State of Sikkim Travel Forum

As I will be spending 3 -4 weeks in Sikkim ( and Darjeeling) from early December , I would appreciate any suggestions on great places to stay and things I should definitely do and see. Thanks.

My personal Favourite is Hotel Tibet opp. the Fire Brigade in Gangtok. It is clean, functional and has one of the better restaurants with authentic Tibetan dishes ( like the thentuk flat noodles). Costlier options in clude Hotel Tashi Delek, etc. to be easily found on the net. In Tibet I usually go in for the Valley facing rooms and avoid the street facing ones and get a wonderful view any time of the day/night. It also has a functional bar, a curio store and a good travel service. I once got treated to sweet Tibetan wafers on the house during their new year and the hospitality was good.

Sikkim is divided into zones - North , s,e,w. In Gangtok you must see the orchids, the 3 monastries and the museum apart from the other regular sights, Hire a cab, It is not expensive but be sure to strike a deal and then start.

You can also go to Lachung, Yumthang, Pelling, Yaksam, etc. in diff. parts of Sikkim. But you would need special permits which your Travel Agent can help with.

Darjeeling has my fav too. I prefer to stay in the Classic Guest House (locally known as Dant Kothi). This is located near the Mall with good views and decent amenities.

Visit the Govt of India site incredibleindia.org for more info or mail me if you have specific queries.

In darj you may try the food at Glenaries restaurant near the Mall. Keventers is next to it and is my fav breakfast haunt in the open air roof top cafe allowing you to watch the busy life below.
Other hotels are Cedar Inn, Pineridge, etc all available on the net and are either 4* cat or Heritage props. If you are willing to spend, try a heritage property.

Thank you again for your help. It sounds like there is so much to do and experience..I can't wait to get there !
Best wishes,
L