Sikkim Family Holiday: Gangtok and Pelling at an Easy Pace
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 family holiday keeps the driving manageable and the days varied: three nights in Gangtok and three in Pelling. In Gangtok you ride the ropeway, visit the Himalayan Zoological Park and take a day trip to Tsomgo Lake, which can be skipped or shortened for young children or senior parents. On the way to Pelling you stop at the Buddha statue in Ravangla. Pelling has easy sightseeing, with Pemayangtse Monastery, the ruins of Rabdentse, Khecheopalri Lake and the Chenrezig statue. Tell us the ages in your group and we will adjust the plan.
- Gangtok ropeway and the Himalayan Zoological Park
- Tsomgo (Changu) Lake day trip, which can be shortened for children or seniors
- Rumtek Monastery and Gangtok viewpoints
- A stop at the Buddha statue in Ravangla on the road to Pelling
- Pemayangtse Monastery and the ruins of Rabdentse
- Khecheopalri Lake and the Chenrezig statue near Pelling
- Private AC vehicle, with a relaxed pace
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.
- Overnight stay in Gangtok.
2Day 2: Gangtok Ropeway | Zoo | Viewpoints
- After breakfast, ride the Gangtok ropeway for views over the city.
- Visit the Himalayan Zoological Park at an easy pace.
- Stop at Ganesh Tok and Tashi View Point.
- Spend the evening on MG Marg.
- Overnight stay in Gangtok.
3Day 3: Tsomgo Lake | Baba Mandir
- After an early breakfast, drive up to Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, at about 3,780 m.
- Continue to Baba Mandir, if everyone is comfortable at the altitude.
- Optional yak rides are available at the lake, at your own cost.
- Return to Gangtok by afternoon and rest.
- Overnight stay in Gangtok.
4Day 4: Gangtok to Pelling | Buddha Park, Ravangla
- After breakfast, check out and drive towards Pelling.
- Stop at Buddha Park in Ravangla to see the large seated Buddha statue.
- Continue to Pelling, about 6 to 7 hours in all with stops, and check in.
- Overnight stay in Pelling.
5Day 5: Pemayangtse | Rabdentse | Chenrezig Statue
- After breakfast, visit Pemayangtse Monastery.
- Walk through the ruins of Rabdentse, the old capital of Sikkim.
- Visit the Chenrezig statue and Skywalk, with views of the Kanchenjunga range in clear weather.
- Overnight stay in Pelling.
6Day 6: Khecheopalri Lake | Free Time
- After breakfast, drive to Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred and peaceful lake set among forest.
- Return to Pelling and spend the afternoon at leisure.
- 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 or family room sharing
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Pelling on twin or family room sharing
- Daily breakfast
- Private AC vehicle for transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Permit for Tsomgo Lake, arranged by us
- Gangtok ropeway ride and zoo visit as per itinerary
- 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 needs a permit, which we arrange. Nathu La is not part of this family plan.
- Tsomgo Lake is at about 3,780 m, where the air is thin. Go slowly and drink water; take medical advice first if you have heart, breathing or blood pressure problems.
- Please share children's ages and any senior travellers' needs at booking so we can plan the pace.
- 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.
- 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.