Visiting Sikkim is the dream of many. A mountainous state in northeast India, Sikkim is a place of sheer natural beauty, boasting the richness of culture and adventure. This traveler’s paradise has towering mountains, peaceful lakes, rich valleys, and beautiful villages.
The given 6 nights 7 days trip to Sikkim will help make your trip memorable. Become amazed by the colorful streets of Gangtok while traveling in the valleys or visiting the lakes in the Himalayan hills. There will not be a single day of your journey that won’t be special.
This 6 nights 7 days Sikkim tour plan will help you make the best use of your time and make the most out of your trip.
Plan Your Ultimate 6 Nights 7 Days Trip to Sikkim
Day 1: Arrival in Gangtok – The Gateway to Sikkim
On the first day of your visit to Sikkim, you will arrive at the capital city of Gangtok. Gangtok, known for its beautiful landscapes, busy markets, and monasteries, is the best place to begin your journey.
Morning:
Reach the Bagdogra airport or the New Jalpaiguri junction. Then drive via Gangtok on a 4-5 hour drive. Curving roads around the hills are full of green, and you can already enjoy the natural beauty of Sikkim.
After arriving, you can check in at a hotel and take time to freshen up. Then, you can go out and begin exploring.
Afternoon:
The first place to visit in Gangtok is MG Road, the central market. This busy street has many homemade handicrafts, souvenirs, and restaurants. With its vibrant local culture, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the road with a breath of fresh air.
At lunch, there are family restaurants and eateries where you can taste momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), or even sel roti (traditional rice doughnut). These are instead the most common Sikkimese dishes, and having them found in Gangtok, you will be further influenced by your future food vacation.
Evening:
Visit Tashi Viewpoint after lunch to see the third-highest mountain on the planet, the Kanchenjunga Mountain range. The perspective provides scenic features of Gangtok and its valleys. It is also an ideal photography location, so do not leave your home without your camera.
In the evening, you can also visit Enchey Monastery. This monastery of 200 years is a significant worship place for Tibetan Buddhists who look forward to finding peace and silence.
Night:
Go to your hotel and take a break. If you are in the mood, have a peaceful evening at one of the cafes in Gangtok, have a cup of local tea, and feel the environment.
Day 2: Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathula Pass
On Day 2, you need to get to know some of the best-known places in Gangtok. The most visited sights in Sikkim include Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathula Pass.
Morning:
Eat breakfast and start your day early. Today’s trip will be to Tsomgo Lake, which is 40 km away from Gangtok. The journey to Tsomgo by road is very scenic, with a splendid view of snow-capped mountains and alpine forests.
Tsomgo Lake is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. The lake is frozen during winter, making it a breathtaking view, especially for photographers. There is a yak ride around the lake, and if you are adventurous enough, you may take a leisurely walk towards the lake’s boundary. The region around the lake is a sight due to its rhododendron trees and other alpine flowers.
Afternoon:
Starting at Tsomgo Lake, go to Baba Mandir, which is 16km away. This temple is in memory of an Indian army soldier, Baba Harbhajan Singh, who is believed to have sacrificed himself in the process of protecting its borders. The temple is very high, and its trek can be considered adventurous. The temple has its quiet environment as a retreat.
Once your visit to Baba Mandir ends, it is time to move to Nathula Pass, the Indo-China border. This is one of the world’s highest motorable roads, and the view here is magnificent. It will leave you in awe, considering that you will be at the border between two different countries, in the presence of the mountains that form one of the most impressive landscapes in the area.
Evening:
Return to Gangtok after you visit Nathula Pass. On the journey back, stop at Tashi Viewpoint to take the last glimpse of the mountains and travel back to your hotel.
Night:
Enjoy the hotel room after exploring the whole day. Be adventurous, and visit a local restaurant in Gangtok for more local food.
Day 3: Yumthang Valley and Lachung – The Himalayan Escape
Today, you will travel to northern Sikkim to see Yumthang Valley and Lachung, both extraordinary and beautiful places.
Morning:
Have breakfast early in the morning and then proceed towards Lachung, which is a beautiful village in the northern region of Sikkim. The 6-7 hour drive between Gangtok and Lachung is one of the most beautiful drives in Sikkim. The trek is endowed with dense forests, falls, and high-altitude views.
After arriving at Lachung, you can get to the hotel and take a shower.
Afternoon:
Take a trip to Yumthang Valley, also called the Valley of Flowers. Yumthang is renowned because of its colorful rhododendrons and beautiful landscapes. The valley’s altitude is roughly 12000 feet, and the mountains and streams surrounding it give the place a resting peace.
Take an afternoon off to view the valley, click photographs, and relax with nature. During winter, lots of snow will make the valley appear like a winter wonderland if you visit the valley in winter.
Evening:
Back at Lachung at night. The village is quiet and shows a glimpse of the traditional life of the Sikkimese. You will have a warm meal in the hotel, and you can stroll around the village if you want to.
Night:
Sleep at the Lachung Hotel and get ready to enjoy another day.
Day 4: Gurudongmar Lake and Return to Gangtok
And now, adventure today. Go to Gurudongmar Lake, which is one of the highest lakes worldwide.
Morning:
Rise early and have a long drive to Gurudongmar Lake, situated at an altitude of 17,800 feet, after a light breakfast. Glaciers enclose the lake, and the mountains are covered with snow, which gives an unreal feel. Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs alike worship the lake.
The route to Gurudongmar is not easy because of the altitude, but seeing the lake is rewarding. Take a chance to admire the untouched beauty of the lake, and do not forget to take some pictures.
Afternoon:
On the way back to Lachung, visit Yumesamdong (Zero Point), which is a chance to glimpse the snow-capped scenery and feel the tranquility of the place.
You can drive back to Gangtok after visiting these fantastic plac,es where you get to spend a night.
Night:
Go back to Gangtok, where you can relax and recall the beautiful nature you saw during the day.
Day 5: Explore Gangtok – Monasteries and Viewpoints
Today, enjoy a day of leisure sightseeing and more of Gangtok itself. Different monasteries and sites provide a particular view of the city that you can visit.
Morning:
Begin by paying the Rumtek Monastery, one of the area’s significant monasteries of Tibetan Buddhists. The monastery is situated approximately 24km northeast of Gangtok, and it is a serene place to observe oneself. It also provides stunning scenery of the valleys and mountains around.
Afternoon:
Then, go to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, where you are told about Tibetan culture and history. There is also a variety of rare manuscripts, paintings, religious objects, and valuable materials that give us information about the way of life in Tibetan Buddhism.
Evening:
Enjoy the evenings by visiting one of the numerous cafes in Gangtok to have snacks and local tea. You also have the opportunity to walk in Lal Market, which is a much busier marketplace, and you can do some souvenir and local product shopping there as well.
Night:
Go back to your hotel, have dinner, and rest. Get ready for the next day of your trip.
Day 6: Day Trip to Pelling – Waterfalls and Views
On the sixth day, make a day visit to Pelling, which is a beautiful town in Sikkim.
Morning:
Travel to Pelling, which is approximately a 4-5 hours’ drive away. It is a scenic drive that passes through several waterfalls and picturesque spots.
On arrival, you will check into your hotel and refresh.
Afternoon:
Pay a visit to the Pemayangtse monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. It provides a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range and its vicinity. Next, proceed to Rabdentse Ruins, the former capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim.
Evening:
Visit one of the holiest lakes in Sikkim, Khecheopalri Lake. It is enveloped with green backgrounds with forests, and is said to fulfill wishes.
Night:
Remember to head back to Gangtok for one last night and rest after a day of hiking/exploration.
Day 7: Final Day – Shopping and Departure
On the last day, have some leisurely activities in Gangtok, then travel to the airport or a train station.
Morning:
Begin with a relaxed breakfast and stroll down the MG road one final time. Souvenirs like woolen shawls, handicrafts, and local teas can be purchased.
Afternoon:
Rest at a nearby cafe or restaurant and enjoy the last moment in Sikkim.
Evening:
You have to go back home by taking a flight or going to the train station.
Why Visit Sikkim?
Sikkim is one of the hidden gems of India, which provides a joint experience of natural beauty, adventure, culture, and spirituality. Below are some of the reasons why you should think of visiting Sikkim:
Exceptional Natural Beauty: It is home to snow-capped mountains and calm lakes, and as a nature lover, Sikkim is your Paradise. The beautiful sights of Mount Kanchenjunga and the relaxed nature are the perfect places to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Cultural Wealth: Sikkim is also abundant in culture and wealth, which has been shaped by Tibetan and Buddhist culture. Numerous monasteries, temples, and religious sites allow for more knowledge about the culture and religion of the region.
Adventure: Sikkim is where trekking, river rafting, or mountaineering can be done at any level. There are also multiple trekking paths in the state, which are done for all grades of trekkers.
Serene landscape: Compared to other hill stations in India, Sikkim is unaffected by commercialization. It has an idyllic atmosphere with fresh air and slackened speed, which makes it an ideal retreat away from the big city life.
Essential Travel Tips to Visit Sikkim
There are specific fundamental travel hints that you need to observe when organizing your travel to Sikkim to experience a worry-free, enjoyable visit:
Altitude Considerations: Sikkim is a high-altitude destination, and some places, such as Tsomgo Lake, are more than 12,000 feet. Be well-acclimatized and hydrated to prevent altitude sickness.
Weather Conditions: Sikkim weather is unpredictable and gets rain and chilly weather, especially in the mountains. Dress appropriately and carry warm clothes even in the summertime.
Permits and Documentations: Some places in Sikkim need a permit from a foreign national, and sometimes, Indians do, too. Inquire about permits you need to visit the locations you intend to see, especially if you are visiting the border territories.
Food and Beverages: Sikkim food is a mixture of Tibetan, Nepali, and Indian. One should not miss trying local food, which includes Momo, Phagshapa, and Chhurpi (indigenous cheese).
Related Tour – What is the best Sikkim tour package for 5 nights and 6 days?
Conclusion
With this elaborate travel plan, your 7-day trip to Sikkim will be a memorable adventure. Whether it is the lively atmosphere of Gangtok or the peaceful nature of Gurudongmar Lake, there will be new experiences every day, and they will remind you of the beauty of this unique state.
This Sikkim travel guide ensures that you utilize your time well in the Himalayan paradise of Sikkim. Be it a popular nature-loving person interested in culture or an adventurer, Sikkim offers something special to people. Happy travels!
