Majestic Mountains: From Darjeeling Charm to Sikkim Majesty

On arrival with meeting and assistance at the Bagdogra airport/railway station. Our Ghumney representative will meet to welcome and escort you and straight transfer to Gangtok. Perched at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level, Gangtok offers stunning views of the mighty Himalayas. This hill town offers majestic views of Mount Kanchenjunga. The place boasts of an extremely serene surrounding. On reaching Gangtok, complete the check-in formalities at the hotel. Relax for some time. Later on, the evening is at leisure. You are free to take a stroll at the Mall road or indulge in shopping at the popular shopping centers. Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok.

After breakfast you will embark on the exploration of the city. Gangtok is known for its monasteries, abundant scenic beauty, and a pleasant climate. One of the most popular destinations in north-east India, Gangtok has several viewpoints to treat enjoy mesmerizing views of the landscape. The hill town boasts of housing several varieties of butterflies, Orchids, and Rhododendron. As you reach, check-into the hotel. Later, leave for sightseeing of Gangtok. Visit the popular tourist attractions of Gangtok including Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten (Stupa), Enchey Monastery, White Hall and Flower Show. Possibly Sikkim's biggest stupa, Do Drul Chorten was built on a hillock in 1945 by Late Truslshi Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The golden-colored dome is the most striking feature of this structure. 2 huge statues of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) look stunning. In the complex, one can spot lamas doing their prayers. Enchey Monastery founded way back in the year 1909, is a splendid place of worship. As the monastery is perched on a hill, it offers a nice view of Mt Kanchenjunga. Popular for its Chinese—Pagoda like design, the Gompas inside walls are decorated with images of deities. Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava are worshipped here. The complex also has a monastery. There is a permanent flower show at the Flower Exhibition Center situated near Ride Park and White Hall. The entry fee is INR 10 per head and children below 5 years are free. The exhibition area is a small greenhouse with various kinds of colorful flowers like orchids, roses, gerberas, carnations, celosia, etc., on display (according to season). Do not miss clicking photographs here. Return to the hotel after the excursion and have a sumptuous dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok.

After morning breakfast, leave for a day's trip to Tsogmo Lake and Baba Mandir. Around 38 km away, Tsogmo Lake (12,400 feet) or Changu Lake is a glacial lake that receives its waters from the snow-covered mountains encircling it. The sight is extremely beautiful and is a favorite haunt of Brahminy duck and other migratory birds. As it is an important tourist attraction, you can find some shops selling knick-knacks and Yak cheese. You can also opt for yak rides to explore the breathtaking scenery. Admire the scenic views and do visit Lord Shiva temple, on the banks of the Lake. Thereafter, start moving towards Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial War temple, around 20 km from here. Placed near Jelep Pass, the temple lies at an elevation of 13000 feet. This shrine is dedicated to a soldier Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment, who sacrificed his life in the Indo-China was of 1962. It is said that after his death in the war, the soldier came in the dreams of one of his friends and asked him to construct a memorial for him. For the same reason, the Indian Army built this memorial in remembrance of the sacrifice of this soldier. After some time, this war memorial turned into a shrine. Built-in 1983, the temple is in the bunker of this martyr and consists of his pictures, dresses and other personal belongings. There is a small wishing pond nearby where you can throw a coin to make a wish. You can also visit Nathula Pass which is located 20 km from the Republic of China. The visit to Nathula Pass is optional. If time permits, you can visit Mall Road in the evening. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Gangtok. (Visit to Tsogmo Lake is subject to weather conditions.) Note: - Nathula Pass (Closed on Monday & Tuesday) is optional and can be done on a direct payment basis (INR 5500 -7500).

After breakfast move towards the north Sikkim region. Check-out from Gangtok at around 10:00 AM and begin driving for Lachung. Located at an altitude of 9600 feet above the sea level, Lachung is a beautiful village amidst lush peaks that form an enchanting view for the tourists. Cascading waterfalls, snow-covered mountains, dazzling streams, and a pleasant climate allure travelers from all around. Apricot, apple, and peach orchards are a bonus. Blankets and woven rugs are what you should get your hands on. On the way, halt at a few wonderful places Tashi Viewpoint- for enjoying mesmerizing views of the landscape, Kabi Lungstok- a popular historical town that also has Buddhist monastery, Naga Waterfalls- click some photographs at this fall. Later continue to Chungthang to visit the meeting point of Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu and finally at the Twin Waterfalls and Bhim Nala Waterfalls for some memorable moments. Savor lunch at Namok (at your own cost). Evening arrival at Lachung. Complete the check-in formalities at the hotel. Relax for a while. Dinner and overnight stay.

Post breakfast, get all set for a day's trip to the beautiful Yumthang valley, lying at an altitude of 11, 800 feet above the sea level. En-route you come across a popular hot spring, known for having water with medicinal properties, which can cure skin diseases. Later, continue to Yumthang. Popularly known as 'Valley of Flowers', this valley looks very beautiful during spring, when colorful flowers like Alpine, Primulas, Rhododendrons and more are in full blooming mode. During winters, the valley is covered with a sheet of white snow. Enjoy the amazing weather and treat your eyes to the beautiful views. In the afternoon, back to Gangtok which is located at 128 km and it will take almost 6 hours to reach back. Check-in at your hotel upon your arrival and take rest. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok. (Note: Zero points are subject to visit and the supplement cost for the vehicle i.e. Rs.3500-4000 on direct payment basis).

After breakfast you will start your journey from Gangtok to Darjeeling. Darjeeling is situated at 99 km from Gangtok and it will take 4 to 5 hours to reach there. Perched at an altitude of 7100 m above the sea level, Darjeeling offers stunning views of lush tea gardens and the mighty Himalayas. This hill town is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, fondly referred to like the toy train. The place boasts of an extremely serene surrounding. On reaching Darjeeling, complete the check-in formalities at the hotel. Relax for some time. Later on, the evening is at leisure. You are free to take a stroll at the Mall road or indulge in shopping at the popular shopping centers. Return to the hotel in the evening and have a delicious dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel in Darjeeling.

Today starts very early. Get- up to around 3:45 AM for a short trip to Tiger Hill to enjoy a memorable sunrise view (subject to clear weather), 11 km away. On your way back, visit the other attractions including Ghoom Monastery, War memorial, and Batasia Loop. Later, back to the hotel for breakfast. Post breakfast, continue with sightseeing including Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Ropeway, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (Closed on Sunday), Tea Estate, Natural History Museum (Sunday Closed) and Peace Pagoda. Those visiting Darjeeling must not miss sunrise views from Tiger hill over the Khangchendzonga Peak. When the first rays of the rising sun shed light on the Peak, the view looks extremely beautiful. The hill is amidst the lush greenery of thick oak forests, forming a beautiful sight for the on-looker. The morning sun looks like an orange-colored ball that rises from behind the hills. Peace Pagoda, opened in November 1992, is an important attraction here and is placed on the slopes of Jalaphar hill. This sacred site showcases the 4 avatars of Lord Buddha. The tallest free-standing structure in the town, this pagoda has 2 lion models on either side of the wall on the lower level. The huge Buddha statues are golden in color and are carved in the walls. As you climb the stairs and reach the top, enjoy nice views of the surroundings. Take Parikrama around the huge dome-like structure and spot Buddha statues in various postures. Enjoy wonderful views of the verdant tea plantations and snow-covered peaks while aboard the Cable Ride that takes you to the beautiful Rangit Valley from Darjeeling. Take a walk in the lush tea gardens of Darjeeling while the fresh aroma fills your nostrils. Placed inside the well-maintained garden at Batasia Loop, the Gorkha War Memorial is a tribute to the Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives in battles. Batasia Loop also offers a toy train ride that passes around the loop and offers a 360-degree view of the landscape from a high point. The evening is free. Stay overnight in Darjeeling.

After breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to Bagdogra airport/ New Jalpaiguri railway station to board flight/train for onward destination. End of Our Services ( Check-in/ Check-out time is 1200 Hrs. at all hotels )