Sikkim Diaries from Bagdogra 9D/8N

Daywise Itinerary

Day 1: Bagdogra Airport → Gangtok

• Pickup Point: Bagdogra Airport
• Destination: Gangtok
• Distance: Approx. 125 km
• Travel Time: 4–5 hours

On arrival at Bagdogra Airport, you will be welcomed by a HappyOuting representative and assisted with your transfer towards Gangtok. The journey begins with a smooth drive from the plains and gradually enters the hills, offering beautiful views of the Teesta River, forested slopes, and winding mountain roads.

As you move closer to Gangtok, the weather becomes cooler and the surroundings more refreshing. Upon arrival, complete your hotel check-in and take some time to relax after the journey.

In the evening, you can step out to explore MG Marg, known for its clean streets, local shops, and cozy cafés, making it a perfect place to unwind on your first day.

Overnight Stay: Gangtok

Day 2: Gangtok Local Sightseeing

• Pickup Point: Hotel in Gangtok
• Destination: Gangtok
• Local Travel Distance: 25–30 km (approx.)

After breakfast, begin your day with a relaxed sightseeing tour of Gangtok, exploring its well-known viewpoints, cultural spots, and natural attractions.

Places Covered:

• Tashi View Point
• Ganesh Tok
• Hanuman Tok
• Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
• Banjhakri Falls

The day offers a good mix of scenic views, peaceful temples, and cultural experiences. After completing the sightseeing, return to the hotel and relax.

In the evening, you can revisit MG Marg for shopping, cafés, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.

Overnight Stay: Gangtok

Day 3: Gangtok → Tsomgo Lake Excursion

• Pickup Point: Hotel in Gangtok
• Destination: Tsomgo Lake & Nearby Areas
• Distance: Approx. 40 km (one way)
• Travel Time: 2–3 hours

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion towards the high-altitude region of East Sikkim. The drive takes you through winding mountain roads with changing landscapes and cooler weather as you gain altitude.

Places Covered:

• Tsomgo Lake
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Spend some time at Tsomgo Lake, enjoying the scenic surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. Continue towards Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, a place known for its spiritual significance.

After sightseeing, return to Gangtok. The evening is free for leisure—relax at your hotel or explore MG Marg at your own pace.

Overnight Stay: Gangtok

Day 4: Gangtok → Lachen (North Sikkim)

• Pickup Point: Hotel in Gangtok
• Destination: Lachen
• Distance: Approx. 120 km
• Travel Time: 6–7 hours

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your journey towards North Sikkim. The route gradually moves into higher altitude regions, offering dramatic landscapes with rivers, valleys, and waterfalls along the way.

Places Covered (Enroute):

• Seven Sisters Waterfall
• Naga Waterfall
• Chungthang

Enjoy short stops at these scenic points before continuing your drive deeper into the mountains. On arrival in Lachen, check in to your hotel and relax.

The evening is free to enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of this remote Himalayan village.

Overnight Stay: Lachen

Day 5: Lachen → Gurudongmar Lake → Lachung

• Pickup Point: Hotel in Lachen
• Destination: Lachung (via Gurudongmar Lake)
• Distance: Approx. 135 km
• Travel Time: 7–8 hours

Start early in the morning for an excursion to Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest and most breathtaking lakes in the region. The route passes through high-altitude terrain with wide open landscapes, snow-covered peaks, and a unique Himalayan environment.

Places Covered (Around Lachen):

• Gurudongmar Lake
• Thangu Valley
• Chopta Valley

Spend some time at the lake while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Due to the altitude, it is advised to keep the visit short and comfortable.

Return to Lachen, have breakfast, and check out from the hotel. Later, continue your journey towards Lachung through scenic mountain roads.

On arrival in Lachung, check in to your hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay: Lachung

Day 6: Lachung → Yumthang Valley → Gangtok

• Pickup Point: Hotel in Lachung
• Destination: Gangtok (via Yumthang Valley)
• Distance: Approx. 135 km
• Travel Time: 7–8 hours

After an early breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Yumthang Valley, known for its wide open landscapes, flowing rivers, and seasonal blooms. The drive offers beautiful views of snow-covered peaks and peaceful mountain surroundings.

Places Covered:

• Yumthang Valley
• Hot Spring Yumthang

Spend some time exploring the valley and enjoying the fresh mountain air. After the visit, return to Lachung, check out from the hotel, and begin your journey back to Gangtok.

On arrival in Gangtok, check in to your hotel and relax. The evening is free for leisure.

Overnight Stay: Gangtok

Day 7: Gangtok → Pelling

• Pickup Point: Hotel in Gangtok
• Destination: Pelling
• Distance: Approx. 115 km
• Travel Time: 5–6 hours

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your journey towards Pelling. The drive takes you through scenic hill roads, forest stretches, and beautiful valleys, offering a peaceful transition towards West Sikkim.

Places Covered (Enroute):

• Ravangla
• Buddha Park Ravangla
• Temi Tea Garden

Take short stops at these locations to enjoy the surroundings and capture some scenic moments. Continue your drive towards Pelling.

On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. The evening is free to enjoy the calm and pleasant atmosphere of this hill town.

Overnight Stay: Pelling

Day 8: Pelling → Darjeeling

• Pickup Point: Hotel in Pelling
• Destination: Darjeeling
• Distance: Approx. 75 km
• Travel Time: 4–5 hours

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your journey towards Darjeeling, known for its colonial charm and beautiful tea gardens. The drive is pleasant, passing through hills, forests, and scenic viewpoints along the way.

Places Covered (Enroute):

• Singla Bridge
• Tea garden views (photo stops)

Enjoy short halts to take in the views before continuing your drive. On arrival in Darjeeling, check in to your hotel and relax.

In the evening, you can explore Mall Road, visit local cafés, or enjoy the cool weather and hill town vibe.

Overnight Stay: Darjeeling

Day 9: Darjeeling → Bagdogra Airport (Departure)

• Pickup Point: Hotel in Darjeeling
• Destination: Bagdogra Airport
• Distance: Approx. 70 km
• Travel Time: 3–4 hours

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your journey towards Bagdogra Airport. The drive is comfortable, passing through scenic hills, tea gardens, and winding roads as you descend towards the plains.

You can take short halts enroute to enjoy the views before continuing your journey.

On arrival, you will be dropped at the airport for your onward travel.

Package Highlights

• 9 Days / 8 Nights complete Sikkim & Darjeeling tour
• Smooth pickup & drop from Bagdogra Airport
• Stay in Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung, Pelling & Darjeeling
• Scenic drives through mountains, rivers, valleys & tea gardens
• Visit to high-altitude Gurudongmar Lake
• Explore Yumthang Valley
• Visit to Tsomgo Lake
• Waterfalls, viewpoints & monastery visits
• West Sikkim sightseeing with skywalk & heritage sites
• Darjeeling experience with tea gardens & local markets
• Well-paced itinerary with travel + leisure

Cost Includes

• Hotel accommodation in Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung, Pelling & Darjeeling with breakfast
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing (Gangtok, Pelling, Darjeeling)
• North Sikkim transfers by local vehicle (as per regulations)
• Bagdogra Airport pickup & drop
• All sightseeing as per itinerary
• Driver allowance, fuel, parking & tolls
• Permits for North Sikkim (if applicable)

Cost Excludes

• Airfare / train tickets
• Nathula Pass permit charges (if opted)
• Entry tickets at monuments & sightseeing points
• Personal expenses (shopping, laundry, tips, etc.)
• Meals other than breakfast
• Travel insurance
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions

Top FAQs – Sikkim Diaries from Bagdogra

Q1. Is this 9-day Sikkim tour suitable for a complete experience?

Yes, this itinerary covers Gangtok, Lachen, Lachung, Pelling, and Darjeeling, offering a complete and well-balanced travel experience.

Q2. Do we need permits for North Sikkim?

Yes, permits are required for visiting places like Gurudongmar Lake and Yumthang Valley. These are arranged in advance.

Q3. Is Gurudongmar Lake safe to visit?

Yes, but due to high altitude, it is recommended to keep the visit short and stay hydrated for a comfortable experience.

Q4. How is the travel between Sikkim and Darjeeling?

The journey between Pelling and Darjeeling is scenic and comfortable, with views of hills, forests, and tea gardens.

Q5. Is this package suitable for families and senior citizens?

Yes, the trip is well-planned for families and couples, but for senior travelers, basic fitness is recommended due to high-altitude areas in North Sikkim.