Sikkim in July 2023

1. Day 1: Gangtok
   33 minutes (19.3 km) from Pakyong Airport

   In the morning, visit the Enchey Monastery, a 200-year-old monastery with a beautiful architecture surrounded by pine trees. In the afternoon, head to the Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake at an altitude of 12,400 ft. Boating and yak rides are available. End the day by visiting the Ganesh Tok, a hilltop temple with an amazing view of the city.

2. Day 2: Pelling
   3 hours (110 km) from Gangtok

   Morning, visit the Rabdentse Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. In the afternoon, visit the Khecheopalri Lake, also known as the "wishing lake" for its spiritual significance. End the day by visiting the Pemayangtse Monastery, an old and important monastery of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism.

3. Day 3: Yuksom
   2 hours 30 minutes (60 km) from Pelling

   Morning, visit the Dubdi Monastery, the oldest and the first monastery established in Sikkim. In the afternoon, visit the Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many endangered species. End the day by visiting the Norbugang Park, a historical site with a stone throne and prayer flags.

4. Day 4: Lachen
   4 hours 30 minutes (112 km) from Yuksom

   Morning, head to Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world and considered sacred by both Buddhists and Sikhs. In the afternoon, visit the Thangu Valley, famous for its rhododendrons and wildlife. End the day by visiting the Lachen Monastery, a small but beautiful monastery in the village.

5. Day 5: Lachung
   2 hours 30 minutes (47.8 km) from Lachen

   Morning, visit the Yumthang Valley, also known as the "Valley of Flowers" for its blooming flowers. In the afternoon, visit the Zero Point, a high-altitude spot with a breathtaking view of the mountains. End the day by visiting the Lachung Monastery, a beautiful monastery with a peaceful atmosphere.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok, which has a vast collection of Tibetan artifacts. You can also try the local cuisine, especially momos and thukpa. For a side trip, consider visiting the Nathu La Pass, a border trade route between India and China. To maximize your fun, interact with locals and learn about their cultures and traditions. Lastly, make sure to carry warm clothes and raincoats as the weather can be unpredictable in July.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Enchey Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Tsomgo Lake (2 hours, boat ride - INR 500 per person, yak ride - INR 200 per person)
• Ganesh Tok (1 hour, free)
• Rabdentse Ruins (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Khecheopalri Lake (1 hour, INR 50 per person)
• Pemayangtse Monastery (1 hour, INR 20 per person)
• Dubdi Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Kanchenjunga National Park (2 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Norbugang Park (1 hour, free)
• Gurudongmar Lake (2 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Thangu Valley (1 hour, free)
• Yumthang Valley (1 hour, INR 100 per person)
• Zero Point (1 hour, INR 50 per person)
• Lachung Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1270 per person

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