Planning a dream trip to the serene valleys and snowy heights of Sikkim? Most travelers do — but even the smartest ones often return with regrets. From missing essential permits to choosing the wrong travel season or skipping hidden gems, these small mistakes can take away from what could’ve been a perfect experience.
If you’re heading to Sikkim, read this guide till the end. We’ve seen countless tourists wish they had known better. This blog reveals the 12 most common regrets tourists have — so you can avoid them and make your journey truly unforgettable.
1. Missing the Permit for Nathula Pass
One of the biggest disappointments for visitors is realizing too late that Nathula Pass requires a special permit. It's not always available due to weather or military restrictions.
At Madhu Tours and Travels, we handle your permit in advance, ensuring you don’t miss this incredible destination — where you stand near the Indo-China border at 14,000 ft!
2. Visiting During the Wrong Season
Timing your visit can make or break your Sikkim trip. Monsoon brings landslides, winter brings snow (but road closures), and spring offers blooming rhododendrons.
Best Months:
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March–May: For flowers and clear views
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October–December: Snow and chilly magic
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June–September: Avoid due to rain
Our team at Madhu Tours gives month-by-month advice to help you decide.
3. Booking Hotels Without Understanding Location
Many tourists blindly book stays in Gangtok and miss the Old Silk Route’s charm. They spend hours on the road and miss experiences like sunrise at Zuluk or peace at Gnathang.
Let us suggest local homestays or hilltop cottages that save travel time and offer scenic beauty.
4. Underestimating Altitude Sickness
The higher you go, the thinner the air. Places like Zuluk, Kupup, and Gnathang can cause dizziness, nausea, or even fainting.
Tip: Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and carry medicines (we recommend Diamox & ORS). We also offer a free health checklist to our guests.
5. Missing the Sunrise at Thambi Viewpoint
If you come to Zuluk and sleep in — you’re missing something rare. Thambi Viewpoint’s sunrise offers a 360-degree view of the Himalayas and the snake-like roads below.
We guide our guests to a hidden spot nearby for perfect photos without the crowd.
6. Not Carrying Enough Cash
Remote regions often have poor ATM availability or machines that don’t work. Many places still don’t accept cards or UPI.
We advise carrying at least ₹1000–₹2000 per day in cash when traveling through the Silk Route or rural East Sikkim.
7. No Backup Network (Jio/BSNL Advice)
Don’t rely on a single SIM. BSNL and Jio work in most rural areas, but Airtel and Vi usually fail.
We recommend carrying a BSNL SIM for backup. Madhu Tours also offers SIM advice based on your route.
8. Overlooking Local Cuisine
Everyone knows momos and thukpa, but do you know about phagshapa, sael roti, and kinema? Vegetarian versions are available too!
We give our guests a list of authentic veg-friendly dishes to try in Rongli, Zuluk, and Aritar.
9. Choosing the Wrong Vehicle
Don’t go by looks alone. Some luxury vehicles struggle on steep or rough roads. And AC? It’s useless — even risky — at higher altitudes.
Our tip: Choose non-AC 4x4s like Bolero or Scorpio for hilly terrain. Parking can be limited, so smaller SUVs are often smarter.
10. Ignoring Local Markets for Souvenirs
Tourists often skip markets thinking they’re all the same — but local Sikkimese handicrafts, woollen shawls, and prayer flags are cheaper and more authentic in places like Rongli Bazar and Aritar Lake market.
Ask us for market timing and local guides.
11. Overplanning the Itinerary
We’ve seen travelers plan 8–10 stops in a single day. It leads to stress, missed views, and exhaustion.
Slow travel lets you actually enjoy the journey. Our curated itineraries include just 2–3 key spots a day with photo and rest stops.
12. Forgetting Proper Clothes & Rain Gear
The weather in Sikkim is unpredictable. Even in May, you can face rain or snow unexpectedly.
Pack layers, waterproof jackets, and extra socks. At Madhu Tours, we offer a clothing checklist PDF for each season — ask us for a copy!
Conclusion
Every journey to Sikkim is magical, but a few missed details can lead to disappointment. Avoid these 12 common mistakes to make the most of your Sikkim adventure.
At Madhu Tours and Travels, we specialize in custom experiences, so none of these regrets happen to you. From permits to stays, routes to meals — we’ve got it covered.
👉 Ready to plan your perfect Sikkim trip?
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📞 Call us directly at 9641274440 for a free consultation.