Duration: 07 Nights - 08 Days
Locations: Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Pelling (Pemayangtse) - Gangtok - Kalimpong - Bagdogra (Departure)
Day 01 : Arrive Bagdogra - Darjeeling (95 km / approx. 3 hrs)
Arrival at Bagdogra followed by a traditional welcome and scenic drive to Darjeeling, the Queen of India’s hill stations. Set amidst rolling hills and expansive tea estates, Darjeeling is known for its colonial-era charm and breathtaking Himalayan views. The town, developed by the British as a summer retreat, is surrounded by fragrant tea gardens cascading over emerald-green slopes.
Overnight Hotel – Darjeeling
Day 02 : Darjeeling
Darjeeling Tea Gardens
Early morning excursion to Tiger Hill, renowned for its spectacular sunrise views over Kangchenjunga and, on clear days, distant views of Mount Everest and other eastern Himalayan peaks. On the return journey, visit Ghoom, one of the highest railway stations in the world, and explore the serene Yiga Choeling (Ghoom) Monastery, associated with the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Later, visit the peaceful Dali and Chholing monasteries.
After some rest, enjoy a ride on the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded in memory of Tenzing Norgay, showcasing mountaineering equipment and expedition history. Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre and nearby tea gardens. In the evening, proceed to Observatory Hill (Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan), a sacred site shared by Hindu and Buddhist traditions, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Overnight Hotel – Darjeeling
Day 03 : Darjeeling - Pemayangtse (65 km / approx. 4 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Pemayangtse, descending into the Teesta River valley before ascending to a forested ridge at an elevation of about 2,085 metres. This region is known for its dramatic landscapes and rich Buddhist heritage. Upon arrival, assistance with check-in at the hotel.
Later in the afternoon, visit the historic Pemayangtse Monastery, situated at approximately 6,840 feet. Founded in the 17th century, it is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim and belongs to the Nyingma-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery offers commanding views of the surrounding mountains. Evening at leisure.
Overnight Hotel – Pemayangtse
Day 04 : Pemayangtse - Gangtok (95 km / approx. 3 hrs)
Drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, beautifully perched on mountain slopes overlooking deep valleys and distant snow peaks. Once a small hamlet, Gangtok gained prominence after the establishment of Enchey Monastery and later became an important trading post between Tibet and British India. Today, it is a vibrant center of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning.
In the evening, visit Enchey Monastery, built in 1909 and home to around 100 monks of the Nyingmapa order.
Overnight Hotel – Gangtok
Day 05 : Gangtok
Begin the day with a visit to Do Drul Chorten, an important stupa built to ward off negative forces, followed by the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology area. Continue to Rumtek Monastery, the principal monastery of the Kagyu (Black Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, built in 1959 as a replica of the original Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet.
Later, visit the Himalayan Zoological Park, also known as Bulbuley, where animals such as red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and barking deer are housed in natural enclosures. Continue to the Government Institute of Cottage Industries (GICI), showcasing traditional Sikkimese crafts, followed by a visit to the vibrant Lal Bazaar, where locals from surrounding villages gather to trade fresh produce and handicrafts.
Overnight Hotel – Gangtok
Day 06 : Gangtok - Kalimpong (80 km / approx. 3 hrs)
Drive to Kalimpong, a picturesque hill town set against a backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Known for its cultural diversity and historic trade links with Tibet, Kalimpong features a harmonious blend of Buddhist monasteries, churches, and temples. Once ruled by Bhutan and later annexed by the British in 1865, the town flourished as an important wool trading center.
Overnight Hotel – Kalimpong
Day 07 : Kalimpong
Visit Thongsa Gompa, also known as the Bhutanese Monastery, the oldest monastery in Kalimpong, originally founded in 1692. Continue to Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa, located on Durpin Hill and renowned for its intricate Tibetan wall paintings and panoramic views.
Later, visit Tharpa Choeling Monastery, founded in 1937 and belonging to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect. Continue to Dr. Graham’s Homes, a historic educational institution established in 1900 to support children from tea garden communities. Also explore a few of Kalimpong’s well-known flower nurseries.
Overnight Hotel – Kalimpong
Day 08 : Kalimpong - Bagdogra (75 km / approx. 2 hrs)
Drive to Bagdogra for departure, concluding the journey through the scenic hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage and look forward to welcoming you again in the near future.
