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For a more complete adventure in Gangtok and the nearby areas, a plan of 6 nights and 7 days is perfect. With this duration, you can see the main attractions in the city, go on trips to natural features close by, and get involved with local Sikkimese-Tibetan culture. From monasteries on hills to views of the mountains that will leave you amazed, peaceful lakes and lively markets – during this week’s journey there will be many unforgettable moments for sure. Let’s dive into a day-by-day breakdown of this exciting Gangtok tour.
The start of your Gangtok journey happens when you reach New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport (IXB). You will have a picturesque 4-hour drive ahead, travelling around 130 kilometers through twisting mountain paths that are decorated with rhododendron forests. When going up towards Gangtok, you’ll notice the fresh air of mountains and see how the scenery changes into a beautiful place.
After you arrive in Gangtok, go to your hotel and spend some time getting used to the high elevation. You can use the rest of this day for relaxing and recovering from your trip. If you feel like doing a light walk, consider going along M.G Road. Marg, the heart of Gangtok. This place without vehicles is good for an evening walk. You can feel the local vibe, look around stores that sell traditional Sikkimese crafts or have a relaxing time with some fragrant tea from Sikkim at one of the many cafes along this street.
Today is the day for discovering the best spots in Gangtok. Start your morning by going to Ganesh Tok, a little Hindu sanctuary situated at around 6,500 feet. The wide views of Gangtok and valleys that surround it from this high spot are stunning, particularly at sunrise.
Then, move towards Tashi View Point. This place is also good for looking at the magnificent Mt. Kanchenjunga when the day is clear. Away from noisy city life, this peaceful area gives you a chance to do meditation or just enjoy quiet mountains feeling around that’s nice and calm.
Proceed on your adventure to the Banjhakri Falls. It is a beautiful waterfall located in a park that has been arranged artistically. The place around the falls is filled with stories from local folklore, seen through buildings and sculptures representing the Banjhakri – jungle shamans. You can also take pleasure in a brief ropeway journey here to witness an aerial scene of the nearby environment.
Post lunch, you can go to the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom. Here, you get a chance to see the artistic culture of Sikkim. Observe craftsmen doing their job and maybe buy some real Sikkimese handicrafts as gifts for yourself or others.
In afternoon, get in touch with the spiritual side of Gangtok by going to Enchey Monastery. This monastery that has been here for 200 years gives us an idea about Sikkim’s Buddhist culture. The calm environment, combined with monk’s chants and complex traditional designs make it a peaceful experience.
Afterwards, go to Do Drul Chorten Stupa. This is a very important stupa in Sikkim. It has 108 prayer wheels around it and its top part is made of gold. Many Buddhists visit this place as a pilgrimage site.
The last stop of your day could be the Flower Show at Ridge Park. Here, you will see a stunning exhibition of orchids and other plants from Sikkim. The bright colors and smells of these flowers are great way to finish off an exciting day full with sights and feelings.
This journey brings you to the incredible Tsomgo Lake, which is around 40 kilometers from Gangtok. The trip by car that lasts for about two hours itself provides a thrill as it goes through Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary with its lovely twists and turns. This sanctuary has a variety of special creatures such as red pandas and blood pheasants.
Tsomgo Lake, also recognized as Changu Lake, is a glacial high-altitude lake located at 12,310 feet. The lake is shaped like an oval and it’s roughly 1 km long. It’s truly a beautiful view with its clear waters mirroring the nearby snowy mountains. The lake can be seen frozen or sparkling in different blues and greens, depending on the time of year you visit. Stroll around the lake, ride on yaks or just sit by its side and soak in this high-altitude delight.
From the lake, go to Baba Mandir that is not far away. This special shrine is for Baba Harbhajan Singh, a soldier in the Indian army who people see as a god here. The story of Baba Harbhajan Singh and how he keeps protecting the border between India and China even after his death makes your visit very mystical. The scenes you can see from Baba Mandir are breathtaking, giving you a wide view of the Himalayan mountains nearby.
If there is time and permits available, you can choose to have one more outing. This can be a visit to Nathu La Pass, which is among the highest motorable roads globally and links India with Tibet. But always remember that this needs special permissions and depends on the weather too.
In the evening, come back to Gangtok. If you’re not very tired, go for a walk on M.G. Marg again but this time to see the lively nighttime scene in Gangtok. The street lights up with the glow of lamps, music fills the air and you can smell local food. It is a lovely way to finish your day here.
Today is the start of your trip to North Sikkim as you make your way towards Lachen. The journey covers a distance of 125 kilometers and usually takes about 6 hours. However, you will discover that the pleasure derived from this trip is not only in reaching the destination but also appreciating its natural beauty throughout.
Initiate early after breakfast, because this day is very long. The path goes through Chungthang where you can pause and eat your midday meal. Chungthang is the place where Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu rivers mix together to form Teesta River, providing a charming scenery for your break at noon.
As your journey goes on, you will see a big change in the scenery. The road twists its way through deep canyons, next to rushing rivers and into thick woods that show a glimpse of wild, unexplored North Sikkim.
Arrive in Lachen, which is a high-altitude small mountain village. It’s positioned at 9,000 feet and offers a starting point for exploring the impressive landscapes of North Sikkim. The term ‘Lachen’ signifies ‘big pass’, reflecting its key position along old trade paths.
After you arrive at your hotel, spend some moments to enjoy the small village. Go to Lachen Monastery, a tiny but important Buddhist monastery that gives an understanding about local culture and religious customs. While walking around, you can see the distinct design of traditional Sikkimese houses with bright prayer flags moving in the mountain wind.
Finish your day in a peaceful evening at the hotel, getting ready for an early beginning tomorrow. The fresh mountain atmosphere and peaceful environment of Lachen set the stage for a good night’s rest.
This day is likely to be one of the best in your trip because you are going to see a lake that is among the highest ones globally. Prepare yourself for an early morning visit to Gurudongmar Lake. The distance from Lachen until you reach the lake is about 55 kilometers and it takes approximately 3 hours, but beginning the journey early will prove worthwhile.
When you climb up to Gurudongmar Lake, you go through Thangu Valley. This is a nice high-place valley famous for its grassy fields and people who look after yaks there. As you gain more height, the scenery starts to look bare and similar to moon’s surface. The plants get fewer in number as the rocky land gets exposed.
Gurudongmar Lake, found at an impressive height of 17,800 feet, is a view that will never leave your memory. The lake remains partly frozen throughout most of the year and holds spiritual significance for Buddhists, Sikhs as well as Hindus. The waters in this lake are clear like crystal and they mirror the snow-covered mountain tops nearby which makes it quite a sight to see. Stay for a while, absorb the unreal charm and deep stillness of this desert at a high altitude.
Start your trip from Gurudongmar Lake and drive back to Lachung, a distance of 70 kilometers. First, you will pass through Thangu before proceeding further towards Lachung – both are visually captivating North Sikkim villages. The journey exhibits ever-changing scenery; initially, you observe desolate high-altitude terrains gradually transforming into abundant green woods as the elevation reduces.
In the evening, you will reach Lachung and go to your hotel. If you have enough time, stop by Lachung Monastery also known as Lachen Gompa. It is a significant place for the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery has vivid murals and statues, offering a peaceful conclusion to an eventful day.
The next part of your North Sikkim journey is a trip to the stunning Yumthang Valley, usually called the ‘Valley of Flowers’. Have breakfast early and then start your drive to Yumthang, which covers 25 kilometers and lasts approximately one hour.
Yumthang Valley is positioned at an elevation of 11,800 feet and it’s a place that nature lovers would truly appreciate. During spring and summer seasons, this valley turns into a colorful burst with rhododendrons, primulas, poppies plus numerous other alpine flowers which are all in full blossom. Even when we don’t have these two times of year happening at once – for instance during autumn or winter season – there still exists unmatched beauty within Yumthang Valley; its snow-covered scenery during winter period is also as captivating as the colorful blossoms seen in warmer months!
Enjoy a calm stroll in the valley, inhaling fresh mountain air and being amazed by snow-covered summits around you. Do not forget to visit the hot spring close to the valley; it is famous for its healing abilities.
If you have enough time and the weather is good, you could continue your journey to Zero Point (Yumesamdong), which is around 15 kilometers after Yumthang. Zero Point, at an elevation of 15,300 feet, provides stunning sights of snow-covered peaks and the meeting point for three rivers.
Evening: Arrival in Gangtok. If you are not too tired, you can spend some time to buy souvenirs from local markets or have a farewell dinner at a restaurant in Gangtok, tasting yummy Sikkimese food.
Concluding the lovely Gangtok tour, it’s now the moment to say goodbye to the mountains. Post breakfast, do hotel check-out and start your travel way back towards New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport (IXB).
The drive is around 130 kilometers and it will take almost 4 hours. This journey starts from mountains to plains, so while you are traveling, appreciate the last sights of the grand Himalayas and think about all the moments gathered in past week.
This 7-day plan is a full experience of Gangtok and nearby places. You can see the top spots in this area, from cultural sights in Gangtok city to the natural beauty of North Sikkim, calm lakes and lively valleys.
A seven-day Gangtok tour gives you an ideal mix of thrill, greenery, culture and calmness. It lets you come back with a heart full of memories and a camera brimming with pictures from this Himalayan heaven. So, pack your bags, bring your curiosity along for the ride – it’s time to embark on an unforgettable journey to Gangtok and more!
