Grandeur of Sikkim and Darjeeling

Day 01: Arrive Darjeeling

Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport, you are met by your guide and driven to Darjeeling (100km/65 miles. 3 ½ hrs). It’s a scenic drive through the coniferous forests and terraced tea gardens. Darjeeling, situated at an altitude of 2,134m, has soothing temperature and was developed by British as Hill Resort in order to avoid the heat of summer. On a clear weather day, we can enjoy spectacular views of Himalayas that includes the third highest mountain on earth-Kanchendzunga-which the Sikkim people regard as their guardian deity. Upon arrival, check in hotel and after some rest, take a stroll in Chowrastha.

Day 02: Darjeeling

You are awaken early in the morning and driven to Tiger Hill (11km/7 miles) for sunrise and mountain panorama view. Tiger hill (2590 m.) is the highest point in this area and famous for breathtaking sunrise view on Mount Kanchenjunga. Mount Everest (8,848)-the highest mountain in the world is also visible on a clear day. Return to the hotel and after breakfast; embark on sightseeing of the highlights of Darjeeling. We visit the Mountaineering Institute, Himalayan Zoo etc. We will also experience the Toy Train ride and on return, visit the Ghoom Monastery. Overnight hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 03: Darjeeling to Pemayangtse (132km, 5 hrs)

Today we drive in the morning to Pemayangtse, a fascinating journey that winds through steep climb down through tea estates across river Teesta. We enter into west Sikkim winding along the river Rangit where panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga and the entire row of peaks are awaited. Check in hotel and after some rest, we pay a visit to the Pemayangtse monastery- one of the finest Monastery of Sikkim and the second oldest, built in 1716. It is an impressive and beautiful building which houses the unusual Sangdok Palri "Temple of Heaven" which contains a wooden figure that took 7 years to carve single handedly by the late Dugzom. The monastery preserves the priceless Rinpoche. Overnight hotel in Pemayantse.

Day 04:  Drive to Yuksom (22km, 3 hrs).

Early in the morning we trek to Sangacholing monastery where sunrise over Kanchenjunga and the adjoining peaks can be seen on a clear day (optional).

Late morning, we leave for Yuksom-the first capital of Sikkim where the first Chogyal (king) of Sikkim was crowned on a stone throne, close to the Norbugang Monastery. Close to the throne, we can see the footprint of the Lama Latsum Chenbo who consecrated the king. On the way to Yuksom, we visit Khecheopari Lake-the sacred Buddhist Mountain Lake-which has crystal clear water. It has a myth that when a leaf falls on the placid crystal water of the lake, it’s picked up by a bird and leave the waters clean. The lake is also famous as “wish fulfilling lake”. If you wish something with good heart by this lake, you will get it. Overnight in Yuksom.

Day 05: Yuksom to Martam

After breakfast we leave Pemayantse and drive towards Gangtok. About 9km before Gangtok, the road forks and we take left towards Rumtek and Martam. It is a lovely drive as the road snakes through typical Sikkimese villages and a great many paddy fields. The entire area resembles a green carpet from July to Sep. Later, during Oct-Nov, which is the harvest season, the entire place is a sight to behold with golden paddy swaying in the breeze. From December onwards, the paddy is harvested and the hill takes on a brown hue. We arrive Rumtek, which is about 12 km from the main highway. We stop here to visit the famous Rumtek Monastery which was built by the 16th Karmapa Lama-the supreme head of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The 16th Karmapa, along with his followers, fled Tibet in 1959 after Chinese takeover of Tibet and built this monastery with the help of Sikkim’s Chogyal (king) Tashi Namgyal to preserve the wealth of his lineage and portable spiritual treasures & relics. Also visit the Karma Nalanda Institute for higher Buddhist studies. After an hour in this monastery, we drive further 5 km to the little village of Martam and check in a beautiful cottage resort. Take shower and spend leisurely in the library of the resort which is decently stocked and you will find some books on Sikkim as well. If you have still energy left, you can hike 10 minutes up to the hill just above the resort to visit a small monastery called Mani The view from here is beautiful and you can see the Tinjure Hills looming right behind you and in front is sprawled the charming paddy fields that make up Martam. Return to the cottage.

Day 06: Martam Village Walk and drive to Gangtok.

There is a small cluster of village near the resort. Walk to the village and chat with the locals and learn more about their lifestyle. Also visit the St.Joseph's Convent School, which is quite a decent one and a lot of families have turned their homes into small hostels where the students stay. Return to the resort, bid farewell to the staff of the resort and drive to Gangtok-the capital of Sikkim. We retrace drive and join the main road at Ranikhola. Gangtok-the capital of the lost Himalayan Kingdom lies on a ridge overlooking the Ranipool River. Gangtok which means a High Hill, lies at an altitude of 1760 m. Upon arrival, check in hotel and after some rest; visit Tsuk-la-Khang, the royal chapel which is standing on a high bridge. This is the major place of worship and has a large and impressive collection of scriptures. We also visit the institute of cottage industries which is an attraction as a wide range of local handicrafts in Lepcha style are produced here. We also visit the Enchey monastery-which is believed to be 200 years old. The monks of this monastery belong to the Mahayana Buddhism. 

Day 07: Gangtok Sightseeing

Today we visit the unique Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop which was established in 1958 to promote research on Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism. Here we will see the biggest collection of Tibetan scripts and an excellent collection of rare Thangka, bronze and cult objects. We also visit orchid Sanctuary which is lying south of the institute. This sanctuary contains over 450 indigenous species. Sikkim is considered paradise for orchid lovers. After the visit of sanctuary we walk through the bazaar of Gangtok through the area of old palace.

Day 08: Gangtok to Lachung (115km, 6 hrs)

Today, we begin our drive to North Sikkim-the main focus of this trip. As we are about to leave Gangtok, the road curves into Tashi View Point which offer fine views of 28,168 ft. Mount Khangchendzonga off to the northwest as well as a host of other high and largely unclimbed 6,000 peaks. The route continues to meander through villages and is flanked by fields until it hits the forest grove of Kabi Longstok, the place that saw the historic swearing of blood brother hood between the Lepchas and Bhutias. An event which underlines the ethos of even present day Sikkim stone markers was erected to keep the promise alive and stand to this day. Before you've even caught your breath from the magnificence of Kabi, you hit the Karma Kagyu Monastery of Phodong built in 1740. The monastery is famous for the intricate murals that adorn its walls. Singhik comes next with its promise of one of the most glorious views of Khangchendzonga. For those with time, a half an hour's walk uphill takes one to an ancient monastery suspended in time. 

Straddling the confluence of Lachen and Lachung rivers lies Chungthang, a small town full of legends. One such legend claims this to be the place from where the world Demazong (the Hidden valley of Rice) first originated for Sikkim. 

It is evening by the time one hits Lachung, one of the most exquisite valley towns, resplendent in its crown of snow-capped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls and sparkling streams. Situated at a height of 8,610 ft., Lachung has been described as the "most picturesque village of Sikkim" by none other than Joseph Dalton Hooker in his definitive, The Himalayan Journal (1855).

Day 09: Yumthang Excursion

After breakfast leave for Yumthang which lies very close to the Tibetan border, Yumthang is that unique place where the tree line ends, but rhododendrons and alpine and Primula flowers still bloom covering the whole area in a surreal shade in April/may/June. Yumthang is renowned for its Hot Spring, which is rich in sulfur. In fall and winter, you can enjoy the scenic and panoramic views of the valleys and surrounding mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks. Another hour's drive beyond Yumthang takes one to Yumesamdong (15,300 ft.), an area where the sweet fragrance of Azellia (a plant used as incense by locals) permeates the air. Heady, invigorating and exhilarating, but words still fail to explain the experience of being at Yumesamdong. Retrace drive to Lachung in the late afternoon and visit its monastery and waterfalls.

Day 10: To Lachen (51km)

Retrace drive to the confluence of Lachen Chu & Lachung Chu at Chungthang and follow the road heading to Lachen.  Lunch will be served at Namok (A Wayside Inn). Lachen stands on a grassy and bush flat from the periphery of which rise the pine clad mountains with their snowy peaks and black cliffs. The village comprises of barley 150 houses earlier inhabitant only in winters by their owner who spend the summer on the alpine pasture along the Tibet border tending to their flock of yaks. Upon arrival, check in Gurudongmar Lodge.

Day 11: Thangu, Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake excursion (Subject to permission).

After breakfast leave for Thangu & Chopta Valley. Thangu valley occupies a very broad valley at the function of Thangu Chu, Chopta Chu, & Lassur Chu. It is situated at an altitude of 14000ft. Both the valleys erupt to riots of colors in the month of June and July. Also in the month of December and January you can play in the snow or even walk across the meandering frozen Chopta Rivers. If weather permits and permission is availed, leave for Gurudongmar Lake (17,200 ft). After spending half an hour to one hour there, drive back to Lachen. Overnight at lodge.

Day 12: Return drive to Gangtok (120km, 6 hrs)

On the way if the weather is clear you may get to see Mighty Khangchendzonga from Singhik. Upon arrival at Gangtok, check in hotel and take rest.

Day 13: Drive to Kalimpong:

After breakfast, leave for Kalimpong (2 hrs). The road winds its way through the hillside following the Teesta River and passing through some of the most beautiful villages in the region. Kalimpong is bustling and rapidly growing town, though relatively small and is set amongst the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayas. The culture and lifestyle of locals reflect the influences of neighboring Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. Check in hotel and after some rest, embark on the tour of the highlights of Kalimpong that includes Dr. Graham's Home, started in 1900 by a Scotish missionary, Dr. John Anderson Graham, who along with his wife, dedicated their lives in building up this beautiful complex for the education & care of orphans & other deprived children. Continue visits of Thapa Choling monastery- which houses a library of Tibetan manuscripts and Tankhas. It belongs to the yellow Hat sect. We will also visit the Thongsa monastery and Durpin Dara the highest point in Kalimpong with superb views over the plains rolling down to Siliguri. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Kalimpong - Bagdogra (about 80 km) - New Delhi (by air)

In the morning we drive through the wild Teesta valley to Bagdogra. In the afternoon we drive to the airport for the flight to New Delhi or Kolkatta or to Kathmandu.