Start your trip by arriving in Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. In the morning, explore the enchanting Enchey Monastery, known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, a renowned research center for Tibetan studies. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk along the bustling MG Marg, the main street filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Enchey Monastery: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Cost - INR 10, Time Spent - 2 hours
MG Marg: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Cafe: A cozy cafe located near MG Marg that serves a variety of breakfast options, including pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Thakali Kitchen: A popular lunch spot known for its authentic Sikkimese cuisine, especially the Thakali Thali. Enjoy a delicious and filling meal with rice, dal, vegetables, and a selection of meat dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
The Cherry Blossom Restaurant: Situated in a scenic location with panoramic views of the city, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience. With a menu featuring a blend of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes, it caters to a wide range of tastes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, December 25: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
On this day, embark on a scenic excursion to Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake. In the morning, marvel at the breathtaking beauty of this glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Afterward, visit Baba Mandir, a sacred shrine dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, a soldier who is believed to protect the area. In the evening, return to Gangtok and explore the local markets for some souvenir shopping.
Tsomgo Lake: Cost - INR 1500 (approx. for a shared taxi), Time Spent - 3-4 hours
Baba Mandir: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Local Markets: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Fiction in Gangtok, a cozy coffee shop known for its delicious breakfast options such as sandwiches, pancakes, and eggs. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, try The Square Restaurant in Gangtok, which offers a diverse menu of Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan cuisine. Their thukpa and momos are highly recommended. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
For dinner, dine at The Roll House in Gangtok, a popular eatery specializing in mouthwatering rolls and kebabs. Try their chicken tikka roll or mutton seekh kebab. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Tuesday, December 26: Pelling
Today, journey to Pelling, a scenic hill station in Sikkim. In the morning, visit the iconic Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga Range from the Rabdentse Ruins in the afternoon. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk around the tranquil Khecheopalri Lake, considered sacred by Buddhists.
Khecheopalri Lake: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Sai Restaurant, located in Pelling. They offer a wide variety of breakfast options, from traditional Indian dishes to continental delights. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, head to Melting Point Restaurant, which serves mouthwatering Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan cuisines. This cozy restaurant has a serene ambiance and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 300 per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at The Blue Sheep Restaurant, known for its authentic Sikkimese and Tibetan cuisine. The restaurant offers a cozy setting and a diverse menu featuring local delicacies. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 400 per person.
Wednesday, December 27: Yuksom
Explore the charming village of Yuksom, the historical capital of Sikkim. In the morning, embark on a trek to the sacred Dubdi Monastery, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, visit the Norbugang Park, where the first King of Sikkim was crowned. In the afternoon, hike to the serene Khecheopalri Lake and immerse yourself in its tranquil ambiance. Spend the evening exploring the local culture and interacting with the friendly locals.
Khecheopalri Lake: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A cozy breakfast spot in Yuksom is The Taste of Sikkim. They serve traditional Tibetan and Nepali dishes along with continental options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Snow Lion Restaurant. Known for its delectable Tibetan cuisine, this restaurant offers a variety of momos, thukpa, and fried rice. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Indulge in a delicious dinner at The Orchard Retreat & Spa. This restaurant specializes in organic farm-to-table meals, with a focus on local Sikkimese ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Thursday, December 28: Gangtok Sightseeing
Return to Gangtok and continue exploring the city's attractions. In the morning, visit the Rumtek Monastery, a magnificent Buddhist monastery known for its intricate architecture. Explore the beautiful flower displays at the Flower Exhibition Center in the afternoon. As the evening approaches, head to the Tashi Viewpoint to witness a mesmerizing sunset over the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Tashi Viewpoint: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Gangtok is Café Fiction, offering a cozy ambiance and a wide range of breakfast options such as pancakes, omelets, and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR ($2.70) per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to The Local Café, a quaint restaurant serving traditional Sikkimese cuisine like momos, thukpa, and gundruk. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR ($4.00) per person.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at Roll House, known for its mouthwatering rolls and kebabs. This restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR ($5.40) per person.
Friday, December 29: Yumthang Valley
Embark on a full-day excursion to the captivating Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers. In the morning, enjoy the scenic drive through the picturesque countryside. Marvel at the colorful alpine flowers during the spring season, and if you're lucky, witness the snow-covered landscape during winter. In the afternoon, savor a hot spring bath at Yumthang Hot Spring, known for its therapeutic properties. Return to Gangtok in the evening.
Yumthang Valley: Cost - INR 3000 (approx. for a shared taxi), Time Spent - 6-8 hours
Yumthang Hot Spring: Cost - INR 100, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Saturday, December 30: Departure
As your Sikkim adventure comes to an end, take some time to explore the local markets in Gangtok for any last-minute shopping. In the afternoon, bid farewell to the mesmerizing land of Sikkim and depart for your onward journey.
Local Markets: Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2 hours
Departure: Cost - Varies (flight or transportation), Time Spent - N/A
Restaurants
A popular choice for breakfast in Gangtok is Café Fiction. This cozy café offers a variety of delicious breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal at Café Fiction is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Royal Plaza Hotel's restaurant, Rumtek Lounge. With its stunning views of the surrounding mountains, this restaurant offers a delectable menu featuring Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. The average cost for a meal at Rumtek Lounge is about 600 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit The Square at The Elgin Nor-Khill Hotel. This restaurant serves a wide range of mouthwatering dishes including local Sikkimese specialties, Indian favorites, and international delicacies. The average cost for a meal at The Square is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
One of the hidden gems in Sikkim is the Tashiding Monastery, located near Pelling. This serene and ancient monastery is considered one of the holiest in Sikkim and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Locals also love visiting the Gurudongmar Lake, situated at a high altitude in North Sikkim. This sacred lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is known for its pristine beauty and is considered highly auspicious.
For more information on hotel and flight prices, check here.