The Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival (SALF) brings together literature, art, culture and storytelling against the backdrop of the Eastern Himalayas. The second edition takes place from 28–30 October 2026 at The Ridge Park, Gangtok, an initiative ofHon’ble Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay).
The festival explores themes including climate change, biodiversity, culture, folklore, mental health and contemporary literature, creating a space where local heritage meets wider conversations. Presented by the Students’ Welfare Board, Education Department, Government of Sikkim, and Teamwork Arts, SALF celebrates the region’s literary and artistic renaissance through diverse perspectives, ideas and stories.
Through its programming, the Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival contributes to the region’s cultural landscape by creating a platform for dialogue, storytelling, and artistic exchange.
See more Arts & Crafts festivals here.
How to Reach Gangtok
1.By Air:
The nearest airport is Pakyong Airport, located about 32 km from Gangtok, with limited connectivity. For more frequent flight options, travelers can fly into Bagdogra Airport (West Bengal), approximately 124.5 km away, which is well connected to major cities like Delhi and Kolkata. From Bagdogra, taxis, buses, and even helicopter services are available to reach Gangtok, with a travel time of around 4–5 hours by road.
2. By Rail:
Gangtok does not have its own railway station. The nearest railheads are Siliguri (113 km) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km), both well connected to major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, and other key destinations. From these stations, travelers can hire taxis or take buses to reach Gangtok. Rail connectivity to Sikkim is also being developed via Rangpo.
3. By Road:
Gangtok is well connected by road to nearby towns and districts. Sikkim National Transport (SNT) buses and shared taxis operate regularly between Siliguri, Bagdogra, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and other districts within Sikkim. The road journey from Siliguri or Bagdogra takes around 5–6 hours. Within Sikkim, Gangtok connects to district headquarters like Namchi (75.9 km), Mangan (51.7 km), and Gyalshing (121.8 km). Taxis are easily available for local travel, with standardised fares in the main areas.
Source: Government of Sikkim














1. Pack light woollens as October in Gangtok brings cool evenings alongside clear skies and pleasant days, making it one of the best times to visit.
2. Comfortable footwear is essential for navigating hilly streets, markets, and venues on foot.
3. Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated through long days of exploring.




