Sikkim is one of those places where 5 days can disappear stupidly fast. So I’d keep the route tight: Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Pelling, and Ravangla.
You’ll get mountain views, monasteries, lakes, winding roads, and enough downtime to actually enjoy the trip.
Day 1: Arrive in Gangtok
Start from Siliguri, Bagdogra, or NJP and drive to Gangtok.
The journey usually takes around 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Once you check in, keep the afternoon easy.
Walk around MG Marg in the evening. Grab some momos, browse the shops, and get an early night.
You’ll want the sleep.
Stay: Gangtok
Travel: Bagdogra/NJP → Gangtok
Day 2: Tsomgo Lake + Nathula Pass
Leave Gangtok early.
Your first stop is Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake sitting at roughly 12,300 feet. If you’re travelling in winter, you may find the lake surrounded by snow.
From there, continue towards Nathula Pass, the India-China border crossing at around 14,140 feet.
You need a permit to visit Nathula, and access can depend on weather and military restrictions. Your hotel or local tour operator can usually arrange the permit.
Get back to Gangtok by evening.
Stay: Gangtok
Places: Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass
Tip: Carry a jacket even if Gangtok feels comfortable. The temperature can drop hard once you climb higher.
Day 3: Gangtok to Pelling
Have breakfast and leave for Pelling.
The drive takes roughly 5–6 hours, depending on the route and road conditions. It’s a day for taking the slow road, so don’t pack 8 sightseeing stops into it.
Once you’re in Pelling, visit Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse Ruins if you arrive early enough.
Then find somewhere with a clear mountain view and call it a day.
Stay: Pelling
Travel: Gangtok → Pelling
Day 4: Pelling to Ravangla
Start with a relaxed morning in Pelling.
If the weather is clear, head towards Khecheopalri Lake before continuing to Ravangla. The lake sits in a forested setting and makes a good stop if you have the time.
Reach Ravangla by afternoon.
Visit Buddha Park, where the huge Buddha statue rises above the surrounding hills. Stay until late afternoon if the weather is clear. The light gets good around then.
Stay: Ravangla
Places: Khecheopalri Lake, Buddha Park
Day 5: Ravangla to Siliguri/Bagdogra
Have breakfast and start your return journey.
Ravangla to Siliguri or Bagdogra can take around 4–5 hours, sometimes longer with traffic or road conditions.
If your flight or train is late in the evening, you’ve got some breathing room. If it’s an early departure, leave Ravangla as early as possible.
Route: Ravangla → Siliguri/NJP/Bagdogra
5-day Sikkim itinerary at a glance
| Day | Route | Main places | Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Siliguri/Bagdogra → Gangtok | MG Marg | Gangtok |
| 2 | Gangtok → Tsomgo → Nathula → Gangtok | Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, Nathula | Gangtok |
| 3 | Gangtok → Pelling | Pemayangtse, Rabdentse | Pelling |
| 4 | Pelling → Ravangla | Khecheopalri Lake, Buddha Park | Ravangla |
| 5 | Ravangla → Siliguri/Bagdogra | Return journey | — |
How much does 5 days in Sikkim cost?
For a comfortable budget trip, I’d keep roughly ₹15,000–₹25,000 per person, excluding flights or trains to Siliguri/Bagdogra.
Your biggest variable will be transport. Shared vehicles can keep costs down, while a private car for the entire route can push the budget up quickly.
Best time for this itinerary
March to May is great for flowers and pleasant weather.
October to December usually brings clearer mountain views and crisp weather.
January and February can be cold, with snow affecting higher areas and road access. Nathula and Tsomgo are particularly weather-dependent.
A few things I’d plan before leaving
- Book your Gangtok and Pelling stays ahead during peak season.
- Keep your ID documents handy for permits.
- Carry cash because card/UPI availability can get patchy in remote areas.
- Don’t schedule a tight flight connection after a long mountain drive.
- Keep one flexible buffer in your head. Mountain roads don’t care about your Google Calendar.
For a first Sikkim trip, this route gives you a good mix without turning every day into a race.
