11 Days Best of Darjeeling and Sikkim with North Sikkim

Highlights

Itinerary

•   Day 1

  Arrival at Gangtok and Rumtek Visit

  You arrive in the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok in the afternoon (about 5000+ ft asl). After checking in to the hotel, if time permits, in the evening, you may visit the 16th century Buddhist monastery, the Rumtek Monastery.

•   Day 2

  Ex-Gangtok - Tshangu Lake visit and Baba Mandir excursion

  You go on an excursion to the Baba Mandir, the Tshangu Lake, one of the high-altitude lakes and more. If you want to, as an optional visit, you can visit the Nathu-la Pass along the Indo-Tibetan Border (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).

  It is worth a visit, as the scenic landscapes will mesmerize you. The will definitely be strenuous, and it can be an adventurous too.

  Or

  You can opt for a relaxed, leisurely visit to the Rumtek Monastery (if you didn’t get to visit on the day you arrived), the Enchey Monastery, local temples, and View Points. Both of these excursions will take till early evening.

  After which, you have the rest of the day on leisure. You can choose to visit local markets, go shopping or just relax.

•   Day 3

  Gangtok - Lachung Transfer with enroute sightseeing

  You now leave for Lachung (8000+ ft asl - 112 kms - 4 hours). Enroute, you visit the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, and catch some great views from the Singhik View Point.

•   Day 4

  Ex-Lachung excursion to Yumthang Valley

  On this day, you go on a half-day excursion to the beautiful Yumthang Valley and you visit either Zero Point or Mt. Katao (visits to these places are payable extra). On the way, you can visit the hot springs and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.

•   Day 5

  Back to Gangtok

  You return to the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok. In the evening, you can take an optional trip to MG Road or the Mall area for shopping and trying out some local foods.

•   Day 6

  Gangtok - Pelling. Visit to Pemayangtse Monastery, etc.

  You now head to your next destination, Pelling (about 6000+ ft asl), and it is at a distance of about 112 kms and it takes about 4 hrs to reach here. the evening, you visit a very old and revered Buddhist monastery here, the Pemayangtse Monastery, Rimbi waterfalls, and the 17th century Sanga Choeling Monastery.

•   Day 7

  Ex-Pelling - Darap Village, Khecheopalri Lake and Yuksom Visit

  After breakfast, you head to the Darap Village, an experiential village. You also visit the Khecheopalri Lake - it is about 29 kms from Pelling. Then you travel further on towards Yuksom, a historical town which is said to be the first capital of Sikkim in the 16th century.

  Later if you have time, then make a visit to Kaluk. This place is situated at the foothills of the great Himalayas, about 26 kms away from Pelling and this is very close to the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.

•   Day 8

  Pelling - Darjeeling. Local Darjeeling sightseeing

  You now leave Sikkim and head to the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling in West Bengal. It is about 7000+ ft asl and the journey time is about 4 hours. Darjeeling is lined by the undulating Himalayan Mountains and rolling tea gardens.

  Later, in the evening, you can visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursdays).

•   Day 9

  Ex-Darjeeling - Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery and local visits

  Early in the morning, go up Tiger Hill to catch the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga Peak. However, this is subject to weather conditions. On the way back, visit the Ghoom Monastery, and also make a stopover at the Batasia Loop.

  After breakfast, you can proceed on a relaxed local sightseeing tour around Darjeeling including the Japanese Temple, tea estate, etc. In the evening, get indulgent with a round of shopping and visiting the markets around the Chowrasta also known as the Mall Road.

•   Day 10

  Ex-Darjeeling - Visit to Mirik, Pasupatinagar border market

  After breakfast, there is a day excursion planned to Mirik. It is about 60kms away from Darjeeling. The drive to Mirik is mesmerizingly beautiful, via famous tea plantations around Darjeeling.

  Mirik is set in a very scenic location and this beautiful hill station sits neatly amidst mountains and some of the best tea gardens. You can go boating or horse riding (chargeable extra).

  Later, if you want to do some shopping, you can head to Pashupati Nagar - in the Indo-Nepal border. Then, you head back to Darjeeling.

•   Day 11

  Departure

  After breakfast, your trip comes to a close and you head back home or for your onward journey.