This Tour Covers Gangtok the capital city of Sikkim and Pelling the Nearest town to Mt. Kanchenjunga. Taste the local cuisine of the location and take an evening walk in the local market to buy souvenirs.
Sikkim is one of North East India’s most well-known tourist destinations. High altitude lakes, rolling green mountains, colorful rhododendron groves, azure rivers, milky waterfalls, majestic monasteries, and unparalleled views of Mt. Kanchenjunga/Khangchendzonga, the world’s third-highest peak, dot its magnificent landscape.
On arrival at NJP/PAKYONG Airport you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Gangtok. With an approx distance of 27km it is an overall 1.5hrs drive from Pakyong to Gangtok. Gangtok is 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.
Post breakfast, you will hop in the four-wheeler, which will take you to Pelling. On your way to Pelling, you will pass through some attractions of NAMCHI i.e. TEMI TEA GARDEN, SAMDRUPTSE AND SIDDHESHWAR DHAM (CHARDHAM). In Siddheshwar Dham, you can see miniatures of the Indian Char Dhams located in India i.e. Jagannath Dham in East, Dwarka Dham in West, Badrinath Dham in north and Rameshwaram in South. It also has 108 feet. Statue of Lord Shiva enclosed by the 12 ‘Lingas’, a temple of Shirdi Sai Baba and an effigy of Lord Kirateshwara. On arrival at PELLING, you will check in a hotel, for overnight stay.
Get your cameras ready as today you will be going for a sightseeing tour of Pelling. In the first half of the day, you will be visiting DARAP VILLAGE, RIMBI WATER FALLS, KHECHEOPALRI LAKE AND KHANGCHENDZONGHA WATERFALLS. For lunch, you will enjoy a stop at some good restaurant. In the second half of the day, you will be visiting PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY, RABDANTSE RUINS, AND NEW HELIPAD GROUND. After the sightseeing tour, head back to the hotel for overnight stay.
After breakfast drive to PAKYONG AIRPORT or NJP RAILWAY STATION for reaching your onward destination.
