7-Day Budget Itinerary for Exploring Sikkim's Natural and Cultural Gems

Day 1: Arrival and Local Sightseeing

Gangtok, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roll House

Start your day with budget-friendly North Indian and local momos, a popular dish in Sikkim, available at Roll House in Gangtok.
INR100, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore MG Marg

Walk through the bustling MG Marg, Gangtok's main street, lined with shops and eateries offering local handicrafts and snacks.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Enchey Monastery

Experience spirituality and architecture at Enchey Monastery, a serene Buddhist monastery located near Gangtok, open till 5pm.
INR30, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Taste of Tibet

Enjoy traditional Tibetan cuisine such as thukpa and momos at an affordable price in Taste of Tibet restaurant.
INR150, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Explore the rich Tibetan culture and history at this renowned museum, open till 5pm, which offers fascinating exhibits.
INR50, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Parivar Restaurant

End the day with a budget-friendly meal offering Indian and Sikkimese dishes, ideal for travelers on a budget.
INR200, 1h
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Day 2: Lakes and Mountains

Gangtok, India on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a simple complimentary breakfast available at your hotel to save on budget before day excursions.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Tour to Tsomgo Lake

Visit the beautiful glacial lake located 40 km from Gangtok, famous for its scenic beauty; tour typically available until afternoon.
INR300 for shared taxi, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba near Tsomgo

Enjoy simple, local cuisine at a dhaba to experience authentic local flavors at a low cost.
INR100, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Gangtok and Rest

Rest at the hotel or explore local markets for minor shopping within walking distance.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Coffee Shop

Experience budget-friendly Indian and continental meals in a relaxed environment, open until 9pm.
INR200, 1h
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Day 3: Trip to Lachung

Lachung, India on May 6, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick bed-and-breakfast meal to start the early day of travel towards Lachung by shared jeep.
Included, 0h30m

7:00am

Travel to Lachung

Journey northwards by shared jeep to Lachung, enjoying mountain views along the approximately 6-hour ride.
INR400, 6h

1:00pm

Lunch at Small Local Eatery in Lachung

Refuel with traditional Sikkimese food such as buckwheat pancakes or local vegetable dishes in a local eatery.
INR100, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Lachung Village

Take an easy walk around the quiet mountain village to experience local culture and scenic views.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Guesthouse

Enjoy a homely, affordable dinner typically consisting of local dals and rice at your guesthouse or local restaurants.
INR150, 1h
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Day 4: Yumthang Valley Excursion

Lachung, India on May 7, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Have a wholesome breakfast before heading out for the day’s excursion to Yumthang Valley.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Visit Yumthang Valley

Explore the beautiful ‘Valley of Flowers’ featuring alpine meadows and hot springs, open to visitors all day.
INR100 entry, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Stalls

Try local snacks and simple meals from vendors near the valley to keep expenses low.
INR100, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Lachung

Rest or take a stroll in the village post-arrival and explore local shops.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Guesthouse

Have a filling dinner featuring dal bhat or noodles prepared at the guesthouse.
INR150, 1h
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Day 5: Gurudongmar Lake Day Trip

Lachung to Gangtok, India on May 8, 2025

5:00am

Early Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy an early start breakfast before a long day trip to Gurudongmar Lake by shared jeep.
Included, 0h30m

6:00am

Visit Gurudongmar Lake

Travel to one of the highest lakes in the world, famous for its majestic views; open for day visits morning to evening.
INR300 for shared taxi, 8h total including travel

2:00pm

Lunch Packed or Local Snacks

Carry packed lunch or purchase simple local snacks as eateries are limited near the lake.
INR100, 0h30m

6:00pm

Return to Gangtok

Travel back to Gangtok and rest after the long day.
Included in taxi fare, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Have a light and budget-conscious dinner at a local restaurant near your hotel in Gangtok.
INR200, 1h
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Day 6: Pelling Exploration

Pelling, India on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a complimentary or low-cost breakfast before traveling to Pelling by bus or shared jeep.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Pelling

Journey to Pelling, enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas, about 4-5 hours away.
INR300, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Eatery

Eat at a budget-friendly local eatery offering simple meals such as dal bhat or noodles.
INR100, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

Explore one of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries showcasing stunning architecture and Buddhism culture, open till 5pm.
INR50, 1h30m

4:30pm

Khecheopalri Lake Visit

Visit this sacred lake known for its tranquility and natural beauty, especially pleasant during late afternoon.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Restaurant

Enjoy a simple dinner at your hotel or venture into a local restaurant with budget options.
INR150, 1h
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Day 7: Departure

Pelling to Gangtok/Departure, India on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have your last affordable breakfast in Sikkim at the hotel before heading back.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Gangtok/Bagdogra Airport

Travel back to Gangtok or directly to Bagdogra Airport by shared jeep or bus for your onward journey.
INR400, 5h approx
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