You can definitely plan a budget trip to Gangtok. Wondering how? This blog shares how you can plan your affordable Gangtok holiday and experience the authentic richness of the region – the capital of Sikkim. Connect with Suvidhaa Aapki for a well-planned Gangtok holiday plan, including budget car rental in Siliguri.
The truth is planning a budget trip is no rocket science. There are certain things to consider and help plan a budget-friendly Gangtok trip.
Here’s your handy guide with travel hacks and tips to help you plan a memorable yet reasonable trip to Gangtok:
Choosing the Right Time to Travel and Explore - Off-Season Travel Plans
Visiting Gangtok or any other parts of Sikkim during the off-season can help you save on accommodation and overall travel costs. During peak seasons and low availability of rooms and cars (high in demand), prices go high. The peak tourist seasons in Gangtok include:
March to April is when the flowers are in full bloom and the temperatures remain absolutely comfortable.
October to mid-November (autumn and early winter) is another peak season to explore when the skies are clear and views of Mt. Kanchenjunga are jaw-dropping from Gangtok.
However, if you're looking for a budget Gangtok trip, consider visiting during the off-season, such as May to June or January and February. Though there’s a higher chance of rain and heavy cold during these months, hotels and resorts in Gangtok often offer lower rates, and tourist spots are less crowded.
But there are cons of traveling this time as well, such as heavy cold, winding routes, and chances of heavy rains, which can interrupt outdoor sightseeing and activities in Gangtok.
Reaching Gangtok on a Budget
Several options are available to reach Gangtok that will suit your budget, such as shared taxis, and buses.
The nearest airport to Sikkim and Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), around 4 hours from Gangtok. You can easily take a shared taxi from Bagdogra to Gangtok, which costs around 300 per person, compared to private taxis that can charge ₹2,500-₹3,000 for Gangtok. During peak seasons, even shared taxi charges can go high to some extent.
If you travel by train instead of a flight to reduce your transport price. The nearest railway station to Gangtok and Sikkim is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in Siliguri, and from NJP, shared cabs and buses are available for Gangtok.
By road, buses operated by Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) are affordable. This may cost around ₹250-₹400; however, this may vary. Avail of budget car rental in Siliguri from one of the reputable travel agencies in the city.
Finding Budget Accommodation in Gangtok
Gangtok in Sikkim offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses, and low-cost hotels to affordable homestays:
Look for budget hotels or hostels near MG Road that range from ₹600 to ₹1500 per night stay in Gangtok. You can consider booking a homestay in Gangtok to experience the local culture while saving money on your trip.
But, choose your homestay or accommodation located in a privileged location. Otherwise, it will make transfers time-consuming and less affordable. While homestays often provide included meals, make sure the location is privileged or it may make your outdoor sightseeing tiresome.
Check for online discounts or seasonal offers on online platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or MakeMyTrip for Gangtok budget accommodation.
Getting Around Gangtok
The easiest and most cost-effective way to get around Gangtok is by shared taxis operated by local car drivers. Walking is another way to save on your budget on your Gangtok trip within the city, such as visiting MG Marg, and Tashi Viewpoint.
To tour Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Ranka Monastery, and Temples along with a 3-point tour, you can hire shared taxis. The 3-point tour in Gangtok covers – Nathula Pass, Old Baba Mandir, and Tsomgo Lake.
Choosing Affordable Food Options
Savoring local cuisine brings delight to your trip, giving you authentic feelings. To save your budget on food, you can try Gangtok’s famous momos, thukpa, and other traditional dishes along with sweets and beverages.
There are plenty of local cafés and small eateries in Gangtok that offer tasty meals at budget-friendly prices on your budget tour. Plus, don’t forget to pack snacks and carry reusable bottles to save your money to some extent.
A budget trip to Gangtok is nothing challenging but incredibly fulfilling. The key is to plan ahead (planning in advance/ booking in advance). Your time and effort while mapping out your Gangtok budget holiday will be worth it. Contact your travel agent for a low-cost tour package and car rental in Siliguri for Gangtok.
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