Pune → Kolkata → Sikkim → Meghalaya, Tawang & Guwahati (13‑Day Itinerary)

Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata & Night Train to New Jalpaiguri

Morning: Land at Kolkata Airport around 6 am, freshen up and enjoy a light breakfast at Park Street Coffee House. Take a leisurely stroll along Park Street to soak in the colonial ambience.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Victoria Memorial and its gardens, then wander the bustling lanes of New Market** for local snacks and souvenirs.

Evening: Dine on Bengali fish curry near Gariahat, then head to Kolkata Railway Station for the 11 pm overnight train to New Jalpaiguri.

Day 2: Arrival in New Jalpaiguri – Transfer to Gangtok (Sikkim)

Morning: Arrive at New Jalpaiguri at 6 am, enjoy a quick breakfast and take a shared taxi to Gangtok (≈4 hrs).

Afternoon: Check in at your hotel, then wander the vibrant MG Road, sampling momos and butter tea.

Evening: Visit the illuminated Enchey Monastery and enjoy a peaceful sunset over the Himalayas.

Day 3: Gangtok & Nearby Attractions

Morning: Drive to Tsomgo Lake, stopping at Yumthang Valley for rhododendron views.

Afternoon: Return via Nathu La Pass (season‑dependent) for spectacular border vistas.

Evening: Relax back in Gangtok with a cultural performance at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.

Day 4: Sikkim Exploration – Pelling & Yuksom

Morning: Head to Pelling to see the majestic Kangchendzonga Viewpoint and the ancient Rabdentse Ruins.

Afternoon: Continue to Yuksom, trek to the sacred Dubdi Monastery and enjoy a riverside lunch.

Evening: Return to Gangtok for a leisurely dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city lights.

Day 5: Night Train to Guwahati

Morning: Free time for last‑minute shopping in Gangtok’s local markets.

Afternoon: Pack and check out, then board the 10 pm train to Guwahati (overnight journey).

Evening: Settle into your sleeper cabin, enjoy onboard meals and rest for the next day’s adventure.

Day 6: Arrival in Guwahati – Transfer to Shillong (Meghalaya)

Morning: Arrive at Guwahati Railway Station at 6 am, freshen up and travel to Shillong (≈3 hrs).

Afternoon: Explore the lively Police Bazaar, try local delicacies, and visit the historic Shillong Peak for panoramic views.

Evening: Stroll around Umiam Lake at sunset and enjoy a lakeside dinner.

Day 7: Shillong – Cherrapunjee Day Trip

Morning: Depart early for Cherrapunjee, famous for its living root bridges and the stunning Nohkalikai Falls.

Afternoon: Trek to the Mawsmai Cave and enjoy a packed lunch amidst the misty hills.

Evening: Return to Shillong, relax at a café and sample local pineapples.

Day 8: Shillong – Mawlynnong & Dawki

Morning: Visit Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, and walk the iconic Living Root Bridge.

Afternoon: Continue to Dawki for a boat ride on the crystal‑clear Umngot River.

Evening: Return to Shillong, enjoy a cultural show featuring Khasi folk dances.

Day 9: Transfer to Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)

Morning: Early road transfer from Shillong to Tawang (≈9 hrs), crossing the breathtaking Sela Pass.

Afternoon: Arrive in Tawang, check in, and unwind with tea at a local tea house.

Evening: Visit the illuminated Tawang Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in India.

Day 10: Tawang Exploration

Morning: Explore the historic Gyesri Monastery and the nearby Lake Tsomgo (Arunachal).

Afternoon: Drive to the Alchi Monastery and admire its ancient wall paintings.

Evening: Return to Tawang town for a quiet dinner and sunset views over the Himalayas.

Day 11: Tawang – Return to Guwahati

Morning: Begin the scenic drive back to Guwahati, stopping at Namdapha National Park for a short wildlife glimpse.

Afternoon: Arrive in Guwahati, check in and relax at the hotel.

Evening: Visit the illuminated Kamakhya Temple and enjoy a riverside dinner on the Brahmaputra banks.

Day 12: Guwahati City & Departure Preparations

Morning: Explore the historic Umananda Island via a short ferry ride.

Afternoon: Shop for Assamese silk and tea at the Fancy Bazaar market.

Evening: Pack, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Assamese cuisine, and rest before the flight.

Day 13: Return to Pune

Morning: Transfer to Guwahati Airport for the 11 am flight back to Pune.

Afternoon: Arrive in Pune around 1 pm, concluding the journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Park Street Coffee House – 1 hr – ₹150
• Victoria Memorial – 2 hrs – ₹200
• New Market – 1.5 hrs – ₹300 (shopping)
• New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok (taxi) – 4 hrs – ₹2,500
• MG Road (Gangtok) – 2 hrs – ₹200 (food)
• Enchey Monastery – 1 hr – Free
• Tsomgo Lake – 2 hrs – ₹500 (entry)
• Yumthang Valley – 1 hr – ₹400
• Nathu La Pass – 2 hrs – ₹700 (permit)
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – 1.5 hrs – ₹150
• Kangchendzonga Viewpoint – 1 hr – Free
• Rabdentse Ruins – 1 hr – ₹100
• Dubdi Monastery – 1 hr – Free
• Guwahati Railway Station to Shillong (bus) – 3 hrs – ₹300
• Police Bazaar – 2 hrs – ₹250 (food)
• Shillong Peak – 1 hr – ₹150
• Umiam Lake – 2 hrs – ₹200 (boat)
• Cherrapunjee (Nohkalikai Falls) – 2 hrs – ₹300
• Mawsmai Cave – 1.5 hrs – ₹150
• Mawlynnong Living Root Bridge – 1 hr – Free
• Umngot River (Dawki boat) – 2 hrs – ₹400
• Sela Pass (road trip) – 3 hrs – Fuel ₹800
• Tawang Monastery – 1 hr – Free
• Gyesri Monastery – 1 hr – Free
• Alchi Monastery – 2 hrs – ₹200
• Namdapha National Park (stop) – 1 hr – ₹500 (entry)
• Kamakhya Temple – 1 hr – Free
• Umananda Island – 2 hrs – ₹250 (ferry)
• Fancy Bazaar (shopping) – 2 hrs – ₹1,200
• Guwahati Airport transfer – 1 hr – ₹400
• Total Estimated Cost – ₹12,550

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding an extra day in Sikkim to explore North Sikkim (Lachen & Gurudongmar Lake) or spend a full day at the pristine Shillong waterfalls such as Elephant Falls. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the overnight train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri and fly directly to Bagdogra, reducing travel fatigue and freeing up an extra day for either Sikkim or Meghalaya.