Sikkim backpacker by shared jeep

Day by day

The timetable

1. Day1

   Siliguri to Gangtok by shared jeep

   ≈ 115 km · 4.5–5.5 hGangtokNone includedGangtok guide

   From NJP take an auto or shared tempo to the SNT stand or Panitanki More in Siliguri, where shared jeeps for Gangtok leave from early morning until early afternoon. A seat costs ₹400–600; SNT buses cost ₹275–500 and take longer, both indicative for 2026. The route follows the Teesta on NH10 through Sevoke and Rangpo, where foreign nationals show their Restricted Area Permit. NH10 is often blocked in monsoon, so check current status before you travel. Check in, pay the ₹50 Sikkim tourist fee if asked, and walk down to MG Marg for momos at ₹60–150 a plate.

2. Day2

   Shared-seat Tsomgo Lake tour

   ≈ 110 km round trip · 7 hGangtokBreakfastTsomgo Lake guide

   Book the seat the day before with a registered agent on or near MG Marg: ₹800–1,300 for the jeep and about ₹200 for the Protected Area Permit, with two passport photos and an ID copy. The jeep leaves around 8 am and climbs about 38 km to Tsomgo Lake at 3,753 m. Hire boots for ₹100–300 if there is snow; skip the yak ride if money is tight. Baba Mandir, at about 4,000 m, is usually an extra ₹200–400 a seat, indicative. Walk slowly and drink water. Check current status before you travel. Back by mid-afternoon.

3. Day3

   Gangtok on foot and Rumtek

   ≈ 50 km by shared taxi · 5 hGangtokBreakfastGangtok guide

   Walk up to Enchey Monastery, about 3 km above MG Marg, early, when the monks are at prayer. Then take a ₹20–40 shared taxi to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, opened in 1958, and Do Drul Chorten beside it. After lunch, a shared taxi to Rumtek costs ₹60–120 a seat; carry ID for the gate check at the monastery, which the 16th Karmapa rebuilt in the 1960s. Back in town, walk through Lal Bazaar for chhurpi, the hard cheese, and local greens. Thali lunches cost ₹150–300. Ask your hotel which stand has jeeps to Ravangla tomorrow.

4. Day4

   Shared jeep to Ravangla

   ≈ 66 km · 2.5–3 hRavanglaBreakfastRavangla guide

   Morning jeep from Gangtok to Ravangla, about ₹200–350 a seat, indicative; stand locations move, so confirm with your hotel and check current status before you travel. The road drops to Singtam on the Teesta and climbs to Ravangla at about 2,100 m. After check-in walk to Buddha Park, also called Tathagata Tsal, with its large Buddha statue consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 2013; entry is a small fee. In the late afternoon walk the ridge road for views of the western Sikkim hills. Ravangla is quiet after 7 pm; eat early.

5. Day5

   Ralang, then on to Pelling

   ≈ 60 km · 3–4 h with a changePellingBreakfastPelling guide

   If you are up early, take a shared taxi or walk part of the way to Ralang Monastery, about 13 km from Ravangla, a Karma Kagyu monastery known for its masked dances; check timings locally. Back by late morning for a jeep towards Legship, where you change for Pelling; direct jeeps run some days. Expect ₹150–300 in total, indicative. Pelling sits at about 2,150 m on a ridge facing Kangchenjunga. Pick a budget guest house on the upper road with a terrace; the view is the same as from the resorts. Check current status before you travel.

6. Day6

   Pemayangtse and Rabdentse on foot

   ≈ 5 km on footPellingBreakfastPelling guide

   Be on a rooftop before sunrise: on clear mornings from October to December Kangchenjunga turns pink, and it costs nothing. After breakfast walk down to Pemayangtse, one of Sikkim's oldest monasteries, first built in the 17th century. A short walk on, a 2 km forest path leads to the ruins of Rabdentse, Sikkim's capital from 1670 until the court moved to Tumlong. Small entry fees apply at both, indicative ₹20–50. In the afternoon walk up to the Sanga Choeling area for the Chenrezig statue and skywalk. Book tomorrow's jeep seat to Siliguri tonight.

7. Day7

   Pelling to Siliguri or NJP

   ≈ 135 km · 5–6 hBreakfastSiliguri (NJP and Bagdogra) guide

   Shared jeeps to Siliguri leave Pelling or nearby Geyzing early, often by 6–7 am, at ₹400–600 a seat, indicative. The road runs down via Legship and Jorethang, or via Melli, to the Teesta and the plains. Sit on the side away from the drop if bends bother you, and eat a light breakfast. Jeeps drop at Siliguri, from where NJP is a short auto ride. Plan an evening train or a flight the next day; the jeep can arrive late if roads are slow. Check current status before you travel.