Darjeeling & Sikkim Tour

Tour Themes

Destinations Covered

DARJEELING:

Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.

DAY 01: ARRIVE BAGDOGRA AND DRIVE 75 KMS TO DARJEELING

Met on arrival at Darjeeling airport and drive apprximately for 75 kms, 2.5 hrs to Darjeeling. On arrival check-in at the hotel.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Oevrnight at the hotel

DAY 02 DARJEELING

Early morning visit Tiger Hill to see a beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden. It is truly a majestic sight and Ghoom Monastery which is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height on the way back from Tiger Hill.

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for city tour visiting Himalayan Mountaineering Institute(closed on Thursday) which was started by Tenzing Norgay after he climbed Mt. Everest, Zoological Park(closed on Thursday), Tibetan Refugee Centre(closed on Sunday), Tenzing Rock, Gombu Rock, Tea Estate(from outside), Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 03 DARJEELING- PELLING (75 KMS / 3 HOURS DRIVE)

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast at the hotel drive to Pelling.

PELLING

Located at a distance of 120 kms from Gangtok Pelling is another serene, mountain village which lies in the western districts of Sikkim. This village is situated at an altitude of 2000 mts(approx) and commands a spectacular view of Mt.Kanchenjunga.

On arrival check-in at the hotel, rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 04 PELLING

Breakfast at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for full day city tour visiting Pemayangste Monastery, Rabtense Ruins, Helipad, Rambi, Darap, Khechipalri Lake, Kanchenjunga waterfalls.

Pemayangtse Monastery is located at a distance of 5 km from the Police Check Post in Upper Pelling. It is one of the oldest monasteries, which has been standing tall since 1705 and here you can witness the ancient manuscripts and scriptures in halls as well as pillars and wood work. This monastery is under the Nyingma organization of Tibet Buddhism and controls every single other religious community of a similar faction. The fine architecture of this monastery is a delight to the eye.

Numerous artistic creations and models frame a piece of its rich setup, and statues of Padmasambhava can also be seen here. The unique feature of this monastery is that it has an intricately carved, wooden, 7-tiered 3D model displaying a heavenly space, which gives a great spiritual insight into the religion.The magnificence of the inside is sublimely supplemented by the excellence of the Himalayas outside. Peace and quietness wash over you when you are here.

Rabdentse Ruins is the archeological site that tells Sikkim’s story of glory. Until 1814 A.D, it was the second capital of Sikkim, established by the Chogyal II. Later on, after the Nepalese invasion in the 18th century, the palace and the monastery complex was destructed and turned into ruins. The place is a must see for the history-enthusiasts who want to dig into the state’s past in between the spectacular view of Kanchenjunga peak and the gushing river flowing through the foothills. The ruins of Rabdentse Palace are just a walk away from the Pemayangtse Monastery through the dense forest on the way to Pelling.

The Pelling Helipad is around a kilometre from the Police Check Post, which is a central location in Pelling. The short walk to the helipad ground is a pleasant one. There is no regular service at the helipad ground. The place offers brilliant, panoramic views of the stunning Kanchenjunga and its surrounding mountain ranges that is frequented by many visitors for the same reason.

Located at 8 km from Pelling, the picturesque Darap Village is a perfect place for a laid-back and relaxing holiday. Away from the touristy hustle-bustle, Darap is emerging as a spot for village tourism. It provides visitors with an opportunity to stay in humble homestays, understand and blend in the Sikkimese culture and tradition. The beautiful Rimbi River meanders approximately 12 km from Pelling, further ahead from the Darap village. Strewn with boulders and pebbles, the scenic location is a favoured picnic spot. It houses a small hydroelectric power plant on it. Remnants of a tourist spot called the Rock Garden can be seen here, which was washed away by floods years ago.

Khecheopalri Lake, otherwise called Kha-Chot-Palri, is a beautiful lake close to Pelling. It is a must-visit in Pelling. Overflowing with legends, the lake is adored by the two Hindus and Buddhists for its legendary affiliations. Legends connect the place with Guru Padmasambhava, Lord Shiva and Goddess Tara. Visiting the lake is a lovely ordeal since nature and quiet rule here undisturbed. The tranquil shores of the lake are an appreciated home to numerous remarkable birds and the encompassing backwoods of bamboo add to its fascinating pleasures.

The heavenly Kanchenjunga Falls are a standout amongst other spots to visit in Pelling. Set in the midst of the snow-clad mountains of the Himalayas, these cascades are a pleasure to watch. The green and white magnificence of the setting mitigates the eyes while the enduring twinkling of the water is music to the ears.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 05 PELLING- GANGTOK (127 KMS / 5 HOURS DRIVE)

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast drive to Gangtok.

GANGTOK:

At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid 19th century and has undergone rapid development since then. The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight.

Later proceed for sightseeing in Gangtok visiting Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Flower Show, Do Drul Chorten, Institute of Tibetology, Cottage Industry and Bakthang Falls.

Tashi View Point - Constructed by the erstwhile King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal, panoramic Tashi Viewpoint is set in the midst of beautiful scenic views, really popular for its dawns and dusks and offers startling view of the Himalayan Mountain. On clear days, Kanchunjunga is clearly visible and visitors can also see the Labrang Monastery and Phodong Monastery on the opposite hill.

Ganesh Tok - Situated 6,500 meters above sea level on a beautiful hilltop, it is one of the most popular Ganesh temples in Sikkim and can be reached after 7 kilometer steep ascend from the main town. Located near Tashi View point at a hill adjacent to the television tower of Sikkim, it offers spectacular views of the city and on a cloudless day even of the magnificent Khanchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world. Adorned with colorful prayer patakas(flags) hoisted and tied across the roads, the path to Ganesh tok almost resembles a rainbow.

There is a circular balcony around the temple and a viewing lounge to soak in the panoramic view of vast green expanses, the Raj Bhavan complex, and the entire town of Gangtok in all its grandeur.

Do Drul Chorten Stupa is a decent place to visit in the city. It was built in 1945-46 by Trulshik Rinpoche, leader of the Nyingma community. This stupa holds centrality in the city due to its said capacity to head out wicked spirits. It includes the conventional 108 Mani Lhakor or petition wheels of Buddhism which have wish-conceding properties. The brilliant best of the stupa reveres the figure of Dorjee Phurpa or Vajra Kilaya.

The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT), Gangtok, Sikkim is an important reference centre in the world of Buddhist studies, which is named after the 11th Chogyal of Sikkim, Sir Tashi Namgyal. Housed in traditionally styled Tibetan architecture, this unique institute was established in 1958 to promote research into Mahayana Buddhism and Tibetan culture. It contains one of the world’s largest collections of Buddhist books and manuscripts, plus statuettes, thangkas (Tibetan cloth paintings) and sacred objects It houses a museum, a Tibetan library and a general reference centre on Tibet and the Himalayas. The Institute is located in beautiful sylvan surroundings. The foundation stone of the institute was laid by the 14th Dalai Lama on the 10th of February 1957 and it was opened officially by the Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 1 October 1958. This is a treasure trove of Tibetan literature and artifacts, the only one of its kind in India and just three of their kind in the whole world.

Ban Jhakri falls -Situated inside the popular Energy Park, the 100-foot Ban Jhakri Waterfall is an excellent spot. Nature rules here, a still quietness hangs all around, just punctuated by the intense spouting of the water gushing on the stones. The Ban Jhakri Falls is of sacred importance to the locals here as they are said to have a power which can repulse insidious spirits. When you are in the recreation centre, make a point to visit the man-made lake.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 06 GANGTOK

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast head out for a full day excursion to Changu Lake which is 35 Kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400 feet. The lake derives its waters from melting snows off the surrounding mountains Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying the color of the lake’s waters.

Also visit Baba Mandir-This is a temple devoted to the memory of Harbhajan Singh, a fighter martyred amid the Sino war. Harbhajan Singh shield his nation and individual officers on the Nathu La pass. It is believed that this legend has supernatural powers and that he monitors the soldiers who are at the border. He is the reason why this temple is of importance to tourists too.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 07 GANGTOK – KALIMPONG (83 KMS, APPROX 3 HOURS DRIVE)

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast drive to Kalimpong.

KALIMPONG

At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong’s location is ideal for a pleasant , relaxed getaway. Its clement weather has made Kalimpong’s orchids and gladiole well renowned. Up to the early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim raja’s domain. In the early 18th century, the Bhutan king also took it over. In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War , it was annexed to Darjeeling. Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s. The town thrived as a wool trading center with Tibet till 1950s. Today it’s a quiet hill resort and a haven for retired people.

Afternoon sightseeing in Kalimpong city tour visiting Zang Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery, Mangal Dham and flower nurseries.

At a distance of 5 km from Kalimpong Bus Station, Zang Dhok Palri Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located atop Durpin Dara Hill in the beautiful hill town of Kalimpong, West Bengal. Popularly called as Durpin Monastery, it is one of the largest monasteries in Kalimpong and among the well-known Buddhist monasteries in West Bengal. The Zang Dhok Palri Monastery was established in 1970 by Dudjum Rinpoche and was consecrated by His Holiness Dalai Lama six years later. Today, Zong Dog Palri is regarded as a major religious center among the followers of Buddhism. Built in the typical Buddhist architectural style, this monastery has sculptured walls, pillars and ancient paintings. In addition, this gompa houses a main prayer hall with large paintings and has a three dimensional appearance inside. Durpin Monastery holds an important religious significance owing to sacred Kangyur kept inside the monastery. Consisting of 108 volumes, all these were carried by Dalai Lama during his exile. Some of the rare documents related with Buddhism are found within the Zang Dhok Palri Monastery. Perched at an elevation of around 1372 m, one can spot the breathtaking views of the snowcapped Kanchenjunga and the Pristine Teesta River flowing down below.

Mangal Dham -This is one of the most beautiful temples in India and one of the best in Kalimpong. It spans over a sprawling 2 acres area and located close to Thongsa Gompa. In 1940 Guruji Shri Mangal Dasji Maharaj visited Kalimpong. The visit had a profound impact on him.

He decided to realize his divine dreams of serving the poor and needy in Kalimpong, dedicated his life to social welfare, and created orphanages, schools and temples. Mangal Dham was essentially built in his memory. The whole theme of the dham is Knowledge, Devotion and Service.

Over the years, Kalimpong has flourished in floriculture due to its climate. Many commercial and specialized flower nurseries have come up in the area. They mainly export the flowers & plants. One of the best is the beautiful University Nursery which is located about 3kms from the town and the on the road that leads towards Teesta. You will find large and beautiful collections of Cactus plants, Orchids, Amaryllis and Succulents here.

There are several excellent nurseries in Kalimpong and one of them is Pineview Nursery. It's located on Atisha road and is one of the stoppage points in a standard local sightseeing tour. This is a private commercial nursery established in 1971. You will find exotic and rare collections of north, south and Central America's cactus plants here that are conserved and grown in green houses.

Overnight at hotel

DAY 08 KALIMPONG- BAGDOGRA (80 KMS, APPROX 3 HOURS DRIVE)

Breakfast at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra/NJP in time to board flight to onward destination.

****End of Tour****

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