Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Gangtok - 9-day Family Friendly Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Sikkim - Rumtek Monastery
    30 mins (15.5 km) from Gangtok

    Admire the exquisite architecture at the world famous pilgrimage site with a guide.

  2. Day 2: Darjeeling - Tiger Hill
    3 hours (65.3 km) from Rumtek Monastery

    Watch the sunrise over the stunning Kanchenjunga mountain peak and visit Ghoom Monastery afterward.

  3. Day 3: Sikkim - Tsomgo Lake
    1 hour (37.8 km) from Darjeeling

    Experience the beautiful, glacier-fed lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains with yak ride options available.

  4. Day 4: Gangtok - Nathu La Pass
    3 hours (56.8 km) from Tsomgo Lake

    Visit the border between India and China and see the old silk trade route. This requires a special permit and is subject to weather conditions and geopolitical situations.

  5. Day 5: Gangtok - Institute of Tibetology
    2 hours (41.8 km) from Nathu La Pass

    Explore the museum and library dedicated to Tibetan culture and Buddhism. Guided tours available.

  6. Day 6: Darjeeling - Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
    2.5 hours (54.1 km) from the Institute of Tibetology

    Learn about mountaineering history, techniques and equipment used in the first successful Everest Expedition and see the animal exhibits at the adjacent Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.

  7. Day 7: Sikkim - Pelling
    2.5 hours (73.1 km) from Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

    Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Kanchenjunga, from the town of Pelling which has attractions of Khecheopalri Lake, Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse ruins in the vicinity.

  8. Day 8: Darjeeling - Happy Valley Tea Estate
    2 hours (67.8 km) from Pelling

    Witness the tea-making process and learn about the tea history, and taste a variety of famous Darjeeling teas. An afternoon walk around Darjeeling mall road and markets is also recommended.

  9. Day 9: Gangtok - Banjhakri Falls & Energy Park
    4 hours (84.8 km) from Happy Valley Tea Estate

    Explore a themed energy park with walking trails, and a waterfall named after the tribal shaman with a sculpture garden of tribal deities. Opt for shopping on M.G. Road in the evening.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Rumtek Monastery (1-2 hours, ₹50 per person)
  • Tiger Hill (2-3 hours, ₹1200-1500 for a taxi)
  • Tsomgo Lake (2-3 hours, ₹2000-2500 for a taxi)
  • Nathu La Pass (5-6 hours roundtrip, ₹4000-5000 for a taxi)
  • Institute of Tibetology (1-2 hours, ₹20 per person)
  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (1-2 hours, ₹40 per person)
  • Pelling town (1 day, ₹7000-8000 for a taxi)
  • Happy Valley Tea Estate (1-2 hours, ₹565 per person for a guided tour)
  • Banhjarki Falls & Energy Park (1-2 hours, ₹50 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹13,935-16,515

Useful Tips

For more time, consider adding a visit to Rumtek Monastery's Golden Stupa and an overnight camping experience in Sikkim's Himalayan forests. If less time, take the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Joy Ride in place of other Darjeeling experiences that takes about 3 hours.

0