Baba Harbhajan Mandir → Return to Gangtok | Distance: 38 km one-way | Drive Time: 6 to 7 hours round trip

After an early breakfast, begin your high-altitude excursion to Tsomgo Lake, located about 38 kilometers from Gangtok. The route climbs steeply through winding roads, crossing alpine terrain and forests of rhododendron and pine. As you ascend in altitude, the temperature declines, and snow may still be present even into late spring.

Your first stop is Tsomgo Lake (3,753 m), a glacial lake surrounded by rocky mountain walls and shrouded in legends. Locals consider it sacred, and the color of its waters is believed to reflect the mood of the gods. Depending on the season, the lake may be partially frozen or surrounded by blooming rhododendrons. You will have time here for photography, a short yak ride, or sipping local tea at the edge of the lake.

Continue onward to the nearby Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a revered site built in memory of an Indian army soldier. Pilgrims and soldiers alike visit this place with deep reverence. The temple is maintained by the military, and its location in rugged terrain offers insight into the difficult conditions soldiers face.

Optional: Nathula Pass (4,310 m)

If permits are secured in advance (usually arranged a day before), you can also visit Nathula Pass, located on the Indo-China border. This visit is highly weather-dependent and involves extra cost and military clearance. It is one of the few open border crossings between India and China, with views of barbed wire fencing, Indian Army bunkers, and the stark beauty of no-man’s-land.

By late afternoon, return to Gangtok. The descent is slow and scenic, and you’ll reach back by evening.

Overnight stay in Gangtok

After breakfast, you will set out for a full day of local sightseeing across Gangtok, a town that blends traditional spirituality with modern vibrancy. The focus today is on panoramic viewpoints, monasteries, cultural institutions, and natural sites.

The day begins with a drive to Tashi View Point, one of the most popular sunrise spots in Gangtok. On clear mornings, the eastern Himalayan peaks, including Mount Kanchenjunga, are visible from here. The view offers a perspective on why Sikkim is called the land of sacred peaks.

Next, visit Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok—two hilltop temples dedicated to Hindu deities. These spots are not only spiritually important but also offer spectacular bird’s-eye views of Gangtok and its surrounding forests. The air here is thin, crisp, and refreshing.

You will then proceed to Enchey Monastery, a 200-year-old Buddhist shrine tucked into the hills above the city. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism and is believed to be built on a spiritually powerful site. The murals and silence inside the temple hall offer a moment of peace amidst the day’s sightseeing.

From spiritual to cultural, the next stop is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology—a key research center preserving rare manuscripts, thangkas (Tibetan scroll paintings), and Buddhist iconography. It offers deep insights into the religious and cultural heritage of the eastern Himalayas.

Right nearby is the Flower Exhibition Centre, a compact but vibrant indoor greenhouse featuring seasonal Himalayan orchids, rhododendrons, and other rare blooms. It is a great place for floral photography or simply enjoying Sikkim’s botanical richness.

Conclude the day at the Banjhakri Waterfalls and Energy Park, located just outside town. The landscaped park is themed around the mythology of the “ban-jhakri” or forest shaman, believed in local folklore to possess healing powers. The falls themselves are tall and surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for a short nature walk.

Return to your hotel by evening. This day captures the essence of Gangtok—spiritual, scenic, and culturally layered.

Overnight stay in Gangtok

| Distance: 130 km | Drive Time: 5 to 6 hours

After having breakfast, check out of your hotel in Gangtok and begin your westward journey to Pelling, a quieter and more traditional hill town located in West Sikkim. The drive is long but scenic, following mountain ridges, forested slopes, and small village clusters along the way.

Your stop along the way is at Buddha Park in Ravangla, which is about 2,130 meters high up in the mountains, making it a perfect halfway point for your journey. The park is home to a huge golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha that stands tall at 41 meters. It’s surrounded by the beautiful rolling hills of the Himalayas, creating a breathtaking view. The park is well-kept and offers a calm and peaceful space where you can walk around, meditate, or simply enjoy the scenery—plus, it's a fantastic spot for taking photos!

After spending time at the park, continue toward Pelling. As you leave South Sikkim behind, the road becomes more winding, and the surroundings quieter. This part of Sikkim sees fewer tourists, and the transition is noticeable—prayer flags flutter from rooftops, cornfields line the slopes, and glimpses of ancient monasteries start appearing.

When you arrive in Pelling in the late afternoon, you'll check in to your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you please. You can relax at your hotel, take in the beautiful mountain views from your balcony if the weather is nice, or take a short walk around the local area to explore this peaceful and spiritually rich town.

Overnight stay in Pelling