Discover the Magic
East Sikkim Tours
East Sikkim is the most visited part of the state. It has Gangtok, the capital city, along with high-altitude lakes, famous monasteries, and the old Silk Route villages. Most Sikkim trips begin here, as it is the closest part of Sikkim to Siliguri, NJP, and Bagdogra.
Gangtok is a clean, lively hill city at about 5,400 feet. From here you can easily go to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathula Pass in a day. If you want a quiet trip, Zuluk and Aritar are great offbeat choices.
With Sikkim Wonders, you get comfortable hotels, experienced hill drivers, and all permits arranged for you.
Things to Do in East Sikkim
- Walk on MG Marg and enjoy cafes and street food.
- Take a cable car ride in Gangtok.
- Enjoy snow at Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, or Nathula in the right season.
- Visit monasteries like Rumtek and Enchey.
- Watch the sunrise at Tashi Viewpoint or Zuluk.
- Go on a village trip to Zuluk and Aritar for a quiet break.
- Try river rafting on the Teesta or Rangit river.
- Shop for souvenirs like prayer flags, woollens, thangka paintings, and local tea.
Local Food to Try
- Momo: Soft dumplings with spicy chutney, loved by everyone.
- Thukpa: A warm noodle soup, perfect for cold evenings.
- Phagshapa: A pork and radish stew popular among locals.
- Gundruk soup: A tangy soup made from fermented leafy greens.
- Sel roti: A sweet, ring-shaped rice bread.
- Chhurpi: Local cheese made from yak or cow milk.
- Temi tea: A soft and fresh tea grown in Sikkim.
Best Time to Visit East Sikkim
| SeasonMonthsWhat to Expect | ||
| Spring | March to May | Blooming flowers, pleasant weather, good views |
| Monsoon | June to September | Heavy rain, fog, and possible landslides |
| Autumn | October to mid-December | Clear skies and sharp mountain views. A very popular season |
| Winter | Mid-December to February | Cold with snow at Tsomgo and Nathula. Roads may close at times |
Our suggestion: October to November and March to May are the best months for sightseeing. For snow, visit between December and March.
Permits for East Sikkim
- Gangtok and nearby sightseeing: No special permit is needed for Indian tourists.
- Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula: A permit is required for all visitors. We arrange it for you.
- Zuluk and Old Silk Route: A permit is required. Please share your ID early.
- Foreign tourists: Permits are needed and are usually given at the entry check post. Some areas need extra permits.
Keep original ID proof and a few passport-size photos with you.
How to Reach East Sikkim
By Air: The nearest big airport is Bagdogra (IXB) in West Bengal, about 125 km from Gangtok. The drive takes around 4 to 5 hours. Pakyong Airport in Sikkim has limited flights.
By Train: Sikkim does not have its own railway station. The nearest station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 125 km from Gangtok. It has good connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati.
By Road: Private cabs and shared jeeps are easily available from Siliguri, NJP, and Bagdogra. The road runs along the Teesta River and is very scenic.
Our East Sikkim Tour Packages
- Gangtok 2 Nights / 3 Days: A short trip with city sightseeing and Tsomgo Lake.
- Gangtok 3 Nights / 4 Days: Adds Rumtek Monastery and local markets.
- Gangtok and Darjeeling, 5 to 6 Days: The two most popular hill stations in one trip.
- Gangtok and Zuluk, 4 to 5 Days: City sightseeing plus a quiet Silk Route stay.
- Gangtok, Lachung and Lachen, 6 to 7 Days: Adds North Sikkim to your East Sikkim trip.
- Honeymoon and family packages: Comfortable stays with a relaxed plan.
All packages can be changed to match your dates, budget, and interests.
What Is Included in Our Packages
- Hotel stay with breakfast (and dinner, if you choose)
- Pickup and drop from NJP, Bagdogra, or Siliguri
- Private cab for sightseeing
- Experienced hill driver
- Help with permits
- 24x7 support during your trip
Entry tickets, ropeway tickets, lunch, yak rides, and personal expenses are usually not included. Please confirm the exact inclusions before booking.
Travel Tips for East Sikkim
- Carry warm clothes. Tsomgo Lake and Nathula are very cold, even in summer.
- Tsomgo and Nathula are at high altitude. Walk slowly, drink water, and rest if you feel dizzy.
- Carry your personal medicines, as hill roads have many turns.
- Start early for Tsomgo and Nathula, as the weather changes by afternoon.
- Keep cash with you, as small shops may not take cards.
- Please do not litter. Carry your waste back to the hotel.
- Roads can close due to rain, snow, or landslides. Keep a spare day in your plan if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is East Sikkim famous for?
East Sikkim is famous for Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Rumtek Monastery, and the Silk Route villages.
2. How many days are enough for East Sikkim?
Three to four days are enough for Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, and Baba Mandir. Add one or two days for Zuluk.
3. What is the best time to visit East Sikkim?
March to May and October to November are the best months. For snow, December to March is best.
4. Is a permit required for East Sikkim?
No permit is needed for Gangtok city. A permit is needed for Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula, and Zuluk. We arrange these for you.
5. Can I see snow in East Sikkim?
Yes, at Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathula, mostly from December to March. It can also snow at other times in high places.
6. How far is Gangtok from NJP and Bagdogra?
It is about 125 km from both. The drive usually takes 4 to 5 hours.
7. Is Nathula open for all tourists?
Only Indian citizens are allowed, with a valid permit. It is closed on some days and in bad weather.
8. Is East Sikkim safe for families and women travellers?
Yes, Sikkim is one of the safest states for travel. As always, stay alert and keep your valuables safe.
9. Can senior citizens and children visit Nathula?
The altitude is high and the air is thin. People with heart, breathing, or blood pressure problems should check with a doctor first.
10. Can I change the itinerary?
Yes. Tell us your dates, budget, and the places you like, and we will plan the trip for you.
11. What should I pack?
Pack woollen clothes, a thick jacket, gloves, cap, sturdy shoes, a raincoat, sunglasses, a power bank, and personal medicines.
12. How much does an East Sikkim trip cost?
The cost depends on the number of people, hotel type, season, and trip length. Send us your details for a free quote.
Plan Your East Sikkim Trip with Us
Tell us your dates, group size, and budget. Our team will suggest a plan that fits you. Call or WhatsApp us today for a free quote.
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Local Attractions
Must Visit Places in East Sikkim
MG Marg, Gangtok
This is the heart of Gangtok. It is a clean, vehicle-free street with cafes, shops, and benches. It is a lovely place for an evening walk.
Tsomgo (Changu) Lake
This lake is about 38 km from Gangtok and sits at around 12,400 feet. It is surrounded by snow-covered hills. In winter the lake often freezes. Yak rides are available here.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
This is a memorial for an Indian Army soldier and a place of respect for visitors. It is on the road towards Nathula and is usually visited along with Tsomgo Lake.
Nathula Pass
Nathula is a mountain pass on the India–China border at about 14,000 feet. Only Indian citizens are allowed, and a special permit is needed. It is usually closed on some weekdays and in bad weather, so please confirm before planning.
Rumtek Monastery
This is one of the most important monasteries in Sikkim. It is about 24 km from Gangtok. The large prayer hall, golden stupa, and calm surroundings are worth a visit.
Enchey Monastery
This is a small, old monastery close to the city. It sits on a hill and gives a nice view of Gangtok and the mountains.
Tashi Viewpoint
This is a popular spot for sunrise and Kanchenjunga views. Go early in the morning for the best view.
Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok
Both are small temples on hilltops near Gangtok. They are easy to reach and offer lovely views of the city.
Gangtok Ropeway
The cable car ride gives a wide view of the city and valley. It is short, but the views are lovely.
Zuluk and the Old Silk Route
Zuluk is a small village known for its zig-zag roads and sunrise view over Kanchenjunga. It is peaceful, not crowded, and great for photography. Nearby villages like Thambi View Point, Lingtam, and Aritar are also worth a visit.
Aritar Lake
This quiet lake in the Aritar area has boating and a calm village setting. It is a good option for a relaxed break.