7-Day Itinerary for Sikkim in October 2023

1. Day 1: Gangtok
   From Bagdogra airport, drive 4.5 hours (77 miles) to Gangtok

   In the morning, visit the Enchey Monastery, a serene Buddhist temple located on a hilltop. In the afternoon, head to the Rumtek Monastery, a larger Buddhist complex with beautiful architecture and stunning views of the hills. In the evening, stroll through the bustling market of MG Marg and try some local snacks.

2. Day 2: Nathula Pass
   Drive 3 hours (35 miles) from Gangtok

   Visit the Nathula Pass, a historic mountain pass on the Indo-China border. Enjoy the scenic drive and stop by the serene Tsomgo Lake on the way. In the afternoon, visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, a shrine dedicated to an Indian army soldier who died near the Nathula Pass. Return to Gangtok in the evening.

3. Day 3: Pelling
   Drive 5 hours (76 miles) from Gangtok

   Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Enjoy a scenic drive to Rabdentse Ruins, the ancient capital of Sikkim, and explore the ruins of the old palace and fort. In the evening, take a short walk to the Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred lake surrounded by lush greenery.

4. Day 4: Yuksom
   Drive 2 hours (26 miles) from Pelling

   Visit the Dubdi Monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim, and enjoy the beautiful views of the hills and valleys from the top. Trek to the Kanchenjunga Falls, a stunning waterfall surrounded by dense forests. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Sikkimese dinner with a local family.

5. Day 5: Lachen
   Drive 6 hours (96 miles) from Yuksom

   Drive to Lachen and visit the Thangu Valley, a scenic valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dotted with yaks. In the afternoon, visit the Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world and an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Sikhs. Return to Lachen in the evening.

6. Day 6: Lachung
   Drive 2.5 hours (47 miles) from Lachen

   Visit the Yumthang Valley, a picturesque valley known for its hot springs, rhododendron forests, and grazing yaks. Enjoy a short trek to the Zero Point, the end of the road and the starting point of the high-altitude trek to Tibet. Return to Lachung in the evening and enjoy a traditional dinner.

7. Day 7: Gangtok
   Drive 6.5 hours (125 miles) from Lachung to Bagdogra airport

   Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, a museum and research center showcasing the rich history and culture of Tibet and Sikkim. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Ranka Monastery, a serene Buddhist temple located in a beautiful hilltop setting. In the evening, do some last-minute souvenir shopping in the markets of Gangtok. Depart from Bagdogra airport.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Himalayan Zoological Park, the Temi Tea Garden, and the Khangchendzonga National Park. Take a side trip to Darjeeling to visit the iconic Tiger Hill and the famous tea plantations. Try the local cuisine such as momos, thukpa, and chhurpi. Book a jeep safari to explore the scenic beauty of Sikkim.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Enchey Monastery (2 hours, free)
• Rumtek Monastery (2 hours, INR 50)
• Tsomgo Lake (2 hours, INR 400)
• Nathula Pass (4 hours, INR 2000)
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple (1 hour, free)
• Pemayangtse Monastery (2 hours, INR 50)
• Rabdentse Ruins (1.5 hours, INR 50)
• Khecheopalri Lake (1 hour, free)
• Dubdi Monastery (2 hours, free)
• Kanchenjunga Falls (2 hours, free)
• Thangu Valley (2 hours, free)
• Gurudongmar Lake (3 hours, free)
• Yumthang Valley (4 hours, INR 400)
• Zero Point (2 hours, INR 200)
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (2 hours, INR 20)
• Ranka Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs (INR 3180)

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