7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Sikkim

Sunday, October 1: Arrive in Gangtok

Welcome to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim! Start your trip by visiting the Enchey Monastery in the morning, a beautiful Buddhist monastery known for its serene ambiance. In the afternoon, explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which houses an extensive collection of Tibetan artifacts and manuscripts. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Mahatma Gandhi Marg, the city's main street known for its shops and eateries.

• Enchey Monastery: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Estimated Cost - INR 20 (approx.), Time Spent - 2 hours
• Mahatma Gandhi Marg: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours

Monday, October 2: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir

Embark on an exciting day trip to Tsomgo Lake, a stunning glacial lake located at an altitude of 12,313 feet. Spend the morning enjoying the breathtaking views and serene surroundings of the lake. Afterward, visit Baba Mandir, a sacred shrine dedicated to an Indian army soldier. In the evening, return to Gangtok and explore the local markets for some souvenir shopping.

• Tsomgo Lake: Estimated Cost - INR 2000 (approx.) for a shared vehicle, Time Spent - 4-5 hours
• Baba Mandir: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
• Local Markets: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Tuesday, October 3: Pelling

Today, travel to Pelling, a charming hill station known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the morning, visit the famous Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim. Afterward, explore the Rabdentse Ruins, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk in the serene Khecheopalri Lake area.

• Pemayangtse Monastery: Estimated Cost - INR 50 (approx.), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Rabdentse Ruins: Estimated Cost - INR 50 (approx.), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Khecheopalri Lake: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, October 4: Ravangla

Head to Ravangla, a picturesque town surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views of the mountains. In the morning, visit the Buddha Park, home to a towering statue of Lord Buddha. Afterward, explore the beautiful Temi Tea Garden, known for its scenic beauty. In the evening, take a stroll along the Ravangla Bazaar and indulge in some local delicacies.

• Buddha Park: Estimated Cost - INR 50 (approx.), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Temi Tea Garden: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Ravangla Bazaar: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2 hours

Thursday, October 5: Nathula Pass and Changu Lake

Embark on an adventurous day trip to Nathula Pass, a mountain pass at the Indo-China border. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a shrine dedicated to an Indian army soldier. Later, explore the mesmerizing Changu Lake, also known as Tsomgo Lake, and enjoy yak rides. In the evening, return to Gangtok and relax.

• Nathula Pass: Estimated Cost - INR 4000 (approx.) for a shared vehicle, Time Spent - 4-5 hours
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
• Changu Lake: Estimated Cost - INR 2000 (approx.) for a shared vehicle, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Friday, October 6: Gangtok Sightseeing

Discover the attractions of Gangtok today. Start your morning by visiting the Rumtek Monastery, one of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Flower Exhibition Centre, showcasing a wide variety of exotic flowers. As the evening approaches, enjoy a leisurely walk along the serene Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park.

• Rumtek Monastery: Estimated Cost - INR 10 (approx.), Time Spent - 2 hours
• Flower Exhibition Centre: Estimated Cost - INR 10 (approx.), Time Spent - 1 hour
• Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park: Estimated Cost - INR 50 (approx.), Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Saturday, October 7: Gangtok Departure

On your last day in Sikkim, explore the scenic beauty of Gangtok one last time. Visit the Tashi Viewpoint in the morning for panoramic views of the mountains. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to the beautiful Saramsa Garden. End your trip by indulging in some local cuisine at one of the popular restaurants in Gangtok before departing for your onward journey.

• Tashi Viewpoint: Estimated Cost - INR 20 (approx.), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Saramsa Garden: Estimated Cost - INR 20 (approx.), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Local Cuisine: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you have some extra time, consider exploring the hidden gems of Sikkim. Visit the serene Kabi Longstok, where the historic treaty of brotherhood between Lepcha chief Te-Kung-Tek and Bhutia chief Khey-Bum-Sar was signed. Explore the charming village of Yuksom, known for its historical significance and tranquil surroundings. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local delicacy "momos" at popular spots like MG Road and Lal Bazaar in Gangtok.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check out KAYAK.