Price
Duration
8Night
Tour Type
Hiking,Adventure
Review
Overview
Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling are three popular destinations in the Eastern Himalayas, each offering a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure opportunities. Here’s an overview:
Gangtok (Sikkim)
- Altitude: ~1,650 m (5,410 ft)
- Key Highlights:
- MG Marg: A vibrant pedestrian street with shops and eateries.
- Tsomgo Lake: A serene glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Rumtek Monastery: One of Sikkim’s most significant monasteries, rich in Buddhist culture.
- Nathula Pass: A border pass between India and China, offering breathtaking views (requires a permit).
- Cable Car Ride: A panoramic view of the city and the mountains.
Gangtok is known for its well-organized urban setup, Buddhist monasteries, and as a gateway to exploring Sikkim’s stunning landscapes.
Pelling (Sikkim)
- Altitude: ~2,150 m (7,200 ft)
- Key Highlights:
- Pemayangtse Monastery: A historic and sacred monastery with incredible views.
- Rabdentse Ruins: Remnants of the ancient capital of the Sikkimese kingdom.
- Skywalk and Chenrezig Statue: India’s first glass skywalk with panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range.
- Kanchenjunga Waterfalls: A cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
- Singshore Bridge: One of Asia’s highest suspension bridges, offering a thrilling experience.
Pelling is quieter than Gangtok and offers spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga, making it perfect for nature lovers and peace seekers.
Darjeeling (West Bengal)
- Altitude: ~2,042 m (6,700 ft)
- Key Highlights:
- Tiger Hill: Famous for its sunrise views over Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest on clear days.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering scenic toy train rides.
- Tea Estates: Renowned for producing world-class Darjeeling tea.
- Batasia Loop: A spiral railway track with a garden offering panoramic views.
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI): A hub for adventure enthusiasts.
Darjeeling is steeped in colonial charm, famous for its tea plantations, and offers a mix of adventure, history, and stunning landscapes.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather and blooming rhododendrons.
- Autumn (October-November): Clear skies and excellent views of the Himalayas.
- Transportation:
- Shared and private cabs are common for intercity travel.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a must-try for scenic train rides.
- Permits: Some areas in Sikkim (like Nathula Pass) require permits, so plan accordingly.
These three destinations are often combined in a single trip to experience the best of the Eastern Himalayas. The itinerary typically starts in Gangtok, moves to Pelling, and concludes in Darjeeling.
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 Mandi
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: Mirik Excursion
After breakfast drive to Mirik (8:30am to 4:30pm) (4,900 ft.), via Indo-Nepal Border (Extra vehicle charges will be applicable for Nepal Border to Pasupati Market), Gopaldhara Tea Estate, The drive is through scenic roads with occasional stoppage for photography. Mirik is known for man made Sumendu Lake in center surrounded by pine trees and its landscaped tea gardens and orange orchards. Return to Darjeeling in the evening and overnight stay.
- DAY 9: Darjeeling to IXB/NJP/Siliguri
Proceed from Darjeeling 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.