3 Jewels of Eastern Himalayan(Gangtok,Pelling & Darjeeling)

DAY 01: TRANSFER FROM (IXB) BAGDOGRA AIRPORT TO GANGTOK

Our representative cordially receives you on arrival at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) and helps you to board the car.
The exciting journey to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, runs through the winding road cutting across the valleys, hills, and villages and follows the course of Teesta River. You enter Sikkim through the Rangpo border and soon reach Ranipool. From Ranipool climb up towards Gangtok about 10 km away.
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. It is a modern city but with a great history and tradition. At 1,650 meters, Gangtok offers excellent weather throughout the year and offers multiple tourist attractions in and around the city. We assist you to check-in at the hotel.

Overnight stay at Gangtok.

DAY 02: FULL DAY EXCURSION OF TSOMGO LAKE, BABA MANDIR

After a heavy breakfast, we take you to the famous Tsomgo Lake at 12000 ft (3600M). We start around 8.30 AM from the hotel. You have the whole day to enjoy the snow and Yak ride at the scenic high altitude alpine lake near the Indo-Tibet border. The 1 km long and 15m deep lake is considered sacred to the local people. The pristine clear water remains frozen during winter. Have fun with snow and enjoy an exciting Yak ride around the lake.

Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake is a glacial lake in Sikkim. The name Tsomgo means 'Source of water'. It's located 40kms from Gangtok town and leads to Nathula Pass. This is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India. Before 1962, this was part of the old trade route between India and China. It takes about 2 hours by car from Gangtok to reach the lake along the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, the home to the red panda and the blood pheasant with Rhododendron and other alpine trees along the road - Situated at an elevation of 3753 meters / 12310 feet - The Lake is oval shaped lake nearly 50 feet deep - Generally covered in snow for most of the year – This lake is home to the Brahminy ducks & many migratory birds – Enjoy playing in snow and Yak Ride. Proceed further to Legendary Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir (“Hero of Nathula '' An Indian soldier who was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra medal for his bravery and known for doing his duty still after death). Nearby is the sacred Baba Mandir known to be a very holy site for all. You can take a ride on colorfully adorned yaks and ponies. There is also a 957-meter long ropeway (cable car) that carries passengers from the lake to a hilltop nearby. You should reach Tsomgo Lake before noon because in the afternoon the weather here usually starts getting bad. Additionally, Nathula Pass (14,140 ft) which is the Indo Chinese border can be combined in this trip on request by the passengers at an extra cost.

** Kindly note the following points regarding visit to Nathula**

1. Nathula permits are limited; hence it is NOT a guaranteed trip.

2. If permits are issued, the additional cost to be paid by the passengers is approx. Rs. 3000 - Rs. 4000 per vehicle.

3. Nathula visit cost has not been included in this package.

4. If you have breathing problems, you are advised to consult a doctor before visiting these places (particularly Nathula) because of low oxygen at such high altitudes. Portable oxygen cylinders are available at Medical shops in Gangtok.

In the evening, return from Tsomgo Lake to Gangtok.
Overnight stay at Gangtok.

DAY 03: FULL DAY GANGTOK EXCURSION

After an early morning breakfast, we move forward to the Gangtok local excursion.

Ban Jhakri Waterfall: A great waterfall in a landscaped forest garden. The place is an excellent picnic spot for families.

Tashi Viewpoint: A great viewpoint for watching the Kanchenjunga Snow Peaks on a clear day. Also an excellent place for sunrise view.

Gonjang Monastery: Gonjang Monastery is located about 6 km away from the heart of Gangtok town near Tashi Viewpoint. It is situated at 27.36908 latitude and 88.613314 at an altitude of 6066 feet. The monastery was established in the year 1981 and the founder is H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche. Monastic education along with Tibetan language and English are taught to the monk students. The monastery imparts knowledge on close and comparative studies of Indian and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy based on moral values. Gonjang Institute is for a complete nine years course similar to other Nyingma Institute.

Plant Conservatory: The Plant Conservatory at Bulbulay near Gangtok stands in semi-wilderness on the road that connects Gangtok to Hanuman Tok. Sikkim is home to over 400 species of plants and trees, and the conservatory is intended to make the region a botanical hub of the future. For the layperson, the conservatory is merely an exotic garden growing naturally on the hillside. Placards give away the academic intent of this place and help visitors put names to the trees. One can identify trees such as the Dhuppi known for its fragrant resin and the omnipresent Angeri. The trees are interspersed with flowering plants like Hydrangeas, Orchids, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Magnolias, and Daylilies. When in full bloom, this garden is a multi-sensory treat. The conservatory is home to beautiful ponds and bridges and is surrounded in greenery wherever the eyes go. With a backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, this Plant Conservatory’s picturesque setting is worth a visit.

Enchey Monastery: Located on a hilltop, it's one of the oldest monasteries around.

Ganesh Tok: A Ganesh Temple with viewing lounge and open balcony.

Ropeway (Cable Car): Great ride to view the whole of Gangtok, the valley and the peaks from far above.

Institute of Tibetology: A world-famous institute researching Tibetan language and culture also has a great museum and library with rare and huge collections. It's located within a short walk from Chorten Stupa.

Handicraft Center: This is the building of Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom including a Sales emporium and a Museum showcasing many different handicraft items and artwork created by the local artists and craftsmen.

Overnight stay at Gangtok.

DAY 04: TRANSFER TO PELLING VIA NAMCHI AND RAVANGLA

Early in the morning we continue our journey towards Pelling.

Namchi. This is the first Shai Baba temple in the whole of Sikkim. It was built by Shirdi Sai Baba Trust of South Sikkim under the patronage of the Government of Sikkim Tourism. It was opened for prayers on 3rd November 2010 by the Chief Minister of Sikkim Dr. Pawan Chamling. The temple is located at the corner of two roads. Although overall it's a striking complex with a garden setting with an awesome architecture with intricate work all around. Upstairs there is a wonderful statue of Shirdi Shai Baba kept on an elevated platform at the end of a huge hall. The hall with its blue decor & hue, and paintings & sculptures of many gods & goddesses around the walls is awe-inspiring.

Char Dham: Char Dham is undoubtedly the most popular and the best tourist attraction in Namchi. It is located on a hilltop and about 5kms from the center of town. This large complex has been conceived to take Sikkim to new heights of pilgrimage & religious tourism. The complex comprises the main temple of Shiva on which the imposing statue of Shiva has been set up. Additionally, there are replicas of twelve jyotirlingas to offer one platform to all devotees of Shiva, as well as replicas of the four dhams (Badrinath, Jagannath, Dwarka dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Rameshwar dedicated to Lord Shiva).

Samdruptse Monastery: Samdruptse Monastery is about 7kms from Namchi town and up on Samdruptse hill. Before Char Dham, this used to be the main attraction of Namchi, it is still very popular among tourists. Samdruptse means 'Wish-fulfilling Hill'. The locals believe that the hill is a dormant volcano. The Buddhists have been regularly offering prayers so that the volcano does not erupt. It has stayed calm so far. There is a mammoth 45-meter statue of Sikkim's patron saint Guru Padmasambhava set up on an elevated platform. The face is coated with gold that glitter in the sun. Walk around the platform and you can get magnificent views of the mountains and forests. The entry to the monastery is from the backside. The foundation stone here was laid by the Dalai Lama on 22nd October 1997. Subsequently, when the work started, it took over 3 years with many renowned architects, engineers, and over 1,000 laborers who worked hard together to set up the statue and the monastery. The religious aspects of the project were supervised by His Eminence Kyabje Dodrupchen Rinpoche who later consecrated the holy statue.

Ravangla: Another lovely place is Buddha Park in Ravangla (aka Ravangla) also known as Tathagata Tsal, 30kms from Namchi town. Spread over 23 acres of area, this parkland has a towering sitting statue of Buddha which is 137ft 22inch tall. The face of the statue is coated with 3.5kgs of gold. It is the tallest metal statue of Buddha in the world.

Overnight stay at Pelling.

DAY 05: FULL DAY PELLING EXCURSION

Darap Village: A humble abode treasured amidst the lofty mountains, Darap Subba Village is a must-visit for those who want to spend some quality time with nature. This serene village in Sikkim is seated near the town Pelling and it is occupied by a small settlement of Limboo Community. Its calming ambiance, wide rolling ranchlands, and paddy fields oozes a feeling of peace and tranquility. Darap Subba Village is also a base for several short treks around Pelling and too few plantations of millet, cardamom, and corn. Darap Subba Village also houses other communities such as the Gurungs, Bhutias, Tamangs, Chettris, and Rais.

Rimbi WaterFalls: On the way to Khecheopalri and Yuksam, near Darap Village Rimbi Waterfall is found. The waterfall leads to Rimbi River and is famous for the recreational activities like fishing. Spend some memorable moments with your loved ones here. A decent footfall of tourists is seen here during the summer months. The waterfall is placed at a distance of around 12 km from Pelling and about 5 km from Village Darap.

Khangchendzonga Waterfalls: Khangchendzonga Waterfall is a tourist hotspot offering an awe-inspiring view of its gushing chilled water enthusiastically splattering through the rich green vegetation; amidst the jagged surface of the hill. This waterfall is fed by the streams formed by the melting glaciers of Mt. Khangchendzonga and one has to climb up a little to reach the base of the fall, and feel the striking water shaping the granite rocks underneath. A ropeway is built for the adventure enthusiasts, to feel the thrill of crossing the stream hanging from a harness. Khangchendzonga Waterfall is approx 25 km away from Pelling.

Pemayangtse Monastery: Occupying a small section of beauty at the higher end of western Sikkim, a renowned monastery of Pemayangtse is located. The word Pemayangtse means ‘Perfect Sublime Lotus’ and it is a famous tourist attraction and widely visited by many travelers all year round. With a mere distance of 2 kilometers from Pelling, this attraction is an easy walk. You can unravel Sikkim’s prime beauty by visiting during the spring-summer season when the sky clears. This is so, as you can not only enjoy the holistic site but also witness the enthralling beauty of the Himalayas as well. Pemayangtse Monastery offers a meditative environment quietly set amidst woods. It gives a perfect place to relax in solitary and listen to the sounds of nature as you explore this second oldest monastery of Sikkim.

Rabdentse Ruins: is the archeological site that tells Sikkim’s story of glory. 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. As one enters the gate, the chestnut trees welcome the visitors by dropping mosses on them and leads to the stone throne composed of three standing stones known as ‘Namphogang’ where the judges used to pronounce the final judgment. Walking a little further, one will see ‘Taphap Chorten’ which was the entry point of the palace, while the ruins are at the center of the fourth courtyard which offers the mesmerizing view of the southwestern region of Sikkim.

Chenrezig statue & Skywalk: A new Buddhist pilgrimage site at Pelling in West Sikkim is all set to attract tourists since November 1, 2018, as it plays host to the world’s tallest 137-feet Chenrezig statue. A destination park with the 41.758 m tall statue of Chenrezig and a new complex with a skywalk, café and a gallery has been built at Sanga Choeling in Pelling for Rs 46.65 crore. The project was started in 2009, funded and constructed under the supervision of the Department of Culture and the Department of Buildings and Housing.

Overnight stay at Pelling.

DAY 06: TRANSFER FROM PELLING TO DARJEELING

Transfer from Pelling to Darjeeling..

Evening free can roam around Chowrasta and the local flea market by yourself.

DAY 07: FULL DAY DARJEELING EXCURSION

Early Morning (at 04:00 am) drive to Tiger hill (8,400 ft.) to watch the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Khangchendzongha (28,208 ft. Worlds 3rd highest peak), After breakfast relax for a while and then continue your tour visit to Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop.

Places Include:

Tiger Hill: Who doesn't know about the magnificent view of sunrise from Tiger Hill. You will need to wake up by 3:30 am and take a vehicle. But the rewards are awesome. You can see the changing colors of the colossal Kanchenjunga snow peaks as the light strikes, it's a place where you can soak yourself with Himalayan beauty. On a clear day, you can also get a glimpse of Mount Everest, Mount Makalu, and one of the most beautiful peaks of the world, Tibet's Chomol Hari. Tiger Hill is 11kms away and at an altitude of more than 8,400ft. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the top where there is a view tower for watching the sunrise. There is an entry fee.

Ghoom Monastery: You will visit one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries of Darjeeling located at a scenic location in the Ghoom area. It houses a12-foot tall statue of Maitreya Buddha which represents the Buddha of the future. This is one of the biggest and oldest statues of Buddha in the Darjeeling area. This statue was created with clay that was all brought from Tibet. In front of the Buddha's statue, two huge oil lamps keep burning all the time and all through the year. No entry fee but donation required for taking photos inside.

Batasia Loop and the War Memorial: Batasia Loop is an engineering marvel located in the Ghoom area. This is where the toy train makes a double spiral loop to negotiate a drop of 1000 ft as it moves towards Darjeeling town. Amidst the beautiful garden where the railway track is laid in the form of a loop, there is also a War Memorial. You can walk along the track and complete the loop yourself. I do it every time I am there. Or take the many pathways in the garden and walk around, enjoying the many flowers and the surroundings. It was constructed in honor of the Gurkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation. There is a nominal entry fee. Don't miss the Samosas (fried vegetable pastries) that are sold near the entrance of Batasia Loop in the morning.

Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda: Close to the Darjeeling town and in a scenic setting there is a temple built in a traditional Japanese style. About 100 yards away and in the same complex, there is a large Peace Pagoda that showcases four avatars of Buddha. The view of the mountain range and Darjeeling town from the top of the pagoda is spectacular. No entry fee. Caution: To save time, some drivers try to treat these two attractions as separate ones and count 2 instead of one. Don't be deceived or you will miss out on one of the following.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - Darjeeling Zoo - Natural History Museum: These are three attractions co-located in the same large compound. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was built to honor Tenzing Norgay's triumph to Everest and is dedicated to providing mountaineering and rock climbing lessons to students from all over the world. There is a mountaineering museum as well. The highlights of this museum include the artifacts from various Himalayan expeditions, the Everest section showcasing Tenzing's personal belongings, an eagle found dead at 26,000 feet during the 1960 Everest expedition, a high power telescope that once belonged to Hitler and was used by the Institute, etc. Darjeeling Zoo has many high altitude Himalayan animals including Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, yaks, etc. And the Bengal Natural History Museum is great to know about flora and fauna of Bengal including high altitude animals of the Himalayan region as well as of Darjeeling district. There is a combined entry ticket to visit all three attractions in one go.

Darjeeling Ropeway: You will board the cable car from Singamari located 3km away from the town center. The 45 minutes ride takes you from an altitude of 7,000ft to 800ft with a wonderful vista of a valley around Rangeet river, tea estates, and sweeping views of the snow peaks of the Himalayan range including Kanchenjunga. The ticket needs to be purchased. During high season, there may be long queues. So try to book in advance.

**Note: There is no confirmation for the ropeway if it is functioning or not.

Tea Garden: An old tea estate that exports all its produce to Harrods in London and a few other countries. You can see the delicate tea processing in the factory with the help of a guide and buy tea packets from its outlet. You won't get this tea anywhere else in the country. There is no entry fee, however, there is a fee for the guide.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center: A center and a factory established by the Tibetan refugees who fled Tibet and took refuge in Darjeeling. They not only live here, but also produce varieties of exquisite handicraft items to make their living. The handcrafted items include jackets, carpets, gloves, aprons, bags, curios, cards, pouches, carved wooden items, Tibetan paintings etc. This is a great place to buy a gift or a souvenir for your friends and relatives. There is no entry fee.

Overnight stay at Darjeeling.

DAY 08: TRANSFER FROM DARJEELING TO BAGDOGRA AIRPORT

After early morning breakfast, depart for (IXB) Bagdogra Airport for the onward connection.