Sikkim-the Lost Himalayan Kingdom

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 - 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: Yuksom Excursion

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).

Today, we take an excursion to 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.  Return to Pemayantse for overnight.

Day 05: Pemayangtse - Gangtok

In the morning after having breakfast we leave Pemayantse and drive to Gangtok. The capital of Sikkim 'Gangtok' 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 06: Gangtok

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 Tankhas, 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.

In the afternoon, we visit Rumtek Monastery which was built as a true copy of a Tibetan monastery in recent years. Rumtek is the only principal seat of Karmapa Lama-the head of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism.  After visiting this monastery we drive further to a pleasant village of Martham. Overnight in the cottages of Martham Village Resort.

Day 07: Departure

After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra Airport for flight to Delhi or Kolkatta.