Complete Sikkim & Darjeeling | The-Real-India.com

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Bagdogara by flight -Gangtok
On your arrival in Bagdogra Airport (IXB), meet our tour representative who further transfers you to Gangtok. As you reach, check in at our hotel and relax. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim state is perched at an elevation of 1,650 m. The town is an important Buddhist pilgrimage spot, especially because of Enchey Monastery which was built in 1840. Trekkers, shopaholics, nature-lovers, bird-enthusiasts and people with similar interests find Gangtok a very interesting place. The sight of world’s third highest peak, Kanchenjunga, is enjoyed from Gangtok. Gangtok is blessed with abundance of greenery and an expansive biodiversity. Vivacious ethnicity of the town is yet another attribute it takes pride in. In the evening, you are free to take a stroll in MG Road (Mall Road) or other local markets of the area. Overnight stay in Gangtok- Hotel(B,D)

Day 02: Gangtok Sightseeing
Today, have breakfast and leave for sightseeing tour to Gangtok. Some of the important places of interest we take you to are- Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms Emporium, Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten (stupa), Enchey monastery, White hall, Flower Show, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Tashi View point and Banjhakri falls. Directorate of handicrafts and handlooms Emporium is one among the best places to shop in the state of Sikkim. The center has a wide collection of beautiful thangka paintings, wooden masks, traditional hats and caps, stuffed dolls, embroidered products, carpets, handlooms and cane and bamboo work. The center is also a training center for those who want to learn about handicraft. Other attractions-Do Drul Chorten, a magnificent stupa put up by the head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhist, Trullshi Rinpoche. It is the biggest stupa in Sikkim and is home to a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur relics (holy books) and other religious objects. There are 108 prayer wheels around the stupa, which are turned to read the mantra ‘Om Mane Padmane Hum’ engraved on it.
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Surrounded by tall pine trees all around, Enchey Monastery is believed to be constructed on a land blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo (a tantric master). The monastery is highly revered and inside the monastery you can see some shells that are considered auspicious Buddhist symbols. Listed among the most important temples to visit in Sikkim is Ganesh Tok, at an altitude up to 6500 ft. The main deity presiding inside the temple is of Lord Ganesha. The temple is not only visited to seek blessings, but also to enjoy the surrounding and the scenic views from the hill top. In-addition, if it is a clear day then you can also have a fascinating view of Kanchenjunga (the third highest peak). Adore the spectacular views of Kanchenjunga (on a clear day) and rising sun from Tashi view point. In case, if you want to have an unforgettable experience of these notable peaks and gorgeous surrounding, then you need to head here before 5am. Later, in the evening either you can relax or stroll around the local bazaars of the place.

Some of the important that you should definitely buy during your trip to Gangtok are handicrafts, locally made artifacts, shimmering jewelries, Tibetan carpets, alpine cheese, black cardamom, Sikkim tea and other traditional outfits.
Overnight stay in Gangtok- Hotel(B,D)

Day 03: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
Note: Foreigners and NRI are not allowed to Visit Baba Mandir. Tsongmo Lake Excursion: Being situated in the Himalayan topography, Gangtok has various natural attractions which are filled with mystical beauty and serenity. One of them is the breathtaking Tsomgo lake which offers one of the most beautiful sights in the region.
The lake is nestled at an altitude of 12,400 ft and the drive from Gangtok to it is likely to take around 1 hour to reach. Tsomgo or Changu lake is actually a glacial lake, which derives its waters from the snow capped mountains it get surrounded by. The lake is also a home of Brahmin ducks and migratory birds. Being a prominent tourist place, the banks of the lake have shops selling trinkets and Yak cheese. So you can buy some for yourself.
Get Free Quote The locals also provide for yak rides so you can have a nice time exploring the breathtaking surroundings sitting on the back of a yak. Admire the beauty of the lake and pay a visit to the Lord Shiva temple, which is located on the banks of Tsomgo Lake. We can also visit Nathu La Pass, which is the border of India and China. Post this, move towards Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial War temple, which is 20 kms from Tsomgo Lake near Gangtok. Situated at an altitude of around 13000 feet, close to Jelep Pass, is a memorial shrine, dedicated to a soldier of the 23rd Punjab Regiment, who died in the 1962 war between India and China. As per the legend, after meeting his tragic death in the war, soldier Harbhajan Singh came in the dream of one of his peers, and asked to build a war memorial after him. Following this, Indian Army built a war memorial in order to commemorate the sacrifice of this martyr.
Later on, this memorial started enjoying the privileges of a sacred shrine. The original Baba Harbhajan Singh temple was built in the year 1983 at the bunker of the late soldier. When you will visit this bunker, you will come across dresses, stationeries and pictures of the soldier. There also lies a small wishing poodle, in which you can throw a coin and make a wish.
Overnight stay in Gangtok- Hotel(B,D) Day

04: Gangtok- Lachen (107 km- 3 hours)
In the morning get transferred to Lachen. Halt at Chungthang for lunch and continue your journey. On reaching Lachen, check in at your hotel and relax. Lachen is settled at an elevation of 2750 meters, amid humungous hill range. The town is the starting point of Green Lake Trek circuit. Lachen’s Thangu Festival (Yak race) is one of its greatest highlights, along with Chopta Valley and Kanchenjunga National Park. Lachen is home to a sprawling biodiversity which make it pleasing. You can go for a heritage walk around Lepcha Village. Stay overnight in hotel.
Overnight stay in Lachen- Hotel(B,L,D)

Day 05: Lachen- Gurudongmar Lake- Lachung (3 hour- 66 km and 113 km- 4 hour, respectively)
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed to Lachung and stopover at Gurudongmar Lake( Not Included in the cost) .
Get Free QuoteGurudongmar Lake is perched at an elevation of 17100 feet and is counted as one of the highest lakes of the world. This lake is just five kilometers away from the source of Teesta River (Tso Lhama Lake). Even the India-Tibet is in close proximity from the lake. Beside its splendid beauty, Gurudongmar Lake is considered holy by the followers of Buddhism and Hinduism. Its name has been derived from Guru Padmasambhava. Note: Foreign nationals, NRIs or OCIs are not allowed in Gurudingmar Lake. Lachung, at an altitude of 9600 ft, has been regarded as “Most Picturesque Village of Sikkim” by Joseph Dalton, a British explorer, in his book The Himalayan Journal. Monastery, apple orchard and river streams are some of its striking feature. Rhododendrons and shrubs are scattered profusely around the area adding to the charm. In the evening, visit Lachung Monastery. This is the last Buddhist Monastery of India before Indo-China border. Mask dance of Lachung Monaster is very famous in North-East India.
Overnight stay in Lachung- Hotel(B,L,D)

Day 06: Lachung – Excursion to Yumthang Valley
Have your breakfast and proceed to Yumthang Valley. On your way, halt near a popular hot spring that is known for having medicinal properties for skin diseases and problems. Yumthang is located near Lachung Chu. In spring, it gets dotted with mélange of colorful flowers like rhododendrons, primulae and other alpine flowers. While with the arrival of winters thick sheet of snow covers the vicinity. In the evening you are free to explore Lachung. Have your dinner in the hotel and stay overnight.
Overnight stay in Lachung- Hotel(B,L,D)

Day 07: Lachung- Gangtok (3 hours- 107 km)
Have your breakfast and get ready to get transferred to Gangtok. The view of Himalayan mountain range and Kanchenjunga Peak is visible throughout the route, on a clear day. If you are a photographer, this could be an unmissable opportunity for you. Check in at your hotel on reaching. In the evening you are free to take a leisure stroll in M.G Road (Mall Road) or other local markets.
Overnight stay in Gangtok- Hotel(B,D)

Day 08: Gangtok – Pelling (117kms- 4.5hrs)
Post breakfast, bid goodbye to Gangtok and make your way to Pelling, which is a prominent hill station in the western part of Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of around 2100 meters, Pelling is known for its natural splendor and tranquility. Unspoiled and covered with dense alpine vegetation, waterfalls after every couple of miles and the sight of the greater Himalayas and Kanchenjunga overshadowing the valley, the town is perfect to wind up in the lap of nature. Journey to Pelling from Gangtok is likely to take 4.5 hours and as you arrive in this serene paradise, you would be embarking on a sightseeing trip to the numerous attractions or jewels that the town feels proud of. Upon arrival in Pelling , check into hotel.
Overnight stay in Pelling- Hotel(B,D)

Day 09: Pelling Sightseeing
Get Free Quote Today after sightseeing go for sightseeing of Pelling. The most prominent ones include Kanchenjunga falls and Rimbi waterfalls. At first, you would be heading to Rimbi waterfalls, which is around 12 kms from Pelling. Rimbi waterfalls are situated right at the banks of Rimbi river and are remarkable to watch. Moving ahead from these falls are the king size Kanchenjunga falls. Situated around 28 km from the main town of Pelling and named after the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain, Kanchenjunga falls is renowned for its grandeur and beauty. The existence of this splendid waterfall largely remained unknown until the mid 90s, when a local tour operator accidentally discovered it at a sharp curve on the roadside. The place is ideal for picnicking with family and friends. Thus, you can have a nice time relaxing near the gushing Kanchenjunga falls. Other attractions that you will be surely visiting in Pelling including Kecheopalri lake and Rimbi rock garden which lies in close vicinity of the majestic falls. Also visit Sinsore Bridge –Asia's 2nd Highest Bridge, Post all the sightseeing, return to the town of Pelling and make a check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight stay in Pelling- Hotel(B,D)

Day 10: Pelling – Darjeeling (72kms- 4hrs)
Post breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Darjeeling. On arrival in the beautiful hill town of West Bengal, check in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight stay in Darjeeling- Hotel(B,D)

Day 11: Darjeeling Sightseeing
Visit the magnificent Tiger Hill the first thing in the morning. The reason behind its early visit is the view of the morning sun glistening the lofty snow clad peaks of Kanchenjunga. Tiger Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling, that have found their address 11 km from the town of Darjeeling. Not just Kanchenjunga, if you are lucky, you can even watch the head of the highest peak in the world, Mt Everest turning all golden by the sun. On your way back to hotel, you would be visiting Ghoom monastery and Batasia Loop. Like the Tiger Hill, these two also hold a great amount of significance. Just 7 km short from the town of Darjeeling, lies the famous Ghoom monastery. Belonging to the Gelupka sect of Buddhism, the monastery has a 15 ft statue of Lord Buddha as one of its main attractions, which is known as Maitreya Buddha. Besides the Maitreya Buddha, the monastery also houses idols of other Buddhist deities as well.
Get Free QuoteGet Free QuoteThis includes the likes of Buddha of Compassion and Tsongkhapa. Another prominent attraction to visit in the early hours of the day is Batasia Loop, which is a fascinating railway track loop. To watch this, you would be boarding the world renowned and vintage toy train of Darjeeling. From the loop, you can have a whole view of the lovely landscapes of Darjeeling, plus the flowery garden on which the loop is encircled, adds on to the charm of Batasia loop. Post these visits, head back to your hotel for a sumptuous breakfast. The other half of the day is meant to cover other attractions of Darjeeling. Under this, you would be visiting the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (closed on Sunday), Tea Garden and Ropeway. There is also a Peace Pagoda located in the town of Darjeeling, which also would be covered in our sightseeing trip. With the aim of creating peace all around, the Peace Pagoda or Stupa invites people of all castes, creeds and religion to visit the place and develop mutual harmony for each other. It is popular as Japanese Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling.
Overnight stay in Darjeeling- Hotel(B,D)

Day 12: Darjeeling - Transfer to Kalimpong ( 50kms- 2hrs)
As soon as you are done with your breakfast, embark on a journey to Kalimpong, which is another famous hill station in the state of West Bengal. Kalimpong resides at an elevation of around 1200 meters and the main town is on a ridge area connecting two hills. Owing to its magnificent Himalayan beauty and invigorating climate, the place is no less than a paradise. After a journey of 1 hr and 40 mins, you would be arriving at Kalimpong. Upon arrival check into hotel.
Get Free QuoteOvernight stay in Kalimpong- Hotel(B,D)

Day 13: Kalimpong Sightseeing
After breakfast we head to a sightseeing tour of Kalimpong. Under this, you would be visiting Deolo hill, Teesta valley, Pine View Point, Orchid, Golf Club and Dr Graham’s Homes School. Amongst them, Deolo hill holds quite prominence. As mentioned earlier, Kalimpong lies on a ridge between two hills, Deolo hill is one of them. Situated at an elevation of around 1700 meters, Deolo hill is the highest point of the hill station. Owing to the location of the hill, you can have an enchanting view of the whole town of Kalimpong, the nearby Relli valley and the bloodline of Kalimpong, the beautiful Teesta river. Once you reach the top of the hill, you would be welcomed with a park of exotic flowers. Besides these attractions, our tour representative will also make you visit the scared Durpin hill and Durpin monastery, which is around 5 km from the main town of Kalimpong.
Overnight stay in Kalimpong- Hotel(B,D)

Day 14: Kalimpong to Bagdogra Airport (77kms- 3hrs) (IXB) Depart
Have your breakfast and check out from your hotel. You get an assisted transfer to Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Continue your onward journey