Sikkim • Discover Sikkim & Darjeeling
Discover Sikkim & Darjeeling - 8 Days
Sikkim, an erstwhile Himalayan kingdom, now a state in India, is richly endowed with a prominently Buddhist culture dating back to the 7th century AD. It’s unique location in the Himalayas and elevation ranging from 600 mtrs. to over 8000 mtrs spread over an area of 7000 sq. km. offers diverse flora and fauna ranging from sub-tropical to the alpine. Mt Khangchendzonga (8345 mtrs.), the third highest mountain in the world and the guardian deity of Sikkim looms majestically throughout the trip.
Darjeeling-“The Queen of the Himalayas” is a bustling tourist town renowned for its tea gardens, the Himalayan mountaineering Institute, the sunrise over the Himalayas from the Tiger Hill and imprints of the British Raj.
Day 01: Bagdogra / Bhadrapur (Nepal) – Darjeeling (2134mtrs).
Time: 4 – 5 hrs hrs approx.
Meet, assist and transfer from Bagdogra / Bhadrapur airport and drive through the famous tea gardens to Darjeeling.
Overnight Hotel New Eligin.
Day 02: Darjeeling.
Early morning drive to Tiger Hill to for a singular experience of the first rays of the sun bathing the Himalayas. On the return visit the Ghoom Monastery. Built in 1875 the monastery which follows the Gelugpa sect, houses one of the largest statue of the Maitreya Buddha-“the future Buddha”.
After breakfast drive to Darjeeling Railway Station to take a joyride on the famous heritage toy train till Ghoom. Upon arrival at Ghoom Railway Station transfer to your vehicle to visit The Himalayan Zoo which houses the Himalayan fauna like the Red Panda, black bear, yaks, tigers, snow leopard etc. in their natural habitat, and the adjacent Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - a premier training centre for mountaineers and a museum detailing the ascent of the Mt. Everest by Tenzing Sherpa & Sir Edmund Hillary and numerous other expeditions.
Also visit Tibetan Self Help Centre, a centre of training young people in the intricate art of Tibetan handicrafts and handlooms. The sales emporium is open to visitors to pick up souvenirs.
Evening: Free for walk around the Chowrastra Mall.
Overnight Hotel New Eligin.
Day 03: Darjeeling – Gangtok (1600 mtrs.)
Distance: 97 km | Time: 3 ½ hrs approx.
After breakfast drive to Gangtok, once the capitol of the kingdom of Sikkim.
On arrival at Gangtok, check in at the hotel.
Afternoon visit Government Institute of Cottage Industry a centre that offers you the opportunity to observe the local artisans at work and their skills being imparted to young boys and girls. If you want to take back souvenirs, the institute's salesroom is well stocked with local handicraft and handloom products. Do-Drul Chorten - One of the most important stupas of Sikkim built by the late Venerable Trulsi Rimpoche in 1945-46, it contains a mandala of Dorji-Phurpa, holy texts, mantras and is encircled by 108 prayer wheels. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology - Situated close to the Chorten, this institute is a repository of the largest collection of Tibetan artifacts outside Tibet. Also renowned worldwide for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion, it is a treasure house of rare Thankas, Buddhist icon and objects of art. Flower Show Pavilion - Situated on the ridge above the city, this centre displays the floral diversity of Sikkim. The famed orchids of the state are on display as also a stunning variety of seasonal flowers.
Overnight The Chumbi Residency
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Day 04: Day excursion to Tsomgo Lake.
Distance: 70 km | Time: 5 hrs
Located east of Gangtok at an altitude of 3650 mtrs. The Tsomgo Lake is a typically beautiful mountain lake. The journey to the lake offers a magnificent view of Mt. Khangchendzonga and other peaks of Sikkim Himalayas.
Afternoon free to explore the markets.
Overnight The Chumbi Residency.
Day 05: Gangtok – Ravangla (1950 mtrs.)
Distance: km | Time:
Enroute Rumtek Monastery, a magnificent Buddhist monastery established by the late Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyupa sect. Built as an exact replica of the original Kagyu monastery in Tibet it is also the international headquarters of the Karma Kagyu centres. Also visit the Temi tea garden to observe the plucking and processing of one of the finest tea in the world.
Overnight at Mt Narsing Village Resort, an ideal place to experience the peace and tranquility of the Sikkimese countryside coupled with the warmth of the typical Sikkimese hospitality.
Day 06: Ravangla – Yangtey (1500 mtrs.)
After an early breakfast, drive to Samdruptse the site of the 113 ft tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim and the Buddhist scholar who restored Buddhism in Tibet in the 7th century AD. The location also offers a breathtaking view of the Sikkim Himalayas and the Darjeeling hills.
Return to Ravangla and drive to Yangtey after lunch.
Overnight Hotel Yangtey.
Day 07: Yangtey
After breakfast, visit the Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in the 18th century AD, this monastery follows the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Pemayangtse - "the Sublime Lotus", also houses the famed "Zangdopalri", a fascinating model of the celestial abode of Guru Padma Sambhava, crafted single-handedly out of wood by the late Dungzim Rimpoche. Proceed to Khecheodpalri Lake also known as the wishing lake. This unusually calm lake, located in the midst of a dense forest is considered very sacred and no water sport or other activities besides prayers and worship are allowed around it.
After packed lunch near the lake drive to back to Yangtey.
Overnight Hotel Yangtey.
Day 08: Yangtey – Bagdogra
After breakfast drive to Bagdogra for your flight onwards
Trip Ends
The Cost: Ask to us
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