NAVIGATOR

GETTING THERE

Spicejet flies daily to the newly opened Pakyong Airport from Kolkata. Gangtok is around 30 km from there. There are also daily flights of other airlines from Kolkata to Bagdogra airport. Gangtok is a five hour-drive from Bagdogra.

WHEN TO GO

Sikkim can be visited all year round except the peak monsoon season (June to October). North Sikkim should ideally be visited between March to May to access all the major attractions.

WHERE TO STAY

Cherry Resort, Tarku (www.cherryresort.com); The Elgin Norkhill, Gangtok (www.elginhotels.com); Hotel Season House, Upper Lachung(www.elginhotels.com /pelling.php); Hotel Mt. Pandim, Pelling; and Yangsum Heritage Farm, Rinchenpong (www. yangsumheritagefarm.com) are all great options.

EAT

Must tries are Wai Wai bhel—dry crunchy noodles in spicy soy sauce peppered with onions, tomatoes and chillies; black chana at Kanchenjunga Waterfalls and the local drink, tongba; Baker’s Café on MG Road, Gangtok, is one of the oldest cafes in the city.