Darjeeling and Sikkim – the Himalayan kingdom

Assistance at the airport/station on arrival and hence, proceed to Darjeeling. Check in to the hotel, rest of the day is free for leisure activities. Darjeeling conjures visions of the majestic Himalayas, miles of undulating hillsides covered with green tea gardens. Darjeeling is also popularly known as the ‘Queen of hill stations’. Overnight at hotel.

Early in the morning, visit the Tiger Hill to see a beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden. It is truly a majestic sight; visit the Ghoom Monastery which is oldest Monastery in the area and which was built in 1875. You also get to see the famed Batasia Loop here; the toy train wind its way around the loop. The amazing toy train is considered an engineering marvel that takes on such steep gradients and mountainous curves. Have 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, Gob Rock and Happy Valley Tea Estate(from outside). The sprawling tea estates produce world’s best tea. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Pelling. In the afternoon, proceed for city tour visiting Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse palace Ruins, Khecheopalri wishing lake, Kanchenjunga Fall and Rembi Falls. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Gangtok. Later proceed for city tour visiting Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (closed on Sundays), Cottage Industry (closed on Sundays) and Flower Show Complex. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, set out for a full day’s excursion to Tsomgo Lake which is 40 Kms away from Gangtok and is at an altitude of 12,400 feet. Tsomgo or the Changu lake is sacred to the locals and formed as a result of melting of the snow of the surrounding mountains. The weather fluctuation has a huge role in adding to the beauty of the place. The lake is frozen for most of the year and the ice only melts in the summer month of May and remains so till September after which it freezes again. Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying the color of the lake’s waters and along with this visit Baba Mandir. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Bagdogra/NJP and on time departure transfer for your onward destination.