What if your mornings began with monks chanting under fluttering prayer flags and your evenings ended in quiet mountain villages wrapped in mist? Nestled between Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, Sikkim is a land of dramatic landscapes, deep-rooted spirituality, and quiet wonder. It’s not flashy—just raw, real, and wildly beautiful. From ancient monasteries and frozen lakes to momo trails, yak cheese, and hidden hot springs, every corner has a story to tell. As you journey through, you’ll discover vibrant culture, breathtaking views, and unforgettable experiences. So, if you’re curious where the road leads, your 7-day Sikkim journey begins just below.
The Ultimate Sikkim Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Gangtok – Himalayan Charm
Things To Do:
- Your Sikkim journey begins with a scenic 4–5 hour drive to Gangtok, the capital. Expect winding mountain roads, tumbling rivers, and misty forests as the air turns cooler and fresher with every kilometre.
- Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. This small but fascinating museum houses rare Buddhist manuscripts, ancient thangkas (Tibetan scroll paintings), and ritual objects. It’s a quiet introduction to the spiritual roots of the region.
- Take a walk through MG Marg, Gangtok’s beating heart. This pedestrian-only street is lined with cafés, bakeries, handicraft shops, and friendly locals.
- If time allows and the sky is clear, head to Tashi View Point here for your first glimpse of the mighty Khangchendzonga at sunset—majestic and tinged with gold.
What To Eat:
- Lunch at Nimtho: It is a cosy spot serving traditional Sikkimese and Nepali cuisine. Try the phagshapa (pork with radish and chillies), sel roti (fermented rice doughnuts), and gundruk soup (fermented leafy greens with a lovely tang). This flavourful and soulful food will warm you from the inside out.
- Dinner at The Dragon Wok: Tucked just off MG Marg, this little place serves hearty bowls of thenthuk (hand-pulled noodle soup), crispy chilli chicken, and comforting veg momos, a perfect mix of Tibetan, Chinese and Himalayan flavours.
Where To Stay:
- Netuk House is a heritage homestay that feels like stepping into a Sikkimese home from the past. This family-run homestay features antique furniture, offering views of the hills, and a peaceful garden to sip tea in.
- The Royal Plaza offers comfort, great service, and rooms with sweeping valley views. It’s ideal if you like your stays a little more plush but still locally flavoured.
- Tag Along Backpackers is a vibrant hostel near MG Marg for solo travellers and young explorers, offering clean dorms, great conversations, and mountain views from the rooftop.
Average Cost:
₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per person (excluding stay).
Day 2: Exploring Gangtok – Monasteries And Ropeways
Things To Do:
- Start your day with a visit to Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important centres of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. Its golden pagoda roof, peaceful prayer halls, and giant statues make it a truly sacred experience. Don’t miss the walk around the monastery among fluttering prayer flags.
- Take the Gangtok Ropeway for panoramic views of the city and the valleys below. As you glide above rooftops and trees, you’ll see the patchwork of hills that make Gangtok so unique.
- Stop at Ganesh Tok, a tiny temple perched on a hill, perfect for short photo breaks and a cup of hot tea. It’s more about the view than the temple, making the whole place feel like a postcard.
- Wrap up the day at Banjhakri Falls, a beautiful park with a powerful waterfall, local legends carved into sculptures, and plenty of space to walk or sit.
What To Eat:
- For lunch, head to Taste of Tibet, right on MG Marg. It’s a no-frills spot loved by locals for its juicy momos, steaming bowls of thukpa, and fried noodles tossed in just the right amount of soy and spice.
- In the evening, try Café Fiction, a charming book café tucked beside Rachna Books. Their roasted potato salad, mountain-style sandwiches, and local tea blends are perfect if you’re in the mood for a lighter, more relaxed meal.
Where To Stay:
- If you want to upgrade, Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino is nestled in a forested area just outside the city. It’s perfect for those looking to pamper themselves with a spa day or simply relax in plush colonial-style rooms.
- Alternatively, continue your stay at Netuk House or Tag Along Backpackers, especially if you’ve grown fond of their homey vibes and central location.
Average Cost:
₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per person (excluding stay).
Also Read: Manipur 7-Day Itinerary: Where To Go, What To See, Budget And More
Day 3: Gangtok To Lachung – Into North Sikkim’s Alpine Beauty
Things To Do:
- Day 3 will be about travelling—but oh, what a journey it will be! The road to Lachung is about 6–7 hours, winding through deep valleys, over bridges, past waterfalls, and into higher altitudes where the air feels crisper.
- En route, stop at Seven Sisters Waterfall and Naga Falls, both thundering down the cliffs in long, foamy ribbons. Short trails near them offer great photo opportunities and leg-stretching breaks.
- Visit the Singhik View Point, known for its majestic views of Mount Khangchendzonga and the Teesta River below, especially breathtaking if the skies are clear.
What To Eat:
- Enjoy your lunch en route at a roadside eatery. Most serve simple, filling meals like warm dal, rice, sautéed greens, and egg curry. It’s humble, but after long drives in mountain air, it hits the spot.
- Have dinner at your homestay or lodge in Lachung and enjoy a traditional Sikkimese thali with fresh local vegetables, rice, dal, and often a light pork curry or paneer dish.
Where To Stay:
- Apple Valley Inn is a charming guesthouse surrounded by apple orchards, with wooden interiors and mountain views from almost every window. You’ll be lulled to sleep by the quiet.
- Yarlam Resort is a more upscale option with spacious rooms, heating, and even a small spa—perfect for warming up after a cold day on the road.
Average Cost:
₹2,500 – ₹4,000 per person (excluding stay).
Day 4: Yumthang Valley And Zero Point – Sikkim’s Snowfields And Wildflowers
Things To Do:
- Start early and drive to Yumthang Valley, often called the Valley of Flowers. In spring, it bursts into colour with rhododendrons and primulas, creating a breathtaking sight. Meanwhile, in winter, it transforms into a snow-covered dreamscape, offering a completely different but equally stunning experience. As you continue, the Lachung River flows gently through flat grasslands and pines, adding to the valley’s tranquil charm.
- Next, head towards Zero Point, where the road ends and the snowy mountains begin. It’s a high-altitude spot—over 15,000 feet—and absolutely unforgettable.
- On your way back, don’t forget to check out Yumthang Hot Springs. The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties, providing a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind before continuing your journey.
What To Eat:
- Have a simple, packed breakfast (usually provided by your homestay) or grab a quick bite at a tea stall on the way. Think hot noodles, boiled eggs, and butter tea to keep you warm.
- After your trip, have lunch back in Lachung, where your host will probably have a hot meal waiting for you, including warm rice, vegetable curry, and steaming hot soup.
- Dinner is best kept light and warm—perhaps a simple thukpa or momos with chilli chutney.
Where To Stay:
- Stay another night in Apple Valley Inn or Yarlam Resort, as backtracking to Gangtok isn’t advisable in one go. Lachung has a starry sky on clear nights, so make the most of this evening stargazing.
Average Cost:
₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per person (excluding stay).
Day 5: Lachung To Gangtok – Scenic Return And Leisure
Things To Do:
- As you drive back to Gangtok, take your time to stop at small villages or teahouses you missed on the way up.
- Once back in Gangtok, keep the evening free for a bit of leisure. Wander down MG Marg one more time, or visit a Bakers’ café, loved by tourists and locals alike.
- You could also stop at Do Drul Chorten, a serene stupa complex with prayer wheels and a quiet garden that’s perfect for contemplation.
What To Eat:
- On the way down, take a quick stop at a highway-side eatery for a bowl of Maggi or a warm egg roll, a comforting snack to recharge.
- Finally, indulge yourself at The Square, a lovely restaurant at MG Marg in Gangtok. Here, you can try their Sikkimese platter or Himalayan hotpot, both perfect for refuelling after a long day of travel.
Where To Stay:
- Return to Netuk House, Mayfair, or whichever place felt like home to you in Gangtok.
Average Cost:
₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per person (excluding stay).
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Day 6: Day Trip To Tsomgo Lake And Baba Mandir
Things To Do:
- Drive up to Tsomgo Lake (also known as Changu Lake), a glacial lake at 12,400 feet. It’s often partially frozen and surrounded by snow. You can take a yak ride around the lake or just sit and admire the reflections of the mountains on its icy surface.
- Later, visit Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a shrine dedicated to a soldier whose spirit is said to guard the border.
- Furthermore, if your permit allows and the weather is favourable, head to Nathula Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass on the Indo-China border.
What To Eat:
- Get your breakfast early and keep it light; most hotels will treat you with toast, boiled eggs, and tea. You’ll need to leave early to get to the lake because it gets crowded in the afternoon.
- Lunch can be enjoyed at a roadside army-run canteen near the lake or in Gangtok. Try the hot veg momo and sweet tea—they’ll warm you up from the inside.
- Once back in Gangtok, have your dinner at Mu Kimchi, a Korean joint with Himalayan twists. If you’re craving something different, try their kimchi fried rice, bulgogi, mandu dumplings, or spicy ramen.
Where To Stay:
Stay your final night at your chosen Gangtok base.
₹2,500 – ₹4,000 per person (excluding stay).Average Cost:
Day 7: Farewell, Sikkim
Things To Do:
- Enjoy a slow breakfast and perhaps a short walk to Ridge Park and Flower Exhibition Centre, where orchids, primroses and seasonal blooms show off Sikkim’s botanical beauty.
- Stop by the Handloom and Handicrafts Emporium if you’d like to take back authentic souvenirs—think handwoven shawls, carpets, and wooden masks.
- Finally, drive back to NJP/Bagdogra for your journey back.
What To Eat:
- Pick up a packed lunch or stop at a dhaba en route for a simple fare including chai and some final mountain moments.
Where To Stay:
- If you’re spending the night in Siliguri before heading onward, check into Sinclairs Siliguri—a clean, comfortable hotel offering good food, reliable service, and peaceful rooms. The hotel’s central location makes it convenient for a restful stopover before continuing your journey.
- For a more budget-friendly stay, Udaan Clover Hotel Banquet & Spa offers modern rooms, a nice little restaurant, and proximity to the airport, all at a friendly price point.
Average Cost:
₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per person (excluding stay).
If you’re curious about what Sikkim has to offer, your 7-day adventure starts here.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva