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7-Day Tour of Gangtok, Pelling, Lachen, and Darjeeling

Friday, November 17 - Arrive in Gangtok

Start your trip by arriving in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. In the morning, visit the Enchey Monastery, perched on a hilltop and known for its stunning views of Kanchenjunga. Afterward, explore the bustling markets of MG Road, where you can shop for local handicrafts and taste delicious street food. In the evening, relax at one of the rooftop bars to enjoy the panoramic cityscape.

  • Enchey Monastery: Entrance fee - INR 20, Time spent - 1 hour
  • MG Road: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Rooftop bars: Drinks - INR 200 onwards, Time spent - as per preference
Saturday, November 18 - Exploring Gangtok

Start your day with a visit to the colorful Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim. In the afternoon, head to Ganesh Tok, a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha that offers panoramic views of the city. End your day with a peaceful stroll at the Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park, surrounded by lush greenery and cascading waterfalls.

  • Rumtek Monastery: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 1.5 hours
  • Ganesh Tok: Entrance fee - INR 20, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park: Entrance fee - INR 50, Time spent - 2 hours
Sunday, November 19 - Journey to Pelling

Embark on a scenic drive from Gangtok to Pelling, a charming hill station surrounded by snow-capped peaks. In the morning, visit the breathtaking Pemayangtse Monastery, known for its exquisite sculptures and religious artifacts. Afterward, hike to the famous Khecheopalri Lake, considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. As the day comes to an end, enjoy stunning sunset views from the Rimbi Waterfalls.

  • Pemayangtse Monastery: Entrance fee - INR 30, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Khecheopalri Lake: Entrance fee - INR 20, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Rimbi Waterfalls: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Monday, November 20 - Journey to Lachen

Today, embark on a picturesque drive from Pelling to Lachen. In the morning, visit the serene Thangu Valley, famous for its alpine meadows and stunning landscapes. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Lachen and take in the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains along the way. In the evening, immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the Lachen Monastery.

  • Thangu Valley: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Lachen Monastery: Entrance fee - INR 10, Time spent - 1 hour
Tuesday, November 21 - Excursion to Gurudongmar Lake

Embark on an unforgettable excursion to Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. Marvel at the pristine beauty of the lake and the surrounding snow-covered peaks. Take a moment to offer prayers at the Gurudwara located near the lake. Afterward, return to Lachen and spend the evening exploring the local markets.

  • Gurudongmar Lake: Entry permit - INR 350, Time spent - 4-5 hours
  • Local markets: Shopping expenses - as per preference, Time spent - 2 hours
Wednesday, November 22 - Drive to Darjeeling

Leave Lachen and proceed towards the charming town of Darjeeling, famous for its tea gardens and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Begin your day by visiting the Tiger Hill viewpoint to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga. In the afternoon, explore the lush tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process at one of the estates. End your day with a peaceful walk around the serene Mall Road.

  • Tiger Hill: Entrance fee - INR 40, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Tea estate visit: INR 100 for guided tour, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Mall Road: Free, Time spent - as per preference
Thursday, November 23 - Exploring Darjeeling

Spend your morning visiting the iconic Ghoom Monastery, known for its magnificent statue of Maitreya Buddha. Afterward, take a joyful ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train to Batasia Loop, a spiral railway track offering panoramic views of Darjeeling. In the afternoon, explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, housing various endangered species. End your day with a visit to the Peace Pagoda, where you can admire the tranquil surroundings and enjoy breathtaking sunset views.

  • Ghoom Monastery: Entrance fee - INR 20, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: INR 700 for toy train ride, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Entrance fee - INR 40, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Entrance fee - INR 20, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Peace Pagoda: Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Gangtok, don't miss a visit to the Hanuman Tok, a small temple offering stunning views of Gangtok and the surrounding mountains. In Pelling, take a short hike to the Singshore Bridge, the second highest suspension bridge in Asia, to enjoy breathtaking views of the green valley below. Locals in Darjeeling love to visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, where you can shop for traditional Tibetan handicrafts and support a good cause.

For hotel and flight prices in this region, you can check kayak.com.

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