Sikkim/Darjeeling Information

Sikkim
Sikkim is the best kept secret in the Himalayas - is nestled between Nepal, China Tibet, Bhutan and India. Sikkim's rugged and dramatic terrain has elevation variations ranging from 285m. to 8586 m. it is the ultimate paradise for Botanists and plant lovers with over 4000 species of flowering plants, including an incredible 600 species of Orchid. For adventure lovers, the unrivalled trekking trails offer verdant forests of rhododendron - covered hillsides, remote monasteries, glaciers, high passes and panoramic mountain views of Kanchendzonga.

Access:
From Kathmandu, fly to Bhadrapur in east Nepal (1 hour), then drive to Kakarbhitta (Nepal-India border, 34 km), to Siliguri (36 km) and to Gangtok (110 km, 3 hours 30 minutes). Gangtok is also connected by road with Darjeeling (5 hours) and Bhutan (7 hours).

The closest Indian airport is at Bagdogra, 124 km from Gangtok, where scheduled flights operate from Kolkata, New Delhi and Guwahati. Taxis for Gangtok (4 hours) are available at the airport. Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation also operates daily helicopter flights from Bagdogra airport to Gangtok (20 minutes). The closest railway stations are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri (121 km) which are connected to Kolkata, New Delhi, Guwahati and other major Indian cities. Taxis and buses for Gangtok are available at Siliguri.

Season:
March-May and October-December are the best times to visit. Bring light woolen clothing during summer (maximum temperature 20.7 degrees Celsius) and heavy woolens during winter (minimum 7.7 degrees

Sikkimg Visa Permits:
In addition to an Indian visa, foreign travelers must possess an inner line permit, issued by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs or New Sikkim House, both in New Delhi, to visit Sikkim. The permit is valid for 15 days. If you are visiting the interior regions, you also require a protected area permit which is obtainable in Gangtok from the Department of Tourism. Tour arrangements should be made through a registered travel agent who will handle the official formalities.

The Queen of Hills:
Darjeeling (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council) in northeast India provides the perfect ambiance of a hill resort with its mild climate and laid back charm. Its verdant hills and valleys are steeped in colore and are interspersed with vast stretches of lush green tea gardens. Presiding over all these is the 8,856m Mt. Kanchenjunga looming over the northern horizon, giving a magical aura to the land that entices thousands to its environs and leaves all the senses intoxicated.

Darjeeling is hemmed in by Skkim in the north, Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the East. Darjeeling town, Kalimpong and Kurseong are the major urban centers. Heavily influenced by British India, Darjeeling still carries imprints reminiscent of its colonial past. The toy train is one of the most striking examples of Darjeeling's British colony influence.

Transportation:
Transport is provided by buses, four-wheel drive and smaller vehicles. Local taxis are also available for hire for getting around.

Access:
From Kathmandu, take the one-hour flight to Bhadrapur (the nearest Nepalese airport to Darjeeling), drive to Kakarbhitta (Nepal-India border, 34 km), to Siliguri (36 km) and to Darjeeling (77 km, 2 hours 30 minutes). An alternate and quicker route is to hire a taxi at Bhadrapur and drive for about one and a half hours to the border town of Pashupatinagar in the north. From here, taxis are available to Darjeeling, which is merely 45 minutes away. Darjeeling is also connected by road with Sikkim (120 km) and Bhutan (about 200 km). Darjeeling town is 90 km from Bagdogra, the nearest Indian airport, where scheduled flights operate from New Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. The nearest railheads are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri (88 km) which are connected to Kolkata, New Delhi, Guwahati and other major Indian cities. From Siliguri, buses, taxis and the famous toy train (8 hours) leave for Darjeeling.

Season:
March-May and September-November are the best times to visit. Bring light woolen clothing during summer (maximum temperature 16 degrees Celsius) and heavy woolens in winter (minimum 1.6 degrees).

Darjeeling Visa Permits:
Foreigners visiting Darjeeling must possess an Indian visa. No special permit is required for either traveling or trekking inside Darjeeling. However, necessary travel documents need to be shown as and when required.