7-Day Nature and Foodie Itinerary in Sikkim on a Shoestring Budget with Volunteering

Day 1: Arrival in Gangtok

Gangtok, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Live & Loud

Start your trip with a delicious breakfast at this vibrant café, known for its local Sikkimese dishes and fresh ingredients.
Located in the heart of Gangtok, within walking distance from the main market.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore MG Road

Spend your morning exploring the buzzing MG Road, enjoying street food, local shops, and the vibrant atmosphere.
A short stroll from Café Live & Loud.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Taste of Sikkim

Dine at this local eatery offering authentic Sikkimese cuisine at a reasonable price.
Just a 10-minute walk from MG Road.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Volunteer at Sikkim SPCA

Get involved with the local animal shelter, helping with animal care and rehabilitation efforts.
Located a short taxi ride from the city centre.
Free, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Tony’s Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty dinner featuring a mix of Indian and Tibetan dishes in this cozy restaurant.
A 15-minute walk from the SPCA.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Gangtok, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Roll House

Grab some delicious and affordable rolls for breakfast at this popular local spot.
A short walk from your accommodation.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Rumtek Monastery

Immerse yourself in the tranquillity and beauty of Rumtek Monastery, a key site for Tibetan Buddhism.
A short taxi ride from Gangtok, approximately 30 minutes.
INR 50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Coffee Shop

Relax at this quaint café that serves delightful sandwiches and beverages.
Return to Gangtok by taxi and walk to the café.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Volunteer at Gangtok Community Centre

Spend the afternoon volunteering by helping with various community upliftment projects.
Located about 15 minutes on foot from the café.
Free, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Baker’s Café

Enjoy a hearty dinner while relishing the views of the city from this rooftop café.
A 10-minute walk from the community centre.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Scenic Pelling

Pelling, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore Pelling.
In-house dining.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Pelling

Check out from your hotel and take a shared taxi to Pelling, enjoying the stunning views along the way.
Shared taxi point located nearby.
INR 400, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Village Restaurant

Savour delicious local delicacies at this restaurant, known for its attentive service and local flavours.
Easily accessible from your accommodation.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Pelling Skywalk

Take in breathtaking panoramic views and feel the thrill of walking on India’s highest suspension bridge.
A short taxi ride from the restaurant.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Return to your hotel for dinner, taking the opportunity to reflect on the day’s adventures.
In-house dining.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventure and Nature

Pelling, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel yourself with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, ready for a day of adventure.
In-house dining.
INR 150, 1 hour

8:30AM

Hike to Kanchenjunga Falls

Enjoy a scenic hike to Kanchenjunga Falls, witnessing nature at its best.
Start hiking from the main road, following local signs.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Dhaba

Grab a local meal at a roadside dhaba, indulging in freshly made dal and rice.
Find a dhaba near the falls for convenience.
INR 150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Volunteer for Environmental Conservation

Spend the afternoon helping with local tree-planting initiatives or park clean-ups.
Engage with local NGOs for opportunities.
Free, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Hill Top

Dine while enjoying stunning views of the mountains and valley at this lovely restaurant.
After volunteering, head straight to the restaurant.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Yuksom

Yuksom, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have another filling breakfast at your hotel before setting off to Yuksom.
In-house dining.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Yuksom

Leave Pelling and take a shared taxi to Yuksom, a gateway to many treks.
Taxi sharing point in Pelling.
INR 450, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yuksom Trekking Café

Enjoy healthy options at this café, perfect for trekkers and adventurers.
Easily located near the bus station.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Dubdi Monastery

Explore this serene monastery on a hill, with its ancient architecture and peaceful surroundings.
A short hike from the café.
INR 30, 2 hours

5:00PM

Volunteer at Local Community

Get involved in community activities, supporting local craftsmanship and traditions.
Visit the local community centre for opportunities.
Free, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Savour local dishes and support a family-run establishment.
Close to your accommodation.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature and Trekking

Yuksom, India

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a trek.
In-house dining.
INR 150, 1 hour

7:30AM

Trek to Khangchendzonga National Park

Embark on a trek exploring the stunning trails of Khangchendzonga National Park.
Guided treks can be arranged via local agencies.
INR 500 (guide fee), 6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch as Packed Meal

Enjoy a packed meal while rejuvenating amid the picturesque backdrop.
Preparation must be made with your trek guide.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Continue Trekking

Continue your exploration, soaking in the enchanting sights and sounds of nature.
Follow your guide’s lead back to Yuksom.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel reflecting on the day’s achievements.
In-house dining.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return to Gangtok

Gangtok, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a delightful breakfast before the journey back to Gangtok.
In-house dining.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer Back to Gangtok

Head back to Gangtok by shared taxi, soaking in the last views of Yuksom.
Taxi sharing point in Yuksom.
INR 450, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Live & Loud

Savour your last meal in Sikkim at this lively café, relishing Sikkimese dishes one last time.
A return visit to the café you enjoyed before.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Last-minute Shopping at MG Road

Spend your afternoon shopping for souvenirs and local handicrafts to take home.
Located nearby MG Road.
Free (shopping as per preference), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Dragon Wok

Enjoy an amazing farewell dinner at this restaurant, which offers a fusion of Asian and local cuisine.
A 10-minute walk from the market.
INR 350, 1.5 hours
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