Start your trip in Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, nestled in the Himalayas. Take in the lush green scenery and the views of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which holds an extensive collection of Buddhist artifacts and manuscripts. Wander through the Enchey Monastery, an ancient and picturesque Buddhist monastery. End your day with a stroll through the MG Marg, a lively street filled with restaurants and shops.
Drive to Yuksom, the former capital city of Sikkim, in the western part of the state. Take a guided trek to the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to rare animals like the snow leopard and the red panda. Stop by the Dubdi Monastery, the first monastery built in Sikkim. End your day with a peaceful walk around the stunning Kartok Lake.
Visit the Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important monasteries of Sikkim, located near Gangtok. Admire the intricate design of the monastery's architecture before heading to the Nehru Botanical Garden, which is home to various species of medicinal plants and exotic flowers. End your day with a panoramic view of Gangtok from Ganesh Tok, a popular Hindu temple.
Drive to Ravangla, a picturesque town in South Sikkim, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Take a hike through the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot rare species like the Himalayan black bear and red panda in their natural habitat. Visit the Ralang Monastery, a beautiful monastery with intricate murals and sculptures. End your day with a leisurely walk around the pristine Buddha Park.
Drive to Pelling, a town in West Sikkim, known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, and admire its intricate woodcarvings and ancient murals. Take a scenic walk through the Rimbi Waterfalls, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. End your day with a visit to the Singshore Bridge, the second-highest suspension bridge in Asia.
Drive to Lachung, a remote village nestled in the Himalayas, in North Sikkim. Take a jeep safari through the Lachung Valley, a stunning valley with snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear streams, and beautiful waterfalls. Visit the Yumthang Valley, a breathtaking valley with hot springs and stunning flowers. End your day with a bowl of Thukpa, a local noodle soup, made with fresh vegetables and meat.
Drive back to Gangtok and spend the day exploring the city's local markets and food stalls. Visit the Tashi Viewpoint, a stunning viewpoint with panoramic views of the Himalayas. Take a walk through the Flower Exhibition Centre, which showcases a variety of flower species found in Sikkim. End your day with a visit to the Bakthang Waterfalls, a beautiful waterfall with stunning views of the mountains.
Visit the Tsomgo Lake, a serene glacial lake located at an altitude of 12,313 feet. Take a yak ride around the lake and admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visit the nearby Baba Mandir, a sacred temple dedicated to an Indian Army officer who lost his life in the Indo-China war. End your day with a visit to the Nathu La Pass, a mountain pass that connects India to China.
Travelers should hire a car with a driver to explore Sikkim. The cost is around INR 3,500 to 4,000 per day. The best time to visit Sikkim is from March to June and September to December. It is advisable to travel during the day as the roads can be narrow and winding.
If you have more time, you can extend your trip to North Sikkim and visit places like Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake, and Yumesamdong. If you have less time, you can skip the Pelling leg of the trip and spend more time in Gangtok and Lachung.
The nearest airport to Sikkim is the Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, located around 124 miles away from Gangtok. Taxi services are available from the airport to Gangtok for around INR 3000 - INR 4000. Helicopter services are also available from the airport to Gangtok for around INR 3,000 to INR 4,000 per person.