Our grading system explained
What makes Sikkim so special?
Mountain Kingdoms ran their first ever trekking holiday in Sikkim in 1997 and the country has remained a firm favourite ever since.
Whether visiting on a tour or a trekking holiday, Sikkim rewards its adventurous visitors with great mountain walking and a strongly individual culture. Trekking tours of Sikkim can feature train journeys across northern India, visits to ancient monasteries, and explorations of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. For those who want to go to an unspoilt and seldom explored part of the Himalayas, a holiday in Sikkim is the perfect choice.
Known as the ‘Garden Kingdom of the Himalaya’, trekking in Sikkim gives access to an especially beautiful portion of the Himalayan mountains, including Kangchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain. After its annexation by India in 1975, Sikkim became a Restricted Area, requiring special entry permits, and as a result has retained its original Buddhist charm. Despite the great opportunities for trekking in Sikkim, its restricted entry means it receives far fewer visitors than Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet.
Sikkim
Towering snow-capped mountains, lushly forested valleys, impressive ancient monasteries and charming colonial hill stations, the essence of the last Himalayan Shangri-La can still be found in Sikkim.
1 Holiday
- Explore Darjeeling, including a ride on the 'Toy train'
- Stay in a superior cabin on a luxurious cruise boat
- Visit a tea plantation and Majuli Island
- Take a jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park to see rhinos
Flight inclusive from £5790, Land only from £4895
- 1
Introduction
A separate independent kingdom until 1975, Sikkim has retained much of its special character and charm aided by a cool climate that gives a welcome haven from India’s oft oppressive heat.
For walkers, Sikkim provides an array of opportunities to savour the stunning scenery with trails leading up into the high Himalaya through lush valleys and tea gardens, across airy ridges and past monasteries decorated with multi-coloured prayer flags. Kangchenjunga, 8,586m/28,169ft, the world’s third highest mountain dominates the scenery and is the undoubted jewel in Sikkim’s crown. One of the best, yet little-known treks in the region is the Kangchenjunga Trek which will undoubtedly take you away from the crowds and guarantee incredible close-up views of Kangchenjunga.
There are also many cultural sights in the region most notably the colonial hill station of the British Raj at Darjeeling, the Buddhist monasteries at Gangtok and the orchid gardens of Kalimpong.
You can also combine the best of Sikkim with a relaxing week long cruise on the Brahmaputra River on our Brahmaputra River Cruise with Darjeeling. The cruise is aboard a stylish river boat and includes excursions to villages, cultural attractions and the renowned Kaziranga National Park.
Key Facts
- Capital: Gangtok
- Population: 607,688 (2011 census)
- Size of region: 7,298 sq km
- Currency: Indian Rupee
- Power supply: 220v/240v
- Sockets: two pin sockets or Indian three-round pin variety
- Language: Nepali is the most commonly spoken language
- Time difference: GMT +5.5 hours
- Visas: British Nationals require an Indian visa and this must be obtained in advance
- Popular dishes: Momos - steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with vegetables or meat
- Popular drinks: Tongba, a Himalayan millet beer
- Did you know: Sikkim is home to around 5,000 species of flowering plants, 515 of which are rare orchids
- FCDO advice: FCDO advice for India
Climate
When is the best time to travel to Sikkim?
Our temperature and rainfall charts will give you a guide to the climate in Sikkim. The best time to trek in Sikkim is between March and May, when the orchids and rhododendron are in bloom. This is then followed by the monsoon rains during the summer (end of June to early September).
Skies tend to be clearest after the monsoon, in October and November, so great for trekking in Sikkim. December to March turns icy cold, particularly at high altitudes, making trekking unsuitable until the weather clears the following spring.
If you can't make the dates of our group departures, then take a private departure on dates to suit you, or we can create a Tailor Made holiday to Sikkim, especially for you and your family or friends.