Sikkim and Darjeeling trip

Pick up from Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway station drive 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 which takes around 5 hrs to reach about 130 kms. Upon arrival hotel check in. Spent rest of the day walk to the mall check local cuisine and return to your hotel for overnight stay at Gangtok.

After breakfast proceed to Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) 12,313 ft, its a 40 kms drive and will take around 2.5 hrs. This lake is located very close to Nathula Pass close to China border and is used as “Silk Route from ancient days. The lake 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 return back to Gangtok by evening take luch. Evening free for leisure or go shopping for Sikkimese traditional handicrafts & overnight stay at Gangtok. (Nathula Pass extension will be added once the pass is confirmed the extra for shich will have to be paid by the guest directly)

After breakfast half day 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 luch drive to Pelling upon arrival hotel check in. Pelling is the closest point to enjoy the mighty Kanchenjunga peaks. Overnight stay at hotel in Pelling.

After breakfast embark onto another sightseeing of this paradise.

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 and 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 is the second capital of the erstwhile King of Sikkim till 1814 A.D. This is also very close to the Pemyangtse Monastery a 30 mins 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. Return to the hotel for overnight stay in Pelling hotel.

After breakfast visit to Namchi Char Dham. 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. After lunch proceed to Darjeeling (7100 ft) 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. A wonderful scenic drive through the mountains, tea gardens waterfalls arrive Darjeeling by evening.Upon arrival hotel check in for overnight stay. Rest of the day at leisure to stroll the lanes of Darjeeling by foot. Overnight stay Darjeeling Hotel.

today we will woke up at 4 am with an early morning trip to Tiger Hill (7800 Ft) to catch the glimpse of sunrise from behind the majestic Kunchenjunga range. While return we will visit to the Ghoom Monastery & Batasia Loop. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Post breakfast leave for half day Darjeeling local sightseeing and visit to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Ropeway, Zoo, Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugees Self Help Centre, Tea Garden (outer view) & Japanese Temple. Return back to the hotel by the evening. Go for a leisure walk to “Chowrasta” the centre point of the Mall area.  You can do some window shopping & overnight stay at Darjeeling.

After breakfast check out and transfer to NJP Railway station or Bagdogra Airport en route “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. Transfer to Bagdogra or NJP for onward journey.