Exotic Sikkim
07 Nights/ 08 Days Tour
Gangtok-2, Lachung-2, Gangtok-1, Darjeeling-2
Exotic Sikkim
07 Nights/ 08 Days Tour
Gangtok-2, Lachung-2, Gangtok-1, Darjeeling-2
Day 1
IXB Airport/NJP Station>> Gangtok
Day 2
Gangtok>> Tsomgo Lake>> Baba Mandir >> Gangtok
After breakfast, proceed to Tsomgo Lake (12,313ft), a 40kms drive which takes 2.5hrs. This lake is located very close to Nathula Pass which is the entry point to China termed as the “Silk Route & remains frozen for most parts of the year. Legend has it that the Lamas use to forecast the future by studying the colour of the lakes waters. Enjoy the surroundings, majestic snowy peaks which feed the lake and the clean fresh air, back to Gangtok by 3pm for a late lunch. Evening free for leisure or go shopping for Sikkimese traditional handicrafts, Overnight stay at Gangtok.
Day 3
Gangtok>> Lachung
After breakfast, proceed to Lachung (8610 Ft), a distance of 126 kms. On the way stop en-route and enjoy the wonderful locations like Kabi Lungstok (25km from Gangtok where a blood brotherhood was signed between the Lepcha chief, Thekong Tek & the Bhutia chief, Khye Bumsa. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forests); Naga Waterfalls; the confluence of Lachen Chu & Lachung Chu at Chungthang- the starting point of the river Teesta. Chungthang is predominantly a Lepcha region, the nodal junction for the two passes- Lachen & Lachung. Stop at the Twin Waterfalls & Bhim Nala Waterfalls before reaching Lachung by 7 pm.
Lachung is an exquisite valley town, resplendent in its crown of snow capped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls & sparkling streams. It has been described as “the most picturesque village of Sikkim” by Joseph Dalton in his ‘Himalayan Journal’ (1855). Check-in at the Hotel & overnight stay at Lachung.
Day 4
Lachung>> Yumthang Valley>> Lachung
Early morning a fleeting visit to the Lachung Monastery. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast at 8am proceed to Yumthang Valley (11800 Ft) a 23 kms drive taking 1.5hrs. This is where the Tree Line ends & the rhododendron groves cover the landscape in a surreal shade. Also called the Valley of Flowers as in spring wild alpine flowers carpet the land. In winter there is snow all around and the snow clad mountains add to the ethereal beauty. This place is also known for its Hot Springs which have healing medicinal properties.
Picnic in this beautiful valley for 2-3 hours, trek to reach the high point all around, take a bath in the Hot Springs. Return back to hotel & overnight stay at Lachung,
Day 5
Lachung>> Gangtok
After breakfast, depart for Gangtok by 10am. Arrive by lunch & Check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or go for shopping for Sikkimese traditional handicrafts & overnight stay at Gangtok.
Day 6
Gangtok>> Darjeeling
(0900hrs-1300hrs) After breakfast, visit to Cottage Industries, Started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to preserve, protect and propagate the authentic Sikkimese arts, handicrafts and skills of local and village artisans, it has become one of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim where beautiful souvenirs like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products are produced & exhibited for sale. Flower Show, at one end and below the Ridge Park is the Flower Exhibition Centre which holds the annual Orchid show. Inside the area is not very large but it has amazing collections of flowers of many different types, if you are a flower lover, then this is the place for you. But the best time is between March to June when the Orchids are in full bloom and put on display, Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa) which is one of the most important stupas of Sikkim, built by the head of the Nyingma order- Trullshi Rimpoche in 1945. It contains rare details of Dorji Phupa, Holy Books, Mantras and is encircled by 108 prayer wheels; The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology built in 1958 in traditional style, a renowned worldwide centre for the study of the Mahayana Buddhist philosophy & religion, a treasure house of rare “Thankas”, statues, over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art & finally Ban Jhakhri Waterfalls. Return back to hotel for lunch.
After lunch, proceed to Darjeeling (7100 ft), a 88kms drive taking around 3.5hours to reach, the “Queen of the hill stations”, its name derived from “Dorje-Line” which means the place of “Dorje”, the mystic thunderbolt. After a very scenic drive thru the mountains, tea gardens etc. Reach Darjeeling & check-in at hotel.
Spend the evening lazing around or walk up to the mall area & overnight stay at Darjeeling.
Day 7
Darjeeling
Start the day at 4am with an early morning trip to Tiger Hill (7800 Ft) to catch the sunrise from behind the majestic Kunchenjunga range. On the return way visit to the Ghoom Monastery & Batasia Loop, back to the hotel for breakfast.
(09:00 AM TO 03:00PM) After breakfast, proceed for a half day Darjeeling local sightseeing of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Ropeway, Zoo, Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugees Self Help Centre, Tea Garden (outer view) & Japanese Temple. Back to the hotel by evening; take a walk to “Chowrasta” the centre point of the Mall area. You can do some window shopping & overnight stay at Darjeeling.
Day 8
Darjeeling>> Bagdogra/NJP drop
After breakfast, checkout from the hotel & proceed to Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station for onwards destination.
*** T our End ***
