7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Sikkim

Day 1: Arrive in Gangtok

Gangtok, India on March 24, 2025

9:00AM

Arrive in Gangtok

After arriving in Gangtok, check into a budget hostel like 'Bamboo Retreat' for an economical stay.
Head to your hostel via local taxi from the bus stand.
INR999, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Breakfast at Baker's Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of pancakes and coffee at Baker's Cafe.
Walk to Baker's Cafe from your hostel, just 10 minutes away.
INR300, 1 hour

12:30PM

Explore MG Marg

Stroll through MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok, indulging in local street food and shopping.
It's a short 5-minute walk from Baker's Cafe.
INR500, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Enchey Monastery

Discover the beautiful Enchey Monastery with its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance.
Take a shared taxi from MG Marg to reach the monastery.
INR10, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Taste of Tibet

Savor some momos and thukpa at Taste of Tibet - a local favorite.
Catch a local taxi back to MG Marg.
INR400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Pelling Adventure

Pelling, India on March 25, 2025

8:00AM

Travel to Pelling

Head to Pelling early, enjoying the scenic views of the mountains during the ride.
Take a shared taxi from Gangtok, available frequently.
INR350, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Yangthang Heritage

Delight in a local meal at this budget-friendly hotel restaurant.
It's walkable from the taxi drop-off point in Pelling.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Pelling Skywalk

Experience the Pelling Skywalk and take in breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range.
A short taxi ride or a 30-minute hike from the hotel.
INR50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Khecheopalri Lake

A sacred lake surrounded by lush forests, perfect for reflection and tranquility.
Share a local taxi to reach the lake, about 30 minutes away.
INR100, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Sample traditional Sikkimese dishes like Dhindo and Gundruk here.
Head back into town via local taxi.
INR350, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Explore Pelling

Pelling, India on March 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a basic breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day.
Available at Hotel Yangthang Heritage.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

Explore this important monastery, known for its magnificent paintings and architecture.
Easily accessible via local taxi.
INR20, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Rabdentse Ruins

Discover the historical ruins that once served as the second capital of Sikkim.
Walking from Pemayangtse Monastery (around 1 km).
INR50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Dhaba

Tantalize your taste buds with some curry and rice at a local dhaba.
Just near Rabdentse Ruins.
INR200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at a Local Cafe

Spend a leisurely afternoon at a local cafe with snacks and tea while enjoying the views.
Return to Pelling town by taxi.
INR150, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Himalayan Restaurant

Feast on local delicacies and taste the rich flavors of the Himalayan cuisine.
Located in Pelling town, a short walk.
INR400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Yuksom Journey

Yuksom, India on March 27, 2025

8:00AM

Travel to Yuksom

Catch a taxi to Yuksom, the starting point for many treks in Sikkim.
Shared taxis depart from Pelling, multiple options available.
INR300, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Budget Homestay

Stay at a local homestay for an authentic Sikkimese experience.
Walking distance from the taxi drop-off.
INR700, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Try the traditional Sikkimese food with a view of the mountains.
Located in Yuksom, walkable from your stay.
INR250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Dubdi Monastery

Hike up to Dubdi Monastery, one of Sikkim's oldest monasteries amidst lush greenery.
A guided trek starts from Yuksom.
INR50, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Homestay

Enjoy a homemade traditional meal prepared by your hosts.
Back at your homestay.
INR300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Gurudongmar Lake Trip

Lachung, India on March 28, 2025

5:00AM

Early Morning Departure

Board a shared taxi to reach Gurudongmar Lake, known for its breathtaking beauty.
Taxi leaves early to reach the lake before crowds.
INR800, 3 hours

8:30AM

Arrival at Gurudongmar Lake

Marvel at the stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Walking along the lakeside to take pictures.
FREE, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Travel to Lachung

Head to Lachung after enjoying the beauty of the lake.
Shared taxi from the lake to Lachung.
INR200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Budget Hotel

Rest at a budget hotel in Lachung before heading out to explore.
Located in the main town area, easily walkable.
INR600, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Indulge in a simple yet satisfying meal of rice and vegetables.
Close to your hotel, a short walk away.
INR250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax by Yumthang Valley

Take a short trip to the stunning Yumthang Valley to enjoy the scenic views and flowers.
Local taxis arranged from Lachung.
INR300, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Enjoy a warm and cozy dinner in Lachung's local eatery serving hearty meals.
Close to your hotel.
INR300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Return to Gangtok

Gangtok, India on March 29, 2025

9:00AM

Travel back to Gangtok

Catch a shared taxi back to Gangtok, reflecting on your adventures.
Taxis from Lachung leave frequently.
INR800, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at KFC

Treat yourself to some fast food after the mountain adventures.
Located in Gangtok, easily accessible.
INR400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Local Markets

Wander through local markets for souvenirs and Sikkimese crafts.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Learn about Tibetan culture and history through fascinating exhibits.
Accessible via local taxi.
INR10, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Nimki's

Enjoy a laid-back dinner featuring local dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
Back to MG Marg by local taxi.
INR400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Departure from Gangtok

Gangtok, India on March 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a final breakfast at your accommodation before departing.
Available at your hotel.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Flower Exhibition Centre

Experience a variety of vibrant flowers in the exhibition center.
Short taxi ride from MG Marg.
INR10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Lunch at The Coffee Shop

Enjoy some light sandwiches and coffee before leaving.
Located in MG Marg, easily walkable.
INR300, 1 hour

12:30PM

Check-out and Departure

Pack your bags and check out of the hostel.
Travel to the bus stand by local taxi for your onward journey.
INR50, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability