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3-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Sikkim in December 2023

  1. Day 1: Gangtok
    33 minutes (16.4 km) from Pakyong Airport

    In the morning, visit the Enchey Monastery, a 200-year-old monastery built on a ridge above Gangtok. Afternoon, head to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, a museum and research centre. Next, visit the Ganesh Tok, a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha offering a panoramic view of Gangtok. In the evening, stroll along the MG Marg and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with food stalls and souvenir shops.

  2. Day 2: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
    1 hour 36 minutes (40.5 km) from Gangtok

    In the morning, visit the Tsomgo Lake, a serene glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Proceed to Baba Mandir, a temple dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army soldier who died near the Nathu La Pass. In the evening, head back to Gangtok and relax at your hotel or take a walk around the town.

  3. Day 3: Pelling
    2 hours 42 minutes (112 km) from Gangtok

    In the morning, visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, a three-story structure built in the 1700s and located on a hill overlooking the town. Afternoon, visit the Rabdentse Ruins, the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim. In the evening, take a stroll around the quaint town of Pelling and enjoy the views of the Kanchenjunga range.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Nathu La Pass, an Indo-China border at an altitude of 14,140 feet, subject to permit and weather conditions. Another side trip is to the Yuksom village, the first capital of Sikkim and a base for trekking to the Dzongri and Goechala regions. To make the most of your trip, consider hiring a local cab for sightseeing, as public transportation can be infrequent and time-consuming. Finally, do not forget to try the local delicacies, including momos, thukpa, and chhang.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Enchey Monastery (1 hour, Free)
  • Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (1 hour, INR 20)
  • Ganesh Tok (30 minutes, Free)
  • MG Marg (2 hours, Free)
  • Tsomgo Lake (2 hours, INR 200 for entry + INR 3,500 for shared cab)
  • Baba Mandir (1 hour, INR 100 for entry + INR 3,500 for shared cab)
  • Pemayangtse Monastery (1 hour, INR 20)
  • Rabdentse Ruins (1 hour, INR 50)
  • Local cab (3 days, INR 5,000)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 13,390 (USD 180)
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