Splendour of Sikkim

Splendour of Sikkim

06 Nights/ 07 Days
Gangtok-2, Pelling-2, Darjeeling-2

Day 1

Bagdogra Airport/NJP Station>> Gangtok

Pick-up from Bagdogra airport/NJP railway station to be taken to Gangtok (5500 ft) -the Land of the Pristine and unspoilt natural beauty of Sikkim, with alpine landscapes and thick luxuriant forests, rivers in torrent and peaceful lakes, a journey 130kms & takes 5hrs to reach Gangtok, arrive at the hotel & check-in. Relax & refresh yourself & then walk to the mall which is just 5 minutes away & overnight stay at Gangtok.

Day 2

Gangtok>> Tsomgo Lake>> Baba Mandir >> Gangtok

After breakfast, proceed to Tsomgo Lake (12,313 ft), a 40kms drive which takes 2.5 hrs. 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 3 pm for a late lunch. Evening free for leisure or go shopping for Sikkimese traditional handicrafts & overnight stay at Gangtok.

Day 3

Gangtok>> Pelling (112 KMS / 5 HRS)

(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 the hotel for lunch.

After lunch, proceed to Pelling (6800 Ft), a 5 hour journey (112 kms) via Ravangla (6800 Ft), a small township & transit point to various destinations in South & West Sikkim, situated at the base of Meenam Hill (10300 Ft).

Arrive at Pelling by late evening & check-in at Hotel. This is one of the closest points to the Kanchenjunga range & one can see it upfront touching the sky from Pelling & overnight stay at Pelling.

Day 4

Pelling (Full day local ss)

Leave early for the Skywalk, Khecheopalri Lake, also called the “Wish Fulfilling Lake”. It lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags & forested hills & then go to the Rimbi Falls & Khangchendzonga waterfalls.

After lunch, proceed to The Pemayangtse Monastery (7021 Ft), 2.5kms from Pelling. Built during the late 17^th century, it is one of the oldest & most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. Even today, it is only the monks of this monastery who enjoy the title of ‘Tasang’ or pure monks. The monastery follows the Mindroling tradition & has 108 monks. The main attraction of the monastery is the wooden replica of Zangdog Palri, the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava, built by Serdup L Dorje Rinpoche in 1971, Rabdentse Ruins – the second capital of the erstwhile King of Sikkim till 1814 A.D. This is also very close to the Pemyangtse Monastery, a 30mins walk from the main road. The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across the deep valley, to the mystic heights of the Kanchenjunga range is something to be cherished & etched in memory & Helipad Ground, back to hotel by evening & overnight stay at Pelling.

Day 5

Pelling>> Darjeeling (72 KMS / 4 HRS)

After breakfast, proceed to Darjeeling (7100 ft), a 72kms drive taking around 3-4hours 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 by afternoon & check-in at the hotel.

Spend the evening lazing around or walk up to the mall area & overnight stay at Darjeeling.

Day 6

Darjeeling (Full day local ss)

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 way return back visit 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 7

Darjeeling>> IXB Apt/ NJP Rly Station (72 kms/ 3.5 hrs)

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel & proceed to Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station for onwards destination.

** * Tour End ***