East Sikkim

Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim with a population of about 100,000. Situated at an elevation of 1,650m, Gangtok is the tourism hub of Sikkim with most tourists making it the first stop before exploring the rest of the state. The town center and main marketing area for Gangtok, MG Marg bustles with activities and shops and is a good stop to charge up and pick up supplies before heading out of the capital.

Gangtok is about four hours’ drive away to Bagdogra airport in the neighbouring state of West Bengal.

Pakyong

Prior to the opening of Pakyong airport, access to Sikkim is mainly via roads although visitors can also take the helicopter service. Opened to commercial flights in October 2018, Pakyong is the 100th airport in India and amongst the highest in the world, perched at an altitude of about 1,400m. Currently, it flies twice daily to Kolkata and Guwahati. International flight to Paro is expected to commence in 2019.

With the opening of Pakyong, travelling to Sikkim is now much more convenient and comfortable.