Blessed with magnificent Mt. Khangchendzonga, Sikkim is one of the most soulful destinations in India. The place takes pride in its forested valleys, snow-capped peaks, serene lakes, and soulful monasteries.
So, if you are planning a long trip, you can check out this Sikkim itinerary for 9 nights that is inclusive of sightseeing activities. The package is designed in a manner that you will get to witness all the major attractions in Sikkim such as Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar, Thangu Valley, Yumthang, Pelling and more.
On arrival at NJP/ BAGDOGRA/PAKYONG Airport you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Gangtok. With an approx distance of 27km it is an overall 1.5hrs drive from Pakyong to Gangtok. Gangtok is a beautiful hill town and the CAPITAL OF SIKKIM. Established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1840s, the city became capital of an independent monarchy after British rule ended, but joined India in 1975. The journey towards this beautiful town is filled with the mesmerizing view of alpine trees and lofty hills.
Check into your hotel and freshen up. You are free for the rest of the day to stroll around MG MARG. Jotted with colorful souvenir shops, cafes and places to eat, a visit to this road will get you closer to the indigenous cultures, colorful traditions and the local delicacies of Sikkim. Overnight stay at Gangtok
There are many places to see in Gangtok, good enough to keep you busy for a full day. So, that is what you will do. You will start for a full day Gangtok tour after breakfast. While on the tour, you will visit:
GANESH TOK
Sprawling over steep slopes and hills, Ganesh Tok is a quaint Hindu temple which even has a café that offers light bites and refreshing drinks. It is the highest point of Gangtok (6500 ft approx.), hence provides a magnificently beautiful view of the capital city and its neighbours.
TASHI VIEW POINT
This viewpoint lets your eyes encounter the exotic beauty of snow-capped MT. KANCHENJUNGA and nearby valleys. Because it away from the bustling city life, it is a remarkable place for peace seekers. Moreover, this point offers one of the most amazing sunrises as well.
ROPEWAY & BANJHAKRI FALLS
A place worth visiting, the waterfall is the most famous place among the tourists. With opportunities for adventure activities such as ropeway, boating, etc., Banjhakri Falls is a pleasant site with breathtaking views.
DIRECTORATE OF HANDICRAFT AND HANDLOOM
Established in 1957; the place aims at preserving the art and craft of the people of Gangtok. In this era where modernisation is the trend, this place keeps you connected with your roots. Handcrafted folding tables, hand painted masques, paintings, shawls, etc., are a few of the things that you get here.
ENCHEY MONASTERY
A 200 years old monastery, Enchey Monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim. Here you will be surrounded with sheer positivity and liveliness. The chants of the monks, traditional interiors, and the surreal environment would offer you the needed tranquillity on a day full of hefty travelling.
DO DRUL CHORTEN STUPA
Built by Trulshik Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism; the stupa is located on a hillock near the Institute of Tibetology. Before the establishment of this stupa, it was believed that the evil haunted the place. But since the very time this stupa came into existence, no such negativity has been experienced. It is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels, each having mantras inscribed on them.
FLOWER SHOW
Blessed with a vast variety of flora, Gangtok is a paradise for flower lovers and so is the Ridge Park. The colourful flowers and lush green plants over here are a treat to one’s eyes.
NAMGYAL INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY
With the foundation stone being laid by the Dalai Lama, the institute works towards preserving and promoting the Tibetan culture. It showcases the glorious past of the country and its vibrant culture. The library here has one of the most extensive collections of Tibetan literature. It is a wonderful place and thus deserves your visit.
Lastly, Gangtok is famous for the great north-eastern delicacies. Do try the food at local restaurants. Now you might be exhausted, so it’s time to return to the hotel and get some peaceful sleep.
Today is the most adventuresome day. Hence, go light on breakfast. Have a light meal that fills your tummy. Do not overeat as today you are going to TSOMGO LAKE excursion and BABA MANDIR.
THE TSOMGO LAKE (also known as CHANGGU LAKE)
It is located at a distance of 40 km from the city centre. You’ll have a two hours drive along the beautiful Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary which is home to the blood pheasant and the red panda. The journey to this destination will be full of alpine trees by your side. Situated at an elevation of 12310 feet, it is a 50 feet deep oval-shaped lake. For most of the year, this beauty stays hidden under the snow cover. Many migratory birds and the Brahmini ducks find their shelter at the Tsomgo Lake.
BABA MANDIR
Near to the lake lies the Baba Mandir, a holy site for the locals as well as the tourists. It is also known as BABA HARBHAJAN SINGH TEMPLE and is located between Nathu La Pass and Jelepla pass. The place holds extreme importance for it is a memorial of a 22-year-old soldier, Baba Harbhajan Singh, the “Hero of Nathula”, who according to a legend died while escorting a group of mules carrying supplies to a remote spot. His spirit is believed to be the protector of every soldier being appointed at the inhospitable Himalayan regions.
OPTIONAL TOUR – NATHU LA PASS
The pass connects Indian Territory of Sikkim with an autonomous region in China. Since it atop the mountain place, you are required to climb a few steps. This pass was also an offshoot of the ancient Silk Route.
You can take this tour on the same day for extra charges. Also, it requires a special permit to enter this area.
If not, then after seeking the blessing at Baba Mandir, head back to Mall road for a night spree. Finally, it’s time to be back at your hotel for a relaxing sleep.
Wake up. Today is the day when you leave for Lachen! Have your breakfast and drive to Lachen – On the way stop at CHUNGTHANG which is nearly 96 kilometres from Gangtok – Chungthang is a small town at the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung rivers. CHUNGTHANG VALLEY is believed to be a holy place which has been blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim. There is a rock here which to this day bears the hand and footprints of Saint Padmasambhava.
Next drive for 26 kilometres from Chungthang to Lachen – Reach Lachen late afternoon /early evening – The infrastructure is not good due to the remoteness and the snowfall/Rainfall – The place is worth visiting – Lachen falls into the category of the places that make you fall in love with them at first sight. A town hidden from the outer world, cradling between rocks and sterns, it is a wonderland. Check into a hotel – Evening free to stroll – Overnight stay at Hotel in Lachen
After relishing an early morning breakfast, head towards the GURUDONGMAR LAKE, 68 kms from Lachen. It will take around 3 hours to reach there. Enroute visit THANGU VALLEY, a small valley situated at Thangu village. The valley comprises alpine meadows that are flanked by shimmering water of River Teesta and wooden houses, offering a picturesque sight to witness. You can spend some time over here for some pictures and enjoy the weather as well. From Thangu Valley, drive for another 32kms in 1.5hr to Gurudongmar Lake (5225m / 17143ft) close to Tibet Border, one of the highest and biggest freshwater lakes in Sikkim. This is a holy Lake and is one of the most sacred places of worship for the Buddhist. Later return back to Lachen for an Overnight stay.
GURUDONGMAR LAKE
Take pride as Sikkim has the world’s highest lake, the Gurudongmar Lake in its vicinity. The Lake owes its name to the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava who is also known as Guru Rinpoche. There are claims that the lake has been blessed by the Sikhs spiritual leader, Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century. Considered sacred by Hindus, Sikhs and the Buddhists, it is located at the height of 17800 ft.
THANGU VALLEY
Tranquil and scenic is what Thangu valley is all about. Due to its high altitude located of around 3962 m, it is covered in the blanket of snow almost all the time. It is situated on the high alpine plateau; Thangu can be an ideal place for the real nature lovers. Thangu has a large military base as the place is close to the Chinese border.
After having your breakfast, drive to Lachung, Enroute visit CHOPTA VALLEY, a popular sight for tourists with scenic landscapes and snow-covered mountain peaks and meandering rivers on the other is sure to make your holidays worthwhile. Rare species of animals, plants and birds can also be witnessed here. Arrive at Lachung, check into your hotel and freshen up.
After taking rest visit to YUMTHANG VALLEY (26kms / 1.5 hrs) it sits at an elevation of 3,500 metres above sea-level, so naturally home to many beautiful Himalayan flowers. Yumthang Valley is extremely picturesque, with green slopes covered with trees, yaks grazing in the flower-spangled grassy plains below, and a river flowing right through the valley. The serene and tranquil air of the Valley cannot be described in words. A single visit there can leave the visitor in an enchanted state for weeks. After the visit return back to the hotel for an overnight stay at Lachung
After breakfast leave for Gangtok. On the way if the weather is clear you may get to see Mighty Khangchendzonga from SINGHIK. Also visit PHODONG MONASTERY on the way to Gangtok. Reach Gangtok for an overnight stay
Post breakfast, you will hop in the four-wheeler, which will take you to Pelling. On your way to Pelling, you will pass through some attractions of NAMCHI i.e. TEMI TEA GARDEN, SAMDRUPTSE AND SIDDHESHWAR DHAM (CHARDHAM). In Siddheshwar Dham, you can see miniatures of the Indian Char Dhams located in India i.e. Jagannath Dham in East, Dwarka Dham in West, Badrinath Dham in north and Rameshwaram in South. It also has 108 feet. Statue of Lord Shiva enclosed by the 12 ‘Lingas’, a temple of Shirdi Sai Baba and an effigy of Lord Kirateshwara. On arrival at Pelling, you will check in a hotel, for overnight stay.
Get your cameras ready as today you will be going for a sightseeing tour of Pelling. In the first half of the day, you will be visiting DARAP VILLAGE, RIMBI WATER FALLS, KHECHEOPALRI LAKE AND KHANGCHENDZONGHA WATERFALLS. For lunch, you will enjoy a stop at some good restaurant. In the second half of the day, you will be visiting PEMAYANGTSE
MONASTERY, RABDANTSE RUINS, AND NEW HELIPAD GROUND. After the sightseeing tour, head back to the hotel for overnight stay.
After breakfast drive to PAKYONG AIRPORT or NJP RAILWAY STATION for reaching your onward destination.
