Chennai to Sikkim 5‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Gangtok Exploration

Morning: Fly from Chennai to Bagdogra (approx. 3 h) and enjoy a scenic 4‑hour drive to Gangtok, checking into your hotel and freshening up.

Afternoon: Stroll along MG Marg, sampling local snacks and browsing handicraft stalls while soaking in the hill‑top ambiance.

Evening: Visit the illuminated Enchey Monastery for a peaceful sunset view and attend a brief cultural performance.

Day 2: North Sikkim – Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La

Morning: Depart early for a 2‑hour drive to the pristine Tsomgo Lake, where you can enjoy a short trek around the frozen lake (season‑dependent).

Afternoon: Continue to the historic border post of Nathu La Pass, taking in panoramic Himalayan vistas and a quick photo stop.

Evening: Return to Gangtok, relax at a local café, and try the famous Sikkimese momos.

Day 3: West Sikkim – Yuksom & Khecheopalri Lake

Morning: Drive to the ancient town of Yuksom, explore the royal palace ruins and the sacred Dubdi Monastery.

Afternoon: Proceed to the serene Khecheopalri Lake, believed to grant wishes; enjoy a peaceful walk around its emerald waters.

Evening: Head back to Gangtok, where you can attend a traditional dance show at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.

Day 4: South Sikkim – Namchi & Tendong National Park

Morning: Journey to Namchi to visit the magnificent Namchi Char Dham and the towering Samdruptse Statue of Guru Rinpoche.

Afternoon: Explore the unique flora of Tendong National Park, taking a short trek to the “Mountain of the Gods” for spectacular views.

Evening: Return to Gangtok for a relaxed dinner featuring organic Sikkimese cuisine.

Day 5: Pelling & Departure

Morning: Check out and drive to Pelling, stopping at the breathtaking Ravangla** (Ravangla Lake & Buddha Park) en route.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Pemayangtse Monastery and the panoramic Khangchendzonga View Point for unforgettable mountain vistas.

Evening: Transfer back to Bagdogra for your flight to Chennai, carrying memories of the Himalayas.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Flight Chennai‑Bagdogra (round‑trip) – 6 h total travel time – ₹12,000
• Private transfer Bagdogra‑Gangtok (round‑trip) – 8 h total – ₹8,000
• MG Marg (Gangtok) – 2 h – ₹500 (shopping & snacks)
• Enchey Monastery – 1 h – Free
• Tsomgo Lake – 3 h – ₹1,200 (permit & entry)
• Nathu La Pass – 2 h – ₹1,500 (permit)
• Yuksom & Dubdi Monastery – 3 h – ₹300 (entry)
• Khecheopalri Lake – 2 h – ₹200 (entry)
• Namchi Char Dham & Samdruptse Statue – 3 h – ₹400 (entry)
• Tendong National Park trek – 4 h – ₹600 (guide)
• Pelling – Pemayangtse Monastery & Khangchendzonga View Point – 4 h – ₹350 (entry)
• Ravangla Lake & Buddha Park – 2 h – ₹250 (entry)
• Accommodation (4 nights, mid‑range) – 4 nights – ₹16,000
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – 5 days – ₹5,000

Total Estimated Cost: ₹46,500

Tips

If you have extra days, consider adding a trek to Goecha La for an immersive high‑altitude experience, or explore the quieter valleys of West Sikkim like Ravangla and Dzongri. To shorten the trip, skip the South Sikkim leg and focus on Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, and Pelling, which still captures the essence of Sikkim while reducing travel time.