Embark on this ultimate vacation to the renowned hill stations of Darjeeling and Gangtok along with the visit to the charming hamlet of Kalimpong. If you are an avid nature lover, culture curious and adventure enthusiasts this tour is perfect for you.
Learn about Gangtok’s monasteries, Kalimpong’s nurseries, and Darjeeling’s tea estates.
Meet and greet on arrival at NJP or Bagdogra Airport and transfer to Darjeeling – The Queen of Hills and one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. After freshen up in the afternoon, you will start your journey with two hours Joy Ride, a heritage ride by ‘DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY’. DHR was built between 1879 & 1881. It was awarded the world heritage status by UNESCO. Joy Ride is a two hour journey starting from Darjeeling Station to Ghoom via Batasia Loop and back to Darjeeling.
Later in the evening visit Darjeeling Mall, feel the vibe of the place, enjoy a cup of authentic Darjeeling Tea with the chill mystic ambience. Overnight stay at Hotel in Darjeeling
*You have an option of travelling in a heritage toy train Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) from New Jalpaiguri railway station to Darjeeling. The train journey time between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling is around 7-9 hours and covers a distance of around 88 km. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was given the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 1999.
As the chilly night continues to dominate over Darjeeling, this day calls to wake up even before the sun to witness the stunning view of sunrise from the view point along with a full day city tour Post breakfast. So, let’s prepare for early morning sunrise view from Tiger Hill view point:
TIGER HILL SUNRISE POINT – From the major town, Tiger Hill is one of the highest points of Darjeeling which is at a distance of 11 km and of the most visited places which no one misses in their Darjeeling Tour Itinerary. It is at an elevation of 2,590 m. It is popular for its breathtaking Sunrise view, for which a huge number of tourists gather to witness Sun rise from here and it also offers a superb panoramic view of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga with some other peaks like Rathong, Kabru and Kokthang as well. Return back to hotel. After sumptuous breakfast set out for full day Darjeeling City Tour. Visit:
BATASIA LOOP – The British constructed one of the most famous places in Darjeeling – Batasia Loop. It is at a distance of 5km from the main town of Darjeeling. They created a war memorial at the center of the garden in honor of the Gorkha who sacrificed their lives in various wars and operations. The Toy Train here makes a complete loop and takes 360 degrees turn here. Covering an area of 50,000 sq ft, they decorate Batasia Loop with a well-manicured garden. This place also has a park, lots of restaurants and eateries as well. It’s an amazing place where the garden has beautiful streams and breathtaking falls, from where one can get a stunning view of a wide range of the Darjeeling’s fascinating view, and stunning Kanchenjunga will be a treat along with other Eastern Himalayan tops as well.
GHOOM MONASTERY – Yiga Monastery or Old Ghoom Monastery is one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in Darjeeling build in the year 1850 below the Ghoom Railway Station. It follows the lineage of the Sakya Sect of Vajra Yana Buddhism and also has a small philosophical institute. This monastery has the biggest and the oldest statue of Buddha in Darjeeling being bought from Tibet.
JAPANESE TEMPLE AND PEACE PAGODA – Also known as Darjeeling Peace Pagoda, are on the Jalapahar hill. The Temple was built under the guidance of Buddhist monks from Japan in traditional Japanese style, and this place is the house of four avatars of Buddha. Close to it is the Peace Pagoda, where it showcases the four large avatars of Lord Buddha. The view from the top is magnificent, with the panoramic view of Darjeeling town and Mt. Kanchenjunga. During the visit, tourists can join for morning or evening prayers in the Temple, along with the monks.
PADMAJA NAIDU HIMALAYAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK (Closed on Thursday) – Located at an altitude of approx 7000 ft above sea level and spreading around 60 acre, this zoo, popularly called Darjeeling Zoo was inaugurated in the year 1958 with an intention to house a wide variety of animals along with breeding programmed of some of the rare and endangered Himalayan wildlife like – Red Panda, Himalayan Salamander, Tibetan Wolf, Clouded Leopards, Snow Leopard etc. Tourists can have a glimpse of some exotic wild animals like Asian Black Bear, Royal Bengal Tiger, Siberian Tiger,
Yaks, Himalayan Tahr, Goral, Black Panther, Takin etc. Tourists have provision to dress like local and take pictures there. During Darjeeling Tour, this Zoo is a must visit destination.
HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE – Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a place where everyone must visit in Darjeeling. It is on the premises of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. It was build in memory of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, who climbed Everest in 1953. This institute is now a boarding school for mountaineering students where you can get all the pieces of equipment for trekking.
THRILL RIDE ON THE ROPEWAY – Tour to Darjeeling hill station and without a ropeway ride? Never let that happen. The ropeway takes you out for a ride at an astounding elevation of 7001 ft, with a fascinating view of the valleys and hills around Darjeeling and the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car is one of the best ropeway points to experience the panoramic views that the hill station of North East India is so famous for.
After full day Darjeeling excursion, return back to hotel in the evening. After freshen up visit Darjeeling Mall, Stroll alone the lane, take snap, do shopping and enjoy the cultural programme that happens every evening in the Mall. Night stay at the Hotel in Darjeeling
After breakfast check out from hotel and start for KALIMPONG TOUR. Kalimpong situated on the foothills of the Himalayas is a green destination at an altitude of 1243 meters / 4078 feet – It is a historical destinations with bustling market, colorful people and offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range – Check into hotel – Drive for sightseeing tour through scenic road to FOREST MUSEUM (Closed On Thursday), DEOLO HILL, HANUMAN MANDIR, DR GRAHAM HOMES, DURBIN MONASTERY, MANGALDHAM, PINE VIEW NURSERY (Cactus Only) – Back to Kalimpong Hotel – Evening free to roam around the Local market area – Overnight stay at Kalimpong
NATURE INTERPRETATION CENTRE (FOREST MUSEUM): Also known as Forest Museum, Nature Interpretation Centre was established and maintained by forest department since 1900. This Centre works toward spreading awareness on various environmental issues caused by the human activities such as global warming and animal extinction. The museum is famous for its dioramas which is basically a 3d miniature of the different ecological life residing in the area of Kalimpong. The dioramas are simple amazing pieces of art and science merged together. The Centre also displays photographs and books on ecology and environment.
DR GRAHAM’S HOMES – This missionary school was set up by Dr. J A Graham in 1900 as an orphanage & school for the destitute Anglo Indian children. It is located on the way to Deolo Hills.
DEOLO HILL – This is the major attraction in East Kalimpong. The tourism department has created 8 Acre lush parkland with manicured flower gardens and several view points with breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, Durpin hill, Kalimpong Township and the valley with rivers flowing through them.
MANGAL DHAM – A temple complex built in the memory of late Guruji Mangal Das ji and dedicated to Lord Krishna.
DURPIN MONASTERY – This Tibetan monastery is located on the Durpin hill and hence such name. The actual name is Zang Dog Palri monastery. It was built in 1972 and has some rare Buddhist scripts that were brought here by Dalai Lama from Tibet. From the upper terrace of the monastery, you get magnificent views of Kalimpong town with Kanchenjunga in the background, the valley and the plains, Teesta & Reang Rivers flowing down, and lovely tea estates of Peshoke area.
PINE VIEW NURSERY (CACTUS NURSERY): Pine View Nursery is a cactus nursery situated on Atisha Road in Kalimpong. It is one of the popular nurseries in Kalimpong and one of the stoppage points in a standard Kalimpong local sightseeing tour. Pine View Nursery is a private commercial nursery established in 1971 and is known for its exotic collection of cactus.
After having your breakfast, drive to Gangtok, a beautiful hill town and the capital of north-eastern state of Sikkim. Established as a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the 1840s, the city became capital of an independent monarchy after British rule ended, but joined India in 1975. The journey towards this beautiful town is filled with the mesmerizing view of alpine trees and lofty hills.
Have your lunch on the way to Gangtok. Check into your hotel and freshen up. You are free for the rest of the day to stroll around MG MARG. Jotted with colorful souvenir shops, cafes and places to eat, a visit to this road will get you closer to the indigenous cultures, colorful traditions and the local delicacies of Sikkim. Overnight stay at Gangtok
There are many places to see in Gangtok, good enough to keep you busy for a full day. So, that is what you will do. You will start for a full day Gangtok tour after breakfast. While on the tour, you will visit:
GANESH TOK
Sprawling over steep slopes and hills, Ganesh Tok is a quaint Hindu temple which even has a café that offers light bites and refreshing drinks. It is the highest point of Gangtok (6500 ft approx.), hence provides a magnificently beautiful view of the capital city and its neighbours.
TASHI VIEW POINT
This viewpoint lets your eyes encounter the exotic beauty of snow-capped MT. KANCHENJUNGA and nearby valleys. Because it away from the bustling city life, it is a remarkable place for peace seekers. Moreover, this point offers one of the most amazing sunrises as well.
ROPEWAY & BANJHAKRI FALLS
A place worth visiting, the waterfall is the most famous place among the tourists. With opportunities for adventure activities such as ropeway, boating, etc., Banjhakri Falls is a pleasant site with breathtaking views.
DIRECTORATE OF HANDICRAFT AND HANDLOOM
Established in 1957; the place aims at preserving the art and craft of the people of Gangtok. In this era where modernisation is the trend, this place keeps you connected with your roots. Handcrafted folding tables, hand painted masques, paintings, shawls, etc., are a few of the things that you get here.
ENCHEY MONASTERY
A 200 years old monastery, Enchey Monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim. Here you will be surrounded with sheer positivity and liveliness. The chants of the monks, traditional interiors, and the surreal environment would offer you the needed tranquillity on a day full of hefty travelling.
DO DRUL CHORTEN STUPA
Built by Trulshik Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism; the stupa is located on a hillock near the Institute of Tibetology. Before the establishment of this stupa, it was believed that the evil haunted the place. But since the very time this stupa came into existence, no such negativity has been experienced. It is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels, each having mantras inscribed on them.
FLOWER SHOW
Blessed with a vast variety of flora, Gangtok is a paradise for flower lovers and so is the Ridge Park. The colourful flowers and lush green plants over here are a treat to one’s eyes.
NAMGYAL INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY
With the foundation stone being laid by the Dalai Lama, the institute works towards preserving and promoting the Tibetan culture. It showcases the glorious past of the country and its vibrant culture. The library here has one of the most extensive collections of Tibetan literature. It is a wonderful place and thus deserves your visit.
Lastly, Gangtok is famous for the great north-eastern delicacies. Do try the food at local restaurants. Now you might be exhausted, so it’s time to return to the hotel and get some peaceful sleep.
Today is the most adventuresome day. Hence, go light on breakfast. Have a light meal that fills your tummy. Do not overeat as today you are going to TSOMGO LAKE excursion and BABA MANDIR.
THE TSOMGO LAKE (also known as CHANGGU LAKE)
It is located at a distance of 40 km from the city centre. You’ll have a two hours drive along the beautiful Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary which is home to the blood pheasant and the red panda. The journey to this destination will be full of alpine trees by your side. Situated at an elevation of 12310 feet, it is a 50 feet deep oval-shaped lake. For most of the year, this beauty stays hidden under the snow cover. Many migratory birds and the Brahmini ducks find their shelter at the Tsomgo Lake.
BABA MANDIR
Near to the lake lies the Baba Mandir, a holy site for the locals as well as the tourists. It is also known as BABA HARBHAJAN SINGH TEMPLE and is located between Nathu La Pass and Jelepla pass. The place holds extreme importance for it is a memorial of a 22-year-old soldier, Baba Harbhajan Singh, the “Hero of Nathula”, who according to a legend died while escorting a group of mules carrying supplies to a remote spot. His spirit is believed to be the protector of every soldier being appointed at the inhospitable Himalayan regions.
OPTIONAL TOUR – NATHU LA PASS
The pass connects Indian Territory of Sikkim with an autonomous region in China. Since it atop the mountain place, you are required to climb a few steps. This pass was also an offshoot of the ancient Silk Route.
You can take this tour on the same day for extra charges. Also, it requires a special permit to enter this area.
If not, then after seeking the blessing at Baba Mandir, head back to MALL ROAD for a night spree. Finally, it’s time to be back at your hotel for a relaxing sleep.
After having early morning breakfast, check out from the hotel. Now, if you have time to spare, you can explore some nearby places, before heading toward the airport. Or if you don’t want any hassle, drive straight to the airport, and head back home. An early start is advisable to avoid any end time rush or trouble. Forwarding Journey
