Best East Sikkim Packages
Uncover the popular Old Silk Route, the thriving city of Gangtok and the ancient Buddhist monasteries with Thrillophilia’s East Sikkim tour packages, a part of their exclusive North East tour packages collection. Starting at just INR 9,999, these deals are perfect for couples, solo travellers, families, and nature lovers. Thrillophilia offers packages that include private transfers, meals, safe accommodations, informative guides, and 24/7 support. With more than 25 personalised Sikkim Tour packages, you can either choose a brief getaway or an extended trip through the heart of Sikkim.With our packages, you can start your trip by visiting Gangtok to explore its prime spots, such as Tashi View Point and Enchey Monastery. Then, at about 12,400 feet, explore the Tsomgo Lake to witness its summer beauty, with primula flowers bordering it on all sides. Combine this with a trip to the Nathula Pass, which is one of the oldest mountain passes and a top attraction in Sikkim, and then visit the legendary Baba Mandir. If you're a wildlife fan, head to Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary to spot Takin, red pandas, and rare birds like the Satyr Tragopan. On your East Sikkim tour, do not miss out on the 17th-century Rumtek Monastery for some cultural exposure and peaceful moments.
If you crave adventure, you can set out on a trek through rhododendron-filled trails near Gnathang and Zuluk. To try river rafting, head to the Teesta and Rangit Rivers, close to Rangpo, and navigate the spectacular rapids. The walks to Green Lake and Phoktey Dara can also be excellent choices if you desire to trek through the mountains. However, if mountain biking is on your mind, then trails close to Pakyong can be perfect.
4-Day East Sikkim Itinerary
DAY 1| Gangtok Arrival | Local SightseeingArrive in Sikkim's capital, Gangtok, and check into your hotel. After a filling meal, set out to explore Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, and Enchey Monastery. In the evening, you can shop and relax at MG Marg, which is the heart of the city.
DAY 2 | Tsomgo Lake, | Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass Excursion
After breakfast, drive to Tsomgo Lake and enjoy yak rides around the lake. Reach an elevation of around 13,000 feet to visit Baba Mandir and then visit Nathula Pass at 14,000 feet, one of the best places to visit in North East. Enjoy the snowy landscape, offer prayers and reach Gangtok by evening.
DAY 3 | Transfer to Zuluk|Old Silk Route and Kupup Lake Exploration
In the morning, you can head to Thambi View Point at 11,200 feet on the Old Silk Route to witness a mesmerising sunrise. Later, you can head towards the quiet village of Zuluk at 10,000 feet in the morning. On the way, pause at Tukla Valley to witness war memorials, visit the sacred elephant-shaped Kupup Lake, and retire for the night head to your Zuluk homestay.
DAY 4 | Return to Gangtok | Ropeway Ride & Departure
In the morning, drive from Zuluk to reach Gangtok. With the best East Sikkim tour packages, take a thrilling ride on the Gangtok Ropeway after arrival. If time permits, stop by the peaceful Dro Drul Chorten Stupa before heading back home.
Why Book East Sikkim Tour Packages From Thrillophilia?
1. Expertly Curated Itineraries
Experts at Thrillophilia carefully plan each East Sikkim trip so that it includes the best places, such as Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, and Nathang Valley. Our location specialists use their local knowledge and experience to figure out your preferences prior to your journey. Then they create itineraries that align with your interests and save time, ensuring you have an enjoyable experience.
2. Local Guides & Verified Operators
Thrillophilia works with authorised operators and dependable local guides to ensure that every tour is pleasant and well-run. Moreover, all of our partners meet our high standards for quality and safety, which gives you peace of mind while you're travelling with Sikkim tour packages.
3. Comfortable Stays with Scenic Views
Thrillophilia books hotels, houses, and homestays that offer scenic views and premium amenities like hot water, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, and delicious food. The hotels you can choose from include luxury, deluxe, and standard ones, so every tourist can find a comfortable place to stay. These accommodations are chosen close to important sites, as well as remote places like Zuluk.
4. Customisable and Budget-Friendly Packages
Thrillophilia offers you easily customisable and reasonably priced packages. You are free to select your own travel locations, lodgings, and activities according to your preferences and budget. Additionally, if you are a bunch of friends, colleagues or family members, you can also choose from a variety of well-curated group tours. Discounts and deals are also available on Thrillophilia, so you can have a great trip without spending too much.
5. 24/7 On-Ground Support
Thrillophilia provides complete assistance right from the beginning to the end of your trip. Our knowledgeable customer service team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you need help or have questions about your plan. Therefore, you can get help with any last-minute alterations, weather conditions, booking questions, and other paperwork. Best Time to Visit East Sikkim
1. For Snow Lovers (Dec–March)East Sikkim receives snow from December to March in places like Nathang Valley, Kupup, and Zuluk. Thus, if you wish to admire the snow-covered scenery and frozen lakeside sledging, then this is the perfect time for East Sikkim tours. However, keep in mind that temperatures can drop below -5°C at higher elevations, so you need to wear warm clothes. It is suggested that you carefully arrange your travel dates because snow may cause roads, such as the Old Silk Route, to close.
2. For Rhododendron Blooms (April–May)
April and May are the time when red and white rhododendrons bloom, the entire stretch of the road from Lungthung to Padamchen, and Thambi View Point. Since the temperature stays between 10°C to 20°C, this is the ideal time of year for short hikes to the Zuluk–Kupup path and for long drives. During these months, you can also spot birds like Hill Partridge and Brown Wood Owl in the region. Plus, this is the start of the Sikkim vacation season, so you can expect some crowds, especially on weekends.
3. For Clear Views and Pleasant Weather (Oct–Nov)
October and November are great months for undertaking East Sikkim tours because the skies remain clear, and the weather stays pleasant as temperatures range between 12°C and 18°C. During this time, you can visit spots like Aritar Lake, Tsongmo Lake, and Tukla Valley to click pictures. Moreover, you can also set out on treks like the Gnathang–Kupup, as the tracks are clear and there are thin crowds.Local Culture & Traditions in East Sikkim
Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalis are just a few of the different ethnic groups that live in East Sikkim. As the original settlers, the Lepchas have a strong link to nature and believe in spirits that live in the mountains and forests.
1. Historical backdrop- After leaving Tibet, the Bhutias moved here, and they followed Tibetan Buddhism while praying and dancing during holidays like Losar. However, it is the Nepali community that shaped East Sikkim's agricultural landscape by introducing cardamom cultivation and farming.
2. Festivals and customs- A major celebration you can witness here is Pang Lhabsol, which honours Mt. Khangchendzonga as a guardian deity with dances and vibrant costumes. As for clothes, you can see both men and women traditionally wear a bakhu, which is a loose woollen garment. In addition to the Kho skirt, you can spot women in a shirt, which is also called Yenthatse, a Jya or vest, and a cap, also called Shambo.
3. Traditional insights- You can see the Lepchas wear Dumpra, which is a hand-woven fabric that is held in place with a belt and pinned at one shoulder. Locally grown cotton and mulberry silk are used to make these clothes. Moreover, the languages that are widely spoken here are Bhutia and Lepcha after Nepali.
How to Reach East Sikkim
1. By Air: To reach East Sikkim, you can board a flight to reach the nearest domestic airport of Pakyong (PYG), which is about 32 km from Gangtok. You can reach this airport by boarding a Druk Air or Spice Jet flight from either Delhi or Kolkata. The next best option you can choose is to fly to Bagdogra Airport, which is about 124 km away from East Sikkim. Upon reaching, you can hire a taxi or bus for the onward journey via NH 10, which takes about 4 hours to reach.2. By Rail: You can board trains like Teesta Torsha or Saraighat Express from Kolkata to reach the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station, which is the closest railway station to East Sikkim. Once you reach NJP, you can hire a vehicle and reach Gangtok in 4 hours and 5 minutes, covering a distance of 114.3 km.
3. By Road: You can hire a car or taxi to reach Gangtok via NH-10 in about 4 hours.Permits Required for East Sikkim
You need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit restricted regions like Zuluk, Nathang, Kupup, and Nathula Pass with East Sikkim tour packages.
Required Permits:
- Protected Area Permit (PAP): This permit is required to visit restricted areas like Nathula Pass, Zuluk, Kupup, and Nathang.
- Inner Line Permit (ILP): If you are a domestic tourist, you need this ILP to visit sensitive locations like Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir.
Cost:
The permit cost in East Sikkim depends on your visit purpose and the kind of permit you want. If you are a domestic tourist, you will have to pay a sum of INR 50 per person for a Protected Area Permit (PAP). However, if you intend to visit locations like Nathula Pass, you will have to pay a sum of INR 200 per person. For your vehicles, the tour operators may charge a sum of INR 1000 - INR 2000 per car.
Where to Obtain Permits:
You can obtain these permits from the Sikkim Tourist Office in Gangtok or your tour operator.
Documents Required:
Some of the documents you require to acquire a permit are an
Some of the documents you require to acquire a permit are an
- Aadhaar card/Passport/voter card
- Passport-size photos