7-Day Itinerary: Sundarbans & Sikkim

Sunday, October 22: Arrival in Kolkata

In the morning, arrive at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the bustling streets of Kolkata, visiting iconic landmarks like Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge. In the evening, savor the local cuisine at a traditional Bengali restaurant.

• Victoria Memorial: Estimated Cost: $5, Time Spent: 2 hours
• Howrah Bridge: Free, Time Spent: 30 minutes
• Local Bengali Restaurant: Estimated Cost: $15 per person, Time Spent: 2 hours

Monday, October 23: Sundarbans National Park

Embark on a full-day tour to Sunderbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your day early with a boat ride along the rivers and witness the rich biodiversity including Royal Bengal Tigers, unique mangrove forests, and various bird species. Explore the park's watchtowers and enjoy a picnic lunch in the serene surroundings. Return to Kolkata in the evening.

• Sundarbans National Park Tour: Estimated Cost: $100, Time Spent: 10 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe Mezzuna located in Kolkata, where you can enjoy a variety of delicious breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
• For lunch, try The Bhoj Company in Kolkata, known for its authentic Indian cuisine. Indulge in a range of dishes, including biryani, kebabs, and curries. The average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
• For dinner, visit Oh! Calcutta in Kolkata, a renowned restaurant offering traditional Bengali cuisine. Savour dishes such as macher jhol (fish curry), kosha mangsho (spicy mutton dish), and rasgulla (a popular Bengali sweet). The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.

Tuesday, October 24: Gangtok, Sikkim

Take a morning flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra Airport and drive to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. After checking in to your hotel, visit the Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, and Hanuman Tok for panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the evening, stroll through the vibrant MG Marg, a popular shopping and entertainment street.

• Enchey Monastery: Estimated Cost: $2, Time Spent: 1 hour
• Ganesh Tok: Estimated Cost: $1, Time Spent: 1 hour
• Hanuman Tok: Estimated Cost: $1, Time Spent: 1 hour
• MG Marg: No entry fee, Time Spent: 2 hours

Wednesday, October 25: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir

Embark on a day trip to Tsomgo Lake, located at an altitude of 3,753 meters. Admire the stunning beauty of the lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and enjoy activities like yak riding. Visit the nearby Baba Mandir, a revered shrine dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh. Return to Gangtok in the evening.

• Tsomgo Lake Trip: Estimated Cost: $60, Time Spent: 8 hours
• Baba Mandir: No entry fee, Time Spent: 2 hours

Thursday, October 26: Pelling

Travel from Gangtok to Pelling, a picturesque town known for its beautiful landscapes and ancient monasteries. Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, and the iconic Kanchenjunga Falls. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. Spend the evening exploring the local markets.

• Pemayangtse Monastery: Estimated Cost: $2, Time Spent: 1 hour
• Rabdentse Ruins: Estimated Cost: $1, Time Spent: 1 hour
• Kanchenjunga Falls: Estimated Cost: $1, Time Spent: 1 hour
• Local Markets: No entry fee, Time Spent: 2 hours

Friday, October 27: Darjeeling

Head to the enchanting hill station of Darjeeling, famous for its tea gardens and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Take a joyride on the iconic Toy Train, visit the Tiger Hill viewpoint for a spectacular sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga, and explore the tea estates. Enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea in a local tea house.

• Toy Train Joyride: Estimated Cost: $10, Time Spent: 2 hours
• Tiger Hill: Estimated Cost: $2, Time Spent: 2 hours
• Darjeeling Tea Estates: No entry fee, Time Spent: 2 hours
• Local Tea House: Estimated Cost: $5, Time Spent: 1 hour

Saturday, October 28: Departure

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your return flight. Bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Sikkim and Sundarbans, carrying wonderful memories of your trip.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, explore the heritage town of Kalimpong near Gangtok, known for its tranquil atmosphere, Buddhist monasteries, and stunning views. Visit the famous Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery and explore the local markets for handicrafts and traditional artifacts.

Another local favorite is the Bishnupur Terracotta Temples in Sundarbans, which showcases exquisite terracotta artwork and ancient architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of these temples.

Check hotel and flight prices here