Sikkim - help needed

Host

Hi All,

Need your help in planning my itinerary for Sikkim during Jan end.

I have almost zero knowledge on Sikkim, especially in terms of where to stay, what to visit and how many days would be sufficient.

I am planning to be in Sikkim from 27th Jan through 30th Jan, 2007. Is this sufficient or shall I stay for one more day.

I would be reaching Bagdogra from Kolkatta on 27th Jan at 12:45.

Thereafter, what are the options to reach Sikkim, I understand there is a helicopter service. Will that be operational during that time, is there a need to get some advance booking. If yes how?

Where to stay in Sikkim, North Sikkim / South Sikkim? Need help here. What would be the best hotel to stay. Also what are the excursion options.

A big thanks in advance!!

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jyotirmoy

Time is too little to see Sikkim. On 27th. evening you will reach Gangtok. If you start for north Sikkim on 28th. you will be back in Gangtok on 29th. evening. Next day you will have to return to Bagdogra.
It will be very cold in north Sikkim. So rather explore western part. Gangtok-Raibangla-Pelling-Bagdogra.

Host

Great, thanks for the input..

I think, I should base at Gangtok. Then move around, what do you say. What are the places that I can, during my stay at Gangtok.

I am planning to stay at HOTEL NORKHILL or HOTEL TASHI DELEK. Just wondering which one is better.

Also, I am increasing my stay by one day.

jyotirmoy

HOTEL TASHI DELEK & HOTEL TIBET are both ok places. You can also try the hotel run by Sikkim Tourism. There is another concurrent thread started by janice on Sikkim. You may also refer my detailed account of our travel in Sikkim which I posted last year.

Lugubert

For much cheaper but not necessarily worse accomodation, walk along Tibet Road. If you choose Snow Lion, don't eat there but at their neighbour's, Modern Central Lodge, unless you go for the "centre". At least some of them at MCL sometimes understand English.

greenman

Personally I'd recommend Western Sikkim, you don't have to go via Gangtok either as Bagdogra to Pelling or Ravangla isnt much further.

My favour Hotel was the Mt Narsing Resort in Ravangla, they have two hotels but the second one further up the hill has a better location.

jyotirmoy

greenman I stayed here & thoroughly enjoyed my stay. The sun rise is spectacular.

mridula

I was there last week and I am completely taken in by North Sikkim. Here is an account of my trip, if the information there is of any help to you, I would be gald.

http://www.gonomad.com/traveltalesfr...en-for-me.html

If you are not prebooking at every step, Sikkim is really small and you can keep moving if you change your mind.

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mridula

http://www.gonomad.com/traveltalesfromindia/

Host

Many thanks for the initial responses...

As the travel date is fast approaching, I am finalizing my plans

Well here is the initial itinerary (this includes Kolkatta as well):


27-Jan: Reaching Bagdogra at 15:30 Hrs. Still evaluating travel options from Bagdogra to Gangtok. I have already done booking at Hotel Royal Plaza till 29th Jan.
Question: How to travel to Gangtok, Is copter a good option and can that be booked in advance?
28th, Jan: Planning to spend my time in Gangtok and surrounding areas. Exact plan to be finalized later.

29th Jan onwards: Still not planned anything. Though I am thinking of going to Yumthang Valley.

I have a return flight from Bagdogra at 13:45Hrs. Just wondering, whether it will be possible to cover Yumthang Valley during 29th and 30th. Also, can I come directly to Bagdogra from Lachung? What all can I cover/travel during 29th - 31st Jan.

Thanks!

mridula

It took us nearly seven hours to reach Lachung from Gangtok. We traveled like this on a shared jeep. We were supposed to start for Lachung at 10.30 in the morning but by the time everyone came it was pat 12. We reached Lachung at 7.00pm and the next day started at 7.30 in the morning for Yumthang and Zero point. Came back to Lachung by 12.00 had lunch and then started back again. Reached 8.00pm to Gangtok again. Hope this gives you some idea about the travel to Lachung.

Host

Thanks Mridula for the information..

How good is the travel from Gangtok to Lachung, especially in terms of ride, other scenic spots etc. How about Hotels in Lachung, is there any Hotel with room heating?

Seems that I have to come back to Gangtok for overnight stay..

Are there any other places near Gangtok that can be covered during a days trip...

clawhammer

Rumtek or Changu-Nathula can be covered in a days trip from Gangtok.
Traveling to Lachung from Gangtok is an experience indeed! The Teesta Gorge, the mountain view and finally the Lachung valley - everything is very beautiful.
Hotels in Lachung are good but basic as compared to the ones in Gangtok. If there is electricity u'll have 24hr hot water.
If u go with a good travel agency, they'll put u up in a good hotel but don't expect anything fancy.
I must say that while traveling in mountains its best to keep a day in hand for emergency. So plan ur itinerary accordingly.
A trip to Yumthang valley will consume 1n and 2 complete days

mridula

Host, I liked the road to Noth Sikkim the best, the area is really green (but don't know about how it will be in Jan). The hotel that I stayed in was very basic and not heated so booking with an upscale agency might help. We anyway carry good sleeping bags for places like this. Here is the sunrise at Lachung, if it gives you a better idea:

http://thousandwordsorapicture.blogs...th-sikkim.html

As it has been suggested you could try Nathu-La and Changu. Nathu-La is open only to Indian nationals but anyone can go up to Changu lake. Hope this helps.

Host

Awesome pictures, Mridula.

clawhammer: I don't think I can go to Nathu-La, as I have only Mon through Wed available for Travel. The days permitted to visit Nathula are Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sundays only

Tsomgo/ Changu Lake seems to be a good option to visit.

Host

To update, I am in Gangtok!!!

During my first day, I covered Chagu Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathu-La.. really awesome experience. Will post pics, once I am back.

For remaining two days, I am making my plan..