Explore Sikkim- The Himalayan Gem

Arrive at Bagdogra Airport,Siliguri. Transfer to Gangtok.

Upon arrival, check into a hotel.

The day is to be spent at leisure – visit MG Marg, the centre of the hill town – a road lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. Take a Monastery on, grab a bite to eat or sit down at one of the many benches lining the street.

(Inclusions – Dinner)
(Overnight at Gangtok)

Start the day with a visit to Ganesh Tok, a tiny temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, it can only accommodate a few people at a time. Located at the highest point in town, the temple premises is the best place to look over the entire town of Gangtok.

Also visit the observatory deck close by, offering spectacular views of the Khangchendzonga.
Next head over to the Himalayan Zoological Park, established in 1958, it specializes in the captive breeding of endangered species in the Alpine region like the Red Pandas, the Snow Leopard, the Himalayan Bear and the Barking Deer among others.

Post lunch, head to Enchey Monastery, built in the 1900s, the monastery is home to a number of images of Gods, Goddesses and religious objects. Topped with a mesmerizing golden cupola, the walls of the monastery in the large prayer hall are fully covered with paintings and murals, and the pillars are intricately carved. Focusing on the worship of The Buddha, Loketeswara and Guru Padmasambhava, the monastery annually hosts ‘chaam’ – a masked dance. Creating a very serene atmosphere, colourful prayer flags flutter above the monastery.

The next stop would be the Ranka Monastery, also known as the Lingdum monastery, famed largely for its architecture and aesthetic value, the monastery is home to a large collection of Tibetan paintings. Marked by a huge gold plated Buddha statue inside the inner sanctum and with a long row of long row of prayer wheels marking the entrance, the monastery is best visited in time for the evening prayer, also in time for the sunset.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Gangtok)

Drive to the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, located 52kms from Gangtok, the temple is dedicated to Harbhajan Singh, a Sentry of Punjab Regiment who was posted here as part of border patrol force who died in a tragic accident. Although Harbhajan Sing is no more, the sentries and guards here believe that his spirit is still alive and a Samadhi and temple was built to honour him.It is belived that one’s whishes come true with a visit to the temple.

On the way back stop at Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake, located 35 km from the Gangtok. Surrounded towering mountains and alphine vegetation, absolutely shimmering in summer, frozen and stunning still in winter.

Head back to the town, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Gangtok)

Set out early towards Kalimpong, first passing through a lovely forest of cryptomaria and later on through a landscape alternating between forests of sal, oak, maple and fern and rolling tea gardens as well as a spectacular view of the confluence of rivers Teesta and Rangeet in the valley below.

The drive is bound to take about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, offering amazing views of the Teesta River and the Kanchenjunga. Once an important point on the trans-Himalayan trade route, Kalimpong today is well known for its scenic beauty, a thrill seekers paradise and a prominent Buddhist religious centre.

Arrive at Kalimpong to check into a hotel.

Post refreshments, head out to explore the gorgeous town.

Start the morning with at Deolo Hill.

On the way stop at the Lord Buddha Statue and Park. An intricately decorated, vibrant statue of the Buddha, sitting in the lotus posture looks over a most serene and peaceful valley.

Close by to the Buddha’s statue is the Sherpa’s viewpoint, stop by for a vantage point offering excellent views of the Sikkim hills and Mount Kanchenjunga to the north and the Relli river and) and the hills of Samthar plateau in the south.

Next, to the viewpoint is a temple dedicated to Durga and Hanuman. Pause for a few minutes here before heading to Deolo Hill.

Deolo Hill – the highest point in town, located at a height of 1700m, offers fabulously breathtaking views of the towns, rivers and forests in the valley below. The hill also hosts a variety of adventurous activities inclusive of but not limited to paragliding, horse riding and trekking.

Stopping by for a coffee in the tourist lodge, head down the hill to Dr Graham’s Homes – a major centre of education in the town. Offering vocational studies ranging from dairy management to baking, the institution was established in 1900s.

Break for lunch and continue the tour of the town with a visit to the Zang Dhok Pairi Phodang Monastery, also known as the Durpin Monastery, it is home to rare Buddhist scriptures bought into India from Tibet. Built in traditional Buddhist style, the terraces offer magnificent views of the town of Kalimpong, the valley and the plains with the Kanchenjunga in the background.

On the way back to the town, stop by at the St.Therasa Catholic Church – a fascinating blend of traditional colonial and Bhutanese architecture – the walls are complete with pictures and inscriptions from the Bible, and the engravings on the wooden resemble the Tashi Tagye – the eight auspicious symbols of Himalayan Buddhism.

Spend a while at the Nature interpretation Centre – a museum established and maintained by the Forest Department, aiming to spread awareness on various environmental issues such as global warming and animal extinction. With elaborate dioramas, wall murals, exhibits and books the museum tells us about the ecology of the region and works to promote the need for soil conservation and methods to check deforestation.

Head back to the hotel for the night.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Kalimpong)

Post breakfast start towards Pelling, stopping by at Teesta Bazar on the way.

Teesta Bazar is a small town close to the point of confluence of the rivers Teesta and Rangeet, called Triveni, surrounded by lush green mountains, which serves to be one of the main attractions of the town. Teesta is also famous for the Teesta bazaar, the main market of the town. Kown as the tenth mile by the local people, Teesta Bazaar is famous for craft, handicraft items and artefacts made by local craftsmen – thankas, crockery, daggers, footwear, lanterns, copper items, silverware, and jewellery.

Proceed towards Pelling, the scenic route offering you majestic views of the towering Himalayas.

At the foot hills of Mount Khangchendzonga, Pelling is best known for its breathtakingly pristine natural beauty.home to sprawling historical sites, exciting trekking trails, and diverse flora and fauna.

Check into the hotel upon arrival.

The rest of the day is spent at leisure.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Pelling)

Post breakfast set out for exploring Pelling – from majestic waterfalls and lakes to ancient monasteries to remnants of ancient kingdoms.

Start your day with a visit to the Khecheopalri Monastery, a ten-minute walk from the clear Khecheopalri Lake, brimming with crystal clear waters, it is sacred to both the Hindus and the Buddhists.

Later head to Kanchenjunga waterfalls, one of the top attractions of the region. Pristine and majestic and perennial waterfall, originating in the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga, it’s beauty remains untouched and mesmerizing.

An hour drive from here is the Rimbi Rock Garden. The lush landscapes of the garden, home to orange trees and cardamom plants along with a host of birds allow the visitor to sit on the boulders lining the banks of a gently meandering river Teesta. Pause for a while before heading on to the Rimbi waterfalls. This spectacular waterfall rushes into the Rimbi River, offering a number of activities including fishing.

The last stop for the day would be the ruins of the Palace of Rabdantse, offering glimpses into the glory days of the state and spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga and the valley below. A must visit for those interested in history, the ruins tell the story of the capital of a kingdom was left in ruins after a Nepalese invasion in the 18th century.

A short walk from here is the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim, originally built in the 1700s, the monastery is of Tibetan design and home to ancient scriptures and manuscripts. Set in the most meditative environment, a visit to the monastery is serene and refreshing.

Head back into town.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Pelling)

Post breakfast, head toward Lachung, a hamlet at the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung Rivers. Home to breathtaking waterfalls, sparkling streams and endless orchards the dreamy village is the perfect stop before heading to the Yumtang Valley.

After a drive of 6 hours, arrive at Lachung, check into a hotel.

Post lunch head out to explore the picture perfect town.

Visit the Lachung Monastery, an ancient Nyingma Buddhist Gompa set at the site of the confluence of the Lachen River and Lachung River. breathtakingly, the monastery houses a statue of Guru Padmasambhava as well as the Handicraft and Handloom Centre, in its premises.

Head back to the hotel.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Lachung)

After breakfast, set out toward the valley of Yumtang.

Yumtung valley or the Sikkim Valley of Flowers sanctuary is a nature sanctuary surrounded by the Himalayan mountains home to rivers, hot springs and yaks.

Stop at the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, home to more than 40 species of Rhododendron trees as well as potentillas, primulas, saxifrages, poppies, aconites, gentians, among others, and a wide variety of birds.

Make your way to Zero Point, stopping by at the Yumthang Chu, on the way through the valley, strikingly refreshing with its crystal clear waters of the river and soothing gurgle. Zero Point is where civilian lines end, a short distance away from the Chinese border. Remaining covered in snow for the better part of the year, summer sees sprawling stretches of grassy hills.

Stop for lunch and head back to Lachung in the early afternoon.

(Inclusions – Breakfast and Dinner)
(Overnight at Lachung)

Post breakfast, start towards Gangtok.

Stop by at the Phensang Monastery on the way. One of the largest monasteries in Sikkim, the Phensang Monastery is home to a large number of monks of the Nyingmapa Buddhist order. Located in the tranquil hills, the monastery was established in 1721 and has undergone multiple restorations but still continues to strive, hosting an annual celebration to mark the Tibetan new year.

Stop for Lunch at Gangtok, before proceeding to Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri for the flight back home.

(Inclusions – Breakfast)