Gangtok Lachen Lachung Pelling Darjeeling Tour
9 Nights / 10 Days | Gangtok,Lachen,Lachung,Pelling,Darjeeling
About Package
This 09 Nights / 10 Days tour brings you the best of both worlds- Sikkim and Darjeeling. The enchanting beauty and serenity of Sikkim and Darjeeling will leave you gaping in awe! The richness of culture and history and abundance of natural beauty of Sikkim make it a must-see destination of India. It has been aptly endowed with the title “Organic state of India”. You can relish fresh and organic fruits and vegetables straight from the fields and orchards. From high altitude lakes to Kangchenjunga- thirst highest mountains in the world, age-old Buddhist monasteries, Sikkim has a lot to offer to its tourists.
Equally fascinating is the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok which comes with its own old-world charm and attractions. It is a base for some amazing treks and a great place to capture views of snow-capped peaks of Kangchenjunga. Pelling is another gem of Sikkim gifted with plenty of natural beauty. Lachung, a mountain village of Sikkim boasts of scenic landscape, Buddhist monasteries, apple orchards, pine forests, hot springs, and waterfalls.
Darjeeling, the Queen of Hills is located in the West Bengal state of India. This Victorian town is a famous hill station of India known for its snow-capped mountains, picturesque landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, tea gardens and backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train is one of its major attractions.
DAY 1 - New Jalpaiguri Railway Station(NJP)/Bagdogra Airport(IXB) – Gangtok (130 km/4 hrs drive)
Arrival at the NJP/Bagdogra. After a warm welcome, our representative will drive you to Gangtok (1437 m) and escort you to the hotel. Check in at the hotel. Freshen up and relax for some time. In the evening, you can go for a stroll on the MG Marg. Stay overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2 - Gangtok (Excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir)
After a leisurely breakfast, at around 8 am leave for Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft/3750 m/3 hrs drive) and Baba Harbhajan Mandir( 13,200 ft/4000 m). The zig-zag road through craggy mountain terrain takes you to Tsomgo Lake. Located at an altitude of 12,400 ft, the lake is enveloped in ethereal beauty and is considered sacred. The lake dons different looks in different seasons. In winters it gets covered in snow while in spring colourful flowers around the lake add life to it. Baba Harbhajan Mandir or the shrine is a must-visit place of Sikkim as it is dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh who was a brave Indian soldier. While carrying supplies to a remote post he died near the Nathula Pass in eastern Sikkim due to bad weather condition. After the excursion, we will drive you back to Gangtok. Stay overnight at the hotel. Note: You can also visit Nathula Pass on the same day at an additional cost. Nathula Pass is located at an altitude of 14,140 feet and is one of the highest motorable passes of India. It is one of the oldest trading border posts linking India and Tibet.
DAY 3 - Gangtok – Lachen (125 Km / 6 Hours Approximately)
Have a stomach-filling breakfast and start your day early by checking out from the hotel in Gangtok and proceeding towards Lachen. It is a valley that runs deep and is bounded by massive yet humbling snow-capped mountains. It is a peaceful hamlet with a mere population. Your drive to this small town will take you through hot springs and meadows. Try spotting rear birds such as the wood snipe and hoary-throated barwing. On arrival, check in at the hotel and head out for sightseeing. Lepcha Village Peep into the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim and meet with the indigenous people at the Lepcha Village. You can get insights into the way of life of rural setting in the state. It is also a trekking destination and you can undertake hiking and angling here. Return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay in Lachen.
DAY 4 - Lachen – Gurudongmar Lake – Chopta Valley Excursion – Lachung
After relishing an early morning breakfast, check out from the hotel in Lachen and head out for sightseeing. Gurudongmar Lake A 3 hours drive will take you to a valley that is perched at an altitude of 11, 800 feet. The lake set here is considered to be holy by Sikhs, Buddhists and Hindus and is one of the highest lakes in the world. It is very close to the Tibet border and is encircled all around the year by snow-covered peaks. Cold desert This is where the Himalayan rain-shadow zone merges with Tibetan plateau. The mountains reach the altitude of about 20,000 to 25,000 feet and are painted with the beautiful tones of colours. After sightseeing in Lachen, continue your journey towards Lachung. It is a region that is fully covered with Rhododendron forest. Visit the Chopta Valley and Thangu Valley on your way. Chopta valley Known for its varying hues, it is a very picturesque destination that is s positioned at an altitude of 13200 feet. Several water sports are also enjoyed by the river every year by adventurous tourists. Thangu Valley Thangu is a small and cosy village that is decorated with vibrant alpine flowers. A lot of travellers flock every year for the spectacular hiking trails in the valley. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts. Proceed with the drive and reach Lachung. On arrival, check in at the hotel and visit the Lachung Monastery. The Lachung Monastery It is an ancient Nyingma Buddhist gompa which is set at an astonishing height of 9,600 feet. The monastery hosts a famous mask dance each year and if you are around, you must behold its mesmerising sights. Spend the overnight at the hotel in Lachung.
DAY 5 - Lachung – Yumthang Excursion – Gangtok
Yumthang Valley that stands for ‘The Valley of Flowers’ is your destination for today. After head-starting your day with a toothsome breakfast meal, check out from the hotel and drive to reach 11,800 feet above sea level to this valley. You may visit the famous hot spring that is popular owing to its curative properties for skin diseases. Having basked in the valley’s beauty, leave for Gangtok. On your way, cover a few sightseeing spots. Singhik and Mangan These are two scenic towns you will cross on your way to Gangtok. If the weather is suitable and the sky is clear, you can enjoy the stunning views of Himalayan ranges. You may catch glimpses of the peaks of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Simvo, Kabru, Jopuno and Mt. Siniolchu. Optional Tour to Zero Point / Additional Charges / Special Permit An optional tour to the Zero Point can be arranged for on request. Set at an altitude of 15,300 feet, it is the last outpost of civilization. The international border of China lies a few meters ahead and hence civilians are restricted to go any further. After sightseeing, continue your journey to Gangtok. On arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the overnight in the comfort of the cosy room.
DAY 6 - Gangtok – Pelling (via Ravangla)
Start Day 6 with a heavy breakfast as this day awaits travelling and sightseeing umpteen. On your journey to Pelling you will come across various sightseeing destinations of Ravangla.Our representatives will pick you up from the hotel in the morning and drive you to Pelling. Pelling is a tiny hamlet town in west Sikkim. On your way to Pelling, After some time here, you will head to Ravangla. Here, you can spend time sightseeing the popular Buddha Park and Temi Tea Gardens. Ravangla offers a scenic view of the Greater Himalayas. Once that’s done, you will arrive at your hotel in Pelling. Enjoy a hearty meal and take a goodnight rest as you look forward to what tomorrow has in store.
DAY 7 - Full Day Local Sightseeing in Pelling
Give this day an early start with some toothsome breakfast and prepare for local sightseeing in Pelling. First, head to the Darap Valley. This little hamlet is a perfect picnic spot where you can interact with the locals and take a glimpse into the Sikkimese lifestyle. The local villagers are very warm and friendly and you will enjoy your time spending it in their embrace. Next, visit the Rimbi waterfalls and the Kanchenjunga waterfalls. These perennial waterfalls provide refreshment to the mind, body and soul and are one of the major tourist attractions of the town. It is also a major spot for recreational activities like fishing. Then, move ahead and visit the Rock Garden and the Khecheopalri Lake. The Rock Garden is studded with gardens and pools and a small stream runs within it. You must take a walk on its meandering footpaths. The Khecheopalri Lake, on another hand, is presumed to be one of the most sacred lakes in Pelling. It is placid, picturesque and a clean water body with no leaves floating over even though it is set amidst a thick bushy forest. Lastly, visit the Rabdentse Ruins, Pema Yangtse monastery and Helipad Ground. The Rabdentse ruins speak volumes about Sikkim’s glorious past. It is a must see site for archaeological and history lovers. The Pema Yangtse is at a walking distance from here and offers splendid views of the Kanchenjunga ranges. The Helipad ground is also another popular viewing spot to behold the splendid views of the snow-capped ranges. The view of the sunset here is like something you must have never witnessed. Return to the hotel in the evening and stay overnight in Pelling.
DAY 8 - Pelling – Darjeeling
After breakfast, drive to Darjeeling, the Queen of Hills. On the journey to Darjeeling, at some places, the drive is not so smooth but it’s worth it as you will drive past lovely green gardens, gushing rivers, old bridges and traditional villages. Reach the hotel in Darjeeling, check in and stay overnight.
DAY 9 - Darjeeling (Full day local sightseeing)
Start from the hotel at around 4 am to reach the magnificent Tiger Hill (2590 m) which is the highest point of Darjeeling. It offers breathtaking views of the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga. While coming back from the Hill, halt at the Batasia Loop, a spiral railway track at a beautiful location and Ghoom Monastery. Take a break for breakfast. Now continue your journey with a visit to the Japanese Temple, a Buddhist pilgrimage known for its wonderful traditional Japanese architecture. Other attractions which will be covered are Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park(closed on Thursday), Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tenzing Rock, Peace Pagoda and Chitrey Tea Garden(outer view). In the evening enjoy a leisurely walk on the Mall Road and Chowrasta. Stay overnight at the hotel.
DAY 10 - Darjeeling – New Jalpaiguri Railway Station(NJP)/Bagdogra Airport(IXB) (88 km/3 hrs drive)
Post breakfast, check out from the hotel and our representative will drive you back to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station(NJP)/Bagdogra Airport(IXB) – Gangtok with pleasurable memories to take back home! Your tour ends today! See you again on the next tour!