Sikkim

Sikkim is a beautiful state in India with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm people. Here's an ideal itinerary for 7 days in Sikkim that fits your constraints:

Day 1: Arrival in Gangtok

• Arrive at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station and take a shared taxi to Gangtok (approx. 4 hours)
• Check into a budget hotel or hostel in the city center
• Spend the day exploring Gangtok's markets, cafes, and monasteries like Enchey Monastery and Rumtek Monastery
• Expense: Shared taxi - INR 300-400, Budget hotel - INR 500-1000

Day 2: Gangtok sightseeing

• Start the day early and visit the famous Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir (approx. 2 hours from Gangtok)
• Return to Gangtok and visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten, and Gangtok Ropeway
• Expense: Shared taxi to Tsomgo Lake - INR 2000-2500 (including permit), Entry fees - INR 20-50, Food - INR 200-300

Day 3: Gangtok to Lachen

• Take a shared taxi from Gangtok to Lachen (approx. 6 hours)
• Check into a budget hotel or homestay in Lachen
• Spend the evening exploring the village and interacting with the locals
• Expense: Shared taxi - INR 2000-2500, Budget hotel/homestay - INR 500-1000

Day 4: Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake and Lachung

• Start early and take a shared taxi to Gurudongmar Lake (approx. 3 hours)
• Spend some time at the lake and return to Lachen for lunch
• Take a shared taxi to Lachung (approx. 2 hours)
• Check into a budget hotel or homestay in Lachung
• Expense: Shared taxi to Gurudongmar Lake - INR 3000-3500 (including permit), Food - INR 200-300, Budget hotel/homestay - INR 500-1000

Day 5: Lachung sightseeing

• Visit the Yumthang Valley and Zero Point (approx. 3 hours from Lachung)
• Return to Lachung and visit the Lachung Monastery and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
• Expense: Shared taxi to Yumthang Valley and Zero Point - INR 3000-3500, Entry fees - INR 20-50, Food - INR 200-300

Day 6: Lachung to Gangtok

• Take a shared taxi from Lachung to Gangtok (approx. 6 hours)
• Check into a budget hotel or hostel in the city center
• Spend the evening exploring Gangtok's nightlife and trying local food
• Expense: Shared taxi - INR 2000-2500, Budget hotel - INR 500-1000

Day 7: Departure

• Take a shared taxi from Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station (approx. 4 hours)
• Expense: Shared taxi - INR 300-400

Overall expense for 7 days: INR 15,000-20,000 (excluding flights and shopping)

Some travel items to carry:

• Warm clothes and comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Water bottle and snacks
• Cash and ID proof
• First aid kit and any necessary medications

Sikkim is generally safe for solo travelers, but it's always advisable to take precautions like not venturing out alone at night and being aware of your surroundings.