Through the Sacred Land of Mountains & Monasteries
Sikkim, India
- Location
Eastern Himalayas, India
- Nearest Airports
Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
- Nearest Railway Stations
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP)
- Highlight
Majestic Himalayan views, sublime valleys, and local mountain cultures intertwined with deep spirituality
- Duration
7D/6N
Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the cool misty air – that is the Sikkim you might have envisioned for ages. And rightfully so. Tucked away in the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim’s natural resources are flanked with verdant hills, snow-capped peaks, glistening lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Sikkim’s philosophy, with intimate ties with the traditional Tibetan culture, builds a unique fusion of natural beauty, hiking expeditions and spiritual solace.
You can learn about the local traditions, trek through alpine forests, or simply take in Sikkim’s transcendental mountain landscapes. In this tour, you will pass through the mountain- town of Gangtok, the steep inclines of Zuluk and the spiritual retreats at Namchi in Sikkim.
The majestic Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, will surround you at all times, and the quiet, unexplored villages will be your constant companions. The rolling hills of Pelling are encircled by dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine, with the added distinctiveness of panoramic views of the snow-clad peaks. Meanwhile, Zuluk’s remoteness brings admirers closer to monastic glimpses of the Himalayas. Namchi, with its solitary monasteries and green landscapes, especially takes center stage. As you journey through Sikkim, the solidarity between nature, culture and spirituality will strike a deep chord in your soul.
Highlights of the Tour:
- Experience the beauty of Gangtok, with its monasteries, local marketplace, and majestic views of Kanchenjunga.
- Trek through the historic and picturesque village of Zuluk, through its spiral roads and visions of snow-capped peaks.
- Visit the serene Namchi, home to the gigantic statue of Guru Padmasambhava and stunning views of the entire Sikkim valley.
- Explore Pelling, for its cloud-draped landscapes, ancient monasteries, and a view of the mountain range of which Kanchenjunga is a part.
- Discover local cultures by visiting monasteries, learning about the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and spending hours with the local communities.
A Seven-Day Itinerary for Traveling across Sikkim
Day 1: Gangtok
Distance: 125 km from Bagdogra Airport
Transportation: Taxi or shared vehicle
Your journey kicks off from Gangtok, the hustling capital of Sikkim, nestled among the soaring summits of the Eastern Himalayas. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to acclimatize to the altitude to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
In the evening, you can slowly explore the MG Road area, a promenade filled with shops, local eateries, and vendors selling handmade artisanal products. The panoramic canvas of the snow-clad peaks from different vantage points across the city is alluring as the lights flicker in the valley.
Day 2: Explore Gangtok
Visit the renowned Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim, take a walk around Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by snowy peaks and visit Baba Mandir, a shrine dedicated to an Indian army soldier regarded as a spiritual figurehead.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby Nathula Pass (check if it is open), the closest vantage point to the Indo-China border and the snowy Eastern Himalayas expanding across the horizon.
Day 3: Gangtok to Zuluk
Distance: 58 km
Transportation: Shared vehicle or taxi
Leaving behind the humming rhythm of Gangtok, you find yourself winding higher into the Eastern Himalayas. Zuluk, a humble village, perched above the clouds, opens to mesmerizing vistas of the Kanchenjunga.
On the way, theLungchok Valley appears quietly, draped in rhododendrons blooming and nodding gently in the chilly hillside wind, signaling you to pause and breathe in the stillness. As twilight falls, Zuluk comes alive; children’s laughter mingling with the gentle voices of Lepcha and Bhutia families, and a mountain life taking shape.
Day 4: Zuluk and the Thambi Viewpoint
Awake to the gentle stillness of dawn at Thambi Viewpoint. Stand in awe facing the mammoth peaks clad in emerald forests, and the air crisp and fragrant with pine and wildflowers.
If you are up for an adventure, a trek to Nathang Valley would be perfect, while taking in frosted meadows, crystal-clear streams, and the distant silhouette of snow-capped summits. This untouched wilderness allows you to reconnect, recharge, and rediscover a sense of wonder in every stride.
Day 5: Zuluk to Namchi
Distance: 100 km
Transportation: Shared vehicle or taxi
After a morning of exploration, it is time to depart for Namchi in South Sikkim. The highlight of Namchi is the giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava, which stands tall atop the Samdruptse Hill.
Namchi Monastery dates back to the 17th century and was built by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, one of Sikkim’s early rulers, as a palace for the royal family before it was converted into a monastery. The structure blends traditional Tibetan-style architecture with artfully carved wooden pillars, ancient murals, and sloping roofs in the Himalayan monastic design.
Day 6: Namchi to Pelling
Distance: 75 km
Transportation: Shared vehicle or taxi
Next in line is Pelling, for the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most revered in Sikkim. Pemayangtse Monastery is a striking example of traditional Bhutia architecture, with wooden windows, tiered roofs, and colorful frescoes depicting tantric Buddhist iconography. This 17th-century monastery houses the iconic seven-tiered wooden structure known as ZangdokPalri, hand-crafted by a single monk over five years to represent Guru Padmasambhava’s celestial abode.
If you have time, take a walk around the Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred lake revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.
In the afternoon, head to the Rabdentse Ruins, the remnants of the ancient capital of Sikkim, with moss-covered stone walls, chortens (Bhuddist religious monument), and crumbling palace grounds.
Day 7: Pelling to Gangtok
Distance: 120 km
Transportation: Shared vehicle or taxi
Return to Gangtok. Along the way, stop at the famous Rimbi Waterfalls and the Kanchenjunga Falls for some quiet moments to conclude your seven-day Sikkim tour.
How Ruhani Guides Your Trip
We at Ruhani provide self-guided packages, where you have the freedom to customize your tour according to your needs. Reach out to our team via the contact form below for more details.
Contact a Ruhani Travel Advisor Right Away
In case of any emergency, medical or otherwise, you can contact the Ruhani support team at any point in your travels. We are here to assist you throughout.
- (+1) 301-250-6943
- contact@ruhaniindia.com

100% Custom-Made
- Every itinerary can be further personalized according to your own personal needs and wants.
- Authentic slow travel experiences handpicked exclusively by our expert team.
- Prioritize your freedom and be responsible towards the environmental burdens of mainstream tourism.
- Select your preferred destination and choose for yourself how you want to experience that region.
Why Choose Ruhani?

Soulful Tour Packages
- We make India matter to women-only groups and intrepid travel-enthusiasts.
- Our tour packages portray a unique and broad perspective of India.

In-Depth Expertise & Support
- We believe in the power of soulful tourism with an all-encompassing need to gain knowledge.
- Under any emergency, medical, informational, or otherwise, our team will assist you in every way.