The tour of Himalayan Kingdom is a splash of natural and serene surroundings with fragrant winds of love. The mountains of these regions & local cultural heritage all will be remembered forever. Simply the amazing, sprawling tea gardens, the vivid lake, the land of World Heritage Tour Train, some of the best parks, the green hills, the snowcapped Kanchenjunga, the high altitude Mirik Lake and Tsomgo Lake.
The destination has rich ecological & cultural heritage. Distinct from the other states of India, this region shares some common ethnical features with the Nepal, Bhutan, China, Burma & other South East Asian countries. It is also known for its high-rise mountains, lush green tea gardens & valleys, meandering rivers, Monasteries, the mesmerizing waterfalls and the enormous treasure of flora & fauna.
The places can be explored year-round however monsoon make the places less on list. Once you are in the land of lamas do not forget to taste the local cuisines you will get the opportunity to taste the best momos, thukpas. The Sikkim is one of the state along with Arunachal Pradesh having more than 600 different species of Orchids, about 150 types of gladioli and over 46 varieties of rhododendrons.
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What to Expect
There can be various program based on Sikkim and Sikkim with Darjeeling and Kalimpong. There are other notable and interesting places of Sikkim like Lachen, Yumthang Valley known as another valley of flower of east. The best time to explore is from March to April to Mid of May. Though travellers can visit Gangtok, Pelling, Darjeeling, Kalimpong in winter as well but shall avoid the high-altitude mountains ranges as they are mostly covered with snow.
Upon arrival at Bagdogra airport/NJP railway station to be taken to Gangtok (5500 ft) -the Land of the Pristine and un-spoilt 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Prime View (dlx)/Similar
After breakfast, proceed to 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 lake’s 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Prime View (dlx)/Similar
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. Flower Show, at one end and below the Ridge Park is the Flower Exhibition Centre which holds the annual Orchid show. Inside the area is not very large but it has amazing collections of flowers of many different types, if you are a flower lover, then this is the place for you. But the best time is between March to June when the Orchids are in full bloom and put on display, 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. Return back to the hotel for lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel Ace Pine valley (dlx)/Green valley (std)/Sikkim Heritage-(non dlx non view)Hotel Heruka –(Std)/Similar
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 17th 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Ace Pine valley (dlx)/Green valley (std)/Sikkim Heritage-(non dlx non view),Hotel Heruka –(Std)/Similar
After Breakfast, proceed to Darjeeling (7100 ft), a 75 kms drive taking around 3-4hours 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 afternoon & check-in at the hotel.
Spend the evening lazing around or walk up to the mall area & overnight stay at Darjeeling.
Accommodation: Hotel North Star (dbl)/Similar
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.
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.
Accommodation: Hotel North Star (dbl)/Similar
After breakfast, checkout from the hotel & proceed to Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station for onwards destination.
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