Lingtam Tour Is An Offbeat Destination Now In Sikkim

Explore the Landscape View of Lingtam Sikkim

Lingtam is a place geographically situated in Sikkim. It is a small hamlet which is covered by lush greenery all around. The pleasant weather makes this place a worthy tourist destination for all. Lingtam is a place which is known for its spectacular view of mountains, forest as well as streams. 

The pincode of Lingtam is 737131. A quick look at satellite maps shows just how beautifully tucked away this hamlet really is. Beyond the maps, local reviews consistently highlight how much of a hidden gem this village remains, helping you get a true feel for the place while mapping out your own Silk Route adventure.

Essential Things To Know About Lingtam Sikkim & The Old Silk Route

If we talk about the main income of Lingtam, the tourism industry contributes almost 90% of the gross income of this place. People who plan to visit Sikkim never miss out on exploring Lingtam, as it is the entry point of the silk route of Sikkim. People here are very friendly and provide homestay accommodations to travelers with all the luxury amenities and facilities. 

Thus you can say that Lingtam’s primary source of economy is calculated mostly by the industry of Tourism. There are places here in this place that are still economically backward. And a huge part of the place is indulged in agricultural activities. 

Standing at the height of almost 5,240 feet in the Pakyong District of Sikkim, Lingtam is a tourist destination that serves as a major attraction in the region. The shimmering Bakhuter Khola and nearby Reshi River offer pristine views of the village landscape. Moreover, the sightseeing places near the hamlet include Ghambari Falls, Rongli, Zuluk, and Padamchen.

• Summer Climate in Lingtam: During the summer (March to June), Lingtam enjoys a pleasant climate ranging from 16°C to 30°C, making it a perfect escape from the plains.
• Winter Climate in Lingtam: During the peak winter months (December to February), the temperature typically ranges from 1°C to 12°C. While the days are often bright and sunny, the nights can be freezing, with temperatures occasionally dropping near 0°C during January.

My Personal Experience: Why Lingtam Ended Up Being the Highlight of My Trip

For most people, Lingtam is just a 20-minute blur—a place where you hop out of the car, hand over your permit, and keep moving. But I decided to slow down and stay the night, and honestly? It was the smartest move I made on the entire Silk Route.

Since you’ll be hitting the first major check-post here, a stop is inevitable. Just a heads-up: you’ll need to get your permits sorted at the Rongli Check Post (SDM Office) before you head up. Don’t forget to carry a few passport-sized photos and a valid ID—Voter IDs or Driving Licenses are your best bet. Avoid using your PAN card, as the authorities won’t accept it for these specific mountain permits.

The second I stepped out of the car at the check-post, I felt the difference. It wasn’t the biting, aggressive wind you get up in Zuluk. It was soft. The air actually smelled like something—a mix of wet earth and wild rhododendrons. And the silence? It was heavy, only broken by the steady, rhythmic pulse of the Bakhuter Khola river nearby.

Life in a Sikkimese Homestay

Staying here didn’t feel like “checking into a hotel.” It felt like I’d just walked into a relative’s house. I spent my evening tucked away in a tiny, wood-paneled kitchen, watching the steam rise as the family put dinner together.

• The Food: They brought out a massive plate of Veg Momos. I realized pretty quickly that in these remote hamlets, “Chicken Momos” are a rare luxury—veggies are the king here. But the real winner was the Gundruk soup (this incredible fermented green soup) served with a side of Dalle Khursani. Those little red peppers are no joke—they’ll wake up your taste buds instantly!

• The Vibe: By 8:00 PM, the village just… turns off. It’s pitch black outside, but the sky is ridiculous. I’ve never seen stars that bright in my life. There’s no “nightlife” to speak of, unless you count the sound of the river and the faint, distant chime of a monastery bell echoing through the valley.

A Sunrise Walk to the Monastery

I dragged myself out of bed at 6:00 AM just as the sun started hitting the tops of the valley walls. I took a slow walk up to the Old Monastery. Seeing those ancient murals, slightly faded and peeling with age, really makes you feel the history of the Silk Route.

The best part? I was the only soul there. No crowds, no “selfie points,” no noise. Just pure, profound peace. If you’re looking to actually feel Sikkim rather than just see it, stay in Lingtam.

What Are The Major Attractions of Lingtam To Visit?

The major attractions of Lingtam are considered to be its sightseeing places. Here they are- 

• Keukhola Waterfalls (Also known as Kali Khola Falls).
• The Twin Monasteries (Old and New monasteries of Lingtam).
• Bakhuter Khola (The riverside walk).
• Lampokhari Lake (Located in nearby Aritar).
• Padamchen & Zuluk (Famous Silk Route loops reachable from here).
• Rongli (The town for permits and local market).
• Ghambari Falls.

How many monasteries are there in Lingtam? 

There are two monasteries in Lingtam: the Old and the New. The Old Monastery features stunning, historic murals, while the New Monastery is more spacious with a dedicated meditation hall for visitors. It’s a great spot to sit quietly and soak in the atmosphere. Both are within easy reach and offer a deep sense of local history and peace.

What are the places to visit nearby Lingtam?

In and Around Lingtam (Local Sightseeing):

• Riverside Strolls: Take a slow walk along the Bakhuter Khola; the trails right in the village are incredibly peaceful.

• The Twin Monasteries: You have to see both. The Old Monastery has these beautiful, aging murals, while the New one is perfect if you just want to sit in a quiet meditation hall.

• Keukhola (Kali Khola) Falls: Only 2 km away on the road to Padamchen. It’s a great spot for a quick photo op.

• Rongli Town: Just 9 km down the road. It’s where you’ll handle your permits and maybe grab some last-minute supplies at the market.

• Lampokhari Lake: Located in nearby Aritar, this is one of Sikkim’s oldest natural lakes. It has a unique “boot” shape that looks amazing from above.

• Mankhim Hilltop: If you want the best view of the lake and the surrounding peaks, hike up here. The perspective is unbeatable.

• Reshi River: A scenic riverside spot near the border—perfect if you just want to sit by the water for a while.

• Ghambari Fall: A bit of a hidden gem tucked away on the climb toward the higher Silk Route loops.

Further Ahead on the Silk Route:

• Padamchen: Known for its dense forests and birdwatching.

• Zuluk: Famous for the iconic Zig-Zag road (Dzuluk).

• Nathang Valley: A high-altitude plateau near the Tibet border.

• Shiv Mandir: Specifically the high-altitude temple near Baba Mandir.

Places to visit on an Extended Trip (3.5+ Hours away):

• Sillery Gaon & Icchey Gaon: Eco-villages near Kalimpong.

• Kalimpong Tours: A major hill station in West Bengal.

• Gangtok Attractions: Rumtek Monastery, Mayfair Gangtok Casino Mahjong, Saramsa Garden, Do Drul Chorten Stupa, Tsuk La Khang Monastery, and Shanti Viewpoint.

• Mirik Hilly Hamlet: A beautiful destination famous for its lake and orange orchards, perfect for those extending their journey toward the Nepal border.

Situated in the eastern part of Sikkim, Lingtam offers a beautiful view of the picturesque landscape with the most splendid scenic beauties amidst the natural landscape and other Himalayan peaks. Mt. Kanchenjunga can be viewed clearly once you ascend to nearby viewpoints like Thambi or Lungthung. Moreover Lingtam itself is one of the best offbeat suburbs in the entire region. It is known for being the best gateway of the Old Silk Route. 

Which is the best time to visit Lingtam? 

Summer months are the best time to visit Lingtam. These consist of the months from March to mid-June. The temperature here in Lingtam grows up to 16 to 30 degrees Celsius. But when there is monsoon season, the temperature of the weather drops. Besides this, October and November are the best times to visit there.

Winter in Lingtam is a total reality check. You might get some gorgeous sunshine during the afternoon, but with temperatures swinging between 1°C and 12°C, the cold is always lurking. Once the sun dips behind the peaks, the temperature crashes, and that mountain chill becomes properly “bone-chilling.” It’s a stunningly peaceful time to be there, but if you don’t pack your heaviest woolens, those freezing Himalayan nights will definitely catch you off guard.

How to Reach Lingtam Sikkim

Travelers cannot reach Lingtam through any direct transport facility. NJP railway station or from Bagdogra Airport to Lingtam. Suppose you pre-book a car from these places. It can lead directly to Lingtam. If you are traveling in a group, you may also think of hiring a car to Rongli, and then you will need to change the transport to a local taxi in Lingtam. 

Nearest Airport: While Pakyong Airport is the closest option and now offers daily flights from cities like Delhi and Kolkata, it can be a bit hit-or-miss due to mountain weather. Most travelers still find Bagdogra more reliable. It’s about a 135 KM drive to Lingtam, while the train journey via NJP is roughly 127 KM. Just keep in mind that mountain miles aren’t like highway miles—expect to spend a good 5 to 6 hours in the car.

Distance of Lingtam from-

Where should one stay in Lingtam?

There are several beautiful homestays in Lingtam. If you are planning to explore Lingtam, you will need to book a place, hotel, or resort nearby Lingtam at an affordable cost. Homestays are quite peaceful as well as clean, and hygienic. 

In these homestays, travelers are given all kinds of requirements, which include cozy rooms with pre-installed heaters. Other amenities include western bathrooms, heaters, and home-cooked food with the best feeling of home, which can create an everlasting memory of the trip.  

Is Lingtam Sikkim a Good Destination for Bird Watchers?

Yes, Lingtam is a great place for those who love bird watchers. It is a paradise for travelers. Tourists can enjoy watching birds like the Blood Pheasant, Honey Buzzard, Crested Laughingthrush, Khalij Pheasant and many other birds. 

One look at photos of these birds in the wild is usually enough to make any nature lover start packing their bags for an adventure in Lingtam.

In addition to this trekking through the several trekking routes one can relish the view of the magnificent view of the peaks and ranges of Himalaya. Lingtam is a place which is still untouched in some parts of the region. It is mainly located in the Rorathang nathula route. 

Phone Numbers & Name Of The Homestays In Lingtam

• Triveni Residency Homestay: 9830133511/9804979414
• Moktan Homestay: 9563491910/9609810710.
• Pasting Road Homestay: 9831917408/7047981082.
• Alaffia Lingtam Homestay: 7407700920. 
• Silk Route Resort: 09231943060. 

These accommodations are surrounded by the hills and are wonderfully located in the midst of the natural beauty. The rooms are spacious and enough for a family group to set up for their trip. The food is also served here three times (breakfast/Lunch/Dinner). Arrangements of campfires are also available in the open space in front of the homestays. 

Final Thoughts 

Lingtam is a village which is located in a remote area of Sikkim. It is covered by forests, mountains, and greenery all over. It is the door to the old silk route course that associates with India, Tibet, and China. In addition to this, the sight of Lingtam at midnight is an added pleasure part of your trip.  

Thus it is advised to book a place which can make your stay comfortable. Moreover, booking a trustworthy travel agency or agent will help you plan a trip after checking the travel packages. For further details, enquire about a nearby travel agent so that you can save good deals on your next journey. 

Please share your travel experience and share with us so that travelers can get a complete guide about traveling to Lingtam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lingtam

Q1. Do I actually need a permit before reaching Lingtam?

Absolutely. Lingtam is the gateway to the restricted Old Silk Route, and you cannot pass the check-post without a permit. You’ll need to stop at the Rongli Check Post (SDM Office) to get your paperwork cleared. Just make sure you have your photos and a valid ID (Voter ID or Driving License) ready before you reach the window!

Q2. What’s the easiest way to fly into the region?

If you can find a flight, Pakyong Airport is the closest (about 55 KM away). However, flights there can be unpredictable due to weather. Most of us find it more reliable to fly into Bagdogra. It’s a longer drive—around 135 KM or 6 hours—but the flight options are much better.

Q3. When is the best time to plan a trip?

Go between March and June for blooming flowers and soft weather, or October to November for clear mountain views. Winter is peaceful but properly freezing—bring your heaviest layers!

Q4. Can I see Mt. Kanchenjunga from my homestay in Lingtam?

Not really. Because the village is tucked deep in a valley, the surrounding ridges block the big peaks. If you want that iconic view of Kanchenjunga, you’ll need to drive about 90 minutes further up to Thambi View Point or Lungthung. That’s where the “money shot” is.

Q5. Should I withdraw cash before leaving the plains?

Yes, definitely. You won’t find a single ATM or petrol pump in Lingtam. Rongli is your last chance to fuel up the car and pull out some cash. I always suggest carrying more cash than you think you’ll need, as network issues in the mountains can make digital payments a headache.