About Chakung

Discover Authentic Local Living: West Sikkim

A picturesque village in West Sikkim named Chakung has recently gained attention from tourists. This location has thus far not attracted many tourists or travellers. So, this is a unique chance to discover Sikkim's pristine beauty, specifically Chakung. Locals are well familiar with the location because it was Mr L. D. Kaji's ancestral house before Sikkim became part of India. Kaji was Sikkim's first chief minister (Sikkim was a different country earlier). Moreover, there is Mr L.D. Kaji and his family's football stadium. The most alluring aspect of your Chakung holiday will be the view of the enormous range of the powerful Khanchendzonga. So please don't skip visiting Chakung if you're seeking a peaceful location with a view of the gorgeous Khanchendzonga range.

By Air: The quickest way to reach Chakung is by flying. The nearest airport to Chakung is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), located approximately 124 kilometers away in West Bengal. Multiple airlines operate daily flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai to Bagdogra. Once you arrive at the airport, you can hire a taxi or pre-book a cab to drive you to Chakung. The drive takes around 4-5 hours, offering a scenic journey through mountainous terrains and charming villages. By Train If you prefer traveling

By train, the closest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is well-connected to major cities across India. From NJP, you can take a taxi or a shared vehicle to reach Chakung. The distance from NJP to Chakung is roughly 118 kilometers, and the trip will take about 4-5 hours. The picturesque views during this journey will give you a preview of the natural beauty that awaits you in Chakung.

By Road: For those who enjoy the thrill of driving, Chakung can be reached via road trips from various parts of Sikkim and West Bengal. The state has a well-maintained road network, allowing for smooth travel. If you are coming from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, the distance is approximately 72 kilometers, and the drive will take about 3-4 hours. Various bus services also connect Gangtok to Chakung, making it convenient for budget travelers.

Note: Choose Sevok Road first if you are coming from NJP or Bagdogra. While at Melli, proceed on the route to Jorethang. Two routes lead to Chakung from Jorethang Bridge. The first one is reached by Zoom on the left, and the second one is reached via Gelling on the right. The Gelling Road is advised for you if this is your first time visiting Chakung and if the driver is not particularly accustomed to driving in hilly terrain because the other road is very difficult for a driver from a flat area to navigate.

Weather

Month-wise Temperature (Average)

• January: 4°C – 12°C (Cold, clear mornings)
• February: 6°C – 14°C (Cool and stable)
• March: 9°C – 18°C (Fresh and pleasant)
• April: 12°C – 20°C (Comfortable weather)
• May: 14°C – 22°C (Mild and clear)
• June: 16°C – 24°C (Clouds begin to build)
• July: 18°C – 23°C (Heavy rain, low visibility)
• August: 18°C – 23°C (Wet and misty)
• September: 17°C – 22°C (Rain reduces gradually)
• October: 12°C – 20°C (Clear skies and stable weather)
• November: 8°C – 17°C (Cool and crisp)
• December: 5°C – 14°C (Cold and calm)

 Best Time to Visit

Chakung, at around 5,000 ft in West Sikkim, is a small roadside settlement located between Legship and Pelling. The best time to visit is from March to May and October to November, when the weather remains clear and travel routes stay comfortable. On clear days, distant views of Kanchenjunga appear across the hills. Monsoon brings heavy rain and mist, while winters remain cold but quiet.

Available Views

Mountain View, Kanchenjungha View