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From snowy mountains to pure lakes, old monasteries and lively markets, Sikkim offers a mix of experiences that can capture any traveler’s heart. This plan for 6 days is made to lead you on an incredible trip across the center part of Sikkim. You will see its most beautiful scenery and become part of its special culture from close up.
When you begin this journey, first get ready to see the grand Kanchenjunga. It is the third highest mountain peak in whole world and will always stay behind as you travel around. You will go through lovely hill stations, stop by holy Buddhist monasteries and pass across green forests as well as slopes filled with rhododendron bushes. From busy Gangtok city to calm Lake Tsomgo shores, from old Pelling town to stunning Yumthang Valley – this plan assures that you discover various aspects of Sikkim’s attractiveness and allure. In conclusion, it is time to pack your bags, bring along your curiosity and prepare for an amazing journey into the heart of Sikkim.
Distance from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok: 124 km
Travel Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
Your Sikkim adventure starts with your plane touching down at Bagdogra Airport, which is the main entrance to this Himalayan paradise. When you leave the airport, a refreshing mountain breeze and view of far-off hills will be there to welcome you. The trip towards Gangtok, that is Sikkim’s capital city, goes through a picturesque route twisting around the base of Himalayas foothills. Here, you can catch a glimpse of what awaits you in terms of natural beauty scenery along this road trip.
When you arrive in Gangtok, go to the hotel and put down your belongings. Give yourself some time to get ready and adjust to the height here. In the afternoon, begin your journey through this delightful hill station with a trip to Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom. This emporium is managed by the government and offers a variety of traditional Sikkimese crafts like hand-woven carpets, thangka paintings as well as intricate wooden carvings among other things. It is a very good spot for understanding local art and possibly getting genuine keepsakes.
Finish your day by having dinner at Taste of Tibet, a nearby restaurant that is famous for its genuine Sikkimese and Tibetan food. You should taste the momos (also known as dumplings) as well as thukpa (which means noodle soup), because they are the usual food choices here. While you enjoy these flavors, think about your initial experiences in Sikkim and get ready for more exciting journeys tomorrow.
Distance covered within Gangtok: Approximately 20 km
Travel Time: About 1-2 hours in total
Start your second day by going to the Enchey Monastery in the early morning. This is among the most important monasteries in Sikkim. The trip there, which you can make by car, takes about 15 minutes and this monastery is situated on a hill overlooking Gangtok. Look closely at the complex murals showing Buddhist gods and observe monks performing their morning rituals.
From Enchey, the time it takes to drive to Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is approximately 30 minutes. This top institution focuses on exploring Mahayana Buddhist philosophy and religion. The museum in this institute holds an impressive assortment of Tibetan items, like old documents, thangkas (religious scroll paintings) and statues. Spend as much time as you like, understanding the deep and rich culture of Buddhism through these displays.
A little distance away from the institute, we see the Do Drul Chorten, which is the biggest stupa in Sikkim. You can easily spot its golden dome from many places in Gangtok. Take a stroll around this stupa and turn all 108 prayer wheels nearby with their writings of “Om Mani Padme Hum.” The peaceful atmosphere here provides a perfect opportunity for reflection and meditation.
Reggae Cafe on MG Marg could be your place for dinner. It is an interesting restaurant which provides a fusion of Indian, Tibetan and Western food in a casual setting. While you eat, think about the various cultural events you experienced throughout the day – from old Buddhist customs to recent multicultural impacts.
Distance from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake: 40 km
Travel Time: Approximately 2-3 hours one way
Our next story travels from Gangtok, bringing you into the beautiful natural scenery of Sikkim. Begin your day early because it is a long one. You will be going to Tsomgo Lake (also called Changu Lake), which can be found at an elevation level of 12,400 feet. The trip from Gangtok is a memorable one, taking you along steep mountain roads and offering views that will leave you speechless.
When you return, stop by Baba Mandir. This shrine is for Harbhajan Singh who was a soldier in the Indian Army and many people consider him to be a saint. Inside the shrine, there are things that belonged to this late soldier which creates an interesting mix between military history and tales from local folklore.
While you return down to Gangtok, observe the landscapes changing from the high altitude’s barren yet stunning beauty to lower areas with more abundant greenery. The whole journey provides numerous chances for photos so make sure your camera is prepared.
By evening, we come back to Gangtok. You can take pleasure in a delicious dinner at The Tibetan Gallery and Cafe after having enjoyment throughout the day in mountains. This place is famous for its genuine Tibetan food and comfortable setting – ideal for winding down. You can enjoy their thentuk (hand-pulled noodle soup) or shapta (stir-fried beef with vegetables), recalling the great experiences of the day.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, move slowly and try not to get altitude sickness. The stunning view of Tsomgo Lake and the rough beauty of Nathula Pass will be kept in your memories forever.
Distance from Gangtok to Pelling: 115 km
Travel Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
Today is a change in your Sikkim journey as you say goodbye to Gangtok and travel towards Pelling located in West Sikkim. The trip becomes an important part of today’s experience, showing the different types of scenery and country life in Sikkim.
Commence your day by having a delicious breakfast at the hotel in Gangtok. The journey to Pelling is quite long but full of scenic beauty. It meanders through thick forests, terraced cultivation lands and charming hamlets. When you move further away from the busy city, you will observe that the views transform into countryside tranquility.
Arrive at your Pelling hotel and engage in a period of rest, allowing yourself to adjust. During the late afternoon, explore the Pemayangtse Monastery which is one among Sikkim’s oldest and significant monasteries. It was established during early 18th century and displays outstanding architecture along with religious artistic works. Do not overlook the detailed seven-tiered painted wooden structure on the highest floor, symbolizing Padmasambhava’s celestial residence.
When the day is coming to an end, you can go towards your hotel at Sunset View Point. Witness how the setting sun portrays Kanchenjunga range with shades of gold and pink – this sight is truly enchanting and symbolizes Pelling’s beauty in all its glory.
For dinner, you could go to The Melting Pot restaurant in Pelling. It is known for its mixture of Sikkimese, Nepali, and Tibetan food. You can try the Sikkimese thali which has a selection of local dishes or have some sha phalay (meat-filled fried bread), a tasty local snack.
Now, as you prepare to sleep, think back on the path from the city attraction of Gangtok to Pelling’s peaceful loveliness. The differences that came alive today – from busy cities to calm monasteries, from twisty mountain paths to splendid views of Himalayas – they show off Sikkim’s varied allure.
Distance covered around Pelling: Approximately 30-40 km
Travel Time: About 2-3 hours in total
Get up early to see the sunrise on Kanchenjunga range – this will really leave you amazed. The way in which light of early morning slowly reveals snowy tops is a view that one should not miss. Most hotels around Pelling have good places for seeing this, but if you are ready to take a little drive then go towards the Pelling Helipad where there is no obstacle for viewing it.
In the afternoon, go to Sangachoeling Monastery. It is thought of as the second most ancient monastery in Sikkim. You need to walk for about 40 minutes on a steep path through forest before you reach there, but it’s worth it because both journey and destination are special experiences. The calm environment inside and wide views of Himalayas from this high place make it an important visit.
In the ending part of the day, you can enjoy a casual walk in Pelling’s main market area. It is nice chance to interact with people from there, buy souvenirs and understand daily routine in this mountain town. You might see local products such as Temi tea, traditional Sikkimese handicrafts and prayer flags that are full of colors.
Finally, if it’s your last dinner in Pelling, then you should go to the Lotus Bakery. Do not be mistaken by its name; this place is famous for offering good local and North Indian dishes. Enjoy a warming bowl of thukpa (noodle soup) or alu dum (spicy potato curry).
When you go to bed and begin falling asleep, think about the experiences of today – from the calmness in spirit at Khecheopalri Lake to historical sounds from Rabdentse, natural beauty at Kanchenjunga Falls and cultural wealth found within Sangachoeling Monastery. These different types of experiences show us how varied Sikkim really is.
Distance from Pelling to Gangtok: 115 km
Travel Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
On your last day in Sikkim, you need to say goodbye to the peaceful charm of Pelling and return back towards Gangtok. Begin your day early by observing Kanchenjunga for one last time; its summits shining under sunlight during morning – it is an ideal farewell from West Sikkim.
Post-breakfast, start your trip back to Gangtok. The return journey provides one more chance for you to absorb Sikkim’s various sceneries. Be prepared with your camera, as this could be the final time you capture images of valleys hidden in mist, layered fields and faraway snowy tops.
Finally, for a last experience of Sikkimese food, enjoy a late lunch at Nimtho Restaurant. This place is popular because they use organic and locally-sourced ingredients in their dishes. They have many different traditional Sikkimese foods for you to try such as sel roti (sweet rice bread) or gundruk soup which is made from fermented leafy greens.
If you have some time left, it’s good to quickly visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, in case you didn’t before. Just a brief tour around its museum can give you more knowledge about the Buddhism history and culture in Sikkim.
At the end of the day, you must go to Bagdogra Airport for your departure. It takes around 4-5 hours to drive from Gangtok and reach Bagdogra, so make sure you plan your journey accordingly in order to arrive at airport on time for flight.
When you go away from Sikkim, think about the trip. You have been to places like Gangtok’s busy roads and Tsomgo Lake’s peaceful banks. You have seen Pelling’s old monasteries and the strong Kanchenjunga. This little state may be small but it surely offers many different things for visitors: stunning natural scenes, diverse cultural practices – all these make up its special appeal as a Himalayan paradise.
