A 7-Day Itinerary for Sikkim in December 2023

1. Day 1: Gangtok
   35 minutes (19 km) from Pakyong Airport

   In the morning, visit the Rumtek Monastery, which is one of the most important and holiest monasteries in Sikkim. In the afternoon, explore the Gangtok town and visit the Enchey Monastery. In the evening, take a stroll at the MG Marg and enjoy the local delicacies.

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

   Early in the morning, visit the Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 3,753 meters. After that, head towards Nathula Pass, which is located at an altitude of 4,310 meters on the Indo-China border. In the evening, return to Gangtok and spend some time at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.

3. Day 3: Yumthang Valley
   5 hours (135 km) from Gangtok

   Drive to Yumthang Valley, a picturesque valley located at an altitude of 3,564 meters. Along the way, stop at the Singhba Rhododendron Sanctuary and hot springs of Yumthang. In the evening, return to Lachung and spend some time at the Lachung Monastery.

4. Day 4: Zero Point and Lachung
   2 hours (50 km) from Yumthang Valley

   Early in the morning, visit the Zero Point, which is located at an altitude of 4,365 meters. After that, return to Lachung and explore the village. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Lachung dinner and cultural program.

5. Day 5: Pelling
   6 hours (140 km) from Lachung

   Drive to Pelling, which is a beautiful town located at the foothills of the Himalayas. Along the way, stop at the Khecheopalri Lake, which is considered a sacred lake by the locals. In the evening, visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim.

6. Day 6: Yuksom
   3 hours (35 km) from Pelling

   Drive to Yuksom, which is the first capital of Sikkim. Along the way, stop at the Kanchenjunga Falls and the Dubdi Monastery. In the evening, explore the charming village of Yuksom and visit the Norbugang Chorten.

7. Day 7: Gangtok
   5 hours (135 km) from Yuksom

   Return to Gangtok and visit the Hanuman Tok, which is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. After that, take a cable car ride to the Tashiling Secretariat, which houses the offices of the Chief Minister and other important officials. In the evening, shop for souvenirs at the Lal Bazaar.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting the Khangchendzonga National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have more time, you can plan a day trip to the nearby town of Ravangla. To maximize your fun, try the local Sikkimese cuisine and interact with the friendly locals.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Rumtek Monastery (2 hours, free)
• Enchey Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (1 hour, INR 10)
• Tsomgo Lake (3 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Nathula Pass (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Singhba Rhododendron Sanctuary (30 minutes, INR 100 per person)
• Yumthang Valley (4 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Zero Point (2 hours, INR 250 per person)
• Khecheopalri Lake (1 hour, free)
• Pemayangtse Monastery (1 hour, INR 20)
• Kanchenjunga Falls (30 minutes, free)
• Dubdi Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Norbugang Chorten (30 minutes, free)
• Hanuman Tok (30 minutes, free)
• Tashiling Secretariat (1 hour, free)
• Lal Bazaar (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1380 per person

To check hotel and flight prices, please visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.