Budget-Friendly Sikkim and Dehradun Itinerary: Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung & Pelling (May 25 – June 1, 2025)

Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun

Dehradun, India on May 25, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kalsang Ama Cafe

Enjoy Tibetan and local breakfast options such as momos and thukpa to start your trip with authentic flavours. The cafe opens at 8:30am and is budget friendly.
INR150, 1h

10:30am

Visit Robber's Cave

A natural cave formation with a stream flowing inside, great for an adventurous stroll. It stays open till 6pm. Entrance is affordable.
INR20, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Street Food near Rajpur Road

Sample local street food like chaat and pakoras which are delicious and budget-friendly.
INR200, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Sahastradhara

Famous for its sulphur springs and scenic waterfalls, perfect for relaxing and photo-taking. Open until sunset.
INR30, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ellora's Multi Cuisine Restaurant

Affordable Indian and Chinese dishes with a cozy ambiance near Rajpur Road.
INR350, 1.5h

Day 2: Travel to Gangtok

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 26, 2025

6:00am

Depart from Dehradun to Gangtok by shared taxi or economical bus

Start early for a roughly 12-hour scenic journey through mountainous terrain, ensuring restful stops.
INR1500 per person, 12h

7:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel in Gangtok

Settle down at a budget hotel such as the Zostel or similar guesthouse offering clean and comfortable rooms.
INR1000 per room, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Baker's Cafe

Try quick and affordable continental and Sikkimese meals, the cafe closes at 10pm.
INR300, 1h

Day 3: Gangtok Sightseeing

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roll House

Start your day with budget-friendly fillings stuffed in Tibetan rolls, open from 7am.
INR150, 1h

9:00am

Visit Rumtek Monastery

A stunning Buddhist monastery 24 km from Gangtok, open till 5pm, entry fee applies.
INR50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Coffee Shop

Budget-friendly Indian and Tibetan dishes in a cozy setting.
INR300, 1h

1:30pm

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do Drul Chorten Stupa

Explore Tibetan culture, religious artefacts and beautiful stupa located nearby; open till 5pm, low entry fees.
INR20, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll on MG Road

Relax with shopping and tea at local stalls, MG Road is the heart of Gangtok's buzz and street life.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taste of Tibet

Try budget-friendly momos and thupka in this popular local eatery.
INR250, 1h

Day 4: Gangtok to Lachen

Lachen, Sikkim, India on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a simple local breakfast in your hotel before traveling.
Included with hotel, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Lachen by shared jeep/taxi

Approx. 6-hour journey through scenic mountainous roads; arrange transport from Gangtok main stand.
INR600 per person, 6h

2:00pm

Check-in Budget Guesthouse

Settle in at guesthouses like Lachen Hotel, offering affordable lodging with local charm.
INR1200 per room, Overnight

3:00pm

Visit Lachen Monastery

A peaceful monastery rich in Buddhist culture with beautiful views, open till 5pm.
INR20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at local eatery

Taste authentic local flavours like thukpa or dal bhat at a small local restaurant.
INR200, 1h

Day 5: Lachen to Lachung

Lachung, Sikkim, India on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at guesthouse

Simple fresh breakfast to energize your day.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Lachung by shared jeep

2-3 hour journey through beautiful mountain landscapes.
INR400 per person, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel

Stay at affordable guesthouses such as Hotel Yarlam or similar.
INR1000 per room, Overnight

1:00pm

Lunch at local café

Affordable home-style Tibetan food close by.
INR200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Yumthang Valley (optional afternoon trip)

Known as the Valley of Flowers, open till sunset, small entry fee required.
INR100, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel or nearby restaurant

Enjoy simple nutritious meals to recover from the day’s travel.
INR250, 1h

Day 6: Lachung to Gangtok

Gangtok, Sikkim, India on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Basic breakfast included with stay.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel back to Gangtok by shared jeep

5-6 hour journey with scenic views of the Himalayas.
INR600 per person, 6h

2:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel

Return to your previous hotel or other budget accommodation in Gangtok.
INR1000 per room, Overnight

3:00pm

Relax or explore local markets on MG Road

Evening stroll and some shopping for local handicrafts.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at LêLê Cafe

Affordable Vietnamese and Asian cuisines offering light meals.
INR300, 1h

Day 7: Gangtok to Pelling

Pelling, Sikkim, India on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for the day with a filling breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Pelling by shared taxi

Approximately 4-hour journey with beautiful views of the Kanchenjunga range.
INR500 per person, 4h

1:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel in Pelling

Affordable stays providing mountain views and basic comforts.
INR1000 per room, Overnight

1:30pm

Lunch at local eatery

Enjoy local Sikkimese dishes at affordable prices.
INR200, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

One of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, open till 5pm, entry fee applicable with serene surroundings.
INR50, 1.5h

5:00pm

Explore Rabdentse Ruins

Historic ruins with views over the valley, ideal for history buffs.
INR30, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Norling Restaurant

Affordable meals offering a mix of Indian and local cuisine.
INR300, 1h

Day 8: Return to Dehradun

Dehradun, India on June 1, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast and checkout

Have a quick breakfast and get ready for your journey back to Dehradun.
Included, 1h

7:00am

Drive from Pelling to Gangtok by taxi

Approx. 4-5 hour drive back to Gangtok airport or bus station for onward travel.
INR500 per person, 5h

12:00pm

Lunch in Gangtok

Have lunch at a budget-friendly spot like Taste of Tibet before starting your return journey to Dehradun.
INR250, 1h

1:00pm

Depart Gangtok for Dehradun by shared taxi or overnight bus

Long journey of around 12 hours back to Dehradun; ensure booking transport in advance and keep snacks handy.
INR1500 per person, 12h