Wanting to explore Sikkim for a long time? So here’s our classic Sikkim Itinerary for 9 days to help you discover the magical Sikkim in a whole new way.
Sikkim Itinerary For 9 Days
Nestled in the North Eastern part of India, Sikkim has so much to offer to its visitors. Charming landscapes, monasteries, Flower-cad Mountains, waterfalls, lakes, hot springs, culture centres, you name it, and Sikkim has it.
We hope this Sikkim Itinerary will help you plan a perfect trip! Let us begin! 🙂
Itinerary At A Glance
Day 1: Fly to Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Gangtok
Day 2&3: Explore Gangtok
Day 4-6: Explore North Sikkim (Lachung, Lachen)
Day 7&8: Explore Pelling
Day 9: Transfer to Bagdogra.
Pro Tip
North Sikkim areas are little challenging in terms of infrastructure and roads. Therefore, in case this makes you anxious, skip North Sikkim and visit only Gangtok and Pelling.
Day-wise Breakdown of Sikkim Itinerary
This blog covers the West and North of Sikkim.
Day 1- Fly into Bagdogra
Arrive at Bagdogra Airport and opt for the most comfortable and speediest option – Taxi, to Gangtok.
We would suggest you to book the Taxi in advance to get some best deals and avoid haggling with taxi drivers at the Airport.
Distance and Time
Distance to Gangtok is about 140 Kms and driving time is about 4.5 to 5 Hours.
Taxi Fare from the Airport to Gangtok:
Depending on small or big taxi, fare should cost you around INR 3000 to INR 4000. If you are on a budget trip, share a taxi and your cost will go down significantly.
For more details on how to reach Sikkim, visit the website of Government of Sikkim
Day 2 & 3 – Explore Gangtok
Gangtok is the largest town in Sikkim and rich in culture and sightseeing, outstanding hotels, friendly locals and good eateries.
Places Recommended In Gangtok
1. Ramtek Monastery. (Appreciate its beautiful interiors and acquaint yourself with nearby Monasteries.)
2. Hanuman Tok
3. Immerse yourself in the culture of Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
4. Enjoy Gangtok Ropeway to witness wonderful views of the town
5. Visit Tashi View point for sunset
6 Enchey Monastery
7. In the evenings, go wandering on MG road. Pick up souvenirs and enjoy local food such as momos (dumplings)and thupka (noodle soup).
Pro Tip
If you are not visiting North Sikkim, then rent a car and take a day trip to Tsomgo/Changu Lake. It is about 2 hour drive from Gangtok. A trip should cost you around INR 3000- INR 3200.
Do not forget to eat the Maggi that is served in some of the small dhabas near this lake. 🙂
If you are visiting North Sikkim and are short on time, you can give this Lake a miss, as you will see lots of lakes and waterfalls in North Sikkim.
If you are an adventure lover, there’s so much for you to do in Gangtok! These are some top activities to do in Gangtok.
Day 3 – Excursion to Changu/Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass from Gangtok
Nathula can be an optional tour. Leave the hotel early morning and drive for 2 hours (40 km).
Cuddled amidst the snow-clad mountain, and pristine water, Tsomgo lake is a glacial lake located at an altitude of 12,310 feet.
Nathula Pass is a mountain pass, and the Indo-Chinese border is nestled at an elevation of 14,140 feet.
This trip is usually combined with Lake Tsomgo. Marked by the fenced gates of both countries, and military bunkers on both sides, you can see the border is guarded by respective countries.
Nathu-la Sikkim
Pro Tip
Due to high altitude, the oxygen level in the air is quite low, and few can face breathing issues.
Nathula is a protected area. A special permit is required from the Tourism office of Gangtok to visit this place.
The permit is made through a travel agent (authorized by Sikkim Government). Private taxis or self-driven cars are not allowed. For more details, please click here.
Day 4 – Explore North Sikkim
Start your day early. You will drive to Lachen, which is about 135 km, about 5 to 6 hours.
Next couple of days, you will be spending most of your time in your rental car, so gear yourself up for bad roads and stock some snacks, good music and lots of positivity! 🙂
Lachen
Lachen is a small fantasy town located at an elevation of 2,750 meters and commands panoramic Himalayan Mountain views. On your way to Lachen, stop for some wonderful photographs or just sip a cup of tea. You can also take a lunch break at Chungtang, which is about 100 kms from Gangtok and 35 Kms from Lachen.
Day 5 – Excursion to Gurudongmar Lake and Transfer to Lachung
Leave your hotel early morning and drive for about 4 hours to visit this lake.
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest and most remote lakes in the world and a definite place to visit in Sikkim. The road isn’t that good, and drive time may vary. However, once you reach this scenic place, we bet you will not be able to get your eyes off it.
Bright blue sky and fresh mountain air will summon you to surrender yourself.
After admiring the beauty, head towards Lachung, which is about 5 hour’s drive, 113 km. Overnight in Lachung.
Day 6 – Yumthang Valley, Zero Point and transfer to Gangtok
Today is your last day in North Sikkim, and we promise you that visiting Yumthang Valley will be a treat for your eyes.
During winter, the valley is covered with snow-peaked mountains and in spring, with purple colour flowers.
Most importantly, if the idea of snow mesmerises you, then continue to Zero Point, which is about 40 minute drive.
During summer, you may find snow at Zero point, but you may not experience snowfall. On your way back to Gangtok, stop for tons of waterfalls. Stay overnight in Gangtok.
Yumthang Valley
Day 7 & 8 – Explore Pelling
Here we go again!
Keep an early alarm and proceed for a bumpy road drive to Pelling. That being said, the drive is definitely worth it! Pelling is a small hill town located at an altitude of 2,150 and perhaps the biggest tourist destination after Gangtok.
Spend next 2 days in rejuvenating yourself, chasing waterfalls and appreciating mountains.
Here are some of the places that we recommend:
1. Permayangtse Monastery –This monastery is 8 kms from Pelling
2. Rabdentse Ruins – Close to Permayangtse Monastry is this archaeological site which has ruins of an ancient palace.
3. Pelling Helipad – It is about 1 km from Police check post and 7 kms from central Pelling. This place offers brilliant panoramic views of Kanchenjunga mountain range.
4. Kanchenjunga Falls and Rimbi Falls.
Day 9 – Transfer to Bagdogra Airport
Here we are with the last part of our road travel! The approximated distance to the airport is about 142 Kms and duration will be around 5 to 6 hours.
Relish your memories of lakes, waterfalls, mountains, monasteries and local food as you take your flight back home.
That’s a wrap! Hope this Sikkim itinerary is useful and helps you make unforgettable memories.
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Suggested Read: “Visit these countries under INR 60,000”
Thank you for sharing
Our pleasure Ankita! Glad you found it useful.