Sikkim with Darjeeling Tour

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Destination Covered: Darjeeling – Gangtok - Lachung – Yumthang - Lachung - Gangtok

Day 01 : Arrival to Darjeeling
As you arrive at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (68 km from Darjeeling) / Bagdogra Airport (69 km) / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (62 km), meet our tour representative who helps you with an assisted transfer to Darjeeling. Perched at an altitude of 7100 m above the sea level, Darjeeling offers stunning views of lush tea gardens and the mighty Himalayas. This hill town is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, fondly referred to as the toy train. The place boasts of an extremely serene surrounding. On reaching Darjeeling, complete the check-in formalities at the hotel. Relax for some time. Later on, the evening is at leisure. You are free to take a stroll at the Mall road or indulge in shopping at the popular shopping centers. Stay overnight.

Day 02 : Darjeeling Sightseeing
The second day starts very early. Get- up around 3:45 AM for a short trip to Tiger Hill to enjoy a memorable sunrise view (subject to clear weather), 11 km away. On your way back, visit the other attractions including Ghoom Monastry, War Memorial and Batasia Loop. Later, back to the hotel for breakfast. Post breakfast, continue with sightseeing including Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Ropeway, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (Closed on Sunday), Tea Estate, Natural History Museum (Sunday Closed) and Peace Pagoda. Those visiting Darjeeling must not miss sunrise views from Tiger hill over the Kanchendzonga Peak. When the first rays of the rising sun sheds light on the Peak, the view looks extremely beautiful. The hill is amidst lush greenery of thick oak forests, forming a beautiful sight for the on-looker. The morning sun looks like an orange-colored ball that rises from behind the hills. Placed inside the well-maintained garden at Batasia Loop, the Gorkha War Memorial is a tribute to the Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives in battles. Batasia Loop also offers toy train ride that passes around the loop and offers a 360 degree view of the landscape from a high point. The evening is free. Stay overnight.

Day 03 : Darjeeling- Gangtok (sightseeing) (96.5 km- 2 hrs 30 minutes)
Today, get an assisted transfer to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim state. Placed at an elevation of 1600 meters above the sea level, Gangtok is known for its monasteries, abundant scenic beauty and a pleasant climate. One of the most popular destinations in north-east India, Gangtok has a number of viewpoints to treat enjoy mesmerizing views of the landscape. The hill town boasts of housing several varieties of butterflies, Orchids and Rhododendron. As you reach, check-into the hotel. Later, leave for sightseeing. Visit the popular tourist attractions of Gangtok including Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten (Stupa), Enchey Monastery, White Hall and Flower Show. If time permits, you can visit the Mall road in the evening. Stay overnight in Gangtok.

Day 04 : Gangtok- Lachung (103 km- 2 hrs 50 minutes)
After morning breakfast on day 4, we move towards north Sikkim region. Check-out from Gangtok at around10:00 AM and begin driving for Lachung. Located at an altitude of 9600 feet above the sea level, Lachung is a beautiful village amidst lush peaks, that form an enchanting view for the tourists. Cascading waterfalls, snow-covered mountains, dazzling streams and a pleasant climate allure travelers from all around. Apricot, apple and peach orchards are an added bonus. Blankets and woven rugs are what you should get your hands on. On the way, halt at a few wonderful places Tashi Viewpoint- for enjoying mesmerizing views of the landscape, Kabi Lungstok- a popular historical town that also has Buddhist monastery, Naga Waterfalls- click some photographs at this fall. Later continue to Chungthang to visit the meeting point of Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu and finally at the Twin Waterfalls and Bhim Nala Waterfalls for some memorable moments. Savor lunch at Namok (at your own cost). Evening arrival at Lachung. Complete the check-in formalities at the hotel. Relax for a while. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 05 : Short trip to Yumthang (26 km- 45 minutes)
Post breakfast, get all set for a day’s trip to the beautiful Yumthang valley, lying at an altitude of 11, 800 feet above the sea level. En-route you come across a popular hot spring, known for having water with medicinal properties, which can cure skin diseases. Later, continue to Yumthang. Popularly known as ‘Valley of Flowers’, this valley looks very beautiful during spring, when colorful flowers like Alpine, Primulae, Rhododendrons and more are in full blooming mode. During winters, the valley is covered with a sheet of white snow. Enjoy the amazing weather and treat your eyes to the beautiful views. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 06 : Lachung- Gangtok (103 km- 2 hrs 50 minutes)
After having breakfast, leave for Gangtok. On the way stop at Singhik and Mangan view points, just a few kilometers away from each other. If the weather is clear, these viewpoints offer some of the most amazing views of various peaks in the Himalayan range including Mount Kabru, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Pandim, Mount Simvo, Mount Jopuno and Mount Siniolchu. Do not miss the opportunity to click photographs of the beautiful scenery here. After spending some memorable time here, continue to Gangtok. While in your car, treat your eyes to the beauty of tall trees, colorful flowers and snow-capped peaks. Afternoon arrival in Gangtok. Check-in at the hotel. Relax for some time. The evening is free for you to indulge in the activities of your interest. You can take a walk at the bustling mall road or can partake in shopping. M G Marg, Lal Bazaar and old market are some of the best places to shop in Gangtok. Thangkas, Tibetan handicrafts, woolen clothes are some of the best buys here. Stay overnight.

Day 07 : Full day excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
After morning breakfast, leave for a day’s trip to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. Around 38 km away, Tsomgo Lake (12,400 feet) or Changu Lake is a glacial lake that receives its waters from the snow- covered mountains encircling it. The sight is extremely beautiful and is a favorite haunt of Brahmin ducks and other migratory birds. As it is an important tourist attraction, you can find some shops selling knick-knacks and Yak cheese. You can also opt for yak rides to explore the breathtaking scenery. Admire the scenic views and do visit Lord Shiva temple, on the banks of the Lake.

Day 08 : Gangtok to Siliguri for departure
On the last day, have breakfast. After completing the check-out formalities get an assisted transfer to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand for your onward journey.