8-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration of Sikkim, India

Day 1: Arrival and Gangtok Sightseeing

Gangtok, India on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Live & Loud

Start your day with a hearty breakfast including local Sikkimese dishes in a comfortable setting in Gangtok.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Rumtek Monastery

Explore one of Sikkim’s most important monasteries, known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual significance.
INR30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Café at MG Marg

Enjoy a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes in the heart of Gangtok at this popular café.
INR500, 1h

1:30pm

Gangtok Ropeway

Take a scenic ropeway ride offering panoramic views of Gangtok town and the surrounding hills, open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
INR180, 30m

2:30pm

Do Drul Chorten and Flower Exhibition Centre

Visit one of the most important stupas in Sikkim, along with a serene garden showcasing Himalayan flora.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Explore MG Marg Market

Stroll through the vibrant market street for shopping and local snacks.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taste of Tibet

Relish authentic Tibetan cuisine such as momos and thukpa in a cozy environment.
INR400, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Mountain Pass and Lake

Gangtok, India on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Quick and energizing local breakfast before the day’s excursion.
Included in Hotel, 30m

8:00am

Visit Nathula Pass

Drive to Nathula Pass (open 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) on the Indo-China border, offering spectacular mountain views and historic significance.
INR520 (permit fee), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba en route

Enjoy simple, hearty Himalayan cuisine at a roadside dhaba during your return journey.
INR250, 1h

2:00pm

Tsongmo Lake Visit

Visit the scenic Tsongmo (Changu) Lake, a glacial lake at 12,400 ft known for its stunning blue waters and serene atmosphere.
INR50, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Gangtok

Relax and enjoy the evening at your hotel or explore local cafes.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring local delicacies and Indian cuisine.
INR600, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Pelling

Pelling, India on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast before check-out, featuring fresh local produce and tea.
Included in Hotel, 45m

9:00am

Travel to Pelling

Take a scenic 4-hour drive from Gangtok to Pelling through beautiful mountain roads with views of the Himalayas.
INR1500 (private taxi approx.), 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Nyima Café

Enjoy organic, locally sourced food in a cozy café with a pleasant ambiance in Pelling.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

Explore a historic and architecturally impressive monastery nestled in pine forests, open till 5:00 PM.
INR50, 1.5h

5:00pm

Rabdentse Ruins

Witness the remains of the ancient capital of Sikkim, offering historical insight and panoramic mountain views.
INR30, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Elgin Mount Pandim

Savor fine dining with Tibetan and Indian cuisines in a heritage hotel setting.
INR800, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Yuksom Exploration

Yuksom, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fresh healthy breakfast to fuel your day for sightseeing.
Included in Hotel, 45m

8:30am

Travel to Yuksom

Morning drive to Yuksom, the historic capital of Sikkim and starting point for treks to Kanchenjunga.
INR1000 (private taxi approx.), 1.5h

10:00am

Visit Dubdi Monastery and Coronation Throne

Explore the oldest monastery in Sikkim and the historic coronation site of first Sikkimese king.
INR20, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Norbu Ghang Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Sikkimese cuisine including gundruk and thukpa in a family-run eatery.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Khecheopalri Lake Visit

Visit this holy lake known for its tranquility and believed to fulfill wishes, about 30-minute drive from Yuksom.
INR40, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Pelling

Evening drive back to Pelling to relax and prepare for next day’s journey.
INR1000, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Karma

Experience delicious continental and local dishes in a vibrant café popular among tourists.
INR450, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Journey to Lachen

Lachen, India on May 3, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast with packed lunch option, important due to travel duration.
Included in Hotel, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Lachen

An approximately 6-hour scenic drive through North Sikkim; start early to enjoy mountain vistas and river valleys en route.
INR2000 (taxi), 6h

2:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Guest House

Settle in for the night at a local guesthouse or homestay in Lachen.
INR1500 (approx.), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Guesthouse

Enjoy traditional North Sikkim dishes, including yak meat specialties, at your accommodation.
INR400, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Gurudongmar Lake Excursion

Lachen, India on May 4, 2025

5:00am

Early Departure for Gurudongmar Lake

Leave early to visit one of the highest lakes in the world; the lake is breathtaking and sacred, located at 17,800 feet elevation.
Permit fees included with local travel, 8h

1:00pm

Packed Lunch at Lake

Enjoy packed lunch brought along amid spectacular alpine scenery.
Included with day tour, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Lachen and Rest

Relax after the day’s long and high-altitude excursion.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Guesthouse

Dinner featuring local cuisine with warm hospitality.
INR400, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Lachung and Yumthang Valley

Lachung, India on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lachen

Enjoy breakfast before traveling to Lachung, about 3 hours away.
Included in Guesthouse, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Lachung

Drive to Lachung, enjoying scenic mountain views en route.
INR1200, 3h

11:30am

Visit Yumthang Valley

Explore the famous Valley of Flowers, known for spring blossoms and rhododendrons, open year-round but most vibrant in spring.
INR100, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at local eatery in Lachung

Relish simple homemade-style meals with fresh ingredients sourced locally.
INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Zero Point or Hot Springs

Walk to nearby Zero Point for stunning glacier views or relax at natural hot springs in the area.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Lachung

Dinner featuring North Indian and local Sikkimese dishes.
INR500, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Gangtok

Gangtok, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast before departure to Gangtok.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel from Lachung to Gangtok

Drive back to Gangtok, roughly 6-7 hours with stops for refreshments and scenic break points.
INR2500, 6.5h

3:00pm

Check-in at hotel and rest

Unwind at the hotel after the long drive.
N/A, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Baker Street

Enjoy continental and Indian dishes in a lively atmosphere, ideal for your last evening in Gangtok.
INR600, 1h
View Hotel Availability