Gangtok

Upon arrival at IXB Airport, transfer to Gangtok. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

Gangtok (5,410 ft), the capital of Sikkim, lies in the lower eastern Himalayas and is a center of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning, with several monasteries, religious educational institutions, and centers for Tibetology. Sikkim was integrated into the Indian Union in 1975, prior to which it was an independent monarchy. The world’s third-highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga (28,208 ft), is visible to the west of the city.

Note: Transfer for shopping in MG Marg is not included due to parking and entry issues. We can arrange a drop-off at MG Marg after completing sightseeing. Guests will have to return to the hotel on their own.

Gangtok

After breakfast, proceed for a day trip to Tsomgo Lake (12,300 ft; 40 km from Gangtok) and Baba Mandir.

The oval-shaped glacier lake is nearly 1 km long and 15 meters deep, with its surface reflecting different colors with changing seasons. The local Sikkimese people revere the lake as sacred. The catchment area of the lake is covered by alpine forests, and in May, the periphery of the lake blooms with rhododendrons, blue and yellow poppies, and various bird species, including Brahminy ducks.

Twelve kilometers further ahead is the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, dedicated to the “Hero of Nathula,” an Indian army soldier who became a martyr during the 1965 Sino-Indian war. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra medal for his bravery and martyrdom. It is believed that his spirit protects every soldier in the inhospitable high-altitude terrain of the Eastern Himalayas as they guard the Indo-China border.

In the afternoon, return to the hotel. The evening is free at leisure.

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir tour is subject to weather conditions. If the trip to Tsomgo Lake is canceled, an alternative sightseeing option will be provided. Nathula Pass trip is not included but can be arranged at additional cost and is subject to weather conditions and security regulations. Nathula Pass to the Republic of China is merely 20 kilometers away and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Gangtok

After breakfast, enjoy half-day sightseeing in Gangtok, covering Bakthang Waterfall, Dro-Dul Chorten, Institute of Tibetology, Enchey Monastery, White Hall, Flower Show, Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, and Tashi View Point. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

Note: Transfer for shopping in MG Marg is not included due to parking and entry issues. We can arrange a drop-off at MG Marg after completing sightseeing. Guests will have to return to the hotel on their own.

Darjeeling

After breakfast, drive to Darjeeling. The evening is free at leisure.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Darjeeling (6,710 ft), known as the “Queen of the Hills,” is famous for its tea grown in sprawling estates, the World Heritage Himalayan Steam Engine Railways (Toy Train), spectacular views of Kanchenjunga, and the Mall Road. The hill station, with its stunning beauty amidst the sloping tea gardens, is sure to charm any visitor.

Darjeeling

Start your day early at 4:00 am and drive through the oak trees to visit Tiger Hill to view the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga (subject to clear weather). As you return, visit Ghoom Monastery, Peace Memorial, and Batasia Loop.

After breakfast, proceed for the famous 7-point sightseeing tour covering the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, P.N. Zoological Park (closed on Thursdays), Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre (closed on Sundays), Tea Garden (outer view), Natural History Museum (closed on Sundays), Peace Pagoda, and Ropeway (ticket to be paid on the spot by the guest). The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Northeast

After breakfast, transfer to Bagdogra Airport for departure.

Enjoy your trip!