7-Day Gangtok Adventure for a Group of 6

Day 1: Departure & Arrival in Gangtok

Morning: The group boards the Padatik Express from Howrah early in the morning, enjoying comfortable 2‑AC cabins for a smooth 10‑hour journey to New Jalpaiguri.

Afternoon: After arriving at New Jalpaiguri, a pre‑booked private van picks you up for a scenic 4‑hour drive to Gangtok, with a stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Evening: Check‑in at the hotel on MG Road, unwind with a short evening stroll, and enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local Sikkimese cuisine.

Day 2: Exploring Central Gangtok

Morning: After breakfast, wander along MG Road to soak up the vibrant market atmosphere and sample street snacks.

Afternoon: Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and the adjoining Namgyal Monastery to learn about Buddhist art and culture.

Evening: Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city and enjoy a leisurely walk back to the hotel.

Day 3: North Sikkim – Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir

Morning: Depart early for the spectacular Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, a high‑altitude glacial lake surrounded by snow‑capped peaks.

Afternoon: After a lakeside picnic, head to the revered Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial at Baba Mandir, a popular pilgrimage site.

Evening: Return to Gangtok, relax at the hotel, and enjoy a group dinner featuring regional delicacies.

Day 4: East Sikkim – Rumtek Monastery & Kabi Lungchok

Morning: Explore the magnificent Rumtek Monastery, the largest monastery in Sikkim, renowned for its intricate murals and golden stupa.

Afternoon: Travel to the historic Kabi Lungchok, an ancient peace monument marking the historic treaty between Lepcha and Bhutia communities.

Evening: Attend a cultural program showcasing traditional dance and music at a local community hall.

Day 5: Panoramic Views – Tashi View Point & Ganesh Tok

Morning: Drive up to Tashi View Point for sweeping vistas of the Kanchenjunga range on a clear day.

Afternoon: Visit the serene Ganesh Tok shrine, offering both spiritual ambiance and beautiful garden settings.

Evening: Free time for shopping or a spa session at the hotel, followed by dinner at a local eatery.

Day 6: Optional Day Trip to Darjeeling

Morning: Take a day‑long excursion to Darjeeling, crossing the scenic mountain roads to the “Queen of the Hills.”

Afternoon: Witness sunrise at Tiger Hill, then ride the historic Batasia Loop and explore the bustling Darjeeling Mall Road.

Evening: Return to Gangtok, enjoy a relaxed dinner, and share highlights of the day.

Day 7: Return Journey to Howrah

Morning: After breakfast, check out and transfer back to New Jalpaiguri by private van.

Afternoon: Board the return train to Howrah, reliving memories of the Himalayan adventure during the journey.

Evening: Arrive at Howrah station, concluding the 7‑day trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Padatik Express (Howrah – New Jalpaiguri, round‑trip) – 20 hrs total – ₹3,500 per person (₹21,000 total)
• Private Van (7 days, 6 passengers) – 28 hrs total – ₹2,500 per day (₹17,500 total)
• Hotel (3 rooms, 6 nights, 3‑star) – 84 hrs total – ₹2,500 per room per night (₹52,500 total)
• Meals (lunch & dinner, ₹500 per person per day) – 6 days – ₹18,000 total
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology entry – 2 hrs – ₹0 (free)
• Rumtek Monastery entry – 2 hrs – ₹200 per person (₹1,200 total)
• Tsomgo Lake permit – 4 hrs – ₹500 per person (₹3,000 total)
• Baba Mandir visit – 2 hrs – ₹0 (free)
• Kabi Lungchok entry – 1.5 hrs – ₹0 (free)
• Darjeeling Day Trip (optional) – 12 hrs – ₹3,000 per person (₹18,000 total)
• Total Estimated Cost (excluding optional Darjeeling): ₹113,200
• Total Estimated Cost (including optional Darjeeling): ₹131,200

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day for a full‑day trek to Goecha La or a visit to the pristine Yumthang Valley. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the optional Darjeeling day and combine the East and North Sikkim sites into a single day each, allowing an early departure on Day 7. Always carry warm clothing as temperatures can drop sharply, especially at high‑altitude spots like Tsomgo Lake.