7-Day Comprehensive Sikkim Itinerary: Scenic Landscapes & Cultural Exploration

Day 1: Arrival & Gangtok Exploration

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on April 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Baker's Cafe

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast with views of the hills and freshly baked treats to kickstart your Sikkim adventure.
INR500, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Enchey Monastery

This 200-year-old monastery offers insight into the Buddhist culture of the region and offers beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
INR30, 1h0m

12:00pm

Walk through MG Road

Explore Gangtok’s vibrant market street full of shops, cafes, and local handicrafts, perfect for souvenir shopping and soaking up local life.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Coffee Shop

Relish North Indian and Tibetan dishes in a cozy setting, including momos and thukpa, which are local favorites.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Discover Tibet’s history and culture through rare artifacts, manuscripts, and impressive architecture at one of Sikkim’s premier cultural centers.
INR50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel and Prepare for Next Day

Rest and enjoy the hotel amenities, prepping for the next day’s journey to the lakes and Northern Sikkim.
Included in accommodation, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Taste of Tibet

Savor authentic Tibetan cuisine in Gangtok, especially their handmade momos and thenthuk noodles.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 2: Tsongmo Lake Excursion

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up early for the day trip to Tsongmo Lake and Baba Mandir with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included in accommodation, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Tsongmo Lake

Embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Tsongmo Lake (Changu Lake), famous for its crystal-clear waters and lofty mountain surroundings.
INR1000 for taxi, 2h0m

10:00am

Explore Tsongmo Lake

Spend time enjoying the breathtaking views of Tsongmo Lake, a sacred glacier lake that changes color with the seasons.
INR5 permit fee, 1h0m

11:15am

Visit Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir

A revered shrine dedicated to a soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh, known as the ‘Hero Baba’, located nearby amidst serene mountain scenery.
Free, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Enjoy local savory home-style dishes at a dhaba near Tsongmo Lake to get a genuine taste of Sikkimese village food.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Gangtok

Drive back to Gangtok, rest during the scenic drive.
Included in taxi fare, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Flower Exhibition Centre

Explore a variety of exotic orchids and alpine flowers showcased in a beautiful garden setting in Gangtok.
INR30, 1h0m

6:00pm

Free time & Evening Stroll on MG Road

Relax with a leisurely walk on MG Road, enjoy cafes and local street food vendors.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Norbugang

Dine at the hotel restaurant offering authentic Sikkimese cuisine and beautiful views.
INR800, 1h0m
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Day 3: North Sikkim to Lachung

Lachung, Sikkim, India on April 29, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before traveling to North Sikkim’s Lachung valley, known for lush landscapes and traditional villages.
Included in accommodation, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive from Gangtok to Lachung

Journey approximately 6 hours through beautiful mountain terrain and small villages en route to Lachung.
INR1500 for shared/private taxi, 6h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Lachung Local Restaurant

Try traditional North Sikkim dishes like gundruk soup and buckwheat bread in a local village setting.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Lachung Village

Walk around Lachung village to experience local culture, peaceful scenery, and interacting with locals.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Lachung Monastery

A 300-year-old Buddhist monastery that offers peaceful meditation spaces and spectacular mountain views.
INR10, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Yarlam

Enjoy a warm meal with Tibetan and local Sikkimese flavors served at your hotel in the mountains.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 4: Yumthang Valley & Zero Point

Lachung & Nearby, Sikkim, India on April 30, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast early to prepare for a day exploring the spectacular Yumthang Valley and Zero Point.
Included in accommodation, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Yumthang Valley

Short 1-hour scenic drive through alpine forests and mountainous terrain to the famous Valley of Flowers.
INR300 local taxi, 1h0m

8:30am

Explore Yumthang Valley

Relax in the valley known for wildflowers, hot springs, and panoramic mountain views. Best time for nature lovers and photography.
INR150 entry permit, 2h0m

10:30am

Drive to Zero Point (Yumesamdong)

Continue 1-hour drive up to Zero Point, the snow-capped border area with stunning glacial views.
Permit INR200, 1h0m

11:30am

Explore Zero Point

Enjoy snow and breathtaking icy landscapes in this high altitude destination (open between April and November).
Permit included above, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Cafeteria near Yumthang

Traditional hot soups and momos to warm you after the chilly visit to Zero Point.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Lachung

Drive back down to Lachung for a relaxed afternoon and evening.
Included in taxi fare, 2h0m

4:00pm

Free Time in Lachung

Rest or explore more village life and local shops at your leisure.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Comfortable dinner with local dishes, perfect after a full day of exploration.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 5: Gurudongmar Lake Visit

Lachung to Gurudongmar Area, Sikkim, India on May 1, 2025

5:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start very early with a nutritious breakfast for the long day ahead to Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world.
Included, 0h30m

6:00am

Drive to Gurudongmar Lake

A 5-6 hour drive through rugged mountain roads to Gurudongmar Lake, enjoying dramatic Himalayan scenery.
INR2500 for taxi, 6h0m

12:00pm

Explore Gurudongmar Lake

Marvel at the crystal-clear sacred lake at 17,800 feet elevation, noted for its serene beauty and spiritual significance.
Permit INR200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Packed or Local Lunch Nearby

Picnic-style packed lunch or simple local fare nearby to maximize time at this remote spot.
Variable INR200-400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return Drive to Lachung

Drive back to Lachung for evening rest after this long day trip.
Included in taxi fare, 6h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Hearty dinner at your hotel to relax and rejuvenate after a long journey.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 6: Pelling Sightseeing

Pelling, Sikkim, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast before departing from Lachung to Pelling, known for spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga range.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Pelling

About 5 hours drive south to Pelling, through beautiful mountain roads with stops at scenic viewpoints.
INR2000 for taxi, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Norbugang Restaurant

Enjoy a lunch featuring local varieties including thukpa, momos, and fresh mountain vegetables.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

Explore one of the oldest and most famous monasteries in Sikkim featuring historic murals and peaceful surroundings.
INR30, 1h0m

4:00pm

Rabdentse Ruins

Walk through ancient ruins of the former kingdom’s capital, offering stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
INR20, 1h0m

5:30pm

Khecheopalri Lake

Visit this sacred lake known for its serene waters and believed to grant wishes to visitors; great for a tranquil late afternoon walk.
INR10, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Pelling Gateway

Dinner with scenic mountain views and a range of Sikkimese and Indian dishes to end your day.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 7: Back to Gangtok & Departure

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with breakfast at Pelling before heading back to Gangtok.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive from Pelling to Gangtok

Scenic 4-5 hour return drive to Gangtok with several stops for photographs and refreshments.
INR2000, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Taste of Tibet, Gangtok

A final meal of favorite Tibetan dishes such as momos and thenthuks before departure or onward travel.
INR700, 1h0m

3:30pm

Last-Minute Shopping at MG Road

Explore local handicrafts, souvenirs, and sweets at the bustling MG Road marketplace.
Variable, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (optional)

If time permits, visit this museum to revisit Tibetan arts or learn more about Himalayan Buddhist culture.
INR50, 1h0m

6:30pm

Departure or Hotel Check-in

Head to the airport, taxi stand, or hotel depending on your travel plans.
Depends on transport, Varies
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