7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Sikkim with Total Cost Estimate

Day 1: Arrive in Gangtok

Gangtok, India on March 24, 2025

9:00AM

Arrive in Gangtok

Check into Bamboo Retreat hostel, an affordable and friendly place for solo travelers.
INR999, 30m

11:00AM

Breakfast at Baker's Cafe

Enjoy pancakes and coffee for a fulfilling start to the day.
INR300, 1h

12:30PM

Stroll MG Marg

Explore shops, sip local tea and discover street snacks on Gangtok’s main promenade.
INR200, 2h

3:00PM

Enchey Monastery visit

Marvel at traditional Buddhist architecture and peaceful grounds.
INR10, 2h

5:30PM

Dinner at Taste of Tibet

Tasty momos and thukpa at this cozy budget spot.
INR400, 1.5h
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Day 2: Travel to Pelling & Sightseeing

Pelling, India on March 25, 2025

8:00AM

Taxi to Pelling

Scenic 4-hour shared taxi journey to the mountain town.
INR350, 4h

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Yangthang Heritage

Enjoy local cuisine in a budget-friendly restaurant.
INR300, 1h

1:30PM

Pelling Skywalk

Walk on the Skywalk with amazing views of Kanchenjunga.
INR50, 2h

4:00PM

Khecheopalri Lake

Quiet magical lake sacred to Buddhists and Hindus.
INR100, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Traditional Sikkimese meal of Dhindo and Gundruk.
INR350, 1.5h
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Day 3: Pelling Local Exploration

Pelling, India on March 26, 2025

8:00AM

Hotel Breakfast

Simple breakfast at your hotel to energize your day.
INR200, 1h

9:30AM

Pemayangtse Monastery

A beautiful and historically important Buddhist monastery.
INR20, 1.5h

11:30AM

Rabdentse Ruins

Explore ancient ruins of Sikkim’s former capital.
INR50, 1.5h

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Taste affordable curry and rice at the friendly dhaba.
INR200, 1h

2:30PM

Relax in Local Cafe

Enjoy snacks and tea with mountain views.
INR150, 2h

5:00PM

Dinner at Himalayan Restaurant

Try authentic Himalayan flavors in a casual setting.
INR400, 1.5h
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Day 4: Journey to Yuksom & Monastery Trek

Yuksom, India on March 27, 2025

8:00AM

Taxi to Yuksom

Morning shared taxi ride to Sikkim’s historic town.
INR300, 3h

11:30AM

Book Budget Homestay

Stay in a welcoming homestay for local culture exposure.
INR700, 30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Affordable traditional Sikkimese meal with mountain views.
INR250, 1h

1:30PM

Dubdi Monastery Trek

3-hour moderate trek to one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim.
INR50, 3h

5:00PM

Dinner at Homestay

Homemade traditional meal with your hosts.
INR300, 1.5h
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Day 5: Gurudongmar Lake & Lachung

Lachung, India on March 28, 2025

5:00AM

Early Taxi to Gurudongmar Lake

Depart early for breathtaking high-altitude lake at sunrise.
INR800, 3h

8:30AM

Explore Gurudongmar Lake

Enjoy stunning scenery and photo opportunities.
FREE, 1.5h

10:00AM

Transfer to Lachung

Travel by shared taxi to the charming mountain village of Lachung.
INR200, 2h

12:00PM

Budget Hotel Check-in

Rest in a simple accommodation in Lachung town center.
INR600, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Taste local favorites with rice and seasonal vegetables.
INR250, 1h

2:30PM

Yumthang Valley Visit

Short taxi ride to a beautiful valley famous for flowers and hot springs.
INR300, 2h

5:00PM

Dinner in Lachung

Warm up with a hearty meal at a nearby eatery.
INR300, 1.5h
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Day 6: Return to Gangtok

Gangtok, India on March 29, 2025

9:00AM

Taxi back to Gangtok

Relax on the 4-hour scenic return to the capital.
INR800, 4h

1:00PM

Lunch at KFC

Enjoy some quick and familiar fast food after your trip.
INR400, 1h

3:00PM

Shopping in Local Markets

Buy souvenirs and handicrafts in Gangtok’s bustling markets.
INR500, 2h

5:00PM

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Explore fascinating Tibetan cultural exhibits and monastery artefacts.
INR10, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Nimki's

Casual dining with delicious local dishes on MG Marg.
INR400, 1.5h
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Day 7: Last Day & Departure

Gangtok, India on March 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before packing up.
INR200, 1h

9:30AM

Flower Exhibition Centre

Visit this colorful attraction with rare flowers and plants.
INR10, 1h

11:00AM

Lunch at The Coffee Shop

Light sandwiches and coffee to finish your trip.
INR300, 1h

12:30PM

Check-out & Departure

Head to the bus stand by local taxi to continue your journey.
INR50, 30m
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