Grandeur of Sikkim

Intorduction
In Sikkim & Darjeeling, Mt Kanchenjunga loom ahead as a permanent fixture in the sky, it’s an intersection of divinity, history and living off the land. Under its watchful eyes, over the time, many cultures and legacies thrived – A progression that started with being settlers’ carving out lives as shepherds and farmers to the vibrant present day contemporary culture. This special edition trip examines closely history of this progression enveloping in its fold-varied aspects such as assorted living culture and tradition, natural landscapes, remnant of historical legacies in visible form such as monasteries, UNESCO Toy train, quaint medieval Churches with some modern days attractions and sights too.

Itinerary
Day 1. Bagdogra-Gangtok(120kms/4-5hrs)
Our representative/driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. On arrival check into your hotel and in the evening is free to stroll around the MG road, a vehicle and smoke free boulevard. Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 2. In Gangtok.
Early morning drive to Tashi view point which overlooks gorgeous view below. On the way back visit Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok and the Enchey monastery. After breakfast visit the the flower show and the Directorate of Handloom and Handicraft which houses workshops, museum and a sale emporium(closed Sunday), Afternoon lunch visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology(closed Sunday), the Do drodul chorten and the Banjhakri falls. Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 3. Excursion to Tsomgo lake/Baba Mandir(40kms/2hrs)
Drive across the Kyognosla Alpine Sanctuay to Tsomgo lake(3753m). This lake is generally covered in snow for most of the year and is a habitat for the red pandas and numerous rare species of migratory birds. Walk around the lake, take a yak ride, enjoy the surrounding and the snowy peaks and visit the nearby Baba Mandir. After the visit return back to Gangtok or there is also the option to visit the Nathula Pass(Indo-China border) with an additional cost(for Indian nationals only). Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 4. Gangtok-Rumtek-Martam
Drive to the opposite ridge of Gangtok to Rumtek. Rumtek houses the Rumtek Monastery (Dharma Charkra Centre), the seat of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Following the visit proceed towards Martam, a small village. After lunch take a hike to the next village. It takes around 2 hours one way and the hike is a mixture of forest and terraced rice field trail walk. On the way back, we’ll take different route that ends near the school. Overnight in Martam Village.

Day 5. Martam – Pelling (2150m/ 70 km/3-4hrs)
After breakfast drive to Pelling, en-route stop at Temi Tea Garden, the only tea garden in the state of Sikkim producing world class organic tea, visit the tea garden and the tea factory depending upon the season and continue to Pelling. On the way take a brief stop at Ravangla and visit the Buddha Park. Upon arrival check into the hotel, take a short break and later hike to the famous Pemayangtse Monastery, followed by a visit to the ruins of Rabdentse, the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim. Overnight in Pelling.

Day 6. Pelling-Darjeeling.
Early morning, treat yourself to the beautiful view of mountains. In the first half of the day, you will be visiting Rimbi water Falls, Khecheopalri Lake & Khangchendzongha waterfalls. Afternoon drive to Darjeeling,  also known as the called ‘Queen of Hills’ . Perched on a ridge this beautiful town overlooks the magnificent Kanchenjunga range. Evening is free to stroll around the Chouratha Mall road.
Overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 7. In Darjeeling
Early morning depending on the weather there is the option to visit tiger hill for sunrise view. On the return jouney pay a visit to the old Ghoom monastery. After breakfast visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park(closed Thursday) and the Tibetan Self-help centre(closed Sunday), and a tea estate on the way back. In the afternoon visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda and the beautiful Dali monastery. After the visit we will still have free time to explore around. Option is also available to take a joy ride on a toy train . Overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 8. Departure
Drive to the airport for your departure flight homewards.

• Private tour with your own dates.
• Cost depends on the no. of participants and the choice of hotels.