4-Day Itinerary for Sikkim in July 2023

1. Day 1: Gangtok
   Approximately 30 minutes (5.4 miles) from Pakyong Airport

   In the morning, start your day at the Enchey Monastery, a 200-year-old monastery with stunning views of Gangtok. Afterward, head to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which houses a collection of Tibetan artifacts, rare manuscripts, and thangkas. In the afternoon, visit the Do Drul Chorten Stupa, one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, and then proceed to the Gangtok Ropeway for a bird's eye view of the city. In the evening, take a stroll along MG Road, the main shopping area of Gangtok, and enjoy the local cuisine.

2. Day 2: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
   Approximately 2 hours (38.3 miles) from Gangtok

   Start your day early and head to the Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake located at an altitude of 12,400 feet. You can enjoy a yak ride around the lake or simply take in the stunning views. From there, proceed to Baba Mandir, a temple dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army soldier. The temple is located at an altitude of 13,123 feet and is considered a pilgrimage site. Return to Gangtok in the evening.

3. Day 3: Pelling
   Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (72.9 miles) from Gangtok

   Head to Pelling in the morning and visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. From there, proceed to the Rabdentse Ruins, the second capital of Sikkim and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the Khecheopalri Lake, considered a sacred lake by the locals. In the evening, take a stroll along the quaint streets of Pelling and enjoy the local cuisine.

4. Day 4: Ravangla
   Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (67.9 miles) from Pelling

   Start your day in Ravangla and visit the Buddha Park, which has a 130-foot statue of Buddha and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. From there, proceed to the Ralang Monastery, a 200-year-old monastery known for its beautiful murals. In the afternoon, visit the Temi Tea Garden, the only tea garden in Sikkim. In the evening, return to Gangtok and enjoy the local nightlife.

Recommendations

Some other attractions you might consider visiting include the Yuksom, a historic town with a beautiful monastery, and the Tashiding Monastery, one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in Sikkim. You can also take a day trip to the Nathu La Pass, which connects Sikkim with Tibet, to experience the breathtaking views of the snowcapped Himalayas. Don't forget to try the local delicacies such as momos, thukpa, and gundruk soup.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Enchey Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (1-2 hours, INR 20)
• Do Drul Chorten Stupa (30 minutes, free)
• Gangtok Ropeway (1 hour, INR 110)
• Tsomgo Lake (3-4 hours, INR 400)
• Baba Mandir (1-2 hours, free)
• Pemayangtse Monastery (1 hour, INR 50)
• Rabdentse Ruins (1-2 hours, INR 50)
• Khecheopalri Lake (1-2 hours, free)
• Buddha Park (1-2 hours, INR 50)
• Ralang Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Temi Tea Garden (1-2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 700