Darjeeling and Gangtok Darshan

Pick-up from Bagdogra airport/NJP railway station to be taken to Gangtok (5500 ft) -the Land of the Pristine and unspoilt natural beauty of Sikkim, with alpine landscapes and thick luxuriant forests, rivers in torrent and peaceful lakes, a journey 130kms & takes 5hrs to reach Gangtok, arrive at the hotel & check-in. Relax & refresh yourself & then walk to the mall which is just 5 minutes away & overnight stay at Gangtok.

After breakfast today you will explore the Tsomgo Lake (12,313 ft), a 40kms drive which takes 2.5 hrs. This lake is located very close to Nathula Pass which is the entry point to China termed as the “Silk Route & remains frozen for most parts of the year. Legend has it that the Lamas use to forecast the future by studying the colour of the lakes waters. Enjoy the surroundings, majestic snowy peaks which feed the lake and the clean fresh air, back to Gangtok by 3 pm for a late lunch. Evening free for leisure or go shopping for Sikkimese traditional handicrafts & overnight stay at Gangtok.

After breakfast, visit to Cottage Industries, Started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to preserve, protect and propagate the authentic Sikkimese arts, handicrafts and skills of local and village artisans, it has become one of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim where beautiful souvenirs like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products are produced & exhibited for sale. Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa) which is one of the most important stupas of Sikkim, built by the head of the Nyingma order- Trullshi Rimpoche in 1945. It contains rare details of Dorji Phupa, Holy Books, Mantras and is encircled by 108 prayer wheels; The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology built in 1958 in traditional style, a renowned worldwide centre for the study of the Mahayana Buddhist philosophy & religion, a treasure house of rare “Thankas”, statues, over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art& finally Ban Jhakhri Waterfalls.

After lunch proceed to Pelling. (6800 ft)

Arrive at Pelling by evening & check-in at Hotel. This is one of the closest points to the Kanchenjunga range & one can see it upfront touching the sky from Pelling & overnight stay at Pelling.

Leave early for the Skywalk, Khecheopalri Lake, also called the “Wish Fulfilling Lake”. It lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags & forested hills, Then go to the Rimbi Falls & Khangchendzonga waterfalls.

After lunch, proceed to The Pemayangtse Monastery (7021 Ft), 2.5kms from Pelling. Built during the late 17^th century, it is one of the oldest & most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. Even today, it is only the monks of this monastery who enjoy the title of ‘Tasang’ or pure monks. The monastery follows the Mindroling tradition & has 108 monks. The main attraction of the monastery is the wooden replica of Zangdog Palri, the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava, built by Serdup L Dorje Rinpoche in 1971, Rabdentse Ruins - the second capital of the erstwhile King of Sikkim till 1814 A.D. This is also very close to the Pemyangtse Monastery, a 30mins walk from the main road. The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across the deep valley, to the mystic heights of the Kanchenjunga range is something to be cherished & etched in memory & Helipad Ground, back to hotel by evening & overnight stay at Pelling.

After breakfast take a sightseeing trip to Namchi to visit the Char Dham is a pilgrimage destination situated at Solophok Hill, which is at a distance of about 5 km from Namchi Town. Solophok Hill has a historical and religious significance, as it is believed that visiting this place washes away one’s sins. According to legends, during the Kurukshetra  war between the Kauravas and Pandavas; Arjuna used to worship Lord Shiva here. Lord Shiva, pleased with Arjuna, appeared in the form of a hunter and his blessing is said to have helped the Pandavas win the war against the Kauravas.

After lunch, proceed to Darjeeling (7100 ft), a 45 kms drive taking around 2.3 hours to reach, the “Queen of the hill stations”, its name derived from “Dorje-Line” which means the place of “Dorje”, the mystic thunderbolt. After a very scenic drive thru the mountains, tea gardens etc. Reach Darjeeling by evening & check in at hotel.

Spend the evening lazing around or walk up to the mall area & overnight stay at Darjeeling.

Start the day at 4am with an early morning trip to Tiger Hill (7800 Ft) to catch the sunrise from behind the majestic Kunchenjunga range. On the way return back visit the Ghoom Monastery & Batasia Loop, back to the hotel for breakfast.

(09:00 AM TO 03:00PM) After breakfast, proceed for a half day Darjeeling local sightseeing of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Ropeway, Zoo, Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugees Self Help Centre, Tea Garden (outer view)& Japanese Temple. Back to the hotel by evening; take a walk to “Chowrasta” the centre point of the Mall area.  You can do some window shopping & overnight stay at Darjeeling.

After early breakfast, checkout from hotel........ take a trip to “Mirik” (6000 Ft) – the newest hill-station in the Darjeeling hills. Famous for its squash (the vegetables) & the picturesque lake, this quiet township is also surrounded by gardens which produce some of the finest teas. The lake offers boating and fishing apart from a view of snowcapped peaks. Enjoy the fulfilling experience of Nature in its purest form mingled with the unique culture prevalent here.

Onwards by evening, drop to Bagdogra Airport onwards destination.