7-Day Itinerary: Shilong, Guwahati, Gangtok, Darjeeling, and Sikkim

Saturday, December 23: Ahmedabad to Shillong

In the morning, catch a flight from Ahmedabad to Shillong. Upon arrival, visit the beautiful Umiam Lake for a peaceful afternoon picnic. Explore the lively Police Bazar in the evening, filled with shops and street food stalls offering delicious local cuisines.

• Flight from Ahmedabad to Shillong: Check flight prices
• Umiam Lake: Free, 2-3 hours
• Police Bazar: Budget-friendly, 2-3 hours

Sunday, December 24: Shillong to Guwahati

Embark on a scenic drive to Guwahati. Spend the morning at the Kamakhya Temple, a revered Hindu shrine. In the afternoon, explore the Assam State Museum, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Enjoy a sunset river cruise along the Brahmaputra River for breathtaking views.

• Private Car Rental from Shillong to Guwahati: Approximately ₹3,000 per person, 6-7 hours
• Kamakhya Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
• Assam State Museum: Budget-friendly, 2-3 hours
• Brahmaputra River Cruise: ₹400 per person, 2 hours

Monday, December 25: Guwahati to Gangtok

Catch an early morning train from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri. From there, take a shared taxi to the serene capital city of Gangtok. Visit Enchey Monastery in the morning and then explore the bustling markets of MG Road in the afternoon. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and delicious local cuisine in Gangtok.

• Train from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri: Approximately ₹500 per person, 4-5 hours
• Shared Taxi from New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok: Approximately ₹300 per person, 3-4 hours
• Enchey Monastery: Free, 1-2 hours
• MG Road: Budget-friendly, 2-3 hours

Tuesday, December 26: Gangtok to Darjeeling

Embark on a scenic drive from Gangtok to Darjeeling. Start your morning with a visit to the picturesque Tiger Hill to witness the stunning sunrise over the Himalayas. Explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Darjeeling Zoo in the afternoon. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the vibrant Mall Road.

• Shared Taxi from Gangtok to Darjeeling: Approximately ₹300 per person, 3-4 hours
• Tiger Hill: Free, 2-3 hours
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: ₹40 per person, 1-2 hours
• Darjeeling Zoo: ₹30 per person, 1-2 hours
• Mall Road: Budget-friendly, 2-3 hours

Wednesday, December 27: Darjeeling Sightseeing

Explore the charm of Darjeeling with a visit to the Happy Valley Tea Estate in the morning, followed by a joyful ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's famous Toy Train. In the afternoon, visit the Peace Pagoda for tranquility and enjoy a peaceful sunset from Observatory Hill.

• Happy Valley Tea Estate: ₹100 per person, 2-3 hours
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): ₹500 per person, 2-3 hours
• Peace Pagoda: Free, 1-2 hours
• Observatory Hill: Free, 1-2 hours

Thursday, December 28: Darjeeling to Sikkim

Take a scenic drive from Darjeeling to the captivating state of Sikkim. Explore the serene Tsomgo Lake and the striking Baba Mandir, both located at high altitudes. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and lush valleys.

• Shared Taxi from Darjeeling to Sikkim: Approximately ₹500 per person, 3-4 hours
• Tsomgo Lake: Free, 2-3 hours
• Baba Mandir: Free, 1-2 hours

Friday, December 29: Sikkim Exploration

Spend your last day in Sikkim by visiting the vibrant Rumtek Monastery in the morning. Enjoy a nature walk in the beautiful Himalayan Zoological Park in the afternoon. End your day with a visit to MG Marg, the main market street in Gangtok, for some souvenir shopping.

• Rumtek Monastery: Free, 2-3 hours
• Himalayan Zoological Park: ₹25 per person, 2-3 hours
• MG Marg: Budget-friendly, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Explore the charming hill town of Lachung, known for its picturesque landscapes, waterfalls, and hot springs. Visit the offbeat village of Pelling for magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Indulge in mouthwatering local delicacies like momos and thukpa at local eateries in each destination.