Comprehensive 5-Day Itinerary Exploring the Best of Sikkim, India

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Gangtok

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker's Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a blend of Indian and Continental cuisine at this popular cafe located in the heart of Gangtok. The ambience and quality will energize you for the day.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Enchey Monastery Visit

Visit this peaceful 200-year-old Buddhist monastery known for its architecture and spiritual aura. It offers insights into Buddhist rituals and lovely views of the surrounding valley.
INR20, 1h

11:00am

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Explore this renowned research centre that houses a remarkable collection of Tibetan artefacts, manuscripts, and Thangka paintings, essential to understanding the cultural history of Sikkim.
INR100, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Taste of Tibet

Savour authentic Tibetan cuisine including momo dumplings and thukpa noodles at this well-reviewed local restaurant in Gangtok.
INR350, 1h

2:30pm

MG Road Leisure Walk

Stroll along MG Road, Gangtok’s bustling main street lined with shops, cafes and street food vendors. This pedestrian-friendly mall closes around 9pm offering an energetic yet relaxed atmosphere.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok

Visit these two popular hilltop temples offering panoramic views of Gangtok town and the Himalayan peaks. Ideal for sunset viewing and photography.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Coffee Shop

Enjoy a diverse menu featuring local Sikkimese dishes and continental fare in a cosy environment, perfect after a day of sightseeing.
INR450, 1h30m

Day 2: Lakes and Mountain Pass

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of excursions to high-altitude locations.
Typically included, 45m

8:00am

Tsongmo Lake (Changu Lake)

Visit this stunning glacial lake at 3,780m surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is sacred and peaceful, perfect for photos and light walks around the lake.
INR50, 2h

11:00am

Visit Nathula Pass

Explore the historic Nathula Pass on the India-China border, open from 9am to 4pm on Thursdays to Sundays. Experience spectacular vistas and understand its strategic importance.
INR600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Local Wayside Dhaba

Enjoy freshly prepared local food at a wayside dhaba en route back, serving hearty dishes like thukpa and momos.
INR200, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Gangtok and Rest

After the adventure, rest at your hotel or explore local markets at your leisure.
Free, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at The Square

Dine at this elegant restaurant located in the Elgin Hotel serving a refined mix of Indian and Continental dishes with excellent ambience.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 3: Scenic Pelling Excursion

Pelling, Sikkim, India on April 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Gangtok

Fuel up for a journey to Pelling with a nourishing breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Typically included, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Pelling

Enjoy a 4-hour scenic drive to Pelling, taking in views of rice terraces and mountainous terrain while crossing through quaint villages.
INR1500 (taxi or private car), 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at a Local Restaurant in Pelling

Have authentic Sikkimese cuisine such as gundruk soup at a popular local eatery in Pelling.
INR350, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

Tour one of the oldest and most important Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim established in the early 1700s. Its serene surroundings and intricate artwork are culturally enriching.
INR50, 1h

4:00pm

Rabdentse Ruins

Explore the ruins of the ancient capital of Sikkim overlooking the Kanchenjunga range, a site full of history and beautiful vista points.
INR50, 1h

6:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at a Pelling Resort

Relax and dine at your resort enjoying views of the mountains and regional cuisine specialties.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 4: Namchi and Tea Gardens

Namchi, Sikkim, India on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Pelling

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with Himalayan views, preparing for a day of exploration in Namchi.
Typically included, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Namchi

Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Namchi, enjoying the lush landscapes of southern Sikkim en route.
INR1200 (taxi/private car), 2h30m

11:45am

Visit Namchi Char Dham

Explore this famous religious site comprising replicas of four Hindu dhams with breathtaking architecture and panoramic views of the valleys.
INR20, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Taste Of Namchi Restaurant

Sample local dishes influenced by Nepali and Indian cooking in a casual atmosphere.
INR300, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Temi Tea Garden

Tour Sikkim’s only tea estate, walk through lush tea plantations and learn about tea processing. Open until 5pm, it offers scenic photo opportunities.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Gangtok

Drive back to Gangtok (approx. 3h) for overnight stay.
INR1500, 3h

8:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant, Gangtok

Relax with a quiet dinner at your hotel, enjoying local Sikkimese or Indian cuisine after the long day.
INR500, 1h

Day 5: Departure and Final Exploration

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Gangtok, reflecting on your Sikkim journey.
Typically included, 45m

9:00am

Visit Tashi View Point

Visit early morning for stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga along with sunrise views over the valleys. A peaceful spot to end your trip.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Explore Handicraft Centre

Shop for authentic Sikkim handicrafts including woollens, thangka paintings and jewellery at the government handicraft centre.
Free entry, shopping cost varies, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Roll House

Enjoy a delicious and quick meal with Indian rolls and street food specialities, perfect before your onward journey.
INR200, 1h

1:30pm

Check-out and Departure

Check out from your hotel and proceed to your onward destination, concluding your memorable Sikkim trip.
Variable, Travel time