Sikkim Serene
Sikkim, nestled in the northeastern part of India, is a state renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant Buddhist culture. Gangtok serves as its capital city. Sikkim is characterized by its snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and pristine lakes, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The state is home to the majestic Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, as well as numerous trekking trails, including the popular Yuksom-Dzongri-Goechala trek. Sikkim's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its monasteries, stupas, and prayer flags scattered across the landscape, with prominent Buddhist sites like Rumtek Monastery and Pemayangtse Monastery attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. The state celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including Losar (Tibetan New Year), Saga Dawa, and Bumchu, which showcase traditional dances, music, and rituals. Sikkim's cuisine is influenced by its diverse ethnic communities, featuring dishes like momos, thukpa, and gundruk, as well as traditional beverages like tongba and chang. Additionally, Sikkim is known for its thriving organic farming practices and initiatives to promote sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. Despite its rugged terrain and remote location, Sikkim has seen significant development in recent years, with improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Overall, Sikkim offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual tranquility, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the Himalayas.
Travel Plan
7 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Gangtok
- Arrival: Pickup from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
- Transfer to Gangtok: Drive to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim.
- Check-in: Check into your hotel and relax.
- Local Exploration: Visit MG Marg, a popular pedestrian street for shopping and dining.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, tasting traditional Sikkimese cuisine.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Day 2: Gangtok Sightseeing
- Tsomgo Lake: Visit the stunning Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
- Baba Mandir: Pay homage at Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to an Indian soldier.
- Nathula Pass (Optional): If permitted, explore Nathula Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass on the Indo-China border.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local eatery.
- Enchey Monastery: Visit Enchey Monastery, a 200-year-old Buddhist monastery known for its architecture and religious significance.
- Dinner: Taste local delicacies for dinner.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Day 3: Gangtok to Lachung
- Travel to Lachung: Journey to the picturesque village of Lachung, known for its scenic beauty.
- Seven Sisters Waterfalls: En route, stop by Seven Sisters Waterfalls, a mesmerizing cascade formed by seven streams.
- Lunch: Have lunch at a restaurant on the way.
- Yumthang Valley: Explore Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers, famous for its vibrant blooms during spring.
- Hot Springs (Optional): Optionally, visit the natural hot springs in Yumthang Valley for a rejuvenating experience.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your hotel in Lachung.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Lachung.
Day 4: Lachung to Gangtok
- Return to Gangtok: Drive back to Gangtok from Lachung.
- Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant on the way.
- Temi Tea Garden: En route, visit Temi Tea Garden, the only tea estate in Sikkim, for a guided tour.
- Ropeway Ride (Optional): Optionally, experience a thrilling ropeway ride offering panoramic views of Gangtok.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Gangtok.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Day 5: Gangtok to Pelling
- Travel to Pelling: Drive to Pelling, a serene hill station offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
- Khecheopalri Lake: Visit Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred lake surrounded by lush forests, known for its tranquil ambiance.
- Lunch: Have lunch at a local eatery.
- Pemayangtse Monastery: Explore Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim.
- Rabdentse Ruins: Visit Rabdentse Ruins, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim, and explore its historical remnants.
- Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your hotel in Pelling.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Pelling.
Day 6: Pelling Sightseeing
- Darap Village: Visit Darap Village to experience the rural lifestyle of the local people and witness their culture.
- Rimbi Waterfalls: Explore Rimbi Waterfalls, known for its scenic beauty and nearby orange orchards.
- Kanchenjunga Waterfalls: Visit Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, one of the highest waterfalls in Sikkim, cascading from the slopes of Mount Kanchenjunga.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Sangacholing Monastery: Trek to Sangacholing Monastery, perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Dinner: Taste traditional Sikkimese cuisine for dinner.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Pelling.
Day 7: Departure from Sikkim
- Relaxation: Spend the morning relaxing and soaking in the serene ambiance of Pelling.
- Check-out: Check out from your hotel.
- Transfer: Drop-off at Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station for your departure.
14 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Sikkim
- Pick up from Sikkim airport or railway station
- Transfer to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim
- Check into a hotel
- Rest and leisure time
- Dinner at a local restaurant
Day 2: Gangtok Sightseeing
- Visit Enchey Monastery
- Explore Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
- Walk around MG Marg for shopping and local cuisine
- Dinner at a traditional Sikkimese restaurant
Day 3: Excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
- Visit Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by mountains
- Explore Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a shrine dedicated to an Indian army soldier
- Return to Gangtok
- Dinner at the hotel
Day 4: Gangtok to Lachung
- Drive to Lachung, a picturesque mountain village
- En route visit Singhik Viewpoint for breathtaking views of the Himalayas
- Check into a hotel in Lachung
- Dinner at the hotel
Day 5: Yumthang Valley Excursion
- Explore Yumthang Valley, known as the Valley of Flowers
- Visit the hot springs in Yumthang
- Return to Lachung
- Dinner at a local restaurant
Day 6: Lachung to Gangtok
- Drive back to Gangtok
- On the way, visit Seven Sisters Waterfall and the scenic villages of Chungthang and Mangan
- Check into a hotel in Gangtok
- Dinner at a local eatery
Day 7: Gangtok to Pelling
- Drive to Pelling, a charming hill station
- Visit Pemayangtse Monastery
- Explore Rabdentse Ruins, the second capital of Sikkim
- Check into a hotel in Pelling
- Dinner at the hotel
Day 8: Pelling Sightseeing
- Visit Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred lake surrounded by forests
- Explore Kanchenjunga Falls
- Visit Sanga Choeling Monastery
- Dinner at a local restaurant
Day 9: Pelling to Ravangla
- Drive to Ravangla, a serene town with panoramic views
- Visit Buddha Park and Ralong Monastery
- Check into a hotel in Ravangla
- Dinner at the hotel
Day 10: Ravangla to Namchi
- Drive to Namchi, the capital of South Sikkim
- Visit Samdruptse Monastery and the giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava
- Explore Char Dham, a complex featuring replicas of four major pilgrimage sites
- Check into a hotel in Namchi
- Dinner at a local eatery
Day 11: Namchi to Gangtok
- Drive back to Gangtok
- Visit Tashi Viewpoint for stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga
- Explore Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok
- Check into a hotel in Gangtok
- Dinner at the hotel
Day 12: Gangtok Leisure Day
- Explore any missed attractions in Gangtok
- Optional activities like paragliding or river rafting
- Shopping for souvenirs
- Dinner at a local restaurant
Day 13: Gangtok to Nathu La Pass Excursion
- Excursion to Nathu La Pass, an Indo-China border crossing
- Explore Tsongmo Lake en route
- Return to Gangtok
- Farewell dinner at a traditional Sikkimese restaurant
Day 14: Departure from Sikkim
- Check out from the hotel
- Transfer to Sikkim airport or railway station for departure
21 Days
Day 1-2: Arrival in Gangtok
- Pick up from Sikkim airport or railway station
- Transfer to Gangtok
- Check into a hotel and relax
- Visit Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, and MG Marg
- Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants in Gangtok
Day 3-4: Explore Gangtok
- Visit Rumtek Monastery, Banjhakri Falls, and Tashi Viewpoint
- Explore the Flower Exhibition Centre and Do Drul Chorten
- Participate in adventure activities like paragliding or river rafting
- Taste traditional Sikkimese dishes at local eateries
Day 5-7: Lachung and Yumthang Valley
- Drive to Lachung
- Explore the scenic beauty of Lachung and its surroundings
- Visit Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and Bhim Nala Waterfall
- Experience the hot springs of Yumthang
- Stay in a comfortable hotel or homestay in Lachung
Day 8-10: Pelling and Ravangla
- Drive to Pelling
- Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, and Khecheopalri Lake
- Explore Sangachoeling Monastery and the statue of Chenrezig at Pelling
- Drive to Ravangla
- Visit Buddha Park, Ralong Monastery, and Tathagata Tsal (Buddha Point)
- Enjoy local delicacies at restaurants in Pelling and Ravangla
Day 11-13: Namchi and Samdruptse
- Drive to Namchi
- Visit the Samdruptse Monastery and the giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava
- Explore the Siddhesvara Dham (Char Dham) complex
- Visit the Rock Garden and the Namchi Helipad Viewpoint
- Relax and enjoy local cuisine in Namchi
Day 14-16: Gangtok and Tsomgo Lake
- Return to Gangtok
- Visit the Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
- Explore Nathula Pass if permitted
- Enjoy shopping and leisure time at MG Marg
- Taste local Tibetan and Nepali dishes in Gangtok
Day 17-19: North Sikkim Excursion
- Drive to Lachen
- Visit Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world
- Explore Thangu Valley and Chopta Valley
- Drive to Lachung
- Explore Lachung and visit the waterfalls and hot springs
- Enjoy local cuisine and cultural experiences in Lachen and Lachung
Day 20: Return to Gangtok
- Drive back to Gangtok
- Visit any missed attractions or indulge in shopping
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at a fine dining restaurant
Day 21: Departure from Sikkim
- Check out from the hotel
- Transfer to Sikkim airport or railway station for departure