
Sikkim Classic Circuit: Gangtok, Ravangla and Pelling




Duration
7 Days 6 Nights
Pickup
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station
Drop
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station
Type
Short-haul
Overview & Highlights
This private classic circuit follows the traditional route through Sikkim: three nights in Gangtok, one in Ravangla and two in Pelling. You see Tsomgo Lake and, where the permit and the day allow, Nathu La, then visit Rumtek Monastery and the Buddha statue at Ravangla. Pelling completes the trip with Pemayangtse Monastery, the ruins of Rabdentse and views of the Kanchenjunga range. You travel by private AC vehicle, and the plan can be adjusted to your dates and pace.
- Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, and Nathu La where permits and the day allow
- Gangtok viewpoints, Rumtek Monastery and MG Marg
- The Buddha statue at Buddha Park, Ravangla
- Pemayangtse Monastery and the ruins of Rabdentse
- Chenrezig statue and Skywalk, with Kanchenjunga views in clear weather
- Private AC vehicle and permits arranged by us
- Darjeeling can be added as an optional extension
Itinerary
1Day 1: Arrival at Bagdogra | Drive to Gangtok
- Arrive at Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri station, where your driver is waiting.
- Drive to Gangtok, about 4 to 5 hours by road, with a stop for lunch on the way.
- Check in at your hotel and rest.
- Stroll along MG Marg in the evening.
- Overnight stay in Gangtok.
2Day 2: Tsomgo Lake | Baba Mandir | Nathu La (subject to permit)
- After an early breakfast, drive up to Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, at about 3,780 m.
- Continue to Baba Mandir and, where the permit and the day allow, on to Nathu La.
- If Nathu La is closed, we add another sight near Gangtok instead.
- Return to Gangtok by late afternoon.
- Overnight stay in Gangtok.
3Day 3: Gangtok Sightseeing | Rumtek Monastery
- After breakfast, visit Rumtek Monastery near Gangtok.
- Stop at Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok and Tashi View Point.
- Spend the afternoon on MG Marg for shopping and cafes.
- Overnight stay in Gangtok.
4Day 4: Gangtok to Ravangla | Buddha Park
- After breakfast, check out and drive to Ravangla, about 3 to 4 hours by road.
- Visit Buddha Park and its large seated Buddha statue.
- Check in at your hotel and enjoy the cool evening air.
- Overnight stay in Ravangla.
5Day 5: Ravangla to Pelling
- After breakfast, check out and drive to Pelling, about 3 hours by road.
- Check in at your hotel and relax.
- Spend the evening at leisure with views of the hills.
- Overnight stay in Pelling.
6Day 6: Pemayangtse | Rabdentse | Chenrezig Statue and Skywalk
- After breakfast, visit Pemayangtse Monastery.
- Walk through the ruins of Rabdentse, the old capital of Sikkim.
- Visit the Chenrezig statue and Skywalk, for views of the Kanchenjunga range in clear weather.
- Overnight stay in Pelling.
7Day 7: Departure from Bagdogra
- After breakfast, check out of the hotel.
- Drive to Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri station, about 5 to 6 hours by road.
- Book an afternoon or evening departure to allow for the road journey.
Weather, road conditions and safety may require changes to the itinerary.
Inclusions
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Gangtok on twin sharing
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Ravangla on twin sharing
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Pelling on twin sharing
- Daily breakfast
- Private AC vehicle for transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Permits for Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La (subject to the day and conditions), arranged by us
- Sightseeing in Gangtok, Ravangla and Pelling as per itinerary
- Assistance from our travel experts
Exclusions
- Flights or trains to and from Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, laundry, tips and porterage
- Camera fees at monasteries and viewpoints, where charged
- Optional activities such as yak rides and river rafting
- Anything not mentioned under inclusions
- GST as applicable
Other Info
Must carry
- Original government photo ID for every traveller, plus photocopies
- A few passport-size photographs, in case permits need them
- Thermals, a warm jacket, gloves and a woollen cap for Tsomgo, Lachung and Yumthang
- Waterproof jacket or umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm
- Personal medicines, including motion-sickness and altitude tablets if your doctor advises them
- Some cash, as ATMs and mobile networks can be patchy outside Gangtok
Notes
- Carry a valid government photo ID for every traveller (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence); it is needed for hotel check-in and for permits.
- Standard hotel check-in is around 2 pm and check-out around 12 noon.
- The order of the itinerary may change with weather, road or operational conditions, without reducing the sights covered.
- Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La need permits, which we arrange. Nathu La is open only on certain days of the week and in good weather, so it cannot be guaranteed; if it is closed we add another local sight.
- Tsomgo Lake is at about 3,780 m and Nathu La at about 4,310 m. Go slowly, drink water and tell your driver if you feel unwell; take medical advice first if you have heart or breathing problems.
- Heavy rain from June to September can cause landslides and road delays in Sikkim, especially towards North Sikkim; sightseeing may be rearranged for safety.
- Dress modestly at monasteries, remove shoes where asked and ask before photographing inside.
- Darjeeling can be added as an optional extension from Bagdogra, about 3 to 4 hours by road; ask us for a quote.
- Rates and availability are confirmed at the time of booking. Cancellation and refund are as per our Terms & Conditions.
See our Terms & Conditions for payment and cancellation rules.