Six plates of Sikkim — Gangtok and the Rumtek monastery; Pelling for the Khangchendzonga (8,586m) sunrise from the foothills; Yuksom, the old capital, where the first Chogyal was crowned; the great monastic seat of Pemayangtse; Lachung and Yumthang's valley of flowers in north Sikkim; the silver lake of Gurudongmar at 5,210m. Permits for Tsomgo, Nathula and the north arranged for our guests.
When does Yumthang's valley of flowers bloom?
Late April through early June for the rhododendron and primula carpet. The valley is closed by snow December through February. Autumn (October-November) is also beautiful, with the Lachung river clear and the air sharp.
Do I need a permit for Sikkim?
All foreign visitors need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) — issued at the Bagdogra airport or via your tour operator. North Sikkim (Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang, Gurudongmar) requires an additional Protected Area Permit. We arrange both.
How do I get to Sikkim?
Fly to Bagdogra (IXB) or Pakyong (PYG, the new airport near Gangtok), then 4-5 hours by road to Gangtok. We arrange private transfers; helicopter from Bagdogra is available May-October weather permitting.
The Himalayan Guru, custom Himalayan journeys, founded by The Himalayan Guru atelier in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Phone +91 99066 66698, email hello@thehimalayan.guru.