Sikkim & Darjeeling Travel Guide

Sikkim and Darjeeling sit beneath Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak, and on a clear morning the view from Tiger Hill or Gangtok's ridge is one of the great Himalayan panoramas.

Why travellers choose Sikkim & Darjeeling

The Kanchenjunga sunrise from Tiger Hill is a genuine set-piece, and the massif is visible from hotel windows across the region on clear days.

Darjeeling's tea estates and the UNESCO-listed toy train give the region a character quite unlike the western Himalaya.

Sikkim's monasteries at Rumtek and Pemayangtse, and the high-altitude Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La, add real variety within short distances.

What not to miss in Sikkim & Darjeeling

• Tiger Hill sunrise — Kanchenjunga at first light, with Everest visible on exceptional mornings.
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway — The UNESCO-listed toy train, best as the short Darjeeling–Ghum joyride.
• Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir — A glacial lake at 3,750 metres, with yak rides and, permits allowing, Nathu La beyond.
• Rumtek Monastery — The principal seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage, above Gangtok.
• Pelling and Yuksom — Close Kanchenjunga views, the Skywalk and West Sikkim's monasteries.
• Tea estates — Happy Valley and Makaibari, with tastings and estate walks.

When to travel

March to May brings rhododendron blooms and clear mountain views. October and November offer the clearest post-monsoon skies and are the best window for photography. December to February is cold with occasional snow at higher points. June to September is the monsoon, with landslide risk and mountains usually hidden.

Entry and paperwork

Indian citizens need permits for restricted areas in Sikkim including Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and North Sikkim, arranged through registered operators — we handle these. Nathu La is closed on certain days of the week and can shut without notice for weather or security reasons.

Planning a Sikkim & Darjeeling trip with Elitech Travels

Every Sikkim & Darjeeling itinerary on this page is a starting point rather than a fixed product. Extend a city, change the hotel category, add a private guide or merge two routes and we will re-cost the trip and send a revised plan. Because we publish no departure dates, your holiday is operated in the window that suits your leave — tell us roughly when you want to travel and we confirm availability and pricing for exactly those days.