Overview

Gangtok is the capital of the mountainous northern Indian state of Sikkim. Established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1840s, the city became capital of an independent monarchy after British rule ended, but joined India in 1975. Today, it remains a Tibetan Buddhist center and a base for hikers organizing permits and transport for treks through Sikkim’s Himalayan mountain ranges.

Pelling is a small town in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, at the foothills of Mount Khangchendzonga. The late-17th-century Buddhist Sanga Choling Monastery has mountain views. Pemayangtse Monastery features wall paintings, sculptures and a gold-plated statue of Guru Padsambhava. Overlooking a valley, the 17th-century Rabdentse Palace, now in ruins, still has evidence of the king’s bedroom and kitchen.

Darjeeling is a town in India's West Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. It's famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop is Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival

Transfers

Stay

On arrival at the Bagdogra airport (IXB), you will transfer to Gangtok. Visit the Mall Road in Gangtok. Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok.

Day 2

Gangtok

Tsomgo Lake Kyongnosla Baba Mandir

Sightseeing

Breakfast

Stay

After breakfast, set out for the day excursion to the Tsomgo Lake (40 km from Gangtok). This lake is home to the Brahmini ducks. En route, stop at Kyongnosla. Then, travel to Baba Mandir (at an altitude of around 13,500 feet). Return to Gangtok and retire for the night at the hotel.

Day 3

Gangtok Sightseeing and transfer to Pelling

Bakthang Falls Enchey Monastery Do Drul Chorten

Sightseeing

Breakfast

Transfers

Stay

After a filling breakfast, start the half day city tour, which covers the Bakthang Falls, Enchey Monastery, Do Drul Chorten and the Institute of Tibetology, which has the largest collection of Tibetan manuscripts and books on Buddhist philosophy. In the afternoon, transfer from Gangtok to Pelling. Overnight stay at the hotel in Pelling.

Day 4

Pelling to Darjeeling

Rimbi Falls Kanchenjunga Falls Khecheopalri Lake

Sightseeing

Breakfast

Transfers

Stay

After Breakfast visit Rimbi Falls, the Kanchenjunga Falls and the Khecheopalri Lake. Later in the afternoon, transfer to Darjeeling and reach by evening. Overnight stay at the hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 5

Darjeeling

Tiger Hills Ghoom Monastery Batasia Loop Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Sightseeing

Breakfast

Stay

Set out for an early morning tour to the Tiger Hills (at around 4 am) to view the sunrise over Kanchenjunga Peak (depends on clear weather). On the way back, visit the Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop. In the afternoon, go for a half-day sightseeing tour of the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursday), Tenzing and Gombu Rock, the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center (closed on Sunday) and a tea estate. Have a pleasant overnight stay at the hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 6

Departure

Breakfast

Transfers

After Breakfast Check out from Hotel and Transfer to Bagdogra Airport / Railway Station for Drop.