One of the smallest yet fastest-growing economies in India, Sikkim is a remarkable tourist destination that offers a diverse selection of experiences. However, with careful planning and curated strategy, Sikkim can be thoroughly enjoyed.
This inclusive manual can work as a guide for you to partake in the fun-filled activities in Sikkim so you don’t miss out on anything. Sikkim can be appealing to a diverse range of people with different tastes. Find your choice, from peaceful retreats to thrilling adventures and many more.
Since it is credited to be the priciest vacation point, it can be overwhelming for many to plan for a budget trip to Sikkim. With its vast lush greenery, historic Buddhist monasteries, vivid bazaars, and delectable budget-friendly menu get the best of Sikkim without squeezing your pockets.
Best Time to Experience Sikkim
Sikkim welcomes tourists any time of the year, but it is best to know what is your optimal time to save money and also enjoy this charming hill station.
Winter (January - March):
The most desirable season for tourists planning a vacation in the hills is the winter. The average temperature in the daytime is -5 to 7˚C. The place turns ethereal with the snow-covered slopes and looks nothing less than a dream. This can also be the reason for the prices of accommodations to skyrocket due to heavy demand.
Summer (March - April):
This can be the optimal time to visit Sikkim if you want to view the mountain range crystal clear. With perfect weather conditions that have clear skies, the view would be spectacular. The average daytime temperature ranges from 5 to 25˚C. It is the best time for adventure-loving individuals or groups.
Monsoon (April - December):
Due to its speculated harsh weather conditions, this can be the most pocket-friendly solution. However, the rain wakes nature up from sleep for us to be in awe of its rejuvenating wonders. The average daytime temperature goes from 4 to 17˚C. Around this time, hotels are the cheapest and the scenic beauty is to die for.
Pro Tip: Avoid visiting Sikkim in July since it is the wettest of the months. Otherwise, for an affordable trip, choosing monsoon can be a wise decision.
Smart Route Planning for a Budget-Friendly Trip
Though there is no direct option for reaching Sikkim, finding affordable alternatives is relatively easy. The easiest is going for public transportation over private cars, which will drastically bring down your expenses. Let’s break down and look at the different cost-efficient options available.
By Air:
Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri is the nearest airport to Sikkim, about 140 km in distance via NH10. It is not a cost-effective solution but if you live far away in distant states, it can be made so if you book your tickets well in advance. Keep a tab on budget deals and discounts before booking your tickets so the prices may not get frightening.
By Train:
Train journeys are the most affordable and fun as well. Sikkim has no direct train route but it can be reached via New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in Siliguri. It connects to the various cities of the country through a railway network. Booking your train tickets in advance can again save a lot of money since the demand reaches its height closer to the date of departure.
By Road:
Traveling via the road and opting for bus and shared taxi rides are the easiest and the most budget-friendly options. Commuting from nearby places like Kolkata and adjacent places can be effortless, however long-distance travel can be challenging. Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) offers reasonable bus rides that operate from NJP to Gangtok.
Pro Tip: Plan for the cheapest option of traveling via buses and shared taxis. Trains can be availed too for the same. Cost can be reduced if tickets are booked in advance via sikkim travel agency.
Local travel options in Sikkim: Opt for local transportation overbooking private cabs for your travel purposes. Buses and shared taxis are available at all times in Sikkim. They operate from major spots like Gangtok, Lachung, and Pelling and are a much wiser option for your commute.
Affordable Budget Friendly Stays in Sikkim
| Accommodation Type | Features & Benefits | Approximate Cost (Per Night) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Hotels | Affordable deals with basic amenities like hot water, meals, and WiFi. Available in major towns like Gangtok, Pelling, and Namchi. | ₹1,000 - ₹2,500 |
| Homestays & Guesthouses | Located in quieter areas, offering a peaceful ambiance and a more local experience. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers. | ₹600 - ₹1,500 |
| Campsites | Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Provides an immersive outdoor experience, often organized by local trekking agencies. | ₹500 - ₹1,000 |
| Hostels & Dormitories | Shared accommodations with basic amenities like hot water and comfortable beds. Best for solo travelers and backpackers. | ₹300 - ₹800 |
Sikkim can be very costly when it comes to comfortable stays in hotels. Along with luxury hotels and resorts, many cheaper options such as homestays and guesthouses are available, especially in big towns like Gangtok, Pelling, Lachung, and Namchi. Here are some expert-recommended options
Budget Hotels:
Try to find affordable deals on hotels from booking.com, Makemytrip, or OYO to find your comfort cost with basic amenities like hot water, a meal, and wifi. You can find many options spread throughout the popular towns of Gangtok, Pelling, and Namchi.
Homestays and Guesthouse:
Depending on the location and amenities, homestays, hostels, and guesthouses can be an effective solution to curtail the cost. These can be opted to bypass the expense of luxury hotels. Usually, these places are located away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded areas, offering us a quieter ambiance to enjoy the scenic view without any disturbance.
Campsites:
Appropriate for nature lovers and thrill seekers, this can be a perfect option. Budget-friendly and economical, campsites can be availed for an immersive experience amidst nature. Local organizers and various expedition agencies provide trekking opportunities, where you can avail camping at a picturesque location.
Hostels and Dormitories:
There are some hostels and dormitory options in Gangtok for the absolute cost-conscious tourist. Rooms are shared so it is a perfect option for a solo traveler. You will get basic amenities such as hot water and a comfortable shared bed. However, you can enjoy the Sikkim locale by staying over at a cheaper place and reducing the cost of accommodation.
Pro Tip: You can avail backpackers’ options such as Zostel Gangtok, Mochilero Ostello, Backpackers Den, Tagalong Backpackers, Youth Hostel Sirikhola, and Mellow Fellow Hostel Backpackers to match your preferences. These options are the best to curtail your costs if you’re traveling solo or with friends.
Economical Eateries in Sikkim
| Food Option | Description | Cost (₹ per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Street Food | Enjoy local favorites like momos, thukpa, and sel roti. Tea stalls are common in Gangtok and Namchi. | 50 - 150 |
| Local Dhabas | Authentic regional meals, including rice, dal, vegetables, chutney, and local specialties like Phagshapa, Gundruk, and Chhurpi. | 100 - 250 |
| Bakeries & Cafeacutes | Small bakeries offer fresh pastries, Tibetan bread, and butter tea, a must-try in Sikkim. | 80 - 200 |
| Community Kitchens | Some monasteries and local communities serve simple, free or donation-based meals to visitors. | Free or Donation-Based |
| Seasonal Fruit Stalls | Fresh organic fruits like oranges, apples, and wild berries sold by locals at roadside stalls. | 30 - 100 |
A huge range of eating options are available in Sikkim. To save some bucks, the best possible way is to find the joints where locals eat. Sikkim is known for its fresh veggies and organic production. Meals generally include local cuisine which is cost-efficient and flavourful at the same time. Plan your trip with a Sikkim tour operator and get information about the local eateries.
Street Food:
Indulge in regional dishes such as steaming momos (dumplings), thukpas (noodle soup), and sel roti (traditional rice donuts), which are both cheap and healthy. You also get stalls of chai (tea) along the streets of popular destinations such as Gangtok and Namchi.
Local Dhabas:
Dhabas are the local eateries serving authentic regional delicacies of the place. You can get a hearty meal that does not put pressure on your wallet. A plate of rice, dal, vegetables, and chutney is the perfect platter for vegetarians. However, if you want to relish specialties like Phagshapa (pork dish), gundruk (fermented leafy vegetables, and chhurpi (fermented cheese), you can do so in these dhabas.
Pro Tip: Avoid going to commercialized restaurants since their main agenda is to serve overpriced meals to tourists who are unaware of the local pricing of the food.
Budget-Friendly Scenic Tours in Sikkim
As rightly said, the best things in life are always free, so is true for the wonders of Sikkim. With little or no cost, you can visit the historic and natural beauty of the place.
Trekking and Mountain Trails:
Trekker’s paradise, Sikkim is considered to be a haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seeking travelers. The Dzongri Trek, Goecha La Trek, and the trekking trails around Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) are the most popular. However, for cost-effectiveness, you must opt for the local nature walks through the Yumthang Valley or the Rhododendron Sanctuary, which are free.
Temples and Monasteries:
Soak in the tranquil ambiance of the popular religious sites of the Rumtek Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, and Tashiding Monastery. These not only are free to visit but offer you an insight into the rich cultural heritage and architecture of this place. Some of the popular temples are Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, Thakurbari Temple, and Solophok Chardham. It is also a perfect outing for a Sikkim tour for a couple.
Lakes and Scenic Sites:
With little to no cost, you can enjoy the pristine view of Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) and Khecheopalri Lake. You can also visit the very popular Yumthang Valley.
National Parks:
Discover Sikkim’s flora and fauna by visiting the Khangchendzonga National Park and Singalila National Park, which require a nominal entry fee.
Pro Tip: Opt for places that are nearby to your location of stay. This will enable you to reduce some costs from traveling and entry fees.
Miscellaneous Budget Hacks
Here are some helpful tips for you to curtail down costs on your trip to Sikkim.
Advance Planning: Most of the cost surges happen due to untimely planning and messy arrangements. Fix a date at least 2-3 months before your departure and book your tickets.
Travel in a Group: You can save a lot of money if you travel in a group. The cost of accommodation, food, and travel is shared, which is helpful.
Avoid Prime Season: Plan for off-season (July to September) travels. This way you can explore the place without the crowd and the spiked cost of accommodation.
Conclusion
Sikkim is claimed to be one of the most popular and expensive tourist destinations. However, this can be easily bypassed with a well-organized plan. With Turopia, you can explore the beauty of Sikkim without stretching your budget. The lavish and the budget-friendly experiences stand equal before the mighty nature. Most of Sikkim’s travel spots are free, so with smart planning, your trip won’t be pricey at all. Book your tickets well in advance, choose humble stays, and dine at local eateries. Sikkim will not disappoint you even with minimal spending.
