Sikkim & Darjeeling 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Darjeeling Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Bagdogra Airport and enjoy a scenic 3‑hour drive to Darjeeling, soaking in the misty hills. Check‑in at your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Stroll along the historic Darjeeling Mall (Chowrasta) and Mahakal Temple, sampling local snacks and admiring colonial architecture.

Evening: Visit the bustling Darjeeling Bazaar for tea, handicrafts, and a relaxed dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the town.

Day 2: Darjeeling Highlights

Morning: Wake before dawn to catch the sunrise at Tiger Hill, then descend to the Batasia Loop for panoramic views of the valley.

Afternoon: Explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and the adjacent Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, learning about the region’s unique wildlife.

Evening: Take a ride on the iconic Darjeeling Toy Train to Ghoom, ending with dinner at a local eatery famous for Momos.

Day 3: Transfer to Gangtok (Sikkim)

Morning: After breakfast, embark on a 4‑hour drive to Gangtok, crossing the stunning Teesta River and enjoying mountain vistas.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the vibrant MG Road, sampling Sikkimese cuisine at a café.

Evening: Visit the tranquil Enchey Monastery for a peaceful sunset and optional prayer ceremony.

Day 4: Gangtok & Tsomgo Lake Excursion

Morning: Drive to Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake at 12,400 ft, where you can enjoy yak rides and capture stunning reflections.

Afternoon: Continue to the sacred Baba Mandir and, weather permitting, proceed to the Indo‑Chinese border at Nathu La Pass.

Evening: Return to Gangtok for dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the Himalayas.

Day 5: North Sikkim – Lachung & Yumthang Valley

Morning: Early departure to Lachung, a picturesque mountain village, with a stop at Singalila National Park for birdwatching.

Afternoon: Explore the breathtaking Yumthang Valley, known as the “Valley of Flowers”, and relax near the flowing Hot Springs (Yumthang Hot Springs).

Evening: Return to Lachung for a traditional Sikkimese dinner and enjoy the star‑filled night sky.

Day 6: Return Journey

Morning: Leisurely breakfast in Lachung followed by a short walk around the village market for souvenirs.

Afternoon: Drive back to Bagdogra Airport, stopping at Ravangla for a quick tea break and views of the surrounding peaks.

Evening: Catch your flight home, carrying memories of the Himalayas.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Tiger Hill – 2 hrs – ₹300 (entry & guide)
• Batasia Loop – 1 hr – ₹150 (entry)
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – 2 hrs – ₹200 (entry)
• Darjeeling Toy Train (Ghoom) – 1.5 hrs – ₹500 (round‑trip ticket)
• MG Road (Gangtok) – 2 hrs – ₹0 (free)
• Enchey Monastery – 1 hr – ₹100 (donation)
• Tsomgo Lake – 3 hrs – ₹500 (permit & vehicle)
• Baba Mandir – 1 hr – ₹100 (donation)
• Nathu La Pass – 2 hrs – ₹1,000 (permit)
• Lachung Village – 2 hrs – ₹0 (free)
• Yumthang Valley – 3 hrs – ₹600 (entry & guide)
• Yumthang Hot Springs – 1 hr – ₹150 (entry)
• Ravangla – 1 hr – ₹0 (free)
• Total Estimated Cost – ₹4,500

Tips

If you have extra days, consider adding a visit to Namchi to see the Char Dham and a trek to Goecha La for spectacular mountain vistas. To shorten the trip, skip the North Sikkim leg and spend an extra day exploring more of Darjeeling’s tea gardens and the Ghoom Monastery. Always carry warm clothing, as temperatures drop sharply at higher altitudes, and book permits for Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La well in advance.