7-Day Itinerary for Gangtok in July 2023

1. Day 1: Rumtek Monastery
   30 minutes (9.3 km) from Gangtok

   Visit the largest monastery in Sikkim in the morning to witness the morning prayer rituals and explore the peaceful surroundings. Walk around the monastery and don't forget to try the local momos and tea from the small vendors outside the monastery in the afternoon. In the evening, head back to Gangtok and visit the MG Road Market for some shopping and dinner at a local restaurant.

2. Day 2: Banjhakri Falls
   25 minutes (8.6 km) from Gangtok

   Start your day early and head to Banjhakri Falls. Take a walk on the nature trail, learn about traditional Sikkimese culture and mythology. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the waterfall and then head to the Tashi Viewpoint to take in panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. End the day with a visit to the Enchey Monastery and witness the evening prayers.

3. Day 3: Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass
   2 hours (40 km) from Gangtok

   Visit the famous Tsomgo Lake in the morning and take a yak ride around the lake. Afterward, head towards Nathula Pass, which is a historical trade route between India and Tibet. Spend some time at the Indo-China border and enjoy the scenic views of the Himalayas. Return to Gangtok in the evening and have dinner at a local restaurant.

4. Day 4: Himalayan Zoological Park and Gangtok Ropeway
   20 minutes (6.5 km) from Gangtok

   In the morning, visit the Himalayan Zoological Park to see the rare and endangered species of Red Panda and Snow Leopard. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then head to the Gangtok Ropeway. Take a ride on the cable car and enjoy the panoramic views of the city from above. In the evening, visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to learn about the rich history and culture of Tibet.

5. Day 5: Phodong Monastery and Seven Sisters Waterfalls
   2 hours (40 km) from Gangtok

   Start the day early and visit the Phodong Monastery in North Sikkim. Take a guided tour of the monastery and learn about the history and culture of the place. Afterward, head towards the Seven Sisters Waterfalls and have a picnic lunch by the waterfall. Return to Gangtok in the evening and explore the local nightlife.

6. Day 6: Khecheopalri Lake and Yuksom
   3 hours (100 km) from Gangtok

   Visit the sacred Khecheopalri Lake in the morning and take a dip in the holy waters. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then head towards Yuksom, which is the first capital of Sikkim. Take a guided tour of the historic town and explore the local culture. Return to Gangtok in the evening and have dinner at a local restaurant.

7. Day 7: Rumtek Monastery and Lingdum Monastery
   1 hour (22 km) from Gangtok

   Visit the Rumtek Monastery again in the morning to witness the morning prayer rituals and explore the peaceful surroundings. Afterward, head towards the Lingdum Monastery, which is a relatively lesser-known monastery in Sikkim but equally beautiful and peaceful. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then visit the Saramsa Garden to relax and unwind. Return to Gangtok in the evening and have a farewell dinner.

Recommendations

If you have more time in Gangtok, consider visiting the Lachung and Lachen valleys, which are beautiful and full of natural wonders. You can also consider taking a day trip to Darjeeling or Kalimpong. Don't forget to try the local Sikkimese cuisine, which is a blend of Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian food.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Rumtek Monastery (2 hours, Free)
• Banjhakri Falls (3 hours, ₹200 per person)
• Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass (8 hours, ₹3000 per person)
• Himalayan Zoological Park (2 hours, ₹25 per person)
• Gangtok Ropeway (1 hour, ₹120 per person)
• Phodong Monastery and Seven Sisters Waterfalls (10 hours, ₹4000 per person)
• Khecheopalri Lake and Yuksom (12 hours, ₹5000 per person)
• Lingdum Monastery (2 hours, Free)
• Saramsa Garden (1 hour, ₹20 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹12,365 per person

Check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo for hotel and flight prices.