Exploring Gangtok, Lachen, and Lachung on a Shoestring Budget
Tuesday, October 24: Arrival in Gangtok
Welcome to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim! Start your trip by checking into your budget-friendly hotel in Gangtok. In the morning, take a stroll through MG Marg, the city's vibrant pedestrianized street, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy a delicious local breakfast at one of the eateries. In the afternoon, visit Enchey Monastery, a serene and picturesque Buddhist monastery. As the evening sets in, head to Tashi Viewpoint to catch a breathtaking sunset over the snow-capped Kanchenjunga mountain.
Tashi Viewpoint: No entrance fee, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Gangtok is Cafe Culture, known for its wide variety of breakfast options including pancakes, waffles, and eggs. The average cost for a meal at Cafe Culture is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head over to The Coffee Shop, a cozy restaurant offering a range of sandwiches, pastas, and salads at affordable prices. The average cost for a meal at The Coffee Shop is about ₹250 per person.
For a delicious dinner, try the rooftop restaurant The Dragon Wok, which offers a wide range of Asian cuisines including Chinese, Thai, and Tibetan dishes. The average cost for a meal at The Dragon Wok is about ₹400 per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Exploring Gangtok
After breakfast, embark on a day trip to Rumtek Monastery, located about 24 kilometers from Gangtok. Explore the beautiful monastery complex and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, a renowned research institute and museum dedicated to Tibetan culture and history. End the day with a visit to Banjhakri Falls, a scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
For breakfast, head to Café Fiction, a cozy café known for its delicious breakfast sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For lunch, try The Tibet Kitchen, a popular restaurant that offers a variety of Tibetan and Nepalese dishes. Don't miss their momos and thukpa. The average cost for a meal is about 350 INR per person.
For dinner, visit The Square, a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views of Gangtok. Enjoy a wide range of Indian, Chinese, and continental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, October 26: Journey to Lachen
Today, set off on an adventurous journey to Lachen, a picturesque village in North Sikkim. Hire a shared taxi or take a local bus from Gangtok to reach Lachen. Enjoy the scenic landscapes along the way, including the beautiful Seven Sisters Waterfalls. Once you arrive in Lachen, check into a budget-friendly homestay and spend the evening exploring the village and interacting with the friendly locals.
Shared taxi/bus from Gangtok to Lachen: Estimated cost - INR 300, Time spent - 6-7 hours
Restaurants
Head to Café Lhasa for a delightful breakfast experience, where you can enjoy a variety of freshly baked goods and a soothing cup of coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, visit The Dragon’s Den Restaurant and relish their authentic Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. With generous portion sizes, you can enjoy a satisfying meal here for an average cost of 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at The Deck Restaurant and Bar, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. A dinner here would cost you an average of 500 INR per person.
Friday, October 27: Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake
Wake up early and head to Chopta Valley, a stunning valley known for its alpine meadows and colorful flowers. Enjoy the serene beauty of the valley and take memorable photographs. Afterward, continue your journey to Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. Marvel at the crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Return to Lachen in the evening and spend the night in your homestay.
Chopta Valley: No entrance fee, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Gurudongmar Lake: Inner Line Permit required, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Live & Loud, a trendy restaurant known for its delicious pancakes and coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
If you're looking for a hearty lunch, try The Rolling Joints, a popular restaurant that serves a variety of mouthwatering burgers and wraps. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Taste of Tibet, a cozy restaurant that offers a wide range of authentic Tibetan and Nepali dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Saturday, October 28: Lachung and Yumthang Valley
Leave Lachen behind and make your way to the scenic village of Lachung. Visit the Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers, which is famous for its vibrant rhododendron blooms. Spend some time exploring the valley and enjoying the refreshing mountain air. On your way back to Lachung, make a stop at the hot springs of Yumthang to relax and rejuvenate. Overnight stay in a budget-friendly hotel in Lachung.
Yumthang Valley: No entrance fee, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Yumthang Hot Springs: Entrance fee - INR 50, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
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Sunday, October 29: Return to Gangtok
It's time to bid farewell to Lachung and head back to Gangtok. Enjoy the scenic drive through the mountainous landscapes and take in the breathtaking views. Upon reaching Gangtok, spend the rest of the day at your leisure. You can explore more of MG Marg, visit the Flower Exhibition Centre, or indulge in some local shopping for souvenirs. Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For budget-friendly yet unique experiences, make sure to visit the following hidden gems and local favorites in Gangtok, Lachen, and Lachung:
Kabi Longstok: A historical site where a blood brotherhood treaty was signed between the Lepcha and Bhutia tribes. No entrance fee, Time spent - 1-2 hours.
Dzongu: A pristine and secluded valley inhabited by the Lepcha community. Experience the local culture and enjoy eco-tourism activities. No entrance fee, Time spent - 1-2 days.
Seven Sisters Waterfalls: A scenic waterfall located on the way to Lachen. Enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the seven cascades. No entrance fee, Time spent - 30 minutes.