A Sikkim tour package from Kolkata over 6 days and 5 nights typically covers Gangtok, the Tsomgo Lake-Baba Mandir-Nathula axis, and North Sikkim’s Lachung valley with Yumthang and the high-altitude Gurudongmar Lake. The fastest way to start is to reach New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Bagdogra by train/flight from Kolkata, then drive roughly 120 km (4-5 hours) up to Gangtok where your Sikkim leg begins.
This itinerary suits couples, families and small groups who want the classic Sikkim experience without rushing. Below you will find a day-by-day plan, the permits you must carry, indicative 2026 fare ranges per person and per cab, and the best season to travel. Sikkim’s mountain roads are shared-permit territory, so a well-planned package with a local operator saves you a lot of paperwork hassle.
How you get to Sikkim from Kolkata
Sikkim has no commercial airport with regular flights for most travellers, so the gateway is the Siliguri-NJP-Bagdogra hub in North Bengal. From Kolkata you have three practical options:
- Train to NJP: Overnight trains like the Darjeeling Mail and Padatik Express take about 10-12 hours from Sealdah/Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. This is the most popular and economical route.
- Flight to Bagdogra (IXB): Roughly 1 hour 10 minutes from Kolkata. Best if you want to maximise time in the hills.
- By road: Around 580-620 km, a long 12-14 hour drive. Usually only chosen for self-drive enthusiasts.
From NJP/Bagdogra, a hill-permit vehicle drives you up to Gangtok (about 120 km / 4-5 hours via the scenic Teesta river road). Many travellers combine this with an outstation cab from Kolkata to NJP, or simply book the train and let the package handle the mountain transfers.
6 Days / 5 Nights Sikkim Itinerary at a Glance
The plan below assumes you arrive at NJP/Bagdogra on the morning of Day 1. Nights are spent in Gangtok (3) and Lachung (1), with the final night back near Gangtok before departure.
| Day | Route / Highlights | Drive Distance | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | NJP/Bagdogra to Gangtok; evening at MG Marg | ~120 km / 4-5 hrs | Gangtok |
| Day 2 | Tsomgo Lake, Baba Harbhajan Mandir, Nathula Pass (permit-based) | ~110 km round / 5-6 hrs | Gangtok |
| Day 3 | Gangtok to Lachung via Seven Sisters Falls, Naga Falls | ~115 km / 6-7 hrs | Lachung |
| Day 4 | Yumthang Valley, Zero Point; return to Gangtok | ~145 km / 8-9 hrs | Gangtok |
| Day 5 | Gangtok local sightseeing (Rumtek, Banjhakri Falls, ropeway) | ~40 km / half day | Gangtok |
| Day 6 | Gangtok to NJP/Bagdogra for return train/flight | ~120 km / 4-5 hrs | — |
Optional add-on: Gurudongmar Lake
If you want the famous Gurudongmar Lake (17,800 ft), you can extend the North Sikkim leg by a night at Lachen. This usually turns the trip into a 7N/8D plan or replaces the Lachung-only version. Gurudongmar is breathtaking but very high altitude, so it is not recommended for travellers with heart or breathing conditions, infants, or anyone prone to severe altitude sickness.
Day-by-Day: What You Actually See
Day 1 — Arrival and Gangtok
After landing at Bagdogra or NJP, you drive up alongside the Teesta. By evening you reach Gangtok, the clean and walkable capital. Stretch your legs on the pedestrian-only MG Marg, grab momos and a hot thukpa, and acclimatise.
Day 2 — Tsomgo Lake and Nathula
A glacial lake at about 12,400 ft, Tsomgo (Changu) Lake freezes in winter and reflects the surrounding peaks in spring. Nearby is Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. Nathula Pass on the Indo-China border needs an additional special permit (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) and is subject to weather and military clearance.
Day 3 — Drive to Lachung
A long but gorgeous drive into North Sikkim through waterfalls including the Seven Sisters and Naga Falls. Lachung is a quiet alpine village at around 9,600 ft.
Day 4 — Yumthang Valley
The Valley of Flowers blooms with rhododendrons from late March to mid-May. Zero Point (Yumesamdong) at about 15,300 ft offers snow almost year-round, weather permitting. You return to Gangtok by evening.
Want this exact plan customised for your dates and group size? You can book your Sikkim package now and our team will lock in permits and hotels for you.
Day 5 — Gangtok Sightseeing
A relaxed day covering Rumtek Monastery, Banjhakri Falls, Ganesh Tok viewpoint, the Himalayan Zoological Park and a ride on the Gangtok ropeway.
Day 6 — Return
Morning departure down to NJP/Bagdogra in time for your train or flight back to Kolkata.
Permits You Need for Sikkim
Sikkim requires permits even for Indian nationals on certain routes. Your package operator usually arranges these, but you must carry documents:
- Restricted Area / Protected Area Permit (PAP): For North Sikkim (Lachung, Yumthang, Lachen, Gurudongmar) and Tsomgo-Nathula.
- Documents to carry: Original voter ID, Aadhaar or passport, plus 2-3 passport-size photos per person.
- Foreign nationals: Need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) and face additional restrictions on some routes like Nathula and Gurudongmar.
- Permits are issued through registered travel agents — another reason an organised package is simpler than going solo.
Inclusions and Exclusions
A standard 6D/5N Sikkim package from Kolkata generally includes the following. Always confirm the exact sheet with your operator before paying.
Inclusions
- Accommodation for 5 nights (Gangtok x3, Lachung x1, plus one buffer night) on twin-sharing basis
- Daily breakfast and dinner (MAP plan) at hotels
- All transfers and sightseeing in a permit-cleared hill vehicle from NJP/Bagdogra
- North Sikkim permit assistance and paperwork
- Driver allowance, fuel, tolls and parking
Exclusions
- Train/flight tickets between Kolkata and NJP/Bagdogra
- Lunches, snacks and personal expenses
- Tsomgo Lake yak rides, Nathula special permit fee, gumboot/snow-gear hire
- Entry tickets, monastery donations, camera fees
- Anything not mentioned under inclusions, plus GST where applicable
Indicative Price Range (2026)
Sikkim package pricing depends on hotel category, group size and season. Below are indicative ranges for the land package (Gangtok onward), excluding Kolkata-NJP transport.
| Basis | Standard (3-star) | Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Per person (group of 4+) | Rs 16,000 – 22,000 | Rs 24,000 – 32,000 |
| Couple (2 pax total) | Rs 42,000 – 54,000 | Rs 58,000 – 72,000 |
| Private cab (NJP-Sikkim-NJP, sedan) | Rs 18,000 – 24,000 | |
| Private cab (SUV/Innova/Xylo) | Rs 26,000 – 34,000 | |
Note: All fares are indicative for 2026 and vary by season, traffic, fuel, car type and hotel availability. Peak-season and Puja-period rates run higher; confirm a final quote before booking.
Best Season to Visit Sikkim
- March to May (spring): Best overall — rhododendrons in Yumthang, clear views, pleasant 10-20 degC days. Peak booking season.
- October to mid-December (autumn): Crystal-clear mountain views of Kanchenjunga, crisp weather, ideal for photography.
- December to February (winter): Snow lovers’ season; Tsomgo and Nathula may close after heavy snow.
- June to September (monsoon): Avoid if possible — landslides and roadblocks on North Sikkim and Teesta roads are common.
Local Tips for a Smooth Sikkim Trip
- Carry warm layers even in summer — Zero Point and Gurudongmar are freezing year-round.
- Keep multiple printed ID copies; permit checkposts ask for them repeatedly.
- Spend the first day acclimatising in Gangtok before high-altitude days.
- Mobile network is patchy in North Sikkim; BSNL and Jio work best. Postpaid SIMs are recommended.
- Carry cash — ATMs are scarce beyond Gangtok.
If you are still finalising how to reach the hills, see our Kolkata airport taxi service for your transfer to the airport, or explore other curated Kolkata tour packages before you decide. When you are ready, book your 6D/5N Sikkim tour and we will handle permits, hotels and a clean permit-cleared cab end to end.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for a Sikkim tour from Kolkata?
6 days/5 nights is the sweet spot. It covers Gangtok, Tsomgo-Nathula and North Sikkim’s Lachung-Yumthang valley comfortably. Add 1-2 nights if you want Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake.
What is the indicative cost of a Sikkim package from Kolkata?
The land package (Gangtok onward) is roughly Rs 16,000-22,000 per person on standard hotels for a group of four, rising to Rs 24,000-32,000 for deluxe. Kolkata-NJP train or flight tickets are extra. Fares vary by season and car type.
Do I need a permit to visit Sikkim?
Indian nationals need permits for North Sikkim and the Tsomgo-Nathula route, arranged by registered agents. Carry original ID (Aadhaar/voter ID/passport) and passport-size photos. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit and face extra restrictions.
Which is the best time to visit Sikkim?
March to May for rhododendron blooms and clear weather, and October to mid-December for the sharpest Kanchenjunga views. Avoid the June-September monsoon due to landslide risk on hill roads.
How do I reach Gangtok from Kolkata?
Take an overnight train (about 10-12 hours) to NJP or a 1 hour 10 minute flight to Bagdogra, then drive about 120 km (4-5 hours) up to Gangtok. Your package vehicle handles the mountain transfer.
