranquil environment.

What is not so good about West sikkim?

Accessibility only through road. The temperature gets down to sub-zero levels during winters.

What is famous about West sikkim?

Amazing place for adventure seekers.

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West Sikkim Reviews

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Chirantan Batabyal

5 years ago
West Sikkim is perhaps one of the best places to trek in the Himalayas. It's the closest that you can get to 'the big mountains'! The Goecha La Trek through the Kanchendzonga National Park is the tak (Read More)es you through one of the best trails in India to the closest view of Mt. Kanchendzonga and Mt. Pandim, along with a plethora of other peaks!
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