Sikkim is a beautiful place in India. It has mountains with lots of snow, green valleys and peaceful monasteries. The people of Sikkim are also very warm and welcoming. Some people think that Sikkim is very costly to visit.. That is not true. You can actually go to Sikkim without spending a lot of money if you plan your trip properly. Sikkim has lots of hotels where you can stay. You can eat food which is very tasty and not expensive. Sikkim also has shared transport which’s a cheap way to travel. There are free things to see in Sikkim too. So Sikkim is a place, for people who want to travel without spending a lot of money.
If you want to go to Sikkim without spending a lot of money this guide is for you. The Sikkim budget travel guide has good ideas to help you plan your trip to Sikkim. You will learn how to travel to Sikkim on a budget. The Sikkim budget travel guide has tips on what to do every day to save money. You will also find out some tricks to save money when you are in Sikkim. The Sikkim budget travel guide is very helpful, for people who want to travel to Sikkim and not spend much money.
Why Choose Sikkim for a Budget Trip?
Sikkim is a place that does not cost a lot of money to visit which’s really good when you compare it to many other hill destinations, in India. People like to go to Sikkim because Sikkim’s budget-friendly.
Reasons why Sikkim is ideal for budget travel:
Safe and clean environment
Affordable homestays and guesthouses
Cheap local food
Shared taxis available everywhere
Many free sightseeing places
Friendly locals and simple travel rules
Best Time to Visit Sikkim on a Budget
Choosing the right season can save you a lot of money.
Best Budget Months
February to March – Less crowd, low hotel rates
July to September (Monsoon) – Cheapest season (avoid landslides)
Late November – Budget hotels before peak winter
Avoid Peak Season
April–May (summer holidays)
October (festive season)
December end (Christmas & New Year)
👉 Travel in shoulder season for the best budget deals.
How to Reach Sikkim on a Low Budget
By Train
Nearest railway station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
Trains to NJP are cheaper than flights
By Flight
Nearest airport: Pakyong Airport or Bagdogra Airport
Bagdogra is cheaper and more reliable
From NJP / Bagdogra to Gangtok
Shared taxi: ₹300–₹400 per person
Bus option available (cheapest)
Budget Accommodation in Sikkim
Staying somewhere is really expensive. Sikkim has a lot of cheap places to stay. Sikkim is a place to find accommodation that does not cost a lot of money. You can find low-cost options in Sikkim.
Best Budget Stay Options
Homestays
Budget hotels
Guesthouses
Hostels (Gangtok)
Average Cost per Night
Budget hotel: ₹800–₹1,200
Homestay: ₹600–₹1,000
Hostel: ₹400–₹600
Best areas for budget stay:
Gangtok
Pelling
Lachung (fixed package)
Ravangla
Budget Food in Sikkim
Food in Sikkim is tasty, healthy, and affordable.
Must-Try Budget Foods
Momos
Thukpa
Phagshapa
Fried rice & noodles
Local veg thali
Average Food Cost
Street food: ₹100–₹150
Local restaurant meal: ₹150–₹250
Tea & snacks: ₹30–₹50
👉 Eat at local eateries instead of fancy cafes.
Local Transport – Travel Cheap Inside Sikkim
Shared Taxis
Most common and budget-friendly
Available between all major towns
Private Taxi
Expensive for solo travelers
Better for groups (cost sharing)
Public Buses
Limited but cheapest option
When you are traveling it is an idea to ask the people who live in that place for information about shared taxi timings. This way you can get the timings for the shared taxis. Always ask locals, for shared taxi timings because they know the schedule well.
Budget-Friendly Places to Visit in Sikkim
Gangtok (Low-Cost Capital City)
MG Marg (free)
Enchey Monastery
Ganesh Tok
Flower Exhibition Centre
Pelling (Budget Scenic Town)
Kanchenjunga View Point
Rabdentse Ruins
Pemayangtse Monastery
Ravangla
Buddha Park
I love going for nature walks. Nature walks are much fun. You get to see all the things that nature has to offer on a nature walk. Nature walks can be really good for you too. You can go for a nature walk in a park or, in the woods. Either way nature walks are great.
Scenic viewpoints
Namchi
Char Dham
Samdruptse Hill
👉 Most monasteries and viewpoints are free or low cost.
North Sikkim on a Budget – Is It Possible?
People usually visit North Sikkim, which includes places, like Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang by booking North Sikkim package tours.
Budget Tip
Choose shared group tour packages
Cost: ₹3,000–₹4,500 per person (2–3 days)
Includes transport, stay, meals & permits
👉 If you are going to North Sikkim with a lot of people it is not that expensive. North Sikkim can be an option when you book things for a big group of people like your friends or family because North Sikkim is affordable when you book in groups.
Budget Trip Itinerary for Sikkim (7 Days)
Day 1: NJP/Bagdogra to Gangtok
Day 2: Gangtok local sightseeing
Day 3: Gangtok to Pelling
Day 4: Pelling sightseeing
Day 5: Pelling to Ravangla
Day 6: Ravangla to Gangtok
Day 7: Departure
Estimated Budget for Sikkim Trip (Per Person)
Expense Approx Cost
Travel (NJP–Gangtok) ₹600
Stay (6 nights) ₹4,500
Food ₹2,000
Local transport ₹2,000
Sightseeing & extras ₹1,000
Total Budget ₹10,000–₹12,000
👉 North Sikkim extra: ₹3,000–₹4,500
Money-Saving Tips for Sikkim Travel
Travel in off-season
I want to book shared taxis. I am looking for a way to book shared taxis that’s easy to use. Booking shared taxis will be an option, for me.
Choose homestays
Eat local food
Avoid last-minute bookings
Travel in small groups
Carry cash for remote areas
Important Budget Travel Tips
Carry warm clothes (avoid buying expensive winter wear there)
Keep buffer days for weather
Always confirm taxi rates
Avoid night travel in hills
Respect local culture
Is Sikkim Safe for Budget Travelers?
Yes, Sikkim is one of the safest states in India.
Low crime rate
Friendly locals
Clean environment
Safe for solo travelers and backpackers
Final Thoughts
Sikkim is a place that I really want to visit. It is not necessary to have a lot of money to go there. If you plan your trip carefully use transport stay in affordable places and eat simple food you can see all the beautiful things that Sikkim has to offer without spending a lot of money. Sikkim is a place, in the Himalayas.
This Sikkim budget travel guide proves that a low-cost Sikkim trip is not only possible but also enjoyable. Whether you are a solo traveler, backpacker, or a small group, Sikkim welcomes everyone with open arms.
