Photo: Bhaskar Palit / UnsplashSikkim
Sikkim, India
Kanchenjunga at sunrise, monasteries above the clouds, and a clean, easygoing capital. Sikkim is small but mountainous, so distances take longer than the map suggests.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹2,000–3,200
- Mid-range / day
- ₹6,600–11,900
- Best time
- March to May and October to November
- Ideal length
- 6–8 days
Day by day
7-day itinerary
₹14,000–22,400per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: Bagdogra to Gangtok
Drive up along the Teesta river; evening on MG Marg.
- 2
Day 2: Gangtok
Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, and a ropeway ride over the town.
- 3
Day 3: Tsomgo Lake
Day trip (with permit) to the high lake, and Nathu La if it's open to visitors that day.
- 4
Day 4: North Sikkim (if roads are open)
Shared package to Lachung and the Yumthang Valley, or an extra day around Gangtok if the north is closed.
- 5
Day 5: Ravangla
Buddha Park and the drive west through tea gardens.
- 6
Day 6: Pelling
Kanchenjunga at sunrise, Pemayangtse Monastery, and the Rabdentse ruins.
- 7
Day 7: Back to Bagdogra
A long drive down; leave early.
When to go
- Jan—
- Feb—
- Mar★ Best
- Apr★ Best
- May★ Best
- Jun—
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep—
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec—
March to May and October to November.
Money notes
North Sikkim and Tsomgo Lake are usually visited on shared packages from Gangtok that include the permit, vehicle, and (for the north) stay and meals. Compare a few registered operators.