Price
Duration
9Night
Tour Type
Hiking, Adventure & Leisure
Review
Overview
Here’s an overview of Gangtok, Pelling, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong, four beautiful destinations in the Eastern Himalayas:
1. Gangtok (Sikkim)
- Altitude: ~5,410 feet (1,650 meters)
- Overview: The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, is a charming hill station known for its breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range, vibrant Tibetan culture, and clean streets. It’s a base for exploring other parts of Sikkim.
- Key Attractions:
- MG Marg: A pedestrian-friendly shopping street with cafes and souvenir shops.
- Rumtek Monastery: A major center of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Tsomgo Lake: A scenic glacial lake located at 12,310 feet.
- Nathula Pass: An Indo-China border pass offering stunning views.
- Do Drul Chorten: A famous stupa surrounded by prayer wheels.
2. Pelling (Sikkim)
- Altitude: ~7,200 feet (2,150 meters)
- Overview: A serene town in West Sikkim, Pelling is popular for its panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and proximity to monasteries and waterfalls.
- Key Attractions:
- Pemayangtse Monastery: One of Sikkim’s oldest and most significant monasteries.
- Rabdentse Ruins: Remnants of Sikkim’s second capital, offering historical insights.
- Kanchenjunga Falls: A stunning perennial waterfall.
- Skywalk: India’s first glass skywalk near the Chenrezig statue.
- Singshore Bridge: One of Asia’s highest suspension bridges.
3. Darjeeling (West Bengal)
- Altitude: ~6,700 feet (2,042 meters)
- Overview: Known as the “Queen of the Hills,” Darjeeling is world-famous for its tea, colonial charm, and the majestic views of Kanchenjunga.
- Key Attractions:
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Tiger Hill: Offers mesmerizing sunrise views over Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest.
- Batasia Loop: A scenic spot with a spiral railway track.
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Known for red pandas and snow leopards.
- Tea Gardens: Explore sprawling estates and savor Darjeeling tea.
4. Kalimpong (West Bengal)
- Altitude: ~4,100 feet (1,250 meters)
- Overview: A quaint hill town located near Darjeeling, Kalimpong is known for its peaceful ambiance, Buddhist monasteries, and horticulture.
- Key Attractions:
- Deolo Hill: Offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains.
- Durpin Monastery (Zang Dhok Palri Phodang): Houses rare Buddhist scriptures.
- Flower Nurseries: Famous for orchids, cacti, and other exotic plants.
- Crockety: A colonial bungalow with historic significance.
- Teesta River: Ideal for white-water rafting and scenic views.
Best Time to Visit
- March to June: Pleasant weather with blooming rhododendrons and clear skies.
- September to November: Crisp air with stunning views of the Himalayas.
- Winter (December to February): Offers snow in higher altitudes (Gangtok and Pelling).
These destinations can be explored individually or combined into a scenic trip, showcasing the best of the Eastern Himalayas’ natural beauty, culture, and heritage. Let me know if you’d like a travel itinerary or further details!
Tour Itinerary :
- DAY 1: NJP / IXB/Siliguri to Gangtok
After being received at IXB/NJP/Siliguri, proceed to Gangtok (5,410 ft) which is 120 km away and takes 4.5 hours approximately.After reaching Gangtok, check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay.
- DAY 2: Tsomgo Lake and New Baba Mandir
After early breakfast,(7:30am) start for a full day excursion to Tsomgo lake (12,400ft) and New Baba Mandir (13,200ft).Pease note Nathula pass (Indo Chinese border) situated at 14,500 ft. is an optional sightseeing point for Indian Nationals only, which is not a part of this package. Special Permit is required for Nathula and is done on extra cost and is totally dependent in the issuance of permit by the Sikkim tourism Dept which is issued on the day of travel only. Valid documents need to be provided seven days prior for Nathula permit. Once the permit is issued the amount is non refundable It is closed for visitors on Mondays and Tuesdays. Permits may be granted in clubbing basis. Note – Alternative sightseeing provided incase of Tsomgo lake permit not issued due to natural calamity or political disorder.
- DAY 3: Gangtok City Tour
Go for Gangtok full day sightseeing (8:30am to 4:30pm) covering Handicraft Center, Bakthang water falls, Tashi View Point, Gonjang Monastry, Nature Interpretation center, Ganesh Tok, Flower Show, Tibet logy, Chorten Stupa and Banjhakri Water Falls. Overnight stay at Gangtok.
- DAY 4: Gangtok to Pelling
After breakfast, (8:30am) drive to Pelling (7,000 ft./120 km approx/5 hours drive). On arrival check-in to your hotel & rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Pelling.
- DAY 5: Pelling full day city tour.
After Breakfast,Start sightseeing at Pelling (08:30am to 4:30pm) covering Orange Garden, Rimbi waterfalls, Khangchendzonga waterfalls, Khecheopalri Lake, Pemayangtse Monastery & Rabdentse Ruins. (Optional - Sky walk at extra cost). Overnight stay at Pelling.
- DAY 6: Pelling to Darjeeling
After breakfast,(08:30am) head towards Darjeeling (110 Kms/6 Hrs/6,730ft). Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- DAY 7: Darjeeling city tour
Wake up early in the morning (3:30am) to witness the sunrise from Tiger Hill (2,590 meters/13 KM/45 min). On the way back, visit the famous Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop. Proceed for half day city tour around Darjeeling (09:00 am to 3:30)covering The Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda,P.N. Zoological Park (Thursday closed), Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Thursday closed), Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee self-help Centre (Sunday closed)and outer view of Tea Garden (Chitrey).
- DAY 8: Darjeeling to Kalimpong
After breakfast(08:00am )proceed to Kalimpong (65 kilometres/3 hours/ 4078 feet). Check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- DAY 9: Kalimpong City Tour
Start for Kalimpong city tour (08:30 to 3:30),covering Deolo Hill, Science Centre, Hanuman Temple, Pine View Cactus Nursery, Golf Course and Durpin Monastery. Over night stay at Kalimpong.
- DAY 10: Kalimpong to IXB/NJP/Siliguri
Proceed from Kalimpong to Bagdogra Airport (IXB)/NJP (Railway Station)/Siliguri (for onward journey (70 KM drive/3 Hours approx).
Know Before You Go
- ID Proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of booking, and upon arrival. PAN Card will not be considered as a valid identity proof.
- Please note that the driver might turn off the vehicle’s ACs while driving in hilly areas to optimise engine performance.
- It is recommended that you always carry an umbrella and warm clothes to avoid unexpected rainfall and temperature drops.
- Please note that necessary permits will be required to enter restricted areas.
- Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags, etc. These must be disposed of in municipal dustbins only.
- Ask for prior permission before taking a photograph of local people.
- It is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in clockwise direction.
- Please note that Gurudongmar Lake is at an altitude of 5,425 metres and can cause altitude sickness. It is advisable that you consult with your doctor prior to the visit and take necessary precautions as well.
- Pack a few woollen clothes, even in the summer season, since Sikkim is frigid all year round.