Welcome to Gangtok! Start your trip by checking into your hotel and relaxing after your journey. In the morning, take a leisurely walk around MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok, lined with shops and cafes. In the afternoon, visit the Enchey Monastery, a serene Buddhist monastery with beautiful architecture. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
MG Marg: Free, 2 hours
Enchey Monastery: Free, 1 hour
Local Restaurant: ₹500, 1.5 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Live & Loud, a popular cafe on MG Marg. They offer a variety of breakfast options including sandwiches, pancakes, and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For lunch, try Taste of Tibet, a cozy restaurant near Enchey Monastery. They serve authentic Tibetan dishes such as momos, thukpa, and tingmo. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
For dinner, dine at The Square, a vibrant restaurant known for its delicious North Indian and Chinese cuisine. They have a wide range of options including biryanis, noodles, and curries. Average cost for a meal is about INR 600 per person.
Sunday, October 8: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
Start your day early to visit the mesmerizing Tsomgo Lake, located at an altitude of 12,400 feet. Take in the serene beauty of the lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Afterward, continue to Baba Mandir, a spiritual site dedicated to an Indian soldier. Return to Gangtok in the evening and relax at your hotel.
Tsomgo Lake: ₹400 (round trip), 4-5 hours
Baba Mandir: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Coffee Shop, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Taste of Tibet, a restaurant known for its authentic Tibetan cuisine. Don't miss their momos and thukpa. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at The Square Restaurant. Enjoy their wide range of international and local dishes while overlooking the stunning views of Gangtok. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, October 9: Rumtek Monastery and Flower Exhibition Centre
Visit Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim. Explore its intricate architecture and peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, head to the Flower Exhibition Centre, where you can admire a wide variety of colorful blooms. Spend the evening at leisure, exploring more of Gangtok.
Rumtek Monastery: ₹100, 2-3 hours
Flower Exhibition Centre: ₹20, 1 hour
Restaurants
M.G. Road Café: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at M.G. Road Café, known for their freshly brewed coffee and mouthwatering sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Taste of Tibet: For lunch, try Taste of Tibet, a popular restaurant offering authentic Tibetan cuisine. Enjoy their momos and thukpa while enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Rooftop Bar & Grills: For dinner, head to Rooftop Bar & Grills, a rooftop restaurant with a stunning view of Gangtok. Indulge in their delicious grill specialties and unwind with a refreshing cocktail. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 1000 per person.
Tuesday, October 10: Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok
Start your day by visiting Ganesh Tok, a small hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh. Enjoy panoramic views of Gangtok from the viewpoint. Next, visit Hanuman Tok, another hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the scenic surroundings. In the evening, you can explore the local market for some shopping.
Ganesh Tok: Free, 1 hour
Hanuman Tok: Free, 1 hour
Local Market: Cost varies, 2 hours
Restaurants
Café Coffee Day: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Café Coffee Day, located in the heart of Gangtok. Indulge in their range of freshly brewed coffees and mouthwatering pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
The Square Restaurant: For lunch, head to The Square Restaurant, known for its extensive menu featuring both local and international cuisine. Enjoy their delicious thali meals or choose from a variety of à la carte options. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Roll House: For dinner, satisfy your cravings at Roll House, a popular spot serving a wide range of rolls and kebabs. Choose from vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and enjoy the flavorful street food experience. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 11: Tashi Viewpoint and Banjhakri Falls
Start your day with a visit to Tashi Viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Spend some time taking in the beauty of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, visit Banjhakri Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. You can relax and enjoy the tranquil ambiance. Return to Gangtok in the evening.
Tashi Viewpoint: Free, 1-2 hours
Banjhakri Falls: ₹50, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Baker's Cafe, a cozy cafe known for its freshly baked goods and delicious coffee. Enjoy a variety of pastries and sandwiches. Expect to spend around 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try the Himalayan Fast Food Corner, a popular local eatery serving mouthwatering momos and other Tibetan street food. The prices are very reasonable, with an average meal costing around 150 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in a delectable meal at The Square, a fine dining restaurant offering a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. The elegant ambiance, impeccable service, and flavorful dishes make it worth the higher average cost of around 800 INR per person.
Thursday, October 12: Nathula Pass and Changu Lake
Embark on a full-day excursion to Nathula Pass, a mountain pass on the Indo-China border. Witness the stunning views of the Himalayas and soak in the unique experience of being at such high altitude. On the way back, visit Changu Lake, a glacial lake known for its serene beauty. Return to Gangtok in the evening and relax.
For breakfast, head to Cafe Fiction, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy a hearty breakfast here for an average cost of about Rs. 300 per person.
For lunch, visit Taste of Tibet, a popular restaurant serving authentic Tibetan cuisine. Savor dishes like momos and thukpa at this charming eatery for an average cost of about Rs. 500 per person.
For dinner, dine at The Square, a trendy restaurant offering a diverse menu of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Indulge in delectable meals here for an average cost of about Rs. 800 per person.
Friday, October 13: Relaxation at a Spa and Local Cuisine
Spend your last day in Gangtok pampering yourself with a relaxation session at one of the city's renowned spas. Enjoy a rejuvenating massage or spa treatment to unwind before heading back. In the evening, savor the local cuisine at a traditional Sikkimese restaurant, indulging in flavors unique to the region.
Spa Session: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Local Restaurant: ₹500, 1.5 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Baker's Cafe, known for its freshly baked goods and cozy atmosphere. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Coffee Shop, a charming café that offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and coffee specialties. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at The Taste of Sikkim, a restaurant that serves authentic local cuisine with a modern twist. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a truly relaxing experience, consider visiting the Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park, home to various rare and endangered species. Another hidden gem is the serene Gonjang Monastery, located on a hilltop away from the bustling city. These off-the-beaten-path attractions offer tranquility and a chance to connect with nature.
For more information about flights and hotels in Gangtok, please check here.