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    Sikkim Helicopter Service: Everything You Need to Know

    Introduction to Sikkim Helicopter Service

    The helicopter service offered by Sikkim is often referred to as the Sikkim Helicopter Service. It is a joyful and innovative aerial connection between the state capital, Gangtok, and other regions. To further the joy of helicopter ride, there are sightseeing tours as well. The small land of mountains and valleys offer the beauty of paradise on earth. Sikkim is cosily nested in the north-eastern part of India and is easily accessible by air. Flying to Sikkim is a practical and scenic way to reach this beautiful Himalayan state, with Bagdogra Airport serving as the primary gateway and Pakyong Airport providing closer access for travellers heading to Gangtok and surrounding areas.

    Suggested read : Sikkim tour packages

    Travelling to Sikkim by Air

    Sikkim Eco Camp

    Traveling to Sikkim by air primarily happens through Bagdogra Airport, which is the nearest major airport to the state. Additionally, Pakyong Airport in Sikkim itself offers limited connectivity. A detailed overview of air travel options for Sikkim can be summarised as follows:

    Suggested read : Transportation in sikkim

    Bagdogra Airport (IXB)

    bagdogra airport

    • Location: Bagdogra Airport is located near Siliguri in West Bengal, approximately 124 kilometres from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
    • Connectivity with Sikkim: It is the main aerial gateway to Sikkim, and offers regular flights from most of the major Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai.

    Transport to Sikkim from Bagdogra:

    • By Road: From Bagdogra, you can opt to take cabs service or taxis or shared jeeps to reach Gangtok or any other part of Sikkim. The road journey to Gangtok spans over approximately 4-5 hours generally.
    • Helicopter Service: The Sikkim Helicopter Service is operated by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) from Bagdogra to Gangtok, and is definitely a faster option, if weather remains favourable.

    Pakyong Airport (PYG)

    Pakyong Airport

    • Location: Pakyong Airport is located approximately at a distance of 35 kilometres from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
    • Connectivity with Sikkim: Pakyong is one of the highest airports in India, but Pakyong offers limited flights. The services mainly connects Sikkim to Kolkata and some other cities. Flight availability varies with season and weather conditions. Operation of flights might get disrupted due to unfavourable weather conditions.
    • Transport to Gangtok from Pakyong: For going to Gangtok from Pakyong, you can take taxis/hired cabs or tour operator services. Travel time is around 1 to 1.5 hours.

    Connectivity of Sikkim Helicopter Service

    • Gangtok to Bagdogra: The main route of this service is between Gangtok and Bagdogra Airport. The greatest advantage of this route is that it majorly reduces the travel time as compared to road travel. This service is particularly useful for travellers who need to connect with the flights departing from Bagdogra.
    • Intra-State Flight Service: The helicopter service also connects other locations within Sikkim that makes life of travellers and tourists easier by providing quicker access to remote areas.

    Sightseeing Tours offered by Sikkim Helicopter Service

    Sikkim Helicopter Service

    The helicopter service is also meant for sightseeing tours. Imagine having a bird-eye view of the mountains and the greenery below. The experience is amazing and replete with breathtaking aerial views of Sikkim’s gorgeous landscapes. Watch in awe the majestic Kanchenjunga, lush undulating valleys, and meandering, gurgling rivers. These tours are cherished by tourists looking to have a memorable Sikkim holiday. It proves to be a unique experience.

    Booking and Availability of Sikkim Helicopter Services

    • Advance Booking: Due to limited seats and comparatively quite high demand, especially during the peak tourist season, it is advisable to book helicopter ride tickets well in advance.
    • Schedule and Frequency: The schedule and frequency of the helicopter services can vary, so it’s important to check the latest information and availability before planning your trip.

    Operators and Facilities

    The service is typically managed and coordinated by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) or private operators in collaboration with the government.

    Safety and Comfort of the tourists are of primary concern of the operators. The helicopters are equipped to ensure optimum passenger safety and comfort, to provide the best possible experience during the ride.

    Additional Travel Tips While Availing Sikkim Helicopter Service

    • Weather Dependency: The service depends majorly on prevalent weather conditions. Please note that flights may get cancelled or rescheduled due to unfavourable weather conditions, which are quite common in mountainous regions.
    • Weight Limitations: There may be a weight limit for luggage per passenger. Thus it is essential to check such details when booking the helicopter ride tickets.

    Benefits of the Helicopter Service

    • Time-Saving: The helicopter service significantly reduces travel time between Gangtok and Bagdogra and other parts of Sikkim, which can be particularly beneficial given the region’s mountainous terrain.
    • Scenic Views: Passengers enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Sikkimese landscape, providing a unique and memorable travel experience.
    • Convenience: It offers a convenient and efficient mode of transport, especially for those who may find road travel challenging due to Sikkim’s winding and hilly roads.

    For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is best to contact the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation or authorized travel agencies.

    Why Sikkim by Air

    Dzongu

    Before the recent opening of Pakyong Airport, Sikkim did not have its own airport and all movement was centred around the Bagdogra International Airport located in West Bengal. But now reaching Sikkim by air has become a lot easier. Bagdogra still remains a major option, which is situated around 123 kms from Sikkim’s capital city, Gangtok. Bagdogra has been a major connection for flights from several major cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Guwahati. It is also connected to the international airports of Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand.

    On the other hand, Pakyong is 33 kms away from the city’s centre. What makes this airport exciting for travellers is the very fact that it happens to be India’s hundredth airport. Moreover, it is also the highest airport in the country. As compared to the Bagdogra airport, the capacity and connectivity that this airport has with other cities and countries is considerably limited till date.

    From the air terminal of Pakyong, road transport such as cab or bus can be availed easily. There are buses plying frequently between Pakyong and Sikkim. The road drives are preferred by many because of absolutely stunning views of the magnificent mountains with the mighty River Teesta as your backdrop.

    Beauty of Sikkim to be Enjoyed from Air

    What are the prospects of Sikkim agriculture?

    The state of Sikkim is gifted with bountiful and pristine natural wonders that comprise the towering snow-capped peaks of majestic Kanchenjunga, lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls and refreshing alpine meadows. Sikkim’s has methodically terraced fields, verdant forests and crystal-clear rivers that create a picturesque aerial view as well as an enchanting road trip. A tranquil and enchanting environment prevails. The distinct culture and warm hospitality of its diverse people add to the charm of the destination as a tourism hub. The ancient monasteries perched on steep hill slopes generate an aura offering spiritual solace and mesmerising the visitors with their stunning architectural beauty. The region has unique flora and fauna, which coupled with the cool, refreshing mountain air, make Sikkim a paradise for both nature lovers, wanderers and adventurers.

    Why Sikkim Helicopter Service

    Scenic Helicopter Rides

    If you wish to make your Sikkim vacation even more memorable, what you can do is to hop on a TSA helicopter from the Bagdogra International Airport. It is operated by Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation. The time taken is just 20 minutes to get to Gangtok. If you are a passenger availing the services of this thrilling 5-seater helicopter, you shall also be awarded a Certificate of Participation by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation.

    Connectivity in terms of major airlines and cities is as follows:

    • AirAsia India – connecting to Delhi
    • Air India – have flights connecting Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata
    • GoAir – connects Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata
    • IndiGo – have flights for more number of cities, such as, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata and Mumbai
    • SpiceJet – offers flight services for Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru
    • Vistara – connects Delhi and Guwahati

    Approximate Round-trip Fare from major cities:

    The price for a round-trip fare of the helicopter service is approximately INR 15,000. For instant seat reservation procedure for Gangtok/ Bagdogra by STDC Helicopter, you can fetch all detailed and relevant information at the website of Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

    Some points to be noted related to Sikkim Helicopter Service

    • The ticket reservation counter opens from 10 am to 5 pm on all working days
    • The landline no. for enquiry: 03592-203960 (Gangtok )
    • On-duty mobile no.: 7318906677
    • You need to check for availability of tickets as per your travel date & seat requirement well in advance.
    • Medical services are also offered by the Sikkim Helicopter Service. You may contact the same place for its charges and schedules.
    • For information related to fare of Sikkim Helicopter Service, regular schedules of flights, last minute weather updates, cancellation related intimation, VVIP flight movements disrupting normal schedule etc. visit the official Sikkim tourism website.

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