Sikkim · 5 Nights / 6 Days

Sikkim Gangtok and Pelling: 5 Nights / 6 Days

East and West Sikkim in one trip: Gangtok's monasteries and lakes, then Pelling's Kanchenjunga views and old monasteries.

Overview

Sikkim's two best-known bases. Gangtok is the capital and a good launch point for Tsomgo Lake; Pelling in the west is calmer, with hilltop monasteries and, weather permitting, views of Kanchenjunga.

The road between them takes around 5 to 6 hours, so one day is largely travel. For more time, see the six-night itinerary.

Duration
5 Nights / 6 Days
Route
Bagdogra / NJP > Gangtok > Pelling > Bagdogra / NJP
Suits
Travellers who want to see two sides of Sikkim without going to the far north.
Stay style
A comfortable hotel in Gangtok and a quiet hill stay in Pelling with a valley view.

Day-by-day itinerary

Sample itinerary. These are sample itineraries, designed as relaxed tour options. For a customised, detailed and personalised itinerary built around your dates, interests and pace, please contact us. Plan your journey or call +91 97755 97771.

Day 1Arrive and drive to Gangtok

Drive around 4.5 to 5.5 hours from Bagdogra or NJP. Evening on MG Marg.

Day 2Gangtok sights

Enchey Monastery, the Do-Drul Chorten, a viewpoint and the flower exhibition area, subject to season.

Day 3Tsomgo Lake or Rumtek

A day trip to Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, permit and weather permitting, or to Rumtek Monastery. Return by evening.

Day 4Gangtok to Pelling

Drive around 5 to 6 hours via Ravangla, stopping at the Buddha Park and Ralang if time allows.

Day 5Pelling monasteries and views

Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse ruins and the Sanga Choeling viewpoint. Kanchenjunga views depend on the weather.

Day 6Return

Drive around 5 to 6 hours to Bagdogra or NJP. Book onward travel for the next morning to keep a margin.

Main experiences

  • Enchey and Rumtek monasteries
  • Ravangla Buddha Park
  • Pemayangtse Monastery
  • Rabdentse ruins
  • Kanchenjunga views, weather permitting

Practical considerations

Permits

Indian citizens need no permit to enter Sikkim; Tsomgo needs a Protected Area Permit. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (check current rules).

Road

Long mountain drives; landslides can delay.

Altitude

Moderate; the lake is higher.

Seasons

Spring and autumn are usually clearest.

This is a sample itinerary, not a fixed departure. Sequence, stays and activities are confirmed when we plan your journey, subject to availability, season, permits and local conditions.

Other Sikkim journeys

Helpful reading

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