Sikkim Tour Package from Kolkata: A Complete, Honest & Practical Travel Guide
Envision yourself breaking free from the crowded streets of Kolkata and finding yourself in a paradise where snow-covered mountains touch the heavens, crystal-clear lakes mirror centuries-old monasteries, and rhododendrons unfurl in a kaleidoscope of colors.
That’s Sikkim for you—a gem nestled in the Himalayas that’s just waiting to be discovered by adventure-seekers, couples, and families. If you’re thinking of a Sikkim tour package from Kolkata, you’re in for the treat of a lifetime. But let’s face facts: organizing this trip is going to involve more than just enthusiasm. From the nitty-gritty of travel arrangements to the not-so-obvious expenses, this guide has all the information you need to ensure that your trip is seamless, enjoyable, and maximized for that coveted Google top spot.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced traveler, there are Sikkim tour packages from Kolkata that offer flexible options starting from budget-friendly deals of ₹10,000 per person for basic packages to luxurious ones above ₹40,000. The packages include durations of 4-10 days, including popular destinations such as Gangtok, Pelling, and North Sikkim’s Lachung and Lachen.
*Here’s the complete guide on Sikkim Car Rental
Exact Kolkata to Sikkim Travel Flow: Train, Flight, or Road?
Reaching Sikkim from Kolkata is easy, depending on your preference for speed, budget, or adventure. Sikkim does not have its own airport or railway station, and you will have to alight in neighboring West Bengal. Here’s how you can reach Sikkim:
By Flight: The Fastest Way
Fly from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Siliguri—approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, with one-way fares starting from ₹3,000-₹5,000. From Bagdogra, it’s a 4-5 hour drive (124 km) to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Pre-book a taxi or shared jeep for ₹3,000-₹4,000 for a private cab or ₹500 per person shared. This is the best option for a Sikkim tour package from Kolkata if you’re short on time or traveling with kids/seniors—total travel time: 6-7 hours.
By Train: Budget-Friendly and Scenic
Board an overnight train from Kolkata’s Sealdah or Howrah station to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station—8-12 hours, with AC sleeper tickets priced at ₹800-₹1,500. Then, it’s a 4-5 hour road journey (115 km) to Gangtok, similar to the Bagdogra route. Trains such as the Kanchanjunga Express are preferred. This is ideal for budget-conscious tourists in a Sikkim tour package from Kolkata, as it is cost-effective and allows you to enjoy the scenic changes from the plains to the hills.
By Road: The Adventurous Overland Journey
For the adventurous, take a car or bus for the entire 671 km stretch from Kolkata to Gangtok (15-19 hours on NH27 and NH10). Be prepared for tolls, fuel prices of ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 for a sedan, and halts at Siliguri. Buses from the Esplanade Bus Terminus start from ₹800 to ₹1,200, but can be quite exhausting because of the turns and twists on the road. Not the best option for senior citizens or people with motion sickness, but perfect for road trip fanatics as part of a customized Sikkim package tour from Kolkata.
*Pro tip: Monsoon season (July-Sep) can lead to landslides on NH10; check the road conditions
*Also checkout our latest guide about Car Rental In Sikkim
Actual Cost of a Sikkim Tour Package from Kolkata
Pricing is where most travelers get deceived. Most websites give unrealistically low starting prices, which are not what you will finally pay.
The fact is that the price of a Sikkim tour package from Kolkata varies according to the category of hotels, type of transport, season of travel, and size of the group. Budget packages with basic hotels and shared transport services are likely to be in the lower price range, while private cab packages with hotels located in better areas will be more expensive. Packages with superior views will be even more expensive.
What is more important than the cost itself is to understand what the cost covers and what it does not. Otherwise, the tourist will feel cheated later on.
*Guide on Sikkim Taxi Service
What Is Usually Included in a Sikkim Tour Package from Kolkata:
In most standard packages for Sikkim from Kolkata, accommodation, breakfast, dinner, pickup from airport/railway station, and local sightseeing are included. These are some of the basics, and most tour operators will provide the same.
However, many tourists assume that additional services are included when they are not. Lunch meals, entry tickets, Nathula Pass permits, personal expenses, and emergency stays due to weather-related disruptions are some of the services that are usually not included.
A good package will always clarify inclusions before a booking is made, not after payment has been made.
The Truth About Nathula Pass Permits:
Nathula Pass is one of the most sought destinations in any Sikkim tour package from Kolkata, but it is also the most misunderstood destination.
The Nathula pass permits are issued by the local authorities and are based on weather conditions, military restrictions, and the number of visitors allowed each day. There is no guarantee of a permit, no matter what the travel agent says. Nathula Pass is closed on many days without any prior notice.
A truthful Sikkim package tour from Kolkata would state that Nathula is optional and depends on availability, while also offering alternative sightseeing options if permits are denied.
Best Time to Book a Sikkim Tour Package from Kolkata:
Season selection has a massive impact on the success of your trip. Unlike general travel tips, the best time for a Sikkim tour package from Kolkata depends on what you want to achieve from the trip.
The spring season has pleasant weather and scenic views but is more crowded. The summer season is the peak time of the year and is best suited for families but is quite crowded. The monsoon season is less expensive but is prone to landslides. The autumn season has the best views of the mountains and the cultural festivals, making it one of the best seasons to visit. The winter season has cold weather and snowfall but is also prone to road closures.
*Here’s the complete guide Bagdogra to Gangtok Taxi
Selecting the Correct Package Depending on Who Is Traveling:
Not all travelers are alike, but most holiday packages offer the same thing to all of them. A Sikkim family holiday package from Kolkata would include safety, comfort, and smaller travel days. Couples would like romantic spots and flexible timings, while senior citizens require slow-moving packages with easy access to health facilities. If a holiday package is not specific about the travelers, it likely generic and poorly customized.
Hotel Expectations vs Reality in Sikkim:
However, don’t expect all the comforts in a Sikkim package tour from Kolkata, as some places will keep it real. Gangtok hotels (Udaan Woodberry, for instance) provide AC, heaters (₹200 to ₹500 extra in winter), and a view for ₹3,000 per night. North Sikkim: Homestays with shared facilities, hot water buckets, and basic veg meals (momos, thukpa). Where? In the heart of Gangtok for accessibility; on the outskirts for serenity. Cuisine: Pure veg is plentiful, but non-veg is scarce in some places—tasty but not fancy.
North Sikkim: To Include or Not to Include?
North Sikkim is a breathtakingly beautiful destination, but it may not be ideal for all tourists. The high altitude, lack of infrastructure, and unpredictable weather conditions make it difficult, especially for senior citizens and children.
Most Sikkim holiday packages from Kolkata include North Sikkim without explaining the risks involved. A good itinerary should give the visitor an option to avoid it without any pressure.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make While Booking:
Most problems occur not while traveling but while booking. Selecting packages based solely on price, without regard to permit requirements, relying on oral assurances, and fitting too many destinations into a short itinerary are common mistakes.
A well-balanced Sikkim tour package from Kolkata is more about comfort and safety than exploring all the places.
Family, Couple, or Senior-Specific Advice:
Customize your Sikkim tour package from Kolkata to suit your group:
- Families: Easy destinations with easy activities like the Ropeway in Gangtok or yak rides at Tsomgo Lake. Avoid the North if your kids are too young, as altitude sickness sets in quickly. Budget-friendly hotels with play areas; budget ₹20,000-₩30,000 per person for 5 nights.
- Couples: Romantic getaways in Pelling (sunset at Khecheopalri Lake) or homestays in Lachung. Honeymoon packages include candlelit dinners (₹26,500+ per person). The remoteness of North
- Seniors: Remain in lower elevations (Gangtok/Pelling). Do not go to North Sikkim if you have heart/lung problems; consult doctors about oxygen requirements. Use AC transport, warm rooms—packages start at ₹15,000 per person, with easy pacing. Sikkim is senior-friendly but not wheelchair-friendly.
Road and Vehicle Transparency: Particularly North Sikkim:
Roads in Sikkim are exciting but challenging. NH10 to Gangtok: Paved but winding. North Sikkim: Steep, rough patches with landslides—only high-clearance SUVs (Innova, Xylo) permitted, no sedans. Gangtok to Lachen: 6-8 hour drives. From outside Sikkim with private transport? Not allowed beyond Gangtok—rentals in Sikkim only.
Who Should NOT Book This Package:
If you dislike adventure or have problems with altitude (15,000+ ft can cause sickness), do not go. If you are looking for Maldives-like beaches or Dubai-like malls—Sikkim has nothing for you. If you are a lone adventurer who dislikes being cut off from civilization or a family with toddlers who get motion sickness in cars, this is not for you. Foreigners: Nathula/Gurudongmar passes are out of bounds.
But if you are ready for unadulterated natural beauty, this Sikkim tour package from Kolkata is waiting for you! In conclusion, a Sikkim tour package from Kolkata is not only a holiday but an experience that will stir your soul. With honest planning, you will make memories that will last a lifetime. Book smart, travel safe, and let the Himalayas cast their magic on you.
FAQ:
When is the best time to book a Sikkim tour package from Kolkata?
The best time for windows is March to May, when there are blooming landscapes and favorable weather (5-25°C), or October to December, when there is clear sky and breathtaking mountain views (7-20°C). Monsoon season (July to September) should be avoided because of landslides triggered by heavy rains. Winter (January to February) is perfect for snow enthusiasts but entails risks of road closures. Forecasts must be checked for your Sikkim tour package from Kolkata.
How can I get to Sikkim from Kolkata, and what is the cheapest method?
The usual way is by air to Bagdogra (1 hour, ₹3,000-₹5,000) or by train to New Jalpaiguri (8-12 hours, ₹800-₹1,500), and then a 4-5 hour road journey to Gangtok. If you are looking for budget-friendly Sikkim packages from Kolkata, you can take the train and shared jeeps (total under ₹2,000). The entire journey of 671 km can be covered in 15-19 hours by car, which is quite an adventure and will cost you ₹5,000-₹7,000
What permits are required for a Sikkim tour package from Kolkata?
Indian tourists require an Inner Line Permit for entry, which is readily available online or at the border (free or ₹50). For restricted areas such as North Sikkim or Tsomgo Lake, Protected Area Permits are required through agents (₹200-₹500 per person, 2-3 days prior). Nathula Pass is not guaranteed, only limited passes available, weather permitting, and not for foreigners. IDs and photos are required for your Sikkim tour package from Kolkata.
Is Sikkim a safe destination for families or solo travelers from Kolkata?
Yes, Sikkim is relatively safe with low crime rates and friendly people. But the roads to North Sikkim can be tough; hire registered drivers. Avoid high altitudes if children are young in families; solo travelers, join group tours in remote regions. Women travelers have had good experiences, but always inform hotels of their plans. Monsoon season increases landslide risks; plan your Sikkim tour package from Kolkata accordingly.
What should I pack for a Sikkim tour package from Kolkata?
Necessities: warm clothing (woolens, jackets) for cold highs (up to -5°C in winter), rain gear for monsoons, trekking shoes for treks, sun protection (sunscreen, hat) for sunny days, and anti-motion sickness for winding roads. And, of course, identification, permits, power banks (since electricity is intermittent in the North), and eco-friendly accessories—Sikkim is plastic-free. For high altitudes in your Sikkim tour package from Kolkata, take diamox if you are prone to sickness.
What if I get altitude sickness during my Sikkim tour package from Kolkata?
Common at 12,000+ ft (e.g., Gurudongmar Lake), symptoms include headaches, nausea. Prevention: Acclimatize in Gangtok before traveling, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and climb slowly. Take along medications such as diamox (consult doctor). In extreme cases, descend immediately—often emergency services are included in the package. Not all tourists are affected, but those with medical conditions may want to skip the high points of their Sikkim tour package from Kolkata.