Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 57 travelers

7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Explore Gangtok in October 2023

Thursday, October 26: Arrival in Gangtok

Arrive in Gangtok and check into your hotel. Spend the morning exploring the bustling MG Road, known for its shops, cafes, and restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to learn about Tibetan culture and history. Wrap up the day with a visit to Enchey Monastery, a serene Buddhist monastery offering panoramic views of Gangtok.

  • MG Road: Check hotel and flight prices
  • Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Entrance fee: INR 20, Time spent: 2 hours
  • Enchey Monastery: Entrance fee: INR 10, Time spent: 1 hour
Friday, October 27: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir

Embark on a day trip to Tsomgo Lake, a breathtaking glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Spend the morning enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake and take a yak ride. Afterward, visit the nearby Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a sacred temple dedicated to an Indian Army soldier. Return to Gangtok and explore the local markets in the evening.

  • Tsomgo Lake: Entrance fee: INR 200, Yak ride: INR 200, Time spent: 4-5 hours
  • Baba Mandir: No entrance fee, Time spent: 1 hour
Saturday, October 28: Gangtok Ropeway and Banjhakri Falls

Start your day by taking a ride on the Gangtok Ropeway, offering stunning aerial views of the city and the surrounding Himalayan range. After enjoying the panoramic vistas, visit Banjhakri Falls, a majestic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and beautifully landscaped gardens. Spend the evening strolling along Tashi Viewpoint, known for its spectacular sunset views.

  • Gangtok Ropeway: Cable car ticket: INR 110, Time spent: 1 hour
  • Banjhakri Falls: Entrance fee: INR 50, Time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Tashi Viewpoint: Entrance fee: INR 50, Time spent: 1 hour
Sunday, October 29: Rumtek Monastery and Namchi

Experience the spiritual side of Gangtok by visiting Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim. Spend the morning exploring the monastery and soaking in its peaceful ambiance. In the afternoon, take a drive to Namchi and visit the iconic 135-foot tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as the Samdruptse Statue.

  • Rumtek Monastery: Entrance fee: INR 10, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Samdruptse Statue: Entrance fee: INR 50, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Monday, October 30: Nathu La Pass and Changu Lake

Embark on an excursion to Nathu La Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass connecting India and China. Enjoy the scenic drive and reach the pass to admire the breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. On the way back, visit the picturesque Changu Lake, also known as Tsomgo Lake, and relish the tranquility of the surroundings. Return to Gangtok and relax in the evening.

  • Nathu La Pass: Permit required, Time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Changu Lake: Entrance fee: INR 50, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Tuesday, October 31: Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, and Flower Exhibition Center

Start your day with a visit to Ganesh Tok, a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha with panoramic views of Gangtok. Next, head to Hanuman Tok, another hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. In the afternoon, explore the Flower Exhibition Center, showcasing a variety of exotic flowers and plants. Enjoy the evening at leisure, indulging in delicious local cuisine.

  • Ganesh Tok: No entrance fee, Time spent: 1 hour
  • Hanuman Tok: No entrance fee, Time spent: 1 hour
  • Flower Exhibition Center: Entrance fee: INR 20, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Wednesday, November 1: Do Drul Chorten and Handicrafts & Handlooms Center

On your last day in Gangtok, visit Do Drul Chorten, one of the most important stupas in Sikkim. Spend some time offering prayers and experiencing the serenity of the surroundings. Afterwards, explore the Handicrafts & Handlooms Center to admire and purchase exquisite Sikkimese handicrafts and textiles. Bid farewell to Gangtok and depart for your next destination.

  • Do Drul Chorten: No entrance fee, Time spent: 1 hour
  • Handicrafts & Handlooms Center: No entrance fee, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, take a day trip to the beautiful Tsongmo Lake, located at an altitude of 12,313 feet. Enjoy the stunning vista of the lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Another hidden gem is the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can encounter diverse flora and fauna while trekking through its serene trails. Lastly, don't miss a visit to the Himalayan Zoological Park, home to various rare and endangered species, including the red panda and snow leopard.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version