7-Day Adventure Itinerary: Meghalaya and Sikkim

Saturday, September 2: Shillong, Meghalaya

Start your adventure by exploring the beautiful city of Shillong. In the morning, visit the picturesque Ward's Lake and enjoy a boat ride while taking in the serene surroundings. Afterward, head to the Elephant Falls and marvel at the cascading water amidst lush greenery. As the evening approaches, explore the vibrant Police Bazar, known for its bustling markets and local delicacies.

• Ward's Lake: Estimated cost - INR 20, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Elephant Falls: Estimated cost - INR 30, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours
• Police Bazar: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 3 hours

Restaurants

• The Corner Cafe: A cozy breakfast spot serving a variety of dishes including pancakes, omelettes, and fresh fruit bowls. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Zing Cafe: A trendy lunch spot offering a range of items on their menu including sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• KhasiKraft: A popular dinner spot known for its traditional Khasi cuisine, offering dishes like Jadoh (rice cooked with meat), Nakham Bitchi (pork salad), and Doh Neiiong (pork with black sesame). Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.

Sunday, September 3: Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Embark on a thrilling journey to Cherrapunji, known as the wettest place on earth. Start your morning with a visit to the mesmerizing Seven Sisters Falls and witness the majestic beauty of the cascades. Afterward, explore the Mawsmai Cave, a natural limestone cave, and marvel at its breathtaking rock formations. In the evening, don't miss the Living Root Bridges, a unique engineering marvel created by the locals.

• Seven Sisters Falls: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Mawsmai Cave: Entrance fee - INR 20, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours
• Living Root Bridges: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Monday, September 4: Gangtok, Sikkim

Travel to the enchanting city of Gangtok in Sikkim. Begin your day by visiting the stunning Tsomgo Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Enjoy a yak ride and soak in the tranquility of the place. In the afternoon, explore the Rumtek Monastery, one of the most significant Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along the MG Marg, the main street lined with shops and eateries.

• Tsomgo Lake: Estimated cost - INR 200, Estimated time spent - 3 hours
• Rumtek Monastery: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• MG Marg: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Tuesday, September 5: Nathula Pass, Sikkim

Embark on an adventurous day trip to Nathula Pass, located at an altitude of 14,140 feet. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the Indo-China border. Explore the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a revered shrine for both Indians and soldiers. In the afternoon, visit the Tsongmo Lake and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the crystal-clear water surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

• Nathula Pass: Permit fee and vehicle charges apply, Estimated time spent - 4 hours
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Tsongmo Lake: Estimated cost - INR 300, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, September 6: Lachung, Sikkim

Travel to the charming village of Lachung, nestled in the Himalayas. In the morning, visit the Yumthang Valley, also known as the "Valley of Flowers," and witness the vibrant blooms. Take a dip in the rejuvenating hot springs of Yumthang. In the afternoon, explore the Lachung Monastery, a serene place of worship. Enjoy the evening admiring the scenic beauty of the village.

• Yumthang Valley: Permit fee and vehicle charges apply, Estimated time spent - 3 hours
• Lachung Monastery: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Scenic Beauty of Lachung: No cost, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to the cozy Himalayan Café where you can enjoy freshly baked bread, homemade jams, and a variety of hot beverages. A meal here costs around ₹200 per person.
• Indulge in a delicious lunch at Taste of Tibet, a local restaurant known for its authentic Tibetan cuisine. Don't miss the momos and thukpa. The average cost for a meal is approximately ₹300 per person.
• For a memorable dinner experience, dine at The Apple Orchard Restaurant, situated amidst apple orchards with stunning mountain views. Try their delectable apple-inspired dishes. A meal here costs around ₹500 per person.

Thursday, September 7: Gangtok, Sikkim

Return to Gangtok and spend the day exploring more of this captivating city. In the morning, visit the Enchey Monastery, known for its intricate architecture and peaceful ambiance. Take a cable car ride to the Tashi View Point and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. As the evening approaches, explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, showcasing Tibetan art and culture.

• Enchey Monastery: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 1 hour
• Tashi View Point: Cable car fee applies, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Entrance fee - INR 10, Estimated time spent - 2 hours

Friday, September 8: Pelling, Sikkim

Head to the charming town of Pelling, renowned for its panoramic views of the Himalayas. Start your day by visiting the majestic Pemayangtse Monastery, offering stunning vistas of the Kanchenjunga peak. Explore the Rabdentse Ruins, once the capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim. In the evening, take a short hike to the Sangachoeling Monastery and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

• Pemayangtse Monastery: Entrance fee - INR 20, Estimated time spent - 2 hours
• Rabdentse Ruins: Entrance fee - INR 10, Estimated time spent - 1.5 hours
• Sangachoeling Monastery: No entrance fee, Estimated time spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For adventurous souls seeking off the beaten path experiences, Meghalaya offers the thrilling Mawphlang Sacred Forest, where you can trek through dense foliage and discover ancient trees. In Sikkim, explore the adventurous Yumthang Valley in the winter months, which transforms into a snowy wonderland. Additionally, visit the hidden gem of Lachen, a serene village surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and tranquil lakes.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check out this link.