A Pocket Guide to Traveling Sikkim at Minimal Spending: 10 Days Itinerary
Air as clear as it could be, mopped of all the smoke and pollution. Down the slopes, stepped farming framed the view. Organic farming runs to its full here, under no circumstances it is to be compromised. Hospitality, people offering out homestays in the most homely ways possible. Although the roads are not in good shape, you would often find help on your way. Cars readily giving you passage without honking, habitually stopping by if one’s transport is down. Evenings spent in a reverie, sitting on the benches of a lit and busy promenade of the Capital City. And a stark awe-inspiring landscape always accompanies you like your shadow, everywhere you go. Welcome to India’s very own Shangri-La, Sikkim. The flagstone courtyard of the Himalayas.
While Sikkim will never fail to amaze you with its minimalistic way of living, it is more the elements of Nature that will resonate with your every footstep through the State. Be it the cascades of Pelling openly hidden amidst the greens or the rugged terrain of the cold desert in the North or the peace redefining itself at the high altitude Gurudongmar Lake, or the snow-covered roads to Nathu-La, Nature will mesmerize you in different attires. And if these are not enough, Buddhist chants will always do its magic on you. The colourful prayer flags, circumambulation of the perimeters of the monasteries while revolving the prayer wheels, the stupas and the inscriptions “Om Mani Padme Hum” literally engraved on the rocks and walls showing you path in case you are lost. To top it all, a constant peak will guarantee that you don’t lose your interest. Mt Kanchendzonga. The third highest peak of the World, and India’s highest will embezzle your heart away, every so often. To make sure it does anyway, visit Pelling. Rinchenpong, even better.
So, here’s your itinerary to Sikkim on a budget. It covers most places. The silk route and an offbeat Rinchenpong-Kaluk was a matter of more money and time I did not have then. Soon I will be doing them so that I could add it here later on. Till then, your 10-days itinerary to Sikkim awaits.
On the Way to Gurudongmar |
Day 1: Visit Gangtok (INR 300 in sharing)
Pro Tip: Visit Gangtok on the first day. Try to avail a hotel in the M. G. Marg market area as the taxi stands are located there and all four districts are easily connected to Gangtok. Also, you can visit the market whenever you want. If you are bored in your hotel room you can go for a stroll too. The traffic there, is one way. In case you get a hotel at places other than the market area, your to and fro fare would increase. Connect to the local tour operators at M. G. Marg or at Vajra Taxi stand to visit the districts, on the first day itself as you would need permits to visit the border areas, namely North and East Sikkim.
Day 2: Local Sightseeing (INR 1800)
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Local fares for Luxury Tourist Vehicle |
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Normal Taxi fares |
Pro Tip: Try to finish off by 5:00pm. The places get closed by then. Get hold of a driver on the day before as that would save you time, on Day 2. Start off as early as possible in the morning to cover all the places. And yes try to memorize few words in Nepali. Trust me it helps a lot.
Day 3: Gangtok- Tsomgo Lake- Nathu La- Gangtok (INR 2500)
Pro Tip: Get up early as vehicles are not allowed after 10:00 am to cross the checkpoint to Nathu La.
Day 4: Gangtok- Lachung (First day of North Sikkim touring) (INR 5000 pp)
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Chungthang Valley |
Day 5: Lachung- Yumthang Valley- Yumsamdeong- Lachung
The journey is through the Yumthang Valley Natural Reserve. The month of April-May blossoms with the rhododendrons. The varied colored blooms are a delight to the eyes. In between, you can have your favorite momo and a cup of tea.
Pro Tip: Get the boots at Yumthang for INR 50, you will need it in Zero Point. And also bring a flask so that you can carry tea along with you. And preserve nature, do not litter the grounds with plastic disposal.
Day 6: Lachung- Katao- Lachen
Pro Tip: Since you are staying an extra day at Lachung, get up early in the morning and trek down to the Lachung Chu river side on the first day and visit the Lachung Monastery on the second. You will have your morning walk and could make the most out of your visit.
Day 7: Lachen- Gurudongmar- Kala Patthar- Gangtok
Gurudongmar Lake, the Holy Lake, offer your heartfelt prayers here |
Pro Tip: On a slightly unofficial note, try visiting Tso Lhamo Lake which is beyond the Gurudongmar road. The permits are not available, hopefully someday it will be. To be honest I have not visited myself but someday I hope too.
Day 8: Gangtok- Temi- Namchi- Ravangla (INR 3000)
From Gangtok, head out for Temi tea Garden. Sikkim’s internationally famous organic tea garden where the road looped through stretches of the tea garden. If you are visiting in October-November you will find cherry blossoms along the roadside adding to the hues of green. From there-on head for Namchi and be prepared to be awestruck by the majestic view of the mighty Kanchendzonga all through the road. The notable point are Chardham and Smadruptse and come all the way back towards Ravangla. The journey ends by visiting Buddha Park or Tathagatha Tsal at Ravangla. All three places showcases large statues of Hindu-Buddhist Gods. This is a spiritual trail amidst the greeneries and clouds.
Buddha Park all lighted up |
Day 9: Ravangla- Tashiding- Pelling- Yuksom- Ravangla (INR 3000)
Pro Tip: Beside the Phamrong falls, take the stairs and trail all to the top to enjoy an all-yours time in the fading light of the sun. Trust me, you will enjoy the effort.
Day10: Ravangla- Siliguri (INR 170 in a bus)
So are you up for backpacking Sikkim and worried about the essentials to carry? Here are the helpful tips on how to backpack northeast India!
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29 comments
What a great place to visit! I love your photos!
ReplyDeleteOMG this is breathtaking, I love snow... I have been behind my husband to convince him for a bike ride to Sikkim :P... let's see if he agrees... this is really amazing!
ReplyDeleteMesmerizing captures and a very useful write-up. I am yet to visit North-east and this is like an ultimate guide for my trip :)
ReplyDeleteSo much great information! Thanks for adding in so much detail.
ReplyDeleteThese look like wonderful places to visit. I love all of your photos, but I think the Gangtok Nightscape is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteThank you. That is my first try on night photography, so that is my favorite too.
DeleteSuch a great post with beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing ��
ReplyDeleteI can't believe we can visit these many places in just more than a week. The sites are spectacular. I wish to have such a trip as soon as possible!
ReplyDeleteWow, Sikkim looks like a dream! The pictures you shared made me want to travel here all the more!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics! This looks like a fantastic trip. Great scenery and so vivid! Love it.
ReplyDeleteThe views in the valley are so wonderful. I hope you had fun.
ReplyDeleteOH I loveeeee Sikkim. I have been to Bhutan and sikkim plus few other north eastern states are on my list. Amazing pictures <3
ReplyDeleteSo informative. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI loved all these views. I was talking to a friend about a trip to Sikkim just yesterday and was talking about budget. Thanks for this post, sharing it with her right at this moment.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great guide! I'm all about seeing more for Less
ReplyDeleteYour photos are amazing. I cant wait visit Sikkim soon. Thank you for sharing the guide.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are beautiful! I'd love to visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing - I may put a couple of these things on my list!
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