Sikkim and Darjeeling at a glance
Sikkim and Darjeeling are the easiest Himalayan holiday to combine from Kerala: fly to Bagdogra via Bengaluru, then spend a week between Gangtok's monasteries, high-altitude lakes, North Sikkim's snow valleys and Darjeeling's tea gardens with views of Kanchenjunga.
Best time to visit
- March to May and October to mid-December are the best seasons, according to Sikkim Tourism.
- December to March brings snow at Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and Zero Point — but high passes can close after heavy snowfall.
- June to September is the monsoon (July is the wettest month), with landslide risk on mountain roads. We add a buffer day to every plan.
Permits for Sikkim (2026)
- Indian citizens need no permit to enter Sikkim or to visit Gangtok, Pelling, Darjeeling or Kalimpong.
- A Protected Area Permit is needed for Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir, Nathu La, Zuluk, and North Sikkim (Lachung, Yumthang, Lachen, Gurudongmar). It is applied for a day ahead through government-registered Sikkim operators — we arrange it.
- Carry a Voter ID, driving licence or passport and two photos for each traveller. Aadhaar is not accepted for these permits. Children under 18 need a birth certificate or passport.
- Nathu La is open to Indians only, as a day trip. The official page lists it as closed on Mondays, and it can close without notice for weather or army reasons.
- Hotels collect a sustainability fee of ₹50 per tourist.
North Sikkim road status
Lachung, Yumthang and Zero Point reopened in September 2025. The Lachen–Gurudongmar road reopened for permits on 11 September 2026 after landslide repairs, and tourist vehicles must now pass the Toong check-post by 4 pm in both directions. We plan early starts to fit this rule.
Getting there from Kozhikode
- Fly from Calicut or Kochi to Bagdogra (IXB), usually via Bengaluru.
- Bagdogra to Gangtok is about 4–5 hours by road; Bagdogra to Darjeeling about 3 hours.
- Pakyong airport in Sikkim has no regular scheduled flights, so we plan around Bagdogra.
Altitude and safety
Tsomgo Lake is at about 3,750 m, Nathu La at 4,310 m and Gurudongmar above 5,000 m. Keep stops at these places short, drink water, and tell us about any heart or lung condition — Gurudongmar is not advised for infants, elderly travellers or anyone with breathing problems.
Sources
- Sikkim Tourism — Weather
- Sikkim Tourism — Protected Area Permits
- Government of Sikkim — Tourism general information
- Government of Sikkim — Tourism resumes in North Sikkim
- ETV Bharat — Lachen–Lachung route reopens (11 Sep 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a permit for Sikkim?
No permit is needed to enter Sikkim or visit Gangtok and Pelling. A Protected Area Permit is needed for Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and North Sikkim, arranged a day ahead through a registered operator.
Is Aadhaar accepted for Sikkim permits?
No. Carry a Voter ID, driving licence or passport, plus two photos. Children under 18 need a birth certificate or passport.
Is North Sikkim open in 2026?
Yes. Lachung and Yumthang are open, and the Lachen–Gurudongmar road reopened on 11 September 2026. Vehicles must cross the Toong check-post by 4 pm.
When can we see snow in Sikkim?
From about December to March at Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La and Zero Point, though passes may close after heavy snowfall.
How do we reach Sikkim from Kerala?
Fly from Kochi or Calicut to Bagdogra, usually via Bengaluru, then drive about 4–5 hours to Gangtok.