ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Siliguri and Transfer to Darjeeling (105 km approx)
As you arrive at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (Junction), our tour representative greets you and helps you with an assisted transfer to Darjeeling, popular as the 'Queen of the Hills'. Located at an altitude of 2123 m above the sea level, it is extremely popular for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, fondly called the Toy Train- a UNESCO World Heritage train. The place has been blessed with salubrious weather, scenic beauty, mighty Himalayan peaks and several tourist attractions. Darjeeling is visited by family vacationers as well as honeymooners, every year, in huge numbers. Upon reaching Darjeeling, complete the check-in formalities at the hotel. Post check-in, you can relax for a while. The evening is free. You can embark on a leisure walk till the Mall Road to enjoy the touristy activities or can opt to indulge in shopping. Stay overnight in Darjeeling.
Day 02: Darjeeling local sightseeing
Leave your beds around 3:45 am to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise from the Tiger Hill. While returning to the hotel, halt and visit Ghoom Monastery- erected by Lama Sherab Gyatso in 1875.
Later continue to the hotel and relish breakfast. Post breakfast, embark on the second part of sightseeing of Darjeeling including Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park-founded in 1958, this zoo also runs breeding programs for Tibetan wolf, snow leopard and red panda; Himalayan Mountaineering Institute- the oldest mountaineering institute, it also has a museum; The Ropeway- also known as Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car, it is the country's oldest passenger ropeway that connects Darjeeling with Singla Bazaar; Tenzing Gumbo Rocks- two rocks lying beside each other, popular amidst rock climbing enthusiasts; Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center- founded in 1959 for Tibetan refugees, the center produces some excellent-quality carpets and woolens etc; any of the lush tea estates, Natural History Museum- Located in the Botanical Garden, this small museum has a display of colorful birds and butterflies of the region, and Japanese Peace Pagoda- this highest free structure of Darjeeling showcases the four forms (avatars) of Lord Buddha. Stay overnight
Day 03: Darjeeling- Kalimpong (65 km approx) (Sightseeing)
After breakfast, today you get transferred to Kalimpong, lying at an altitude of 1243 m above the sea level, at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. Overlooking Teesta River, Kalimpong is a lovely historical town that boasts of vibrant locals, Buddhist monasteries. Later, embark on a sightseeing tour of Kalimpong, including its popular tourist attractions such as Forest Museum- placed near Down Hill, Deolo Hill- the highest point of Kalimpong, Hanuman Mandir- located next to Deolo hill, Durpin Monastery- also known as Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Gompa, Mangal Dham- a beautiful temple in 2 acres. In the evening, you can visit the local market of Kalimpong. Stay overnight in Kalimpong.
Day 04: Kalimpong - Pelling (105 km)
After breakfast in the morning, get transferred to Pelling, lying at an altitude of 2072 m above the sea level. This serene hill town is known for housing stunning historical sites, exciting trekking trails, exotic wildlife and a variety of orchid and rhododendron flowers. The place gets covered with snow during the winter months. The road journey from Kalimpong to Pelling offers memorable views of Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt Pandim, Mt Kabru, Mt Simvo, Mt Jopuno, Mt Khanchendzonga and Mt Siniolchu. On arrival, check into the hotel. The remaining day is for leisure activities. Pelling is ideal for peace and seclusion seekers. Overnight stay in Pelling.
Day 05: Pelling Sightseeing
On the 5th day of the tour, have your breakfast and get all set for sightseeing in Pelling. The roads of Pelling are lines with lush forests, known for their botanical and zoological richness. Some of the must-visit places here are Rimbi falls- placed near Darap Village, this Waterfall leads to Rimbi River, Rimbi Rock Garden- a well-maintained garden with pathways and pools, ideal for picnics; Khecheopalri Lake - a sacred lake for Hindus and Buddhist lakes, this wish fulfilling lake has crystal clear water, Khecheopalri monastery-located near the Lake, this is a small Buddhist monastery; Kanchenjunga waterfalls- a famous perennial waterfall on a sharp road curve is 28 km away from the town; Pemayangtse Monastery- belonging to Ngingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, this monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and Rabdantse Palace ruins- built in 1670 by the 2nd Chogyal of Sikkim Tensung Namgyal, the ruins of this palace offer mesmerizing views of the Kanchendzonga ranges. Overnight stay.
Day 06: Pelling- Gangtok sightseeing (135 km)
On day 6, have breakfast and begin your ride for Gangtok, the capital city of north eastern state of Sikkim.Complete the check-in formalities at the hotel.
Later, get all set for a city tour of Gangtok including Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Do Drul Chorten- this gigantic white color stupa, Enchey Monastery- around 200 years old, White Hall and Flower Show- an exhibition center with Blue Venda Orchids, Celosia, Chrysanthemum, Paps and other flower varieties on display . If time and energy permits, you can enjoy a leisure walk at the M G Road. Stay overnight in Gangtok.
Day 07 : Gangtok- Lachung (119 km)
Post breakfast, you leave for Lachung, lying at an altitude of 8600 feet above the sea level. Enroute, halt at some nice locations such as Tashi Viewpoint- offering a breathtaking view of the snow-clad Kanchenjunga peak, Kabi Longstok- a historical town, Naga Waterfalls- a lovely waterfall that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding snow-clad peaks, the meeting point of Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu in Chungthang, and Bhim Nala Waterfall- another popular waterfall with tranquil surroundings. Stop of lunch on the way and later continue for Lachung. The road journey is going to an unforgeable experience. On arrival, check- in at a hotel. The remaining day is for exploring this lovely hill town that is popular for sparkling waterfalls, nice scenic views, apple orchards and Lachung Monastery. Overnight stay at Lachung.
Day 08 : Lachung- Yumthang (sightseeing) - Lachung
On the 8th day of the tour, have your breakfast and begin driving towards Yumthang, perched at an elevation of 11800 feet above the sea level, for an excursion. En route, halt at the well-known hot spring with water having curative properties for skin diseases. A beautiful valley that is close to Lachung Chu, Yumthang is enclosed by snow-capped peaks. During spring, colorful Rhododendrons, Alpine and Primulae flowers make the valley even more enchanting. A sheet of white snow covers Yumthang in winter season with surrounding mountains, adding to its beauty. Spend half day here. Back to Lachung for lunch, followed by sightseeing including Lachung Monastery- an ancient Nyingma Buddhist monastery. Dinner and overnight stay at Lachung.
Day 09 : Lachung – Gangtok (125 km)
After breakfast on the 9th day of the tour, leave for Gangtok in the morning. On the way, halt at Singhik and Mangan – two beautiful towns with lovely views. If the weather is clear, you can enjoy amazing views of various Himalayan peaks such as Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt Pandim, Mt Kabru, Mt Simvo, Mt Jopuno, Mt Khanchendzonga and Mt Siniolchu. Do not forget to click photographs here. After arrival in Gangtok, check into a hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Explore the surrounding area on your own. In the evening, you can indulge in shopping at the M G Road. Stay overnight in Gangtok.
Day 10 : Excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
Post breakfast. The day is scheduled for an excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. Next you have an option to visit the very popular Nathula Pass, which is just 20 km from here. On reaching Gangtok, complete the check-in formalities. You are now free to explore the place on your own. Overnight stay in Gangtok.
Day 11 : Gangtok – Departure from Siliguri (135 km)
Today is the last day, after breakfast, get an assisted transfer to Siliguri - New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (Junction) for your onward journey.
