Young Pioneer Tours are offering fully guided Sikkim tours for 2025 and 2026, offering a mix of group tours, independent and bespoke travel packages to Sikkim.
With years of experience arranging tours in the region, we’re now able to offer some of the cheapest, most diverse, and best travel packages to Sikkim available today.
Group tours to Sikkim
Currently, we’re offering the following group tour to Sikkim. We’re planning on adding more Sik,im tours – keep watching this page and our social media to get all the news.
All of our group tours are capped at 16 people. What makes our tours stand out from other travel companies is that you’ll be accompanied by an expert YPT guide and the best local guides.
Independent Tours to Sikkim
As well as our group tours to Sikkim, YPT can offer independent and bespoke packages to the state throughout the year. These can be done to fit your exact theme and budget, as well as combined with trips to Nepal, Bhutan, Darjeeling, as well as other parts of India and beyond.
Example Sikkim Itinerary
Our standard one week Sikkim Tour itinerary has us taking in all the major sites of Sikkim, as well as taking the Toy Train and visiting Darjeeling as standard.
While this is our summer tour to Sikkim we are able to offer amended itineraries to fit all seasons within the state.
Day 1 – Kathmandu – Bagdogra – Gangtok
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Day 2 – Gangtok
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Day 3 – Changu Lake – Enchey Monastery
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Day 4 – Gangtok – Pelling via Buddha Park – Legship Hot Springs
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Day 5 – Pelling
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Day 6 – Siliguri
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Day 7 – Darjeeling Villages – Tea Culture
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Day 8 – Darjeeling to Bagdogra and End
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Bespoke Tours to Sikkim
As well as our fixed group and independent tours packages to Sikkim YPT are also able to offer a number of bespoke Sikkim travel packages, such as those listed below.
Should you wish to something not mentioned here then please get in touch. If it is possible to do in Sikkim, YPT can most probably arrange it.
Tours to North Sikkim
We take you deep into North Sikkim on a custom-built journey to the icy edge of the Himalayas. Visit the sacred Gurudongmar Lake, climb towards the snowfields of Yumthang and Zero Point, and witness glaciers carving through the high-altitude desert.
Truly one of the best tours available in Sikkim.
The Lost Kingdom of Sikkim Tour
Until 1975, Sikkim had its own king, its own passport, and almost no one paid attention. This tour isn’t about border passes and polite palace visits. We take you through the ghost of a country. The royal chorten no one touches, underground political activists still bitter about the merger, and old-timers in Gangtok who remember when it was a monarchy. This is for YPT style Cold War geeks, lost nation obsessives, and people who want to know what it’s like to be eaten by your neighbour without a shot fired.
Hydro Dams Dissent and the Disappearing River Gods
Sikkim’s rivers are being dammed by Delhi, China, and private contractors so fast locals can’t even keep track. We run trips into contested dam zones where Lepcha protests flare up, valleys are flooded, and sacred sites vanish overnight. Sikkim might be beautiful, but it now without historical and contemporary issues.
Sikkim Chinese Borderlands Tour
North Sikkim is where maps stop working and soldiers outnumber locals by a lot. You’ll see signs that say No Foreigners Beyond This Point and we’ll take you as close as we legally can. Military convoys, locked gates, and prayer flags whipping over the Chinese border. This is geopolitical tension wrapped in Himalayan mist. Great for photographers, researchers, or just people like us who just love weird borders.
Sikkimese Culture and Cuisine Tours
From tongba hot millet beer sipped through bamboo straws to gundruk fermented leafy greens Sikkim’s food and culture is ancient, weird, and often smells fairly pungent.It is though very intestine. We’ll take you into homes, village kitchens, and back-alley joints to taste to sample and understand Sikkimese cuisine and culture.
Longer Term Digital Detox in Sikkim Tours
Want to get away from there hustle while really getting off the beaten track? We’ve got family homestays and off-grid huts in valleys where electricity still cuts out by 6pm and you bathe in a bucket. Meditate, write, hike, or just stare at clouds rolling in from Tibet. Great for burned-out city people, broke writers, or with a surprisingly good cell network even digital nomads (that have some flexibility).
Darjeeling Tours
Our standard Darjeeling tours run for 2 days, covering key sites like Tiger Hill, the Himalayan Railway, and central markets. However, these can be expanded to include tea plantation stays, local village visits, monastery stops, and heritage walks, depending on your interests. All YPT Darjeeling tours are fully customisable to suit educational, cultural, extended stay, or in-depth travel needs.
Nepal-Bhutan-Sikkim Combo Tours
Many of our group tours incorporate travel to both Bhutan and Nepal, often combined with overland routes through Sikkim for a broader Himalayan experience. We also offer fully bespoke itineraries linking Sikkim with custom trips to Nepal and Bhutan, arranged seamlessly with all permits, border crossings, and logistics handled. Whether you want to cross from Sikkim into eastern Bhutan or connect Gangtok to Kathmandu (or other variations), YPT can make it happen.
Sikkim and Northern India Tours
YPT’s Sikkim tours can be combined with trips to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and more via Siliguri (Bagdogra), the main transit hub with road, rail, and flight links. Through our trusted local partners throughout the regions and country, we arrange smooth travel connections across Northeast India and beyond, including onward journeys and itineraries throughout India.
Student, Educational and School Trips to Sikkim
We offer bespoke student and school trips to Sikkim tailored to curriculum themes like Buddhist studies, indigenous culture, and environmental science. Programs include monastery visits, talks with tribal leaders, rural sustainability workshops, and guided treks. Suitable for schools and universities, we handle all logistics and permits, creating immersive learning experiences in one of India’s most unique Himalayan regions. Academic goals, age groups, and field focus are fully customisable.
Documentary making and filming in Sikkim
With its amazing mountaintop Buddhist scenery Sikkim could easily double up as Tibet, Bhutan and even something Tolkeinian, but with far less of the red tape. That though is not to say it is completely easy either! YPT can though through our film arm Pioneer Media lease with our partners in local government ti get you the permits and permissions needed.
Most foreign nationals need a valid Indian visa to travel to Sikkim, along with a Protected Area Permit (PAP) due to Sikkim’s sensitive border control.
Applying for an Indian e-Visa is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely
online: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
The PAP is generally easy to obtain, and our local partner will take care of it. However, citizens of China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar face additional travel restrictions when visiting Sikkim. They are not eligible to obtain the Protected Area Permit (PAP) on arrival and must apply for special approval from the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs well in advance. This approval process can take a few weeks and is not guaranteed. Importantly, even if travellers hold a different nationality but their passport indicates they were born in one of these countries, they are still subject to the same special permit requirements. It’s essential to plan ahead and secure the necessary permissions before your trip.
Sikkim shares sensitive borders with China (Tibet), Nepal, and Bhutan, which are closely monitored by Indian authorities for security reasons. As a result, several border areas, especially those near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, are off-limits to foreign tourists, even if they have a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Regions like parts of North Sikkim, including some areas around Lachen, Lachung, and Gurudongmar Lake, require additional military clearance beyond the standard permit. Access to certain remote passes, military installations, and border outposts is strictly prohibited.
Sikkim offers unique experiences throughout the year, with each season showcasing its natural beauty differently. Spring (March-May) is one of the best times to visit, featuring pleasant temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and clear skies, ideal for trekking and sightseeing. Summer (June-August) brings lush green landscapes and vibrant waterfalls, but also heavy monsoon rains that can make trekking difficult. Autumn (September- November) is the peak season, with clear skies, mild weather, and great visibility for mountain views, perfect for outdoor activities, though it can be crowded. Winter (December-February) is colder, especially at higher altitudes, with occasional snowfall, making it quieter, but some trails or passes might be inaccessible.
Sikkim is generally very safe for tourists. The region is known for its peaceful environment and friendly, welcoming locals. However, as with any travel destination, it’s wise to stay vigilant with your belongings, especially in crowded markets or public transport. Overall, visitors can enjoy a secure and pleasant experience exploring the state.
Sikkim is a state in India, so the Indian Rupee (INR) is the official and only accepted currency. ATMs are available in major towns like Gangtok, Pelling, and Namchi, but access can be limited in remote areas. It’s advisable to carry enough cash, especially when travelling to smaller villages or higher-altitude regions where card payments and ATMs may not be available. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and restaurants in urban areas, but cash remains the most reliable option for daily expenses.
Travelers are advised to check with their healthcare provider for vaccinations. While no specific vaccinations are mandatory, routine vaccines like tetanus, hepatitis A, and typhoid are commonly recommended. Trekking at high altitudes comes with the risk of altitude sickness. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and allow time to acclimatize properly. Also, carry any necessary personal medications, as pharmacies may be limited in remote regions.
Sikkim has a rich cultural blend influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous traditions. When visiting monasteries or religious sites, it’s important to dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs, and always remove your shoes before entering. Respect for elders and religious figures is highly valued. When greeting someone, a polite “Namaste”
with palms pressed together is common and appreciated. Public displays of affection
should be avoided, and it’s considered respectful to ask before taking photos of people
or religious ceremonies. Always show consideration for local customs and traditions,
especially in rural or sacred areas.
What to pack for Sikkim depends on the season and your planned activities, but layering
is key due to the region’s varied mountain climate. Bring warm clothing, especially if
you’re visiting higher altitudes or traveling in winter. A waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking
boots, and rain gear are essential if you’re trekking or visiting during the monsoon
season. Comfortable clothes and shoes are ideal for sightseeing and exploring towns like
Gangtok or Pelling.
Mobile communication in Sikkim is generally reliable in towns and cities. You can use
any Indian SIM card, such as Jio, Airtel, or BSNL, while traveling in the state. Prepaid SIM
cards can be purchased at airports or mobile shops across Sikkim. However, network
coverage may be limited or inconsistent in remote or high-altitude areas. Most hotels,
cafes, and restaurants in major towns like Gangtok offer free Wi-Fi. It is also possible to
buy an e-SIM before traveling to the country. We recommend using the Airalo app,
which is easy to use and offers connectivity in most destinations: https://airalo.tpo.mx/nNyw4f2H.
Sikkim is quite vegetarian friendly, thanks to its strong Buddhist and Hindu cultural
influences. Many locals follow a vegetarian diet, especially in and around monasteries
and during religious observances. Traditional dishes like phagshapa, gundruk, sel roti,
and dal bhat often have vegetarian versions. Tibetan-influenced foods like veg momos
(dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup) are widely available. While veganism is still a
growing concept, many vegetarian dishes can be adapted by avoiding dairy or eggs. In
most towns and tourist areas, you’ll find plenty of meat-free options that are both
flavourful and filling.
Alcohol is available throughout Sikkim. The state even has its own local brews, tongba (a
warm millet-based drink) and chang (a traditional fermented drink), especially popular
among the ethnic communities. You’ll also find Indian-made foreign liquor, beer, and
spirits easily in towns and cities. Sikkim has relaxed alcohol laws compared to many
other Indian states, but it’s still advisable to drink responsibly, especially in religious or
rural areas.
Sikkim is one of India’s more progressive and peaceful states, and while homosexuality is
legal across India, social attitudes, especially in rural or traditional areas, can still be
conservative. In Sikkim, public displays of affection (regardless of orientation) are
generally uncommon. LGBTQ+ travellers are unlikely to face legal issues, but for a
smooth and respectful experience, it’s best to remain low-key and culturally sensitive,
particularly in remote or religious areas.
I am a web developer and I love graphics, web designs and photography – pictures.images.nature. Kinda adventurous and willing to take new challenges as always. I love spending time on the rooftop during night time and watching the stars and all the artificial urban lights. I love people, places,, – everything in the universe – seen and unseen — i love life.
