The best time to visit Sikkim and Darjeeling is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the ideal times to plan your trip:
Best Time: The best time to visit Sikkim is during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November).
Spring (March to May): This is the pre-monsoon season, and the weather is mild and pleasant with blooming flowers, making it an excellent time for nature lovers and trekkers. The temperatures during this period range from 10°C to 20°C in most places, making it comfortable for outdoor activities.
Autumn (October to November): After the monsoon season, the skies become clear, offering stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. The temperatures are cool, ranging from 5°C to 15°C, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and trekking.
Best Time: The best time to visit Darjeeling is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to December).
Spring (April to June): During this time, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. The skies are clear, and you can enjoy the lush greenery and the blooming flowers, especially the rhododendrons in bloom.
Autumn (September to December): This is also a favorable time to visit Darjeeling. The weather is cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. The skies are clear, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.
NOTE: It’s important to note that both Sikkim and Darjeeling are at higher altitudes, and the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always advisable to check the weather forecast before your trip. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rainfall can lead to landslides and road blockages, making travel difficult. Also, some tourist attractions might be inaccessible during this period.
Indian Tourist Visa: The Indian Tourist Visa is a visa category that allows foreign nationals to visit India for tourism and leisure purposes.
Tourist visas are generally issued for short-term stays, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type and validity of the visa.
The visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry, allowing tourists to enter and exit India multiple times within the visa’s validity period.
The validity of the Indian Tourist Visa can range from 30 days to 10 years, depending on the applicant’s nationality and other factors determined by the Indian government.
The maximum duration of stay for each entry is usually 180 days, but it can vary based on the discretion of the Indian authorities.
Tourists must apply for an Indian Tourist Visa before traveling to India. The application process usually involves submitting the required documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, a completed visa application form, and the visa fee, to the Indian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
Some nationalities may be eligible for an e-Tourist Visa (eTV) or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which allows for a shorter and simpler online application process.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Sikkim: All foreign tourists, including Indian nationals from other states, require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Sikkim. The permit is issued by the Sikkim government and is aimed at regulating tourism in the state. Tourists can obtain the ILP online through the Sikkim Tourism website or from specific entry points in Sikkim like Rangpo or Melli.
Special Permits for Restricted Areas: Certain areas in Sikkim, like Nathula Pass and some regions near the Indo-China border, require additional permits due to their proximity to sensitive regions. These permits are typically obtained in Gangtok through registered travel agencies or tour operators.
Travel Registration: While not a visa requirement, it is essential for tourists to register themselves with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) within 14 days of arrival in India, if their visa duration is more than 180 days.
Please note that visa requirements and regulations can change, and it’s essential to verify the latest information with the Indian embassy or consulate in your country or check the official website of the Indian government’s Bureau of Immigration for updated visa requirements before planning your trip to Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Additionally, travelers are advised to check for any specific COVID-19 related travel guidelines and requirements that may be in place before their departure to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
You can visit only Gangtok during this 3 nights 4 days Sikkim tour.
Yes, you can visit the Tsogmo lake during this 3 nights 4 days tour.
The best time to visit Gangtok is from March to May and October to December when the weather is pleasant and favorable for outdoor activities.
If you skip visit to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, then you can visit Pelling.
Yes, foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Gangtok and other restricted areas in Sikkim. Indian nationals from other states also need a permit known as the Protected Area Permit (PAP) for certain regions.
Gangtok is considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always recommended to take necessary precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and follow local guidelines.