Assistance at the airport/railway station on arrival and drive to Darjeeling[cite: 201]. [cite_start]**DARJEELING**: Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others[cite: 203]. [cite_start]Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track[cite: 204]. [cite_start]Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations[cite: 205]. [cite_start]Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as[cite: 206, 210]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 216].
Early morning visit **Tiger Hill** to see a beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest etc.[cite: 212]. [cite_start]One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden[cite: 212]. [cite_start]It is truly a majestic sight and **Ghoom Monastery** which is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height on the way back from Tiger Hill[cite: 213, 214]. [cite_start]Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for city tour visiting **Himalayan Mountaineering Institute** (closed on Thursday) which was started by Tenzing Norgay after he climbed Mt. Everest, **Zoological Park** (closed on Thursday), **Tibetan Refugee Centre** (closed on Sunday), **Tenzing Rock**, **Gombu Rock** and **Happy Valley Tea Estate** (from outside)[cite: 215]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 216].
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Gangtok[cite: 218]. [cite_start]**GANGTOK**: At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid 19th century and has undergone rapid development since then[cite: 220]. [cite_start]The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols[cite: 220]. [cite_start]Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim[cite: 221]. [cite_start]Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight[cite: 222]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 223].
Breakfast at the hotel and full day excursion to **Changu Lake** which is 35 Kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400 feet[cite: 225]. [cite_start]The lake derives its waters from melting snows off the surrounding mountains[cite: 226]. [cite_start]Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying the color of the lake’s waters[cite: 226]. [cite_start]Also visit **Baba Mandir**[cite: 227]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 227].
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kalimpong[cite: 229]. [cite_start]**KALIMPONG**: At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong’s location is ideal for a pleasant, relaxed getaway[cite: 231]. [cite_start]Its clement weather has made Kalimpong’s orchids and gladiole well renowned[cite: 232]. [cite_start]Up to the early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim raja’s domain[cite: 233]. [cite_start]In the early 18th century, the Bhutan king also took it over[cite: 234]. [cite_start]In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War, it was annexed to Darjeeling[cite: 235]. [cite_start]Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s[cite: 235]. [cite_start]The town thrived as a wool trading center with Tibet till 1950s[cite: 236]. [cite_start]Today it’s a quiet hill resort and a haven for retired people[cite: 237]. [cite_start]Afternoon proceed for city tour visiting **Zang Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery**, **Tharpa Choling Monastery**, **Thongsa Gumpa** and **flower nurseries**[cite: 237]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 237].
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra/NJP in time for flight/train to onward destination[cite: 239].
Assistance at the airport/railway station on arrival and drive to Darjeeling[cite: 242]. [cite_start]**DARJEELING**: Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others[cite: 244]. [cite_start]Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track[cite: 245]. [cite_start]Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations[cite: 246]. [cite_start]Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”[cite: 247]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 248].
Early morning visit **Tiger Hill** to see a beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest etc.[cite: 250]. [cite_start]One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden[cite: 250]. [cite_start]It is truly a majestic sight and **Ghoom Monastery** which is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height on the way back from Tiger Hill[cite: 251, 252]. [cite_start]Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for city tour visiting **Himalayan Mountaineering Institute** (closed on Thursday) which was started by Tenzing Norgay after he climbed Mt. Everest, **Zoological Park** (closed on Thursday), **Tibetan Refugee Centre** (closed on Sunday), **Tenzing Rock**, **Gombu Rock** and **Happy Valley Tea Estate** (from outside)[cite: 253]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 254].
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Gangtok en route visiting **Teesta Village**[cite: 256]. [cite_start]**GANGTOK**: At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid 19th century and has undergone rapid development since then[cite: 258]. [cite_start]The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols[cite: 258]. [cite_start]Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim[cite: 259]. [cite_start]Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight[cite: 260]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 261].
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for half day city tour visiting **Rumtek Monastery**, **Do Drul Chorten**, **Namgyal Institute of Tibetology** (closed on Sundays), **Cottage Industry** (closed on Sundays) and **Flower Show Complex**[cite: 263]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 263].
Breakfast at the hotel and full day excursion to **Changu Lake** which is 35 Kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400 feet[cite: 265]. [cite_start]The lake derives its waters from melting snows off the surrounding mountains[cite: 266]. [cite_start]Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying the color of the lake’s waters[cite: 266]. [cite_start]Also visit **Baba Mandir**[cite: 267]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 267].
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kalimpong[cite: 269]. [cite_start]**KALIMPONG**: At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong’s location is ideal for a pleasant, relaxed getaway[cite: 271]. [cite_start]Its clement weather has made Kalimpong’s orchids and gladiole well renowned[cite: 272]. [cite_start]Up to the early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim raja’s domain[cite: 273]. [cite_start]In the early 18th century, the Bhutan king also took it over[cite: 274]. [cite_start]In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War, it was annexed to Darjeeling[cite: 275]. [cite_start]Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s[cite: 275]. [cite_start]The town thrived as a wool trading center with Tibet till 1950s[cite: 276]. [cite_start]Today it’s a quiet hill resort and a haven for retired people[cite: 277]. [cite_start]Afternoon sightseeing in Kalimpong city tour visiting **Zang Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery**, **Tharpa Choling Monastery**, **Thongsa Gumpa** and **flower nurseries**[cite: 278]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 279].
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra/NJP in time for flight/train to onward destination[cite: 281].
Assistance at the airport/railway station on arrival and drive to Darjeeling[cite: 284]. [cite_start]**DARJEELING**: Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others[cite: 286]. [cite_start]Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track[cite: 287]. [cite_start]Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations[cite: 288]. [cite_start]Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”[cite: 289]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 290].
Early morning visit **Tiger Hill** to see a beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest etc.[cite: 292]. [cite_start]One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden[cite: 292]. [cite_start]It is truly a majestic sight and **Ghoom Monastery** which is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height on the way back from Tiger Hill[cite: 293, 294]. [cite_start]Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for city tour visiting **Himalayan Mountaineering Institute** (closed on Thursday) which was started by Tenzing Norgay after he climbed Mt. Everest, **Zoological Park** (closed on Thursday), **Tibetan Refugee Centre** (closed on Sunday), **Tenzing Rock**, **Gombu Rock** and **Happy Valley Tea Estate** (from outside)[cite: 294]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 295].
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to **Pelling**[cite: 297]. [cite_start]**PELLING**: Located at a distance of 120 kms from Gangtok Pelling is another serene, mountain village which lies in the western districts of Sikkim[cite: 299]. [cite_start]This village is situated at an altitude of 2000 mts(approx) and commands a spectacular view of Mt.Kanchenjunga[cite: 300]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 301].
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for city tour visiting **Pemayangste Monastery**, **Rabtense Ruins**, **Khechipalri Lake**, **Kanchenjunga Fall** and **Rambi Falls**[cite: 303]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 304].
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Gangtok[cite: 306]. [cite_start]**GANGTOK**: At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid 19th century and has undergone rapid development since then[cite: 308]. [cite_start]The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols[cite: 309]. [cite_start]Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim[cite: 310]. [cite_start]Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight[cite: 311]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 311].
Breakfast at the hotel and full day excursion to **Changu Lake** which is 35 Kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400 feet[cite: 313]. [cite_start]The lake derives its waters from melting snows off the surrounding mountains[cite: 314]. [cite_start]Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying the color of the lake’s waters[cite: 314]. [cite_start]Also visit **Baba Mandir**[cite: 315]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 315].
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kalimpong[cite: 317]. [cite_start]**KALIMPONG**: At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong’s location is ideal for a pleasant, relaxed getaway[cite: 319]. [cite_start]Its clement weather has made Kalimpong’s orchids and gladiole well renowned[cite: 320]. [cite_start]Up to the early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim raja’s domain[cite: 321]. [cite_start]In the early 18th century, the Bhutan king also took it over[cite: 322]. [cite_start]In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War, it was annexed to Darjeeling[cite: 323]. [cite_start]Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s[cite: 323]. [cite_start]The town thrived as a wool trading center with Tibet till 1950s[cite: 324]. [cite_start]Today it’s a quiet hill resort and a haven for retired people[cite: 325]. [cite_start]Afternoon sightseeing in Kalimpong city tour visiting **Zang Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery**, **Tharpa Choling Monastery**, **Thongsa Gumpa** and **flower nurseries**[cite: 326]. [cite_start]Overnight at hotel[cite: 327].
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra/NJP in time for flight/train to onward destination[cite: 329].
Upon your arrival in Bagdogra Airport, you will be picked up and begin the 5-hour transfer to **Gangtok**, the modern capital of Sikkim and a cultural hub[cite: 332]. [cite_start]On the way to your hotel, enjoy the heart-beating highland view along the **Teesta River**[cite: 333]. [cite_start]After you check-in to your hotel, you have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure[cite: 334]. [cite_start]Overnight stay at a hotel in Gangtok[cite: 335].
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then make the 55 kilometers drive to **Tsomgo Lake**, a high altitude lake of Sikkim[cite: 337]. [cite_start]Apart from sightseeing, here you can also indulge in yak riding[cite: 338]. [cite_start]Further, you will visit **Baba Mandir** (13,200 feet)[cite: 338]. [cite_start]Spend some time at the temples and then return to the hotel in Gangtok for overnight stay[cite: 339]. [cite_start]P.S.: In the case of a landslide, Tsomgo Lake will remain closed, but a visit to the alternate place will be provided[cite: 340].
Have a stomach-filling breakfast and start your day early by checking out from the hotel in Gangtok and proceeding towards **Lachung**[cite: 342]. [cite_start]It is a mountain village perched at a height of 8800 feet and is close to the Tibetan border[cite: 343]. [cite_start]It is also home to the 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery[cite: 344]. [cite_start]Surrounded by apple orchards, the destinations mesmerising beauty is awe-inspiring[cite: 344]. [cite_start]En-route, visit the **Singhik View Point** and **Seven Sisters Waterfalls**[cite: 346]. The viewpoint offers its visitors’ a stunning view of **Mt. [cite_start]Kanchenjunga** and **Mt Siniolchu**[cite: 347, 348]. [cite_start]You can have lunch midway at Namok and take a short tea break at Chungthang[cite: 351]. [cite_start]On arrival in Lachung, check in at the hotel[cite: 352]. [cite_start]Enjoy a delicious dinner meal which will be served in the lodge itself and spend the overnight stay at Lachung[cite: 353].
Have a stomach-filling breakfast and start your day early by checking out from the hotel in Lachung and proceed towards the **Yumthang Valley**[cite: 356]. [cite_start]Situated at a height of 11,800 feet, it is popularly known as ‘Valley of Flowers'[cite: 357]. [cite_start]You can also visit the **hot springs** that are considered to have medicinal curative properties[cite: 359]. [cite_start]Enjoy a short stopover at the **Bheema** and **Twin Falls**[cite: 360]. [cite_start]The Bheema falls are also popularly known as the Amitabh Bachchan falls owing to its tallness[cite: 362]. [cite_start]An optional tour to the **Zero Point** can be arranged for on request and at an additional cost[cite: 363]. [cite_start]After sightseeing, continue your journey to Gangtok[cite: 366]. [cite_start]On arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the night in the comfort of the cosy room[cite: 366].
From Gangtok, follow a hilly road surrounding the colourful houses, tiny hamlets, and lonely monasteries[cite: 369]. [cite_start]In between, you will see the beautiful miniatures of **Chardham** and **12 jyotirlingas** at the **SiddheshwarDham (Chardham)** and lay eyes on the 45 feet high copper statue of **Guru Padmasambhava**[cite: 370]. [cite_start]After the sightseeing tour, continue your ride towards **Pelling**[cite: 371]. [cite_start]Upon arrival at Pelling, you will be transferred to a hotel for overnight stay and dinner[cite: 371].
Today, in the first half, you will be visiting **Darap village**, **Rimbi water Falls**, **Khecheopalri Lake** and **Khangchendzonga waterfalls**[cite: 374]. [cite_start]At the Darpa village, you will get a chance to explore local culture and meet and greet people of Bhutias, Chettris, Tamangs, Rais, Gurungs and Lepchas communities[cite: 375]. [cite_start]In the second half of the day, you will be visiting **Pemayangtse Monastery**, **Rabdentse Ruins**, and the **New Helipad Ground**[cite: 378]. [cite_start]**SKY WALK** can be visited on extra vehicle cost of INR 1000 and INR 100 per person entry ticket[cite: 380]. [cite_start]Get back to the hotel for overnight stay[cite: 379].
Done with your morning breakfast, check-out from the hotel and straight away travel to **Darjeeling**[cite: 382]. [cite_start]During the journey, you will come across **Singhik viewpoint**, from where you can enjoy the beautiful view of Mighty **Khangchendzonga**[cite: 383]. [cite_start]The whiff of tea and sound of toy trains symbolises that you are somewhere in and around Darjeeling[cite: 384]. [cite_start]Upon arrival at Darjeeling, you will be transferred to a hotel for overnight stay and dinner[cite: 385].
Get up at around 4 in the morning and get ready to chase the dawn over the **Mt. [cite_start]Khangchendzongha** (28,208 feet) at the **Tiger Hill** (8,400 feet)[cite: 387]. [cite_start]On your way back to the hotel, visit **Ghoom Monastery**, **War Memorial** and **Batasia Loop**[cite: 389]. After breakfast, proceed for the city sightseeing tour visiting **Himalayan Mountaineering Institute**, **P.N. [cite_start]Zoological Park** (Thursday closed), **Tenzing Rock**, **Tibetan Refugee self-help Centre** (Sunday closed), **Tea Garden** (outer view), **Ropeway** and **Japanese Temple**[cite: 391, 392]. [cite_start]Overnight stay in the hotel[cite: 394].
[cite_start]
After breakfast Check-out from the hotel on time & transfer to NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport for your onward journey[cite: 396].
