DAY -1

Bagdogra to Gangtok

Meals

Meal Not Included

City

Gangtok

Hotel

Sikkim Residency or Similar

On arrival, meet and greet by our representative and transfer to Gangtok.
This tranquil town begets every visitor spectacular views of the Majestic Himalayas. The pleasing weather and soothing ambience of the place promises to mesmerize every visitor.

Upon reaching Rangpo a small stop for vehicle check-in through the immigration to enter into Sikkim. (Rangpo is the border of Sikkim with West Bengal) From Rangpo commence for the remaining quarterly drive to Gangtok.
Overnight at Gangtok.

DAY -2

Gangtok

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Gangtok

Hotel

Sikkim Residency or Similar

Early morning drive to Tashi view point to view sunrise over Mount Sin0lchu and Mt Kanchenjunga (3rd Highest peak in the World after Mt Everest and Mt K2) along with other Himalayan ranges. The site of the view point was constructed by Tashi Namgyal the king of Sikkim in-between 1914 to 1963. It is located at a distance of 4 km from Gangtok adorned with a park on its top, the view point also offers a 360 degree view of Gangtok.

After visit Ganesh Tok a small temple located at a distance of 7 kilometre from Gangtok. It lies next to the television tower on the small hillside nestled on Gangtok-Nathula road, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
Enchey Monastery: Established in 1909. It is one of the major religious centre of Gangtok belonging to the Nyingma order of Mahayana Buddhism. The location where the monastery lies has been believed to be blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo, who was an attained monk in the Tibetan tantric discipline of Buddhism. Enchey Monastery is religiously decorated and features images of Buddhist deities including Loki Sharia, and Guru Padmasambhava the patron saint of Buddhism who preached Buddhism in Tibet in the 7th Century BC.

After breakfast at the hotel then proceed for sightseeing visiting the following:

Rumtek Monastery, the Seat of His Holiness the 16th Karmappa who heads the Kargyu School of Tibetan Buddhist Order. After his exile from Tibet, His Holiness Karmappa made Rumtek the main seat of Kargyupa School, the original Monastic school being Tshurpu Monastery in Tibet. In the 1980’s Rumtek Monastery was declared as the Dharma Chakra Centre for Tibetan Buddhism and right after Nalanda University for learning higher Buddhism was started. Frequented with site of monks dressed in their saffron gowns flooding the courtyard of the monastery provides a spirit touching experience. After visiting the main prayer hall we then visit Golden Stupa which contains the relic remains of the 16th Karmappa who attained pari nirvana in the early 1980s.
Research Institute of Tibetology: Since its establishment in 1958, the Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology has sponsored and promoted research on religion, history, language, art and culture of the people of the Tibetan cultural region which includes Sikkim. The library holds one of the largest collections of Tibetan works in the world outside Tibet and a museum of Tibetan iconography and religious art.
Do Drul Chorten Stupa: one of the most important Stupas in Sikkim. The stupa features intricate architecture set on a scenic hill top. Built around 1945 by Trulshik Rinpoche who heads the Nyingamapa order of Tibetan Buddhism.

Ropeway: The ropeway is located at Deorali. It offers ride from Deorali to Tashiling with midpoint stop at Nam Nang. It offers an aerial view of Gangtok with the view of distant valleys surrounding the city enhanced the never ending fun.

Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom: is the recent name given to the old Handloom and Handicrafts Centre of Sikkim which was set up in 1957. The museum was founded during the reign of the Chogyals of Sikkim. It houses handwoven carpets with traditional motifs, blankets, shawls (in Lepcha weaves), graceful 'choktse', 'thangka' paintings, hand-painted masks, dolls, and many other objects. The carpets so produced at the museum have amazing design and fine texture ranging from stylish contemporary patterns to the traditional ones. Besides carpets, the exclusive handmade paper is another specialty made from the bark of algeri tree.

White Hall is one of the oldest buildings of the city and was built in 1932, when India was still under the British colonization. White Hall has been built in memory of Sir John Claude White, the first Political Officer of Sikkim. Hence it has been named as White Hall. The White Hall in Gangtok is a two storied structure that is adorned with statue of Jawaharlal Nehru, the late Prime Minister of India. The design of the building represents the British architectural style.

Flower Show: Best visited during March to May or October to December. Various varieties of roses, dahlias, carnations, gerberas and many more species of flowers are exhibited. The other major highlight is the yearly Cymbidium Orchid Show which starts from March to April.

Later, return back to the hotel.

Stay overnight at Gangtok.

DAY -3

Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Gangtok

Hotel

Sikkim Residency or Similar

After breakfast, visit to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir.
A tranquil and scenic lake, set at an elevation of 3780 m, the glacial lake is considered holy by Sikkimese people. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the banks of the lake. The lake is also a paradise for bird watchers and gets to spot varieties of Brahmini ducks along with different migratory birds.

Baba Mandir: Located at a distance of around 16 km from Tsomgo Lake is Baba Mandir. A popular pilgrim center, Baba Mandir is believed to possess wish fulfilling powers. The shrine is built in the memory of Baba Harbhajan Singh, who was an Indian Army soldier and lost his life near Nathula Pass. It is believed that he is still ‘on duty’ for the Indian Army and guards the lives of soldiers posted on the India- China border.

Later, head back to Gangtok.
In the evening, go for a stroll around the MG Marg or any of the local shopping centres.
Stay overnight at the Gangtok

DAY -4

Gangtok to Darjeeling via Kalimpong

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Darjeeling

Hotel

Green Park Retreat or Similar

After breakfast check out of hotel in Gangtok and transfer to Darjeeling via Kalimpong.
Upon arriving at Kalimpong, a brief sightseeing covering:

Dr Graham House: founded way back in 1900 by Dr Graham, a Scottish missionary especially for the Anglo Saxon children born out of British army men, planters and administrative personnel. These children were neglected and abandoned by the society. Dr Graham felt their pain and gave them shelter and education. This extraordinary educational hub is situated on Deolo Hills on the eastern fringes of Kalimpong town and is more than hundred years old. Sprawled over nearly 500 acres of land it has its own farmland, dairy, bakery, hospital and other departments of need. A charitable institute get sponsorship from all over the world.

Deolo Park: The Deolo hill offers spectacular views of Kalimpong town and its nearby villages alongside the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is the highest point of Kalimpong town from where one can view the Relli valley and river Teesta meandering its way all along. Deolo has a well maintained garden and park.

Zang Dhok Palri Phobrang Monastery seated atop Durpin hill, the monastery was consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1976. It contains Kagyur in 108 volumes, brought by the Dalai Lama when he fled Tibet. The mandala painting on the ceilings and frescoes on the walls of Buddhist deities who look so lively and sacredly divine guarding beings seeking Nirvana as the Buddhist way of life.

After drive to Darjeeling, passing by Lopchu Peshoke Tea Estate towards the interior of the hills. The valley clothed with Tea plantations with view of the Kanchenjunga Mountains at the far horizon certainly makes you feel among the high mountains. Photo stop at view point to witness the confluence of the River Teesta and River Rangeet the two major rivers of the region.

On the way visit Batasia Loop through which the toy train passes in a spiral loop like pattern to lower the gradient of the ascend covering the altitudinal difference in the gradient of the hill. The location of the loop offers a 360 degree view of Darjeeling’s picture perfect landscape.
War Memorial located at the centre of the Batasia Loop garden. Built to honour the Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the different operations and wars post Indian independence. Completed and inaugurated on 18th April 1995, it consist of a 9ft tall statue of a Gorkha soldier who stands on top of a cenotaph. At the base of the cenotaph is the Roll of Honour with names of those who died along with the dates.
Later, return to the hotel. Evening walk around the local market area.
Overnight stay at Darjeeling

DAY -5

Explore Darjeeling

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Darjeeling

Hotel

Green Park Retreat or Similar

Early morning wake up call for an excursion to Tiger Hill. Tiger Hill is considered the best place to enjoy sunrise in Darjeeling. Located at an elevation of 7,407 feet above sea level it offers great view of the snow-capped peaks of Himalayas in full range. The shining rays of the sun and soothing ambience of the hill makes you forget all concerns of the world.

Ghoom Monastery or Yiga Choling Monastery was built around 18th century by a Mongolian Monk travelling in the region. It is famous for its Maitreya Buddha Statue the “Buddha of Future” worshipped in anticipation yet to reborn and enlighten mankind as predicted in the holy scriptures of Buddhism. The Monastery holds ceremonies during certain auspicious day of the Tibetan calendar during which period we can light prayer lamps for Nirvana or enlighteningly offer prayer for the karmic cycle of cause and effect of all cosmic beings.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and then leave for next round of sightseeing.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
After lunch enjoy joy ride on the Steam Engine UNESCO Heritage toy train up to Ghoom and back covering about 16 kms. The ride offers a chance to experience century old culture of travelling on steam engine train, the sounds of whistle piercing through silent hillside and charcoal smoke huffing and puffing the steam engine though not be faster but assuring a smooth ride. Through the windows of the train we can get best views of snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga exceeding in all fascination along with window shopping from the toy train with shop keepers facilitating passengers to buy souvenirs adding flavour to the fun.
Japanese Peace Pagoda was built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii (1885–1985), a Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order. It took 36 months for constructing the Stupa. The height of the pagoda is 28.5 metres (94 ft.) and diameter is 23 metres (75 ft.). It houses the four avatars of Buddha including Maitreya Buddha and is situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar hills of Darjeeling.
Also visit Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park Established on 14th August 1958. It is the only specialised Zoo in the country and internationally recognised for its breeding projects of the Red Panda, Snow Leopard and Tibetan Wolf and other highly endangered animal species of the Eastern Himalayas.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Established on 4th Nov 1954 after the ascent of Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary. The Prime Minister of India sanctioned on the Institute considering the youths of the country where they could learn the art of mountain climbing and pursue different skills of mountaineering as a sport. Tenzing Sherpa was the first director of the Institute. HMI conducts basic, adventure and advanced mountaineering courses regularly.
Tenzing & Gumpo Rock: natural formed rock named after the famous mountaineer Tenzing Sherpa who climbed Everest in 1953. It is said that Tenzing himself used to practice rock climbing in this precise rock. During the visit of the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru he had demonstrated a climb on the rock without any safety gears.

Nawang Gombu Rock: Nawang Gombu was the first person to climb Mt Everest twice in 1963 & 1965. Here on these natural rocks one can learn the art of mountain climbing with technical support of ropes and different knots that empower the skill to climb with assistance by trained Guides who share their expertise for a fee.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center Started on October 2nd, 1959 by Mrs Gyalo Thendup to self-rehabilitate the under privileged Tibetan refugees who took refuge into India, driven from their homeland by the brutal Chinese invasion. Today we can witness Tibetan men and woman working on their traditional skills of the art of carpet weaving, making different handicrafts and clothing’s with motifs of Tibetan designs being manufactured modified to wear and supplement with modern dresses. The workers at the centre are always humble and full of jokes, their laughter exceeding all barriers of languages.
Back to the hotel or enjoy a stroll around the mall in the evening.
Stay overnight at Darjeeling.

DAY -6

Darjeeling to Bagdogra

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Darjeeling

Hotel

Green Park Retreat or Similar

After breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport or NJP Station to fly back onward journey.