Darjeeling and Sikkim Tour
Places covered: Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Pemayangtse - Yuksom - Gangtok - Tshongu Lake
Duration: 7 nights and 8 days
Darjeeling - This is the Northern part of West Bengal. Darjeeling is a tiny Himalayan Region with an area of 663 sq. km. Before Nepal was opened to the outside world, all expeditions to Everest used to start from here. Darjeeling the name derives from "Dorje Ling', meaning the place of the Dorje' the Mystic. It was the name given to what was one's the Buddhist Monastery atop Observatory Hill, around which the town has been built. Around Darjeeling are Ghoom Monastery, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park, Natural History Museum, and Lloyd Botanical Gardens. For a view of Mount Everest and Kangchenjunga Peak.
Day 1: Bagdogra - Darjeeling
Welcome on arrival at Bagdogra and transfer to Darjeeling (94 Km/3hrs). Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2: Darjeeling
Early morning at 3.30 start for Triger Hill to watch the spectacular sunrise and its amazing Ghoom Monastery and Batashia Loop War Memorial while returning to the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel is followed by full day local sightseeing covering Padmaja and Zoological Garden, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tibetian Refugee Self-help Center and visit to all the local market (City Life). Enjoy the historical Toy Train ride, provided the train is running for the day.
Day 3: Darjeeling - Permayangtse
Morning transfer to Pemayangtse (65kms/4.5 hrs), this is the nearest motorable point from Mt. Kanchenjunga, world's third highest peak. One can also enjoy the spectacular Eastern Himalayan range from this place. Evening tour to Pemayangtse monastery, the second oldest in Sikkim.
Day 4: Permayangtse- Yuksom
Morning transfer to Yuksom (32kms). En-route to Kanchenjunga Falls, Kenchodphelri Lake, Rimbi Falls. At Yuksom, one can simply enjoy the scenic beauty of this beautiful Himalayan hill village. You can also enjoy the walk around the Kartak Lake which is just in front of the hotel. Tashi Gang Chorten is also worth viewing and indeed a memorable experience . Overnight at Yuksom.
Day 5: Yuksom - Gangtok
Morning transfer to Gangtok. En route to Ravangla, evening free. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 6: Gangtok
Morning starts with the full day sightseeing of Sikkim, covering Chortan ,Stupa, Institute of Tibetology and Institute of Handicrafts and Handlooms & Roomtek Monastery, the seat of the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism.
Day 7: Excursion trip to Tshongu Lake
The morning start for a half day trip to Tshongu Lake (12400ft), which is only 32km from Gangtok City. Evening free for shopping.
Day 8: Gangtok - Bagdogra
Departure transfer to Bagdogra (115kms/ 4.5hrs).