Price
Duration
9Night
Tour Type
Hiking,Adventure
Review
Overview
Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling are three popular destinations in the eastern Himalayas of India. Here’s an overview of each:
Gangtok (Sikkim)
- Location: Capital of Sikkim, nestled in the eastern Himalayas.
- Key Highlights:
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
- Cultural Charm: Influenced by Tibetan Buddhism with monasteries like Rumtek Monastery and Enchey Monastery.
- Attractions:
- MG Marg: The bustling heart of the town.
- Tashi Viewpoint: Panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Nathula Pass: A high-altitude mountain pass on the Indo-China border (requires a permit).
- Tsomgo Lake: A glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May (spring blossoms) and October to December (clear skies).
- Adventure Activities: Paragliding, river rafting, and trekking.
Pelling (Sikkim)
- Location: A serene hill town about 130 km west of Gangtok.
- Key Highlights:
- Unspoiled Beauty: Offers a peaceful retreat with pristine landscapes and stunning views of Kanchenjunga.
- Attractions:
- Pemayangtse Monastery: One of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries.
- Rabdentse Ruins: The archaeological remains of the second capital of Sikkim.
- Sky Walk: India’s first glass skywalk near the Chenrezig statue.
- Kanchenjunga Waterfalls and Singshore Bridge.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to December.
- Adventure Activities: Trekking and birdwatching.
Darjeeling (West Bengal)
- Location: Located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
- Key Highlights:
- Tea Gardens: Famous for its world-renowned Darjeeling Tea.
- Colonial Charm: Features a blend of colonial-era architecture and vibrant local culture.
- Attractions:
- Tiger Hill: Offers a stunning sunrise over Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Known for its red pandas and snow leopards.
- Peace Pagoda: A symbol of unity and harmony.
- Shopping: Mall Road and local markets for woolens and souvenirs.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June (summer escape) and October to December (clear mountain views).
- Adventure Activities: Trekking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Combining the Three
- Route: A common itinerary starts with Gangtok, then moves to Pelling, and concludes in Darjeeling.
- Ideal Duration: 7-10 days to cover all three comfortably.
- Experience: A mix of spiritual tranquility, adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural richness.
Tour Itinerary :
-
DAY 1: NJP / IXB/Siliguri to GangtokAfter 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: Yuksom Excursion
After breakfast start for a full day sightseeing to Yuksom covering Norbughang Chorten (Coronation Throne), Karthok Lake & Dubdi Monastery. Return to Pelling in the evening & overnight stay.
- DAY 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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
- Any breakage or damage of any items will be charged at actuals.
- 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.
