How To Experience The Best Of Sikkim In Just 5 Days

It will take 5-6 hours to reach Gangtok via car. The journey becomes interesting after crossing the Sikkim Check-post. As you move ahead, the scenery will become serene and you will feel as if the Tiesta River is holding your hand and accompanying you in your wonderful journey.

You can reach Gangtok by the evening. After resting up, you can head to the famous M.G. Road for dinner. This is the center of the hill town. The road is full of local shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. It is like a carnival for the wanderers.

Day 2: Explore Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake, China Border & Baba Temple

Next morning, you may opt to visit all the highest tourist attractions which Sikkim has to offer. Most of these require a special permit from the Tourism Office in Gangtok.

The drive to the pristine Tsomgo Lake is spectacular. Pronounced Changu, the lake is 40 km away from Gangtok on the way to Nathu La. Surrounded by rugged mountains on all sides, this scenic lake is located at an altitude of 12,000 feet. Don't forget to climb up a nearby hilltop for the best views of the lake.

After spending some time at Tsomgo Lake, you can continue your journey towards Nathu La. It is an important pass on the crossroads of the Indo-China border and forms a part of an offshoot of the Old Silk Road. Only Indian nationals with a valid permit can visit the Nathula Pass. Words can’t describe the feeling when you are standing on your country’s border watching the bunkers and the LoC of India and China. It will be unbelievable that China is just a step away. You may even notice that the time on your phone will change as per China's timezone.

While returning from Nathu La, you must visit the very famous Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. The shrine built in the memory of Baba Harbhajan Singh, Indian army personnel who died in 1968. As with most saints, Baba is believed to grant favors to those who revere and worship him. The local people believe that Baba Harbhajan Singh still guards the international boundary between India and China.

Throughout this journey, the views will not disappoint you at all. All thanks to the natural lakes which come along the way.

Day 3: The Majestic Monasteries Around Gangtok

On the third day, you can explore some local viewpoints around Gangtok including the very famous Rumtek Monastery and Lingdum Monastery.

After about an hour's drive from Gangtok, you will reach the Ranka Monastery aka Lingdum Monastery. Surrounded by lush hills in a divine atmosphere, it is one of the most intricately decorated monasteries of all. From my personal experience, I will suggest you give up several other attractions around Gangtok to make it to Ranka. No wonder several Bollywood movies have featured this monastery.

Head towards Rumtek next. Just in case, you are hungry by the time you reach there, do check out some food joints just outside the monastery and enjoy your lunch with an amazing hill view.

The Rumtek Monastery is a place where you can witness and explore the Buddhist religion in practice. Renowned for being Sikkim’s largest monastery, this shrine is well known for its Golden Stupa comprising of relics of the 16th Karmapa. The beauty of the Rumtek Monastery can never be completely described using words. It is an absolute feast to the eyes.

Day 4: Exploring The Western Parts of Sikkim i.e. Pelling

The drive to Pelling is spell-bounding and is filled with the majestic views of mountains.

You should make your first stop at Tathagata Tsal in Ravangla which will be on the way to Pelling. It was constructed in the year 2006 to commemorate the 2550th birth anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha. The towering Buddha statue situated amidst a mesmerizing view of the majestic Kanchenjunga Peak and other mountains of the Himalayan range will surely make you fall in love with this place. Buddha Park also has a meditation center, a museum, and a Buddhist conclave.

No trip to the mountains is complete without having countless plates of momos with chai. There are many such mini pit-stops that you can make while you are on the way to your next destination - the Rabdentse Ruins.

The palace, now in ruins, was the capital of the Sikkimese Kings till the 1814 AD. Spread across the hilltop, the palace is surrounded by chestnut groves and thick deciduous forests. A short hike to the top will bring you to the iconic Namphogang, the ancient stones where the king sat in the olden days. Visiting Rabdentse ruins will indeed be one of the best offbeat things you can do in Sikkim.

While you are in Pelling, do not miss staying at The Elgin Mount Pandim - a luxurious experiential property that used to be the summer residence of the King of Sikkim.

Day 5: Pemayangtse Monastery, Back to Hometown

Waking up to the magical views of the world's third-highest peak - Mt. Kanchanchanga will indeed make the last day of your Sikkim trip special.

Have a quick breakfast, explore the Pemayangtse Monastery, and then leave for Bagdogra since the Bagdogra Airport is almost 150kms from Pelling.

Perched at a height of 6840 feet, Pemayangtse Monastery is an eighteenth-century monastery that has a wide collection of Buddhist antiques, sculptures, scriptures, and artifacts. This three-storeyed building houses the statues of Padmasambhava and his two consorts along with a seven-tiered painted model of Guru Rimpoche. The interiors of the monastery are decked up with sculptures and paintings while the exteriors are adorned with the beautiful landscape surrounding the monastery.

I will always cherish the memories I made during this trip. If you're someone who feels mountains are your calling and you are looking for an offbeat location, I would recommend traveling to Sikkim.

Happy Reading

Love!

Sushmita