A 5-day Sikkim tour covering the three must-visit destinations. Gangtok for the vibrant capital experience (MG Marg, Rumtek Monastery, Nathula Pass). Ravangla for the iconic Buddha Park and mountain serenity. Pelling for the closest Kanchenjunga views and Pemayangtse Monastery. All stays at Google-rated homestays.
The itinerary.
Gangtok
- 09:00Pickup from Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
- 09:30Drive to Gangtok (125 km, 4.5 hrs) along the Teesta river through stunning Himalayan scenery.
- 14:00Check in at Dzomo Homestay (4.9 rating). Freshen up.
- 16:00Walk MG Marg - Gangtok's car-free main street. Cafes, shops, mountain views.
- 18:00Dinner on MG Marg. Try thukpa, momos, or Sikkimese set meal.
Gangtok
- 06:00Early start for Tsomgo Lake (12,310 ft, 40 km). Glacial lake surrounded by mountains. Yak rides available.
- 09:00Continue to Nathula Pass (14,140 ft) - Indo-China border. Indian Army post. Requires Inner Line Permit (arranged).
- 12:00Return to Gangtok. Lunch on your own.
- 14:00Rumtek Monastery - seat of the Karmapa, one of Sikkim's most important Buddhist sites.
- 17:00Tashi Viewpoint for Kanchenjunga sunset. Free evening in Gangtok.
Ravangla
- 07:00Breakfast. Check out.
- 08:00Drive to Ravangla (75 km, 3 hrs) through lush valleys.
- 11:00Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) - 130-foot Buddha statue surrounded by gardens. Free entry.
- 13:00Check in. Lunch on your own.
- 15:00Ralang Monastery - ancient Kagyu sect monastery in a peaceful valley.
- 17:00Mountain views from Ravangla - Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Pandim visible on clear days.
Pelling
- 07:00Breakfast. Check out.
- 08:00Drive to Pelling (70 km, 2.5 hrs).
- 11:00Pemayangtse Monastery - one of Sikkim's oldest and most significant monasteries (1705).
- 13:00Rabdentse Ruins - former capital of Sikkim, now a forested archaeological site.
- 16:00Kanchenjunga viewpoint at Pelling - the closest views of the third-highest peak on Earth.
- 18:00Dinner at local restaurant.
Bagdogra
- 06:00Sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Pelling (if clear).
- 07:00Breakfast. Check out.
- 08:00Drive to Bagdogra Airport (140 km, 4.5 hrs) via Jorethang.
- 12:30Arrive Bagdogra Airport. Trip ends.
The properties.
What you'll get.
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Airport pickup and drop-off (Bagdogra)
- All transfers
- Inner Line Permits arranged
- All parking and toll charges
- 24/7 WhatsApp support
- Flights to/from Bagdogra
- Lunch and dinner
- Entry fees
- Nathula Pass permit fee
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
A few things worth knowing.
BEST TIME: October-May. Oct-Nov for clearest mountain views. March-April for rhododendrons. Avoid monsoon (June-Sept).
GETTING THERE: Fly to Bagdogra (IXB), then 4.5 hrs drive to Gangtok. Or Pakyong Airport (PYG) near Gangtok (limited flights).
PERMITS: Indian nationals need Inner Line Permits for North Sikkim and Nathula Pass. We arrange these.
WHAT TO PACK: Warm layers (Gangtok 5-20C), waterproof jacket, trekking shoes, sunscreen for altitude.
FOOD: Thukpa, momos, gundruk (fermented greens), churpi (yak cheese). Local restaurants on MG Marg are excellent.
SIKKIM TAXI RULES: Point-to-point system - each leg requires a local taxi. Rates are union-fixed, non-negotiable.
Stay options in Sikkim.
Prefer to plan your own trip? Browse verified stays in the cities this tour covers.