The home is a good point from which to explore East and West Sikkim. Gangtok, the state capital, is the hub for arranging transport and the necessary permits for restricted areas.
A day trip to Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a popular excursion. It sits at a high altitude about 40km from Gangtok and often freezes over in winter. A Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required to visit.
Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the Karmapa Lama, is 24km from Gangtok. It's a vast complex and an important pilgrimage site, offering a look into Tibetan Buddhist traditions and art.
For those planning a longer trip, Gangtok is the starting point for journeys into North Sikkim to see the Yumthang Valley, famous for its flowers. This requires a separate permit.
Further afield in West Sikkim, Pelling offers incredible views of Kanchenjunga. The historic Pemayangtse and Sanga Choeling monasteries are key sights there. For serious trekkers, the Goecha La trek to Kanchenjunga base camp starts from Yuksom.
By air: The nearest reliable airport is Bagdogra (IXB) in West Bengal, about 124km away. The drive to the Gangtok area takes around four hours. Pakyong Airport (PYG) is much closer (30km from Gangtok) but flights are often diverted to Bagdogra due to weather.
By rail: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the closest major railway station, located 122km away. From NJP, you will need to hire a car for the journey into Sikkim.
By road: Gangtok is the main road hub for all of East Sikkim. You can hire taxis or shared jeeps from here for local travel.
The best seasons to visit Sikkim are from March to May, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom across the state, and from October to mid-December, when the skies are clear after the monsoon, offering the best mountain views. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rain and frequent landslides, which can shut down roads, especially in North Sikkim.
