8-Day Offbeat Sikkim Adventure: Dzongu Valley, Gangtok, Kalimpong, and Nature Trails

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer

Bagdogra to Dzongu Valley, Sikkim, India on May 3, 2025

6:00pm

Arrive at Bagdogra Airport

Land at Bagdogra Airport and then proceed with road transfer to Dzongu Valley, which is about a 4-5 hour scenic drive through Sikkim's charming landscape.
INR0, 5h0m

11:00pm

Check-in at Dzongu Homestay

Settle in at a local homestay in Dzongu which provides authentic cultural experience and warm hospitality.
INR1500, Overnight
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Day 2: Dzongu Valley Exploration

Dzongu Valley, Sikkim, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Homestay

Enjoy traditional Lepcha breakfast with locally sourced ingredients to start your day energized.
INR200, 1h0m

9:00am

Nature Trail and Bird Watching

Explore the pristine Dzongu forests with a guided nature trail, ideal for bird watching. See rare birds like the Blood Pheasant and Himalayan Monal.
INR500, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Eatery

Taste authentic Sikkimese dishes including momo and thukpa at a family-run local restaurant in the valley.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit to Lingee Waterfall

Take a gentle hike to Lingee Waterfall, a serene natural spot perfect for relaxation and photography.
INR100, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Homestay

Savor home-cooked Sikkimese meal with organic vegetables and local herbs, round off your day peacefully.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Dzongu Valley, Sikkim, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast with Homestay Family

Enjoy an early breakfast with fresh local produce and interact with the hosts to understand Lepcha culture.
INR200, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Lepcha Village

Spend the morning visiting a Lepcha village to witness traditional handicrafts, cultural performances and daily life.
INR300, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Village Eatery

Dine on authentic homemade Sikkimese specialties, freshly prepared by villagers.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Riverbank Leisure and Photography

Relax by the nearby riverbank while capturing the stunning mountain landscapes and local life.
INR0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Homestay

Enjoy a quiet dinner with seasonal vegetables and traditional recipes prepared by your hosts.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 4: Gangtok Arrival and Local Culture

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Dzongu Valley to Gangtok

Depart early morning for Gangtok, about 3-4 hours drive through beautiful mountainous terrain.
INR1000, 4h0m

11:30am

Check-in at Gangtok hotel

Check into a comfortable hotel in the heart of Gangtok to enjoy city amenities and local vibe.
INR2500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Square, Hotel Elgin

Enjoy a mixture of Indian, Tibetan, and Continental cuisine at this popular restaurant open from 12pm to 3pm for lunch.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Enchey Monastery

Explore this serene Buddhist monastery dating back to 1909, offering insight into local religious practices.
INR50, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk along MG Road

Stroll through Gangtok’s lively MG Road, shop for handicrafts, and enjoy local snacks like churpi and sel roti.
INR0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Taste of Tibet

Dine on delicious Tibetan dishes like thenthuk and yak momos in this well-loved restaurant.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 5: Gangtok Nature Trails and Culture

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast offering local fruits and continental options.
INR300, 1h0m

9:00am

Day hike to Ganesh Tok and Tashi Viewpoint

Take a moderate nature walk to these viewpoints offering panoramic views over Gangtok and the Kanchenjunga range.
INR0, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Organic farm cafe

Enjoy fresh organic produce and healthy Sikkimese cuisine prepared farm-to-table style.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Explore this important center for the study of Tibetan culture and Buddhist artifacts. Open 10am-5pm.
INR100, 2h0m

5:00pm

Tea tasting at local cafe

Sample unique Sikkim teas including cardamom and ginger blends while enjoying light snacks.
INR150, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Taste of Ginger

Savor a variety of Asian fusion and local delicacies in a stylish setting.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 6: Day Trip to Nearby Monasteries

Gangtok and Nearby, Sikkim, India on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast to prepare for your day trip excursions.
INR300, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Rumtek Monastery

Explore the largest monastery in Sikkim, famous for its beautiful architecture and Buddhist relics. Open from 9am to 4pm.
INR50, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Phodong Monastery

Visit this historic monastery known for its peaceful setting and vibrant murals, around 45 minutes drive from Rumtek.
INR50, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local eatery in Phodong

Enjoy simple authentic dishes served in a village café, focusing on local flavors and ingredients.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Gangtok and visit Flower Exhibition Centre

Stroll through this garden showcasing exotic and local flora with great photographic opportunities. Open until 6pm.
INR30, 1h30m

5:30pm

Relaxation and light snacks at café

Relax with coffee or tea and enjoy light Sikkimese snacks to refresh after a day of sightseeing.
INR150, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Coffee Shop

Enjoy a cozy dinner at this highly-rated café known for great food and ambience.
INR450, 1h0m
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Day 7: Day Trip to Kalimpong or Darjeeling

Kalimpong or Darjeeling, India on May 9, 2025

6:00am

Depart Gangtok for Kalimpong or Darjeeling

Early morning departure by road to Kalimpong (3-4 hrs) or Darjeeling (4-5 hrs) to maximize sightseeing time.
INR1200, 4h0m

10:00am

Visit Deolo Hill or Tiger Hill

Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas at Deolo Hill in Kalimpong or Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, perfect for sunrise or day views.
INR20, 1h0m

11:30am

Explore local markets and monasteries

Experience local culture by visiting monasteries such as Zang Dhok Palri Phodang in Kalimpong or Ghoom Monastery in Darjeeling.
INR50, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at a local restaurant

Taste authentic Himalayan cuisine specialties featuring momos, thukpa, and locally brewed teas.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Botanical Gardens or Tea Gardens

Explore the beautiful Himalayan Botanical Gardens in Kalimpong or tour a tea garden in Darjeeling.
INR50, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Gangtok

Head back to Gangtok in late afternoon to rest from your day trip.
INR1200, 4h0m

8:30pm

Light Dinner or snacks at Gangtok

Have a light dinner or quick meal at a local café to end your day comfortably.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 8: Departure Preparation

Gangtok to Bagdogra, India on June 1, 2025

5:00am

Travel to Bagdogra Airport

Depart early morning from Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport to catch your 11:00 am flight.
INR1000, 4h0m

11:00am

Departure from Bagdogra

Board your flight and depart with beautiful memories of Sikkim’s offbeat travel experiences.
INR0, 0h0m
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