Glimpses of Sikkim

DARJEELING - GANGTOK - KALIMPONG

6 Days / 5 Nights

DARJEELING

Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow-gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.

TIGER HILL

Tiger Hill is a mountain located in Darjeeling, in the Indian State of West Bengal. View a beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden.

GANGTOK

At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid-19th century and has undergone rapid development since then. The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travelers delight.

KALIMPONG

At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong’s location is ideal for a pleasant, relaxed getaway. Its clement weather has made Kalimpong’s orchids and gladiolus well renowned. Up to the early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim Raja’s domain. In the early 18th century, the Bhutan king also took it over. In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War, it was annexed to Darjeeling. Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s. The town thrived as a wool trading centre with Tibet till 1950s. Today it’s a quiet hill resort and a haven for retired people.

Trip Attractions

Tiger Hill – sunrise over Kanchenjunga
Nathula Pass – Indo-China border adventure
Zang Dhok Palri Monastery – quiet retreat
Rumtek Monastery – peaceful & spiritual
Deolo Hill – panoramic scenery
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – UNESCO toy train

Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVE BAGDOGRA/NEW JALPAIGURI-DARJEELLING

On arrival at Bagdogra airport / New Jalpaiguri railway station you will be transfer to Darjeeling. Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow-gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow-capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.On arrival check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 2 - DARJEELING- TIGERHILL AND CICTY SIGHTSEEING

Today early morning visit Tiger Hill to see a beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden. Return back to the hotel. After breakfast, proceed for city tour visiting Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursday) which was started by Tenzing Norgay after he climbed Mt. Everest, Zoological Park (closed on Thursday), Tenzing Rock, Gombu Rock, Tea Estate(from outside), Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda. Return back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 3 - DARJEELINNG-GANGTOK-HALF DAY SIGHTSEEING

Today morning after breakfast drive to Gangtok. At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid 19th century and has undergone rapid development since then. The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground for people travelling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Later proceed for half day sightseeing in Gangtok visiting Flower Show, Handicraft, Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten, and Bakthang Falls. Return back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Gangtok.

Day 4 - GANGTOK-FULL DAY EXCURSION TO CHANGU LAKE&BABA MANDRI

Today after breakfast proceed for full day excursion to Changu Lake which is 35 Kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400 feet. The lake derives its waters from melting snows of the surrounding mountains legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying the color of the lake’s waters. Also visit Baba Mandir. Return back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Gangtok.

Day 5 - GANGTOK-KALIMPONG-HALF DAY CICTY SIGHTSEEEING

Today morning after breakfast drive to Kalimpong. At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong’s location is ideal for a pleasant, relaxed getaway. Its clement weather has made Kalimpong’s orchids and gladiolus well renowned. Up to the early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim raja’s domain. In the early 18th century, the Bhutan king also took it over. In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War, it was annexed to Darjeeling. Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s. The town thrived as a wool trading centre with Tibet till 1950s. Today it’s a quiet hill resort and a haven for retired people. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Later in afternoon proceed for Kalimpong city tour visiting Delo Hill, Mangal Dham, Durpin Hill, and Flower nurseries. Return back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Kalimpong.

Day 6 - DEPART KALIMPONG-BAGDOGRA/NEW JALPAIGURI

Today morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Bagdogra airport / New Jalpaiguri railway station to board your flight/train back home or to your next destination.