7-Day Itinerary for Immersing in Sikkim's Culture

1. Day 1: Rumtek Monastery
   22 mins (11.9 km) from Gangtok

   Visit the largest monastery in Sikkim, built-in 1740, and home to Tibetan Buddhist monks. Don't miss the golden stupa and murals.

2. Day 2: Tsomgo Lake
   2 hours (40 km) from Rumtek Monastery

   Revered as a holy lake by the locals, Tsomgo Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers yak rides and hot tea with the view.

3. Day 3: Pelling
   5 hours (123 km) from Tsomgo Lake

   Explore Sikkim's second-largest and most scenic town where the Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse ruins, and Khecheopalri Lake are the highlights.

4. Day 4: Yuksom
   37 mins (15 km) from Pelling

   Get lost in nature as you trek to the Dubdi Monastery, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, the Kanchenjunga Falls, and the Tashi Tenka.

5. Day 5: Namchi
   4 hours (94 km) from Yuksom

   Visit the famous Char Dham, 108 ft. Shiva statue, Samdruptse statue, and Temi Tea Garden, and enjoy some of Sikkim's authentic local cuisine.

6. Day 6: Gangtok
   2 hours (69 km) from Namchi

   Experience the local food, the art galleries, the handicraft shops, and the nightlife in Sikkim's capital city. Do visit the Enchey and Do Drul Monasteries.

7. Day 7: Nathu La Pass
   3 hours (54 km) from Gangtok

   Take the winding roads and panoramic views to the Indo-Tibet border of Nathu La Pass, where you'll see the famous Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Rumtek Monastery (2 hours, Free)
• Tsomgo Lake (2 hours, INR 20 for entry fee, INR 400 for yak ride)
• Pelling (1 day, INR 500 for a shared taxi from Gangtok)
• Yuksom (1 day, Free)
• Namchi (1 day, INR 1,500 for a private taxi from Pelling)
• Gangtok (2 days, Food costs INR 1,500 per day on average)
• Nathu La Pass (1 day, INR 500 for permit and INR 3,500 for a shared taxi from Gangtok)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 7,420

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a day to explore the Zuluk village and the Silk Route in East Sikkim. Or, subtract a day from Gangtok and add a day each for Ravangla's beauty, Lachung's snow, and Kaluk's serenity in North and West Sikkim respectively. Be aware, Sikkim's hilly roads require careful driving and preparation for altitude sickness.