How much Budget is Enough for Sikkim Tour?

Sikkim Budget Guide: If you’re wondering “How much does a trip to Sikkim actually cost?” here’s the simple answer :
You can explore Sikkim in ₹18,000 to ₹20,000 if you’re a solo budget traveler, ₹22,000 to ₹25,000 per person for a comfortable couple trip, and around ₹65,000 to ₹70,000 for a family of four on a 6-day vacation.

Sounds manageable right? But now comes the real point that is how do you plan your travel, stays, food, sightseeing, and permits within that budget?

This guide will help you break down a Sikkim trip and identify all the cheapest options available. We will also talk about the actual price examples to expert tips, travel hacks, and sample budgets so that you can copy paste this plan.

Here is the detailed overview of How much Budget is Enough for Sikkim Tour? :

1.Traveling Expenses

Traveling Expenses
Traveling Expenses

Your first budget expense will obviously include travel to Sikkim. Travel options and costs vary depending on what you’re going to do to get to Sikkim and where you’re starting from. Here are some choices.

By Air: Assuming you fly into Sikkim, you will be arriving at Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. Bagdogra is about 120 kilometers from Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital. From Bagdogra, you will take a taxi or a shared cab.  One-way taxi rides from Bagdogra to Gangtok will cost you between INR 2,000 and INR 3,500.

By Train: If you want to travel by train, the nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri (NJP), is about 110 kilometres from Gangtok. A taxi from NJP to Gangtok will typically cost you about INR 2,000 to INR 3,000 for a one-way trip.

By Bus: There are also buses from major cities, such as Kolkata, Siliguri, and Darjeeling, to Sikkim. This is the cheapest option at about INR 500 to INR 1,000, depending on the route and class of bus.

2.Accommodation Expenses

Accommodation Expenses
Accommodation Expenses

Accommodation is not lacking in Sikkim for every budget. Luxurious resort, budget hotel – again, all preferences will be well served. What do you expect to find? Regardless of where you go, you’ll take an internet-connected device out to track your (after peace) experiences.

  • Low-cost Hotels/Guesthouses: These should be anything around INR 800 to INR 1,500 per night and will offer free wi-fi and clean rooms as part of the package.
  • Moderate Hotels: If you need a little more comfort in your stay, moderate hotels range from INR 2,000 to INR 4,500 with better services and amenities offered.
  • Luxurious Hotels/Resorts: If you have money to throw around, luxurious hotels would typically range from INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 or more, with lavish receptions and service of upmarket things like spa treatments, swimming pools, and sensational menu options.

3.Food Costs

Savoring Local Food
Savoring Local Food

The local food in Sikkim and Indian food were a mix. I was able to try some (and very tasty) momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and some traditional and authentic Sikkimese dishes.

  • Budget Meals – I had a decent meal in a local restaurant for probably 100 to 300 Indian Rupees.
  • Moderate Meals – Meals, if attending a more high-end restaurant, would be in the range of 500 to 800 Indian rupees for one person.
  • Ultra-fine Dining – Meals at high end restaurants would be INR 1,000 and greater, surely depending on the actual venue and cuisine.

To help limit food costs, take advantage of slightly better meals locally and street-side meals that are not only cheaper but also give you an honest experience.

4.Costs of Sightseeing and Activities

Costs of Sightseeing and Activities
Costs of Sightseeing and Activities

Sikkim is famous for its amazing landscapes and thrilling activities. Generally, most tourist attractions charge a very nominal entry fee. However, some regions (such as North Sikkim) may be associated with permits (e.g., Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake, respectively), which may be associated with additional costs.

Here is a general idea of the cost of sightseeing and activities:

  • Entry Fees for Monasteries and Temples: Entry fees will vary for most monasteries and temples, and this fee may range from approximately INR 20 to a limit of INR 100 per person.
  • Trekking Costs: If you intend to do some trekking, especially to places like Dzongri or Goechala, you will have to pay a local guide, which is a common practice, who may charge around INR 1,500 to INR 3,000 (or more) depending on the trek.
  • Adventure Sports: The costs of adventure sports activities, including river rafting, paragliding (parapenting), and mountain biking, will come within the price range of INR 1,500 – INR 5,000 per person, depending on the activity.

5.Travel Insurance

It is not mandatory, but having travel insurance is always a good idea, and this would be particularly the case if undertaking trekking excursions or exploring isolated areas. The cost for a basic travel insurance plan for a week should be around INR 500- INR 2,000.

6.Shopping and Souvenirs

Sikkim will offer you a glimpse into the culture, and you will want to take back some souvenirs, such as handwoven woolen shawls, Thangka paintings (a traditional Tibetan Buddhist art form), or Tibetan jewelry.

7. Sample Budget for 2 People (₹45,000–₹50,000 Total)

CategoryEstimated Cost
Flights (Roundtrip)₹14,000 (₹7,000 x 2)
Local Transport₹5,000 (shared + taxi)
Accommodation₹9,000 (₹1,500 x 6 nights)
Food & Drinks₹5,500
Sightseeing/Tours₹10,000 (shared tours)
Permits₹1,000
Misc./Shopping₹3,500
Total~₹48,000 for 2 people

How to Save Money on Your Sikkim Tour?

How to Save Money on Your Sikkim Tour
How to Save Money on Your Sikkim Tour
  • Travel off-season (March–May or Oct–Nov are costly)
  • Use shared jeeps instead of private cabs
  • Book homestays for authentic + cheaper stays
  • Eat at local food joints
  • Bargain while shopping
  • Group up for tours (saves a lot!)

Why Choose Sikkim for Your Next Holiday?

For both nature lovers and adventure seekers, Sikkim is a magical place. Some adventure seekers may enjoy paragliding, cycling and trekking in the Himalayas, all under some of the most stunning views. Others can immerse themselves in the fitful history of Sikkim, visiting colourful Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. 

However, you’ll have to consider the wifi (we can assure you, you can leave your phone in the hotel), Accommodation (the best and the worst ones), good access without a motor vehicle, and things like the cost of food and drink and practicalities, e.g., Is there a place nearby the hotel to find a beer? 

Whether you are planning a family trip or a self-planned trip, below is everything you need to know to figure out how much budget is enough for a Sikkim tour.

Final Thoughts:

A budget trip to Sikkim for 5-7 days typically costs between INR 18,000 and INR 30,000, while a mid-range trip costs between INR 30,000 and INR 50,000, and luxury travel expenses exceed INR 50,000.

If you want a smooth and stress free holiday, choosing a Sikkim tour package is a great idea it will also save your money and time while enjoying the best places in Sikkim


Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sikkim a family friendly vacation destination?

Costs of Sightseeing and Activities

Yes, Sikkim is safe and family-friendly with plenty of scenic and cultural sites.

How many days are sufficient for a Sikkim tour?

Traveling Expenses

In order to cover significant attractions without rushed travel, a 5- to 7-day tour is good.

What is the cost of Sikkim tour packages on average?

How to Save Money on Your Sikkim Tour

Packages for budget tours cost around ₹15,000 starting price point per person.

Is there snow in Sikkim?

Shold you visit Sikkim in April

Snowfall in Sikkim occurs mostly from December to February in North Sikkim and high-altitude areas.

Can you find ATMS in Sikkim?

Accommodation Expenses

Only major towns such as Gangtok and Pelling have ATMS available, and you should have some cash for remote areas.

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