Sikkim & Darjeeling Journey

Itinerary Summary

• Day 1 : Embarking on an Enchanting Journey to Gangtok from IXB/NJP.
• Day 2 : Excursion to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass.
• Day 3 : Lachen Transfer, Enroute Sightseeing (7/8 Hrs).
• Day 4 : Gurudongmar Lake Excursion & Lachung Transfer.
• Day 5 : Yumthang Valley Visit & Gangtok Return.
• Day 6 : Gangtok to Darjeeling.
• Day 7 : Darjeeling Local Sightseeing.
• Day 8 : Memories are the timeless treasure of the heart.

Day 1 : Embarking on an Enchanting Journey to Gangtok from IXB/NJP

1. Arrival:
   • Meet friendly representative at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station
   • Embark on a scenic 122 km (77 miles) drive to Gangtok
2. Journey Highlights:
   • Traverse through picturesque Teesta Valley
   • Witness lush greenery, meandering rivers, and snow-capped peaks
   • Approximate travel time: 5/6 hours
3. Check-In at Gangtok:
   • Settle into comfortable accommodation upon arrival
   • Prepare for exploration of Gangtok
4. Explore MG Marg:
   • Head to MG Marg, the vibrant heart of Gangtok
   • Experience the city's lively energy
   • Walk along bustling pedestrian mall with colorful storefronts
   • Indulge in enticing aromas and cheerful local chatter
5. Immerse in the Atmosphere:
   • Soak in the vibrant ambiance of MG Marg
   • Savor traditional Sikkimese cuisine
   • Browse through exquisite handicrafts
6. Overnight Stay:
   • Spend the night in Gangtok

Day 2 : Excursion to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass

1. Morning Exploration:
   • Begin the day with a wonderful breakfast
2. Visit to Tsomgo Lake:
   • Explore Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake
   • Sacred high-altitude glacial lake at 12,313 feet
   • Revered for serene beauty and spiritual significance
3. Scenic Drive to Baba Mandir:
   • Start a scenic drive from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake
   • Journey through picturesque Teesta Valley
   • En route stop at Baba Mandir, a shrine dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh
4. Baba Mandir Experience:
   • Visit Baba Mandir, dedicated to Indian army saint
   • Revered for mystical powers
   • Witness the scenic beauty and cultural significance
5. Tsomgo Lake Serenity:
   • Experience tranquility at Tsomgo Lake
   • Admire the lake nestled amidst snow-capped peaks
   • Reflecting the azure sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle
6. Soulful Journey's End:
   • Depart Tsomgo Lake with a heart filled with serenity
   • Acknowledge the enduring spirit of faith
   • Nature's power etches an indelible mark on your soul
7. Nathula Pass Exploration:
   • Venture to Nathula Pass in the majestic Himalayas
   • Symbol of cultural exchange and historical significance
   • High-altitude mountain pass at 14,400 feet
8. Awe-Inspiring Views:
   • Marvel at panoramic views from Nathula Pass
   • Vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the wind
   • Breathtaking snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye can see
9. Cultural Encounter:
   • Experience vibrant markets and warmth of local people
   • Embrace the spirit of the Himalayas
10. Reflection and Overnight Stay:
    • Leave with a heart touched by mysticism
    • Ethereal beauty of Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass
    • Overnight stay at Gangtok, reminiscing the day's experiences.

Day 3 : Lachen Transfer, Enroute Sightseeing (7/8 Hrs)

1. Morning Coffee with a View:
   • Begin the day with a delightful cup of coffee overlooking the mountains
2. North Sikkim Journey:
   • Driver picks up early for the North Sikkim trip around 10 am
   • Approximately 6-7 hours journey to reach Lachen
3. Waterfalls Exploration:
   • En route to Lachen, visit Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Naga Waterfalls, and Amitabh Bachchan Waterfalls
   • Highlight: Naga Waterfalls for its captivating view
4. Lachen Arrival and Evening Illumination:
   • Arrive in Lachen with hotel lights illuminating the village
   • Dinner at 9 pm, followed by an overnight stay in Lachen

Day 4 : Gurudongmar Lake Excursion & Lachung Transfer

1. Early Morning Departure:
   • Begin the journey to Gurdongmar Lake at 5:30 am
2. Altitude Considerations:
   • Acknowledge the lake's high altitude at 18,300 ft.
   • Be mindful of behavior and acclimatization needs
3. Chopta Valley Visit:
   • Explore Chopta Valley en route to Gurdongmar Lake
4. Thangu Checkpoint Stop:
   • Take a break at the Thangu checkpoint
   • Enjoy a hot breath at the local villagers' store
5. Gurdongmar Lake Experience:
   • Sit in the car for 1-2 minutes upon reaching the parking lot
   • 60 steps lead from the parking lot to the lake
   • Capture memories with selfies and photos
   • Return after 1 hour, have lunch in Lachen, and continue the journey to Lachung (3 hours away)
   • Rest, drink hot coffee, and spend the night in Lachung
   • Overnight stay in Lachung

Day 5 : Yumthang Valley Visit & Gangtok Return

1. Yumthang Valley Exploration:
   • Embark on a 7-hour journey to Yumthang Valley and Yumsedong (Zero Point)
   • Visit Yumthang Valley, Yumthang River, and Yumthang Hot Spring
2. Zero Point Adventure:
   • Drive to Zero Point after exploring Yumthang
   • Capture memories with photos at the scenic location
3. Return to Lachung and Lunch:
   • Head back to Lachung Hotel after the excursion
   • Have lunch before starting the return journey to Gangtok
4. Gangtok Return:
   • Drive back to the hotel in Gangtok, a 4-5 hour journey
   • Return around 7 pm, have dinner, and spend the night in Gangtok
   • Overnight stay in Gangtok

Day 6: Gangtok to Darjeeling

1. Pelling's Serene Morning:
   • Wake up to the serene beauty of Pelling as the sun paints the sky
2. Delightful Sikkimese Breakfast:
   • Enjoy a delightful breakfast with the flavors of Sikkimese cuisine
3. Journey from Gangtok to Darjeeling:
   • Begin a captivating journey from Gangtok to Darjeeling
   • Scenic drive through Teesta Valley with lush greenery, meandering rivers, and snow-capped peaks
4. Tea Plantations of Darjeeling:
   • Witness the transformation into a carpet of tea plantations as you ascend towards Darjeeling
   • Emerald green leaves of tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see
5. Arrival and Relaxation in Darjeeling:
   • Check into your hotel upon arrival in Darjeeling
   • Take a moment to relax and savor the refreshing mountain air
6. Soul-Enriching Journey's End:
   • Cherish the memories of the journey from Pelling to Darjeeling
   • Experience the tapestry of nature's artistry, cultural heritage, and warmth of the local people
   • The journey leaves an indelible mark on your heart
   • Overnight stay in Darjeeling

Day 7: Darjeeling Local Sightseeing

1. Sunrise at Tiger Hill:
   • Wake up early for a stunning sunrise view over the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas at Tiger Hill
   • Witness Mt. Kangchenjunga and, on clear days, catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest
   • International fame for the magnificent sunrise over Kanchenjunga and the Eastern Himalayan Mountains
2. Batasia Loop Experience:
   • Explore the Batasia Loop, a spiral narrow-gauge railway track with a sudden sharp descent from Ghoom
   • Breathtaking 360-degree view of Darjeeling landscape against the backdrop of majestic Kanchenjunga
   • Adorned with grass, shrubs, and seasonal flowers, offering a serene spot to enjoy the Toy Train's spiral route
3. Ghoom Monastery Visit:
   • Visit Yiga Monastery or Old Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in Darjeeling (if open)
   • Built in 1850, follows the Sakya Sect of Vajra yana Buddhism
   • Houses the biggest and oldest Buddha statue in Darjeeling, brought from Tibet
4. City Tour Highlights:
   • Head back to the hotel for breakfast and freshen up before the city tour
   • Explore Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, renowned globally and recipient of the International Earth Hero Award in 2014
   • Notable for housing high-altitude animals from the upper Himalayas, including Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, and Tibetan Wolves
   • Significant contributions to breeding programs for endangered animals and safeguarding vulnerable species
5. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI):
   • Pilgrimage for climbing enthusiasts
   • Founded in honor of Tenzing Norgay
   • Museum with mountaineering displays and expedition artifacts
   • Residential school offering basic and advanced mountaineering courses
   • Established by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
   • Closed on Thursdays
6. Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda:
   • Located on Jalapahar hill, known as Darjeeling Peace Pagoda
   • Built in traditional Japanese style under Buddhist monks' guidance
   • House of four avatars of Buddha
   • Magnificent panoramic view of Darjeeling town and Mt. Kanchenjunga
   • Morning or evening prayers with monks
   • Founded by Japanese monks
7. Tenzing Rock & Gombu Rock:
   • Tenzing Rock, named after Tenzing Norgay, on Lebong Cart Road
   • Gombu Rock, named after Nawang Gombu, nephew of Tenzing Norgay
   • Historical rocks used by Tenzing Norgay and his nephew for Everest training
   • Now used by HMI for rock-climbing training
   • Located at Monkey Rock
8. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre:
   • Established on October 1, 1959, to rehabilitate Tibetan refugees
   • Workers produce Tibetan handicrafts like carpets, woolens, wood, and leather works
   • Products sold and exported to support a living
   • Founded for refugees following Dalai Lama's escape from Tibet
9. Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway:
   • Also known as Darjeeling Ropeway
   • Offers breathtaking views of the valley, Darjeeling town, tea plantations, forests, and snow peaks
   • Ideal spot to enjoy the World UNESCO Heritage Darjeeling railway or Toy Train
   • Surrounding path adorned with lush greenery, flowers, and views of Kanchenjunga
   • Evening free for shopping at Darjeeling Mall
10. Overnight in Darjeeling:
    • Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Day 8 : 'Memories are the timeless treasure of the heart'

1. Morning Delight:
   • Relish a delightful breakfast while soaking in the charm of the place
2. Farewell and Departure:
   • Check out from the hotel post breakfast
   • Head towards NJP Railway Station with cherished memories of Sikkim and Darjeeling

Package Details

Overall Details

• Location : Gangtok 3N, Lachen 1 N, Lachung 1 N, Darjeeling 2N
• Duration : 7 Night & 8 Days
• Rooms : DBL Sharing Basis
• Food Plan : MAPAI (breakfast & dinner Complementary in buffet) in Gangtok & Darjeeling + APAI (breakfast, lunch & dinner complementary) in North Sikkim
• Car type : Xylo/lnnova as per Itinerary (dedicated basis)
• Pickup point : IXB Airport
• Drop off point : IXB Airport

Inclusion

• Accommodation in the listed category hotels on Double Occupancy
• All transfer and local sightseeing are arranged by an exclusive vehicle as per the itinerary
• Permit for Tsomgo lake & New baba mandir & North Sikkim
• Meals as mentioned in the above table

Exclusion

• Anything not mentioned in the inclusion
• Meals not mentioned in the above table
• Nathula Pass, Kalapatthar, Zero point, Katao valley
• Entry fees, Camera Permit, Parking fees, Room Heaters
• Any cost arising due to any unavoidable circumstances or changes in the program by guests.