Sikkim: Splendid North East
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Introduction
The clouds seem to whisper to one another here and from horizon to horizon stretches the Kanchanjunga, covered with snow from the head to foot all round the year. Enjoy the perfect blend of nature, mountains on this 7 nights 8 days tour. Darjeeling, Gangtok and Kalimpong are a magnificent blend of tranquility, luxuriant hills, and panoramic sights and on top of that the thrilling attractiveness of the impressive Kanchanjunga. All these wonderful hill stations are popular for amazing ambiance and they suggest a wonderful vision of the extended plains placed below. Darjeeling and Gangtok are equally famous for stunning and peaceful monasteries, tea gardens and orchards. It is an ideal place for all who want to be really close to nature and be in the peaceful surroundings. After taking this tour you will surely take home some of the most wonderful memories.
Tour Highlights
- An 8 days cultural experience through Kalimpong, Gangtok, Pemayangtse and Darjeeling with spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga from Pelling and other locations in Darjeeling and Sikkim.
- Transport in vehicles as per group size ranging from cars to mini coaches
- Accommodation in twin sharing room as per the above mentioned hotels or similar in the room category specified.
- Airport transfers and round trip transportation along with all sightseeing tours by Non-ac Innova / Xylo up to 4 pax, 5 Pax onwards tempo Traveler Maximum (9 Seated)
- 2 bottles packed water bottle per person during road travel
- All currently applicable taxes included.
Destinations Covered
Kalimpong
The mesmeric Hill StationKalimpong is a calm but surreal Buddhist town which is located 50 minutes east of Darjeeling. Known for its panoramic views, Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan handicrafts, Kalimpong is a delight to visit.
Gangtok
The Gateway to SikkimNestled between the mighty peaks of the Himalayas, the city of Gangtok rises as a center for Tibetology and Tibetan Buddhist culture. It is the capital of the state of Sikkim in India and a popular destination for globetrotters. The beauty of the city can be imagined by the simple fact that it is filled with dense forest, pleasing climate and majestic locations, one can easily get lost in the serene beauty of North-eastern India. This corner is also one of the offbeat locations of India which is away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan cities.
Pelling
The breath-taking Khangchendzonga
Darjeeling
Queen of the HimalayasSpread over a steep mountain ridge, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at the height of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting of cool climes all year round. This scenic hill station is the perfect getaway for a romantic honeymoon and is just around 700 kilometres away from Kolkata.
Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrive Bagdogra & drive to Kalimpong by road (Approx. 83 kms / 3 hours drive)
Kalimpong
On arrival you will be received at the airport and driven to Kalimpong.
On arrival, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure for own.
Kalimpong is a calm but surreal Buddhist town which is located 50 minutes east of Darjeeling. Known for its panoramic views, Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan handicrafts, Kalimpong is a delight to visit. Apparently the area was ruled by Bhutanese kings and was a forward post of the Bhutanese Army till the 19th century. Kalimpong has an incredible stunning backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks. The population of this place comprises Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. This exotic town is beautiful, mystical and enchanting, with a rare ethnic blend of hill people.
Lunch and dinner on own.
Overnight at the hotel (No Meals)
Accomodation -
Day 2
Kalimpong - Gangtok by road (Approx. 83 kms / 3 hours drive)
Gangtok
After breakfast, city tour of Kalimpong, covering, Flowe Nursery, Durpin Hill & Hanuman Temple.
Flower Nursery - The climate of Kalimpong is ideal for the cultivation of flowers and plants. Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotice flowers like Amaryllis lilies, Anthuriums, Roses gerberas, Dahilias, Gladiolias as well as Orchids and Cacti.
Durpin Hill - This is a fairly new monastery located in Durpin Dara, from here one can get an exclusive panoramic view of the town and surroundings. The prayer room inside the monastery is adorned with wall paintings and there is a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs.
Hanuman Temple - At a distance of 8 km from Kalimpong Bus Station, Hanuman Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kalimpong of West Bengal. Situated near Deolo Hill, it is one of the beautiful places of pilgrimage in Kalimpong and among the best places to visit in Kalimpong.
Later drive to Gangtok. On arrival, check-in to the hotel.
The beauty of city can be can be imagined by the simple fact that it is filled with dense forest, pleasing climate and majestic locations, one can easily get lost in the serene beauty of North-eastern India. This corner is also one of the offbeat locations of India which is away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan cities. One of the most beautiful corners of India is the North East especially for nature and adventure lovers. As it have some of the most beautiful hill stations, lush greenery and exotic and rare flowers and animal species. It plays a great role in making Incredible India even more Incredible!
Overnight at the hotel (B)
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Day 3
Gangtok
Gangtok
After breakfast, proceed for the excursion to Tsomgo lake.
Tsomgo Lake - Perched between the mountains at a dizzying height of 12400 ft. above sea level, the Tsomgo Lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India. Enveloped by steep snow-capped mountains and resting between a bright green carpet of alpine forest, the charming beauty of Tsogmo Lake is bound to leave you in awe. The lake's mesmerising scenic allure combined with its legendary significance In the Bhutia language, 'Tso' means lake and 'Mgo' mean head and essentially means 'source of the water', holding immense religious and cultural significance to the Bhutia people. They say the Buddhist monks used to analyse the colour of the lake to forecast the future!
Later visit Ganesh Tok, It is situated on top of a hill; the quaint place has mind-stirring views. From this Spot one can get bird’s eye view of sprawling Gangtok town, while across the hills Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. The view from here is truly breath taking with snow peaks providing the perfect backdrop for a panoramic view of Gangtok town. Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the temple is located at an altitude of 6500 feet on a panoramic hilltop. At present the temple is surrounded by a beautiful Pinetop, Bulbylay Zoological Park and a Smriti-van, wherein travellers plant saplings in the memory of their dear departed. It is a perfect place for all nature lovers and photographers.
Tashi view Point, situated along the North Sikkim Highway, it is only 8 kms from Central Gangtok. It was built by Tashi Namgyal who was the king of Sikkim between 1914 and 1963, and that is how the place got its name; from this point one gets a breath taking view of Mt. Khangchendzonga, one of the most graceful peaks in the world. Ideal time to visit is early in the morning to get the transparent view of the mighty mountains juxtaposed against the golden hues of the rising sun. One can also catch a glimpse of the Phodang and Labrang monasteries on the opposite hill.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
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Day 4
Gangtok - Pelling by road (Approx. 127kms / 5 hours drive)
Pelling
After breakfast, drive to Pelling.
On arrival, check-in to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
Pelling is located in the state of Sikkim at an average elevation of 2,150 meters above sea level. The town lies amidst the foothill of the snow-capped Eastern Himalayas and provide the panoramic views of the surroundings and mountain peaks like Kanchenjunga which is the 3rd highest peak on Earth. Most of the terrain is rocky with montane forest and few hill slopes which have been converted into terrace farms. The culture in Pelling is highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism with several Buddhist monasteries located across the town. Pelling has incredible natural and cultural treasure embedded in itself for one to explore.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Accomodation -
Day 5
Pelling
Pelling
After breakfast, full day city tour of Pelling, covering Rabdentse, Khecheopalri Lake and Rimbi Falls.
Rabdentse Ruins is the archeological site that tells Sikkim’s story of glory. Until 1814 A.D, it was the second capital of Sikkim, established by the Chogyal II. Later on, after the Nepalese invasion in the 18th century, the palace and the monastery complex was destructed and turned into ruins. The place is a must see for the history-enthusiasts who want to dig into the state’s past in between the spectacular view of Kanchenjunga peak and the gushing river flowing through the foothills.
Khecheopalri Lake - A lovely lake also known as the wish fulfilling lake located near Kanchenjunga Waterfalls and on the way to Yuksam. The lake is surrounded by forests. The water in the lake remains clean throughout the year. It is said that a birds around the lake pick up all the twigs that fall in the water and keep it clean.
Rimbi Falls - On the way to Khechopalri and Yuksam, near Darap Village Rimbi Waterfall is found. The waterfall leads to Rimbi River and is famous for the recreational activities like fishing. Nearby is a power station called Karchen Power House which was developed by the government in early 1970s and during the period of the last king of Sikkim. It was used to supply power to several areas including Pelling, Geyzing and nearby villages.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
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Day 6
Pelling - Darjeeling by road (Approx. 123kms / 5 hours drive)
Darjeeling
After breakfast, drive to Darjeeling.
On arrival, check-in to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
Nestled among the rolling mountains with the glistening Mt Kanchenjunga towering over the azure sky is situated at an altitude of about 6,800 feet and is the only hill station in the state of West Bengal. Darjeeling is one of the oldest hill stations in India, and has plenty of options, both for those seeking a lazy getaway from the hot plains, as well as nature enthusiasts. Darjeeling district harbours a variety of people like Gorkhas, Sherpas,Nepalis and many more who have their own distinctive languages, cultures, origins and ways of life, they are all nevertheless very hospitable and extend a lot of warmth.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
Accomodation -
Day 7
Darjeeling
Darjeeling
Early morning excursion to Tiger hill, usually, it is noted that, visitors from all parts of the globe stopover this hill to relish the wonderful sunrise. The ultimate view of golden sunrays falling over the snow covered Himalayan ranges would surely leave you awestruck. Tiger Hill is the highest hill in the immediate surroundings of Darjeeling. The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light upon the twin peaks of Kangchenjunga painting it pink and then bathing it in a beautiful orange colour. From Tiger Hill, Mount Everest is just visible, peeping out through two other peaks standing by its side.
Then visit Peace Pagoda, Also known as Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, the shrine was built in 1972 and is located 10 minutes away from the Darjeeling town centre, on the hill of Jalapahar. Showcasing classic Japanese style of architecture, this resplendent white building offers visitors a serene and quiet sanctum where they can meditate and seek inner peace.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, it was built as a tribute to Tenzing so that he could impart his skills to all those who pursued climbing activities in the Himalayas. Tenzing was the first Director of field training in HMI. The Institute is now a complex of various activities and units. It is said to be a destination by itself and a pilgrimage for all the climbing enthusiasts. It is host to a well-stocked museum of mountaineering artefacts and many expedition displays.
Tenzing and Gombu rocks are situated on Lebong Cart Road and face opposite to each other. The huge Tenzing rock is named after Tenzing Norgay, who was famous for climbing the Mount Everest accompanied by Edmund Hillary in the year 1953. Gombu Rock has got its name after Nawang Gombu. He was Tenzing’s nephew and he had climbed the Everest twice and became the first person to do so. He climbed Everest first in the year 1963 and then in the year 1965.
Tibetan Self- Helf Centre Or Refugee Centre. This institute is run by Tibetan Refugees to preserve their handicrafts and one can see making of Tibetan Carpets, Leather work, Paintings and Wooden work etc.
Overnight at the hotel (B)
- Day 8 Darjeeling – Bagdogra by road (Approx. 93 kms / 3.5 hours’ drive) & fly out
