15-Day Scenic Road Trip from Surat to Sikkim: Exploring Northeast India's Natural and Cultural Gems

Day 1: Travel and Explore

Surat to Udaipur, India on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Surat

Start your road trip early morning from Surat heading towards Udaipur covering approximately 550 km, estimated driving time 10-11 hours including stops.
INR0, 11h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Highway Restaurant

Stop at a clean highway restaurant near Vadodara such as OYO Eatery for a quick breakfast with local Indian cuisine and fresh chai.
INR200, 0h30m

7:00pm

Explore Udaipur City Palace

Visit the majestic City Palace in Udaipur, open until 6:30pm (last entry 5:30pm), so plan accordingly for a quick evening walk or enjoy lakeside cafes nearby.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Upre by 1559 AD

Enjoy traditional Rajasthani dishes and lake views at this popular restaurant near Lake Pichola, open till 11pm.
INR800, 1h0m
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Day 2: Heritage tour

Udaipur to Jaipur, India on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel including local and continental options.
INR300, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Jaipur

Begin a 6-7 hour drive from Udaipur to Jaipur, enjoy scenic countryside views en route.
INR0, 7h0m

4:00pm

Visit Hawa Mahal

Tour the iconic pink sandstone palace open until 5pm, famous for its unique facade and historical significance.
INR200, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chokhi Dhani

Experience authentic Rajasthani cuisine and cultural performances at this ethnic village-themed restaurant open till 11pm.
INR1000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Cultural sightseeing

Jaipur to Amritsar, India on June 28, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Have an early breakfast at your hotel to begin the long drive to Amritsar, approx 9-10 hours on the road.
INR300, 1h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in Amritsar, check into your hotel and rest before dinner.
INR0, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bharawan Da Dhaba

Enjoy authentic Punjabi cuisine with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes at this famous dhaba open till 10pm.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 4: Historical sites

Amritsar, India on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Golden Temple Visit

Explore the sacred Golden Temple, open 24 hours, best seen early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful surroundings.
Free, 2h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Kesar Da Dhaba

Taste traditional Punjabi breakfast like parathas and lassi at this iconic eatery open from 6am-3pm.
INR300, 1h0m

1:00pm

Jallianwala Bagh Memorial

Visit the historic Jallianwala Bagh, a significant site of India's independence movement, open till 7pm.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Wagah Border Ceremony

Attend the vibrant flag lowering ceremony at the India-Pakistan border held daily at 5pm-6pm; arrive early for best viewing.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Crystal Restaurant

Dine on rich Punjabi cuisine in a nice ambiance, open till 11pm.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 5: Hill Station

Amritsar to Shimla, India on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast

Have a wholesome breakfast at your hotel before embarking on your journey to Shimla; expected drive time approximately 7-8 hours.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Check-In & Rest at Shimla

Arrive in Shimla, check into your hotel and relax after the long drive.
INR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Mall Road Leisure Walk

Take a leisurely evening walk on Mall Road, filled with shops and cafes, open all day, ideal for sunset views and light snacks.
INR0, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House

Enjoy a simple yet classic dinner with South Indian and North Indian dishes, open till 10pm.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 6: Shimla sightseeing

Shimla, India on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Sol

Enjoy western breakfast options alongside beautiful views in this cozy cafe, open from 8am to 11pm.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Explore the famous Hanuman temple with panoramic views of Shimla, open from 6am to 6pm.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ashiana & Goofa

Relish delicious Himachali cuisine in a historic restaurant setting, open 11am to 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Viceregal Lodge Visit

Tour the grand former British colonial residence, open from 9am to 4pm, a must-see historical attraction.
INR100, 1.5h

4:00pm

Drive to Gangtok

Start your scenic drive to Gangtok, Sikkim, expected to take around 7-8 hours.
INR0, 8h0m
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Day 7: Arrival and Rest

Gangtok, Sikkim on July 2, 2025

3:00am

Arrival in Gangtok

Arrive in Gangtok early morning, check into your hotel and rest.
INR0, 2h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Taste of Tibet

Enjoy authentic Tibetan cuisine such as momos and thukpa at a popular local cafe open from 9am to 10pm.
INR300, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Enchey Monastery

This 200-year-old monastery is a peaceful spiritual site set in beautiful surroundings, open from 7am to 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Explore MG Marg

Walk along the lively pedestrian street with shops and cafes; great place to get souvenirs and sample street food.
INR0, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Coffee Shop

Enjoy a variety of quick bites, fresh coffee, and light meals at this cozy cafe, open till 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Gangtok Ropeway Ride

Take a scenic cable car ride over the city and valleys, open daily 10am to 6pm, for stunning views.
INR200, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Revolver

A trendy restaurant offering a mix of local and continental dishes with excellent ambiance, open till 11pm.
INR800, 1.5h
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Day 8: Nature and Culture

Gangtok, Sikkim on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for a full-day excursion.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00am

Day Trip: Tsongmo Lake and Baba Mandir

Visit the beautiful high-altitude Tsongmo Lake (approx 40 km from Gangtok) and the nearby Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, enjoy panoramic mountain views. Open all day.
INR500 (transport and entry fees), 7h0m

4:00pm

Return to Gangtok and Rest

Relax at your hotel or take a light walk around MG Marg.
INR0, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at Bazaar Cafe

Enjoy a fusion of Sikkimese and continental dishes at this popular eatery open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 9: Cultural Immersion

Gangtok, Sikkim on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker's Cafe

Start the day with fresh bakery items and coffee in a cozy setting, open 8am to 9pm.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Rumtek Monastery Visit

Explore Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest and most significant in Sikkim, located about 24 km from Gangtok, open till 5pm.
INR20, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Eateries near Rumtek

Try local Sikkimese dishes such as gundruk soup and beef or vegetarian momos after your monastery visit.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Visit this renowned research institute and museum to learn about Tibetan culture and Buddhism, open 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Taste of Sikkim

Dine on authentic regional specialties in a cozy atmosphere, open till 9pm.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 10: Day Excursion

Gangtok, Sikkim on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the day trip.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Tsongmo Lake, Nathula Pass and Changu Lake

Full day tour visiting spectacular high-altitude spots including Nathula Pass (check for permits), Tsongmo and Changu Lakes, open daylight hours.
INR1000 (permit and transport), 8h0m

5:30pm

Return to Gangtok

Rest and freshen up at your hotel.
INR0, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at The Square

Enjoy a fusion menu including Indian and Tibetan dishes, open till 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 11: Local Markets

Gangtok, Sikkim on July 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Relaxed breakfast before exploring local markets.
INR300, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Lal Bazaar

Shop and explore the bustling Lal Bazaar, the local marketplace famous for fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts, best visited in the morning.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Roll House

Enjoy quick and tasty rolls and street style food, open till 9pm.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Flower Exhibition Centre

Explore exotic Himalayan flora at this center which is open from 9am to 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax in your hotel or local cafe

Unwind after a relaxed day.
INR0, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at Taste Buds Cafe

Taste Buds Cafe offers a mix of Indian, Tibetan and continental cuisines, open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 12: Adventure Day

Gangtok, Sikkim on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for a day of adventure.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00am

Day trip to Zuluk

A scenic drive to Zuluk, a village on the historic Silk Route with thrilling hairpin bends, breathtaking vistas, and walks. Drive time approx 4-5 hours one way, plan accordingly.
INR1500 (transport), 10h0m (round trip and exploration)

6:00pm

Return to Gangtok and Dinner

Relax and dine back in Gangtok at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.
INR700, 1h0m
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Day 13: Relax and Explore

Gangtok, Sikkim on July 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Baker's Cafe

Enjoy fresh bakery items and coffee in a relaxed environment.
INR300, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Begnang Fruit Garden

A beautiful orchard perfect for walking and enjoying local fruits, open daylight hours.
Free, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Coffee Shop

Light meals and snacks with great coffee, popular with tourists.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Dharma Chakra Centre

Discover Buddhist teaching and culture in this spiritual center open till 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Revolver

Enjoy a final special meal with varied menus before departure.
INR800, 1.5h
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Day 14: Begin Return

Gangtok to Shimla, India on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before departure back to Shimla.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Shimla

Journey back with travel time approximately 7-8 hours.
INR0, 8h0m

4:30pm

Check-in and Rest at Shimla

Relax and recover at your hotel after the long drive.
INR0, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House

A relaxed meal at a classic cafe, perfect to finish the day.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 15: Return Home

Shimla to Surat, India on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast

Last breakfast in the hills before departure.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive Back to Surat

Embark on your final long drive back to Surat, approximately 1,900 km and can be broken up with stops or overnight stays as preferred.
INR0, Split over multiple days recommended; day 15 approx 14 hours.
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