The Sikkim Arts and Literature Festival (SALF) is a multi-day literary and cultural event held in Gangtok. The second edition is scheduled from 26 to 28 April 2026 at Ridge Park.
An initiative ofHon’ble Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and presented by the Students’ Welfare Board, Education Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with Teamwork Arts, the festival brings together writers, artists, and practitioners from across the region and beyond. Celebrating the region’s literary and artistic renaissance, the programme includes panel discussions, author sessions, performances, and cultural presentations.
The 2026 line-up focuses on themes such as climate change, biodiversity, folklore, mental health, and contemporary literature, with an emphasis on voices from the Eastern Himalayan region alongside national and international participants. Structured as an in-person gathering, the festival engages with both local traditions and wider literary conversations.
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. Layered clothing including light woollens, as April is cool and pleasant with chilly mornings and evenings.
2. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip, ideal for hilly terrain and exploring viewpoints or monasteries.
3. A light rain jacket or compact umbrella, as occasional showers are common.
4. A reusable water bottle, basic medicines, and cash/cards, as connectivity and ATMs can be limited in certain areas.




