Darjeeling & Sikkim

Darjeeling Sikkim Tour Packages from NJP

Best time to visit Sikkim Darjeeling Gangtok 

You can plan your travel to Sikkim at any time of the year. Every season will offer you a different flavor. Weather  varies from subtropical in the south to tundra in the north. It mainly has five seasons.

Spring (March to April)

It is a very good season with moderate temperatures. This is the time for rhododendrons, orchids & various flowers. Snow will also be visible in some parts of the region. This is perfect time to plan your Sikkim tour packages specially to Yumthang the flower Valley in North Sikkim.

Summer (May to Jun)

As summer is not very hot in Sikkim. It draws the maximum no of tourists. Most of the regions of the state experience a temperature clime & it ranges from 18^oC (64^oF) to 25^oC (78^oF). as this is a peak season price for your Sikkim packages or Darjeeling packages  will be on higher side.

Monsoon (Jul to Mid Sep)

This is the time when the state gets maximum rainfall. Sikkim is an ideal place to enjoy Indian monsoon with lush green valleys, hills along with beautiful clouds & fog. But heavy rain increases the risk of landslide during monsoon.

Autumn (Mid Sep to Nov)  

Just after monsoon this is probably the best time to travel with clear sky & moderate temperature.  It is also a good time for photography. Plan your Sikkim tour packages or Darjeeling tour packages to have a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchendzonga almost from every corner of the region. From Sandakphu (heighest point of West Bengal) & Tiger Hill (view point near Darjeeling) you can even view Mt. Everest. The entire Eastern Himalayan range looks like a man laying & locals refer it as ‘Sleeping Buddha’.

Winter (Dec to Feb)  

These are the coolest months & some part of the state receives a good volume of snowfall. One can have snow in North district & part of East district. Sikkim is a place with some of the highest mountains of the world. you can plan your tour to view Snow covered lakes Tsomgo & Gurudongmar along with snow covered valleys Lachung Lachen & Yumthang.

How to Reach Darjeeling Sikkim Gangtok

By Air  

The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport (IXB). There are road connections from Bagdogra Airport to various destinations in Darjeeling Sikkim & Dooars. Bagdogra directly connects Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bangaluru, Chennai, Paro & Bangkok. It has indirect connections with all major cities in India. Bagdogra plays an important role in planning your tour packages to Sikkim Darjeeling & Gnagtok.

Sikkim Airport: Pakyong Airport (PUG) is the only airport in Sikkim. It is approx 30 km away from Gangtok. It connects Kolkata & Guwahati.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) located near Siliguri. NJP connects with all major cities in India. Sikkim does not have any railway connectivity. NJP is the only option to access any destination in Darjeeling & Sikkim.

By Road 

Siliguri/Bagdogra/NJP is connected through national National Highway 55 & 10. North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) operates regular buses from Siliguri to various destinations like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, Lava etc. Sikkim national Transport (SNT) operates regular basses to places in Sikkim. There are no of private buses & cars available from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus.

Distance:
Bagdogra to Darjeeling – 78 km
Siliguri (NJP) to Darjeeling – 72 km
Darjeeling to Gangtok – 98 km
Bagdogra to Gangtok – 125 km
Bagdogra ro Darjeeling – 70 km
Siliguri to Kalimpong – 70 km
Bagdogra to Pelling – 140 km
Bagdogra to Ravangla – 125 km

Places to Visit in Darjeeling

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is probably the most popular hill station in Eastern Himalaya at an elevation of 2250mt. (7500ft.). The main attraction Tiger Hill, which offers the view of entire Singalila Range including Mt.Kanchandzonga and a part of Mt.Everest. The eye-caching valleys, meandering rivers and of course the lush green tea gardens are the unique features of Darjeeling. Moreover it is the place which has the amalgamation of different communities and cultures i.e. Nepalese, Bhutias and Chinese.

Kalimpong 

Kalimpong is another important hill station in the district. The journey from Darjeeling to Kalimpong will be a pleasant experience because of its beautiful roads. It offers an excellent view of the confluence of the river Tista and Rangeet. Durpindara offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayan Range. Other important sights include monasteries, orchid nurseries, Kalimpong Art and Craft centre, Dr. Graham’s Home, a large school set up in 1900 and Delo Hill. Kalimpong is a must see destination in your Darjeeling vacation.

Mirik Lake 

Mirik is a small hill station with a beautiful lake. Boating in the Mirik Lake (Sumendu Lake) is a perfect way of relaxation. You can easily add Mirik lake to your journey between Siliguri & Darjeeling. The other attractions are the apple orchards, the tea gardens & the Pine forest. You can include Mirik on the way to your Darjeeling trip.

There are many other places to include in your Darjeeling holiday package.

Read more…

Places to Visit in Sikkim

Buddha Park -Ravangla

Gangtok

At an altitude of 5500ft Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Tashi View Point, Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Flower show complex are the main tourist attractions of Gangtok. You cannot afford to miss a cable car ride & roaming around MG Marg  while staying in Gangtok. It is the must see destination in any of your Sikkim tour packages.

Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir

Tsomgo Lake, a very popular tourist attraction, is 40 km. away from Gangtok situated at an altitude of 12400 ft. The source of the water is the melting snow of the surrounding mountains. Baba Mandir is another 16 km. drive from Tsomgo Lake, situated at an altitude of 13200 ft. It is a temple of Baba Harbhajan Sing.

Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass is one of the major attractions in Sikkim. It is trade route which connect Sikkim with Tibet. It is situated just 56 km away (3 hrs drive) from Gangtok. The road passes through Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) another major tourist attraction in Sikkim. Nathula Pass height is above 14,000 ft (4,200 mtr) and Gangtok to Nathu la is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Tourists need a protected area permit to visit the pass. Nathu La Visiting days are Wednesday to Sunday. Temperature ranges from -20^oC  to 17^oC in different seasons.

Pelling

Pelling is a small mountain village at an altitude of 7000 ft. and offers a wonderful view of Mt.Kanchandzonga. Pemayanste Monastery, Kechopalri Lake, Rabadanste Ruins and Sanga Chelling Monastery are some of the important places. Pelling is the main destination in the West Sikkim trip.

Yumthang Valley

At a height of 11,800 ft. Yumthang valley is about 140 kms away from Gangtok. It is one of the most beautiful places in Sikkim. All most all tourist include Yumthang in their North Sikkim trip. The valley has Shingbha Rhododendron Sanctuary 24 verities of rhododendrons. There is a hot spring and just 24 kms away Katao offers a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks.

Gurudongmar Lake

Gurudongmar Lake is an important tourist attraction in Sikkim located in North district. At an altitude of 17,800 ft (5,400 mtr) Gurudongmar is one of the highest mountain lakes in India as well as in the world.  The lake is created by snow melted water from the glaciers. Gurudongmar Lake is  175 km from Gangtok & 67 km away from Lachen. On the way you can also visit Thangu & Chopta Valley. Temperature ranges from -20^oC to 10^oC & weather varies in different months of the year.  To include Gurudongmar Lake in your Sikkim tour packages you need to have a longer trip with 2-3 nights dedicated to North Sikkim only.

There are many other places to include in your Sikkim tour packages from NJP.

Read more…

Entry formalities for Sikkim

• Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass – All tourists need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit these places. You need to produce 2 copies passport size recent colour photographs & Photo ID proof (Passport/ Voter ID) for each & every guest. Minor may carry school/college ID along with photographs.
• North Sikkim – All tourists need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to North Sikkim. You need to produce 2 copies passport size recent colour photographs & Photo ID proof (Passport/ Voter ID) for each travelling member. Minor may carry school/college ID along with passport size photographs.
• Foreigners need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter Sikkim. It can be obtained from Sikkim Tourist Office at Rongpo, Bagdogra & Siliguri during office hours. All the guests must carry 2 copies passport size recent colour photographs & Passport.

Navigator India offers some amazing Gangtok Sikkim Darjeeling tour packages with the best-suggested itinerary along with the best price. Navigator India is recognised by West Bengal Tourism (Registration No: 1110-DT/1T-119/2012). Since 2006 it has been working in Bhutan Darjeeling Sikkim Gangtok tourism packages. Please read our  reviews at https://facebook.com/navigatorind .  It has been rated ***** 4.9 out of 5 Based on the opinion of 15 people

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