5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for East Sikkim in October 2023

1. Day 1: Changu Lake
   1 hour (21 km) from Gangtok

   In the morning, visit the holy Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple before heading to Changu Lake. This glacial lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers picturesque views. Enjoy a yak ride and take a boat ride on the lake. In the afternoon, visit the Indian Army Exhibition Centre and learn about the history of the Indian Army. In the evening, head back to Gangtok for dinner.

2. Day 2: Tsomgo Lake
   1 hour 15 minutes (32 km) from Gangtok

   Start your day early and head to Tsomgo Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by stunning landscapes. Visit the nearby Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary to see exotic flowers and plants. In the afternoon, visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and learn about the rich Tibetan culture and history. In the evening, take a stroll around the MG Marg and explore the local shops and eateries.

3. Day 3: Pelling
   3 hours 30 minutes (110 km) from Gangtok

   Set out early to Pelling, a serene town located at an altitude of 2,150 m. Start your day by visiting the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Next, visit the Rabdentse Ruins, the former capital of Sikkim. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the Khecheopalri Lake, a beautiful lake that is holy to both Hindus and Buddhists. In the evening, return to Pelling and relax at your hotel.

4. Day 4: Ravangla
   2 hours 30 minutes (64 km) from Pelling

   Head to Ravangla in the morning, a small town nestled amidst the Himalayas. Visit the Tathagata Tsal, a breathtakingly beautiful Buddha Park that offers panoramic views of the mountains. Afterward, take a drive to the Ralang Monastery, a peaceful monastery that is home to many monks and nuns. In the evening, return to Ravangla and enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.

5. Day 5: Temi Tea Garden
   2 hours 35 minutes (67 km) from Ravangla

   On your last day, visit the Temi Tea Garden, the only tea estate in Sikkim. Take a guided tour of the tea processing unit and learn about the process of making tea. In the afternoon, visit the Samdruptse Hill, home to the world's tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surroundings from the hilltop. In the evening, return to your hotel in Gangtok.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Rumtek Monastery, a beautiful monastery that is home to many important relics. You can also take a day trip to the Nathu La Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass that connects India and China. To maximize your fun, try the local cuisine, especially the momos and thukpa.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple (30 minutes, free)
• Changu Lake (2 hours, boat ride INR 400)
• Indian Army Exhibition Centre (1 hour, INR 50 entry fee)
• Tsomgo Lake (3 hours, yak ride INR 300)
• Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary (1 hour, INR 100 entry fee)
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (1 hour, INR 20 entry fee)
• Pemayangtse Monastery (1 hour, INR 20 entry fee)
• Rabdentse Ruins (1 hour, INR 50 entry fee)
• Khecheopalri Lake (1 hour, INR 30 entry fee)
• Tathagata Tsal (1 hour, INR 50 entry fee)
• Ralang Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Temi Tea Garden (2 hours, free)
• Samdruptse Hill (1 hour, INR 50 entry fee)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,120

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