Welcome to Sikkim! Start your family adventure in Gangtok, the capital city. In the morning, visit the Enchey Monastery, a beautiful Buddhist temple nestled in the hills. Take a cable car ride to witness breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains in the afternoon. In the evening, explore the bustling MG Marg, a pedestrianized street filled with shops and eateries.
Enchey Monastery: ₹100, 2 hours
Cable Car Ride: ₹120 (adult), ₹75 (child), 1 hour
MG Marg: Free, 2-3 hours
Saturday, May 18: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
Embark on a day trip to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. Start your morning by visiting Tsomgo Lake, a serene glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, pay homage at Baba Mandir, a holy shrine dedicated to a soldier. Enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of these destinations.
Tsomgo Lake: ₹200 (entry fee), 4-5 hours
Baba Mandir: No entry fee, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Fiction, a charming cafe known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try Taste of Tibet, a cozy restaurant offering traditional Tibetan cuisine like momos and thukpa. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For dinner, visit The Square, a contemporary restaurant offering a diverse menu with options ranging from Indian to Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Sunday, May 19: Rumtek Monastery and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
In the morning, visit Rumtek Monastery, a significant Buddhist monastery known for its intricate architecture and tranquil surroundings. Learn about Tibetan culture and Buddhism at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in the afternoon. Explore the museum and library, showcasing a rich collection of artifacts and scriptures.
Rumtek Monastery: ₹10 (entry fee), 2-3 hours
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: ₹10 (entry fee), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Fiction, a cozy and vibrant cafe known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Roll House, a popular eatery offering a variety of mouthwatering rolls filled with flavorful fillings like chicken tikka, paneer tikka, and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Taste of Tibet, a charming restaurant serving authentic Tibetan cuisine such as thukpa, momos, and butter tea. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Monday, May 20: Pelling Exploration
Head to Pelling, a picturesque town nestled in the Himalayas. Start your day by visiting the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim's oldest and most important monasteries. Enjoy panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga Range from the viewpoint at Pelling. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around the town.
Pemayangtse Monastery: ₹20 (entry fee), 1-2 hours
Pelling Viewpoint: Free, 1 hour
Tuesday, May 21: Ravangla and Buddha Park
Travel to Ravangla, a peaceful town known for its natural beauty. Begin your day by exploring Buddha Park, home to a magnificent 130-foot tall statue of Buddha. Enjoy the serene surroundings and panoramic views of the mountains. In the afternoon, visit Ralong Hot Springs and relax in the therapeutic hot waters.
Buddha Park: ₹50 (entry fee), 2-3 hours
Ralong Hot Springs: ₹50 (entry fee), 2-3 hours
Wednesday, May 22: Yumthang Valley and Zero Point
Embark on a scenic journey to Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers. Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes, colorful blooms, and snow-capped mountains. If weather permits, continue to Zero Point, the last outpost of civilization offering stunning views of the snow-covered peaks. Enjoy a picnic amidst nature.
Yumthang Valley: ₹150 (entry fee), 4-5 hours
Zero Point: ₹50 (entry fee), 2-3 hours
Thursday, May 23: Gangtok Exploration
Spend your last day in Gangtok exploring its hidden gems. Start with a visit to the Banjhakri Falls, a natural waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Then, visit the Himalayan Zoological Park to spot rare animals like the red panda and snow leopard. End your trip by taking in panoramic views of Gangtok from Tashi Viewpoint.
Cafe Fiction: A cozy cafe offering a delicious spread of breakfast options such as pancakes, eggs, and sandwiches. Average cost for a breakfast meal is about $10 per person.
Roll House: A popular lunch spot serving delectable rolls and wraps with various fillings like chicken, paneer, and vegetables. Average cost for a lunch meal is about $8 per person.
The Square: An elegant restaurant known for its diverse menu offering Continental, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner here with an average cost of about $15 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, explore the quaint village of Lachung and take a dip in the hot springs. Visit the Kabi Lungchok, a historic site where a treaty was signed in the 13th century. Take a nature walk along the beautiful Green Lake trail and enjoy birdwatching. These activities offer a glimpse into the untouched beauty of Sikkim.
To check hotel and flight prices for your Sikkim trip, click here.