Overview
This 7-day itinerary takes you on a captivating journey through Sikkim and Darjeeling, two picturesque regions in the Himalayas. You’ll explore stunning landscapes, immerse yourself in rich cultural heritage, and experience the serenity of ancient monasteries.
Highlights include:
- Visiting Tsomgo Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains
- Exploring Namchi Chardham and Ravangla Buddha Park, renowned for their cultural and religious significance
- Discovering the scenic beauty of Pelling, including Kanchenjunga Falls, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rimbi Waterfall, Khecheopalri Lake, Orange Garden, and Rabdentse Ruins
- Witnessing a breathtaking sunrise at Tiger Hill and exploring Darjeeling’s historical sites and tea plantations
This itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a memorable experience in Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Highlights
- Explore the breathtaking beauty of Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass.
- Visit ancient monasteries and explore the cultural heritage of Sikkim.
- Indulge in adventure activities like river rafting and Hiking
- Discover the vibrant local markets and handicrafts.
- Discover the Heritage & Natural beauty of Queen of Hills "Darjeeling".
Itinerary
On arrival at NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport, you will be met by our assistance who will assist you to board your vehicle to Gangtok. On arrival check into the hotel and enjoy the day at leisure.
GANGTOK: At an altitude of 1750 m, 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 testing ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a traveller's delight. Overnight Stay at Gangtok
Embark on a day trip to Tsomgo Lake, a high-altitude alpine lake near the Indo-China border. Enjoy the scenic beauty, play in the snow (seasonal), and visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir. Optionally, visit Nathula Pass (14,000 ft) for stunning views of the Himalayas (requires prior permission and additional cost).
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Pelling Via Namchi Chardham & Ravangla Buddha Park. Pelling is famous for its magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains of Kanchenjunga. Placid Pelling pulls most of the visitors for its representative status in history, nature and culture of the state. On arrival into the hotel, enjoy the day, Namchi Sightseeing Sai Mandir, Chardham & Buddha Park. Reach Pelling by late noon.
After Breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour of pelling covering - Kanchenjunga falls, Penyang Monastery, Rimbi Waterfall, Khecheopalri Lake, Orange Garden, Rabdentse Ruins.
Note: Sky Walk ( Extra Cost 1000 Per Vehicle ) And Singshore Bridge ( Extra Cost 2000 Per Vehicle)
Breakfast at the hotel later proceed Darjeeling. Darjeeling is a town in India's West Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. It's famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop is Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks. Also known as "Queen of Hills" known for its tea plantations and colonial charm. Check-in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure
Early morning visit Tiger Hill to see a beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colours just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turns golden. It is truly a majestic sight and Ghoom Monastery which is the 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 Kanchendzonga View Point. Then visit Batasia Loop and transfer to the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for a city tour visiting Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursday) which was started by Tenzing Norgay after he climbed Mt. verest, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park (closed on Thursday), Tibetan Refugee Centre (closed on Sunday), Tenzing Rock / Gombu Rock, Tea Estate (from outside), Japanese Peace Pagoda.
Note: Tiger hill pass / coupons subject to availability & it’s free of cost – It will be restricted to not more than 600 cab / day – Based on coupons given by Sadar traffic office only a day in advance.
Note: Toy Train (Joy Ride) Depends on time availaibility. Its Extra Cost.
Transfer to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) for your return journey
Include/Exclude
Cost Inclusion
- Accommodation in hotels as per the itinerary (Pelling: 2 nights, Gangtok: 3 nights, Lachung: 2 nights)
- Daily breakfast & Dinner
- Return airport transfers
- Transportation as per the itinerary
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Permit fees
Cost Exclusion
- 5% GST.
- Air Fare/Train Fare
- Heater Charges
- Nathulla Pass Vehicle Cost
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, etc.)
- Optional activities (additional sightseeing, Yak rides, etc.)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances
- Tour Manager/Guide.
- Entrance charges during sightseeing.
- Any other which is not mentioned above.
FAQs
Yes, Indians also need permit for visiting some of the places in Sikkim Like Tsomgo Lake, Nathulla Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, North Sikkim Lachen & Lachung. If you are travelling from tour operators then most of the time its included, but while travelling alone or by yourself you need to take RAP ( Restricted Area Permit) & ILP (Inner Line Permit ) for visiting above places from Siliguri Sikkim Circuit House or From Gangtok you can take.
- One Photo Identity and address Proof of each traveler in original and photocopy. [PAN Card and AADHAAR Card are not accepted as ID Proof in SIKKIM]. It can be valid Photo ID with address, issued by GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, PASSPORT, DRIVING LICENSE, VOTER ID, ID PROOF AUTHORISED BY SCHOOL AUTHORITY FOR MINOR
- Foreign National or NRI need to carry Valid Passport and Visa
- Children will have to accompany by their parents and should have a valid Photo ID issued by the school authority or GOVT official. It is also suggested to carry a photo copy along with the original Birth Certificate of the children traveling to avoid any inconvenience.
- 05 Numbers Passport size photo in case any Permit is required to visit any restricted place (NATHULA, TSHANGU, BABA MANDIR, NORTH SIKKIM, SILK ROUTE ETC …)
- All Guest will be informed about current protocol by thapaholidys office executive after confirmation of the tour and guest must carry all the documents at the time of travelling, in case of any inconvenience for failing to produce the same we will not hold ourselves responsible.
- Peak Season: March to May and September to November
- Off-Peak Season: June to August (monsoon season) and December to February (winter season)
We Suggest to take cash as most of the hotels does not accept Credit Card or Card Payment due to low internet facilities and most of the time ATM is also closed
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in SIkkim Darjeeling is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
