Welcome to Sikkim! Begin your adventure in the capital city, Gangtok. In the morning, visit the enchanting Enchey Monastery nestled amidst serene surroundings. Afterward, explore the bustling streets of MG Marg, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. In the evening, enjoy a panoramic view of Gangtok from the Tashi Viewpoint.
The Breakfast Cafe: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Cafe, located in the heart of MG Marg. Indulge in their fluffy pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Rolls and Bowls: For a quick and tasty lunch, head to Rolls and Bowls. They offer a choice of flavorful rolls and hearty bowls filled with a variety of fillings, perfect for a midday meal. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Taste of Tibet: Experience authentic Tibetan cuisine at Taste of Tibet for dinner. From momos to thukpa, their menu is a treat for your taste buds. Don't miss their flavorful butter tea. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Saturday, March 16: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
Embark on an excursion to the mesmerizing Tsomgo Lake. Start your day with a visit to this sacred lake surrounded by majestic mountains. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Baba Mandir, a revered shrine dedicated to an Indian army soldier. Enjoy the scenic beauty and spiritual ambiance of these locations.
Tsomgo Lake: Estimated Cost - INR 2000 per vehicle, Time Spent - 2 hours
Baba Mandir: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Live & Loud, located in Gangtok. They offer a variety of delicious breakfast options, including pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, visit The Dragon Wok in Gangtok. This restaurant specializes in Chinese and Tibetan cuisine, serving dishes like momos, noodles, and fried rice. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, try Taste of Tibet in Gangtok. This restaurant is known for its authentic Tibetan and Sikkimese dishes, such as thukpa, shabalay, and churpi. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Sunday, March 17: Pelling
Travel to the charming town of Pelling in West Sikkim. In the morning, visit the awe-inspiring Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim. Afterward, explore the iconic Rabdentse Ruins, the ancient capital of Sikkim. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range from the viewpoint near Sangachoeling Monastery.
For breakfast, head to The Saffron Tree Cafe, a cozy cafe serving delicious and healthy breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try the traditional Sikkimese cuisine at The Taste of Sikkim Restaurant. Experience the authentic flavors of the region at an average cost of 300 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in a gastronomic delight at The Elgin Mount Pandim's Pangolin Restaurant. Enjoy a fine dining experience with a stunning view of the mountains. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, March 18: Yuksom
Head to Yuksom, the historical capital of Sikkim. Begin your day with a visit to Dubdi Monastery, the oldest monastery in Sikkim. Take a leisurely walk through the delightful Khecheopalri Lake, known for its sacred waters. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Norbugang Park, where the first King of Sikkim was crowned.
Tuesday, March 19: Rumtek Monastery and Banjhakri Falls
Visit the renowned Rumtek Monastery in the morning, an architectural marvel and the largest monastery in Sikkim. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Banjhakri Falls, surrounded by lush greenery and featuring ethnic sculptures. Enjoy the serene ambiance and the refreshing waterfall.
Travel to the picturesque village of Lachung, nestled in the Himalayas. In the morning, explore the breathtaking Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers. Witness the vibrant blooms and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the tranquility of the mountains and soak in the natural beauty.
Yumthang Valley: Estimated Cost - INR 4000 per vehicle, Time Spent - 3 hours
Thursday, March 21: Gangtok Sightseeing and Departure
Spend your last day in Gangtok by visiting the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, a renowned research center on Tibetan culture. Explore the beautiful flower gardens of Gangtok at the Flower Exhibition Centre. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to the picturesque viewpoint of Ganesh Tok. Bid farewell to Sikkim with cherished memories.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Estimated Cost - INR 20, Time Spent - 2 hours
Ganesh Tok Cable Car: Estimated Cost - INR 60, Time Spent - 1 hour
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, consider visiting Temi Tea Garden, the only tea estate in Sikkim. Discover the process of tea production and savor the aroma and taste of freshly brewed tea. Another hidden gem is the Alpine Cheese Factory in Ravangla, where you can learn about cheese-making and indulge in delectable cheeses produced locally.