13-Day Sikkim and Darjeeling Monastery and Village Tour via Gangtok
About This Tour
Discover the Himalayan beauty of Sikkim and Darjeeling through monasteries, tea gardens, and scenic villages. Witness sunrise at Tiger Hill, explore sacred lake...
Duration: 13 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Darjeeling, Kangchenjunga, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Pelling, Yuksom · Languages: English
Know before you go: Hotel confirmation is subject to availability, and similar category hotels will be provided if unavailable.; Room heaters are available on request and are payable directly at the hotel.; Room upgrades can be requested at the reception after check-in, with additional charges payable on the spot.; Carry four passport-size photographs per person along with your passport and visa for Inner Line Permit verification.; Satellite phones are strictly prohibited.; Credit facility is not available.; Additional costs due to natural calamities such as landslides, road blockages, or political disturbances must be borne directly on the spot.
About Gangtok
Gangtok
The famous capital of far-flung Sikkim is hailed for its pristine condition, while local guides here specialize in hitting the Himalaya, watersports on the Rangit, temple trotting and waterfall spotting.
What's Included
- Hotel accommodation with double/twin sharing in 3-star equivalent hotels with MAPAI meal plan (lunches will be provided in local restaurants) - names will be given once the package is confirmed.
- Fuel charges, driver allowance, toll and parking fees.
- English-speaking hiking tour guide.
- Transportation - transport and sightseeing by luxury vehicle.
- Toy train rides in Darjeeling and entrance fees.
- Government tax.
Not Included
- Airfare/train fare (domestic and international).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips and gratuity, mineral water, soft and hard drinks, porterage, and water sports.
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of the vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
- Paragliding and river rafting fees.
- Any increase in taxes or fuel price leading to an increase in cost on surface transportation and land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure.
- Travel insurance.
- Insurance, medical, and emergency rescue costs.
- Anything which is not included in the inclusions.
Itinerary
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1Day 01
Arrival in Darjeeling, the Queen of the Hills
Arrive at Bagdogra Airport and meet the representative for your transfer to Darjeeling. Drive through scenic landscapes to reach Darjeeling, known as the Queen of the Hills. Admire the beauty of evergreen hills, tea gardens, and views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Learn about Darjeeling's geographical location, bordering Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan, and the plains of Bengal.
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2Day 02
Tiger Hill Sunrise, Toy Train Ride, and Monasteries
Drive early in the morning to Tiger Hill, at an altitude of 8,442 feet, to witness the sunrise. Enjoy views of Kanchenjunga along with Mt Kabru, Mt Pandim, Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. Spot additional peaks including Mt Jano, Mt Nar sing, Mt Frey, and Mt Sinolchu. Experience a joy ride on the UNESCO-recognised Darjeeling Toy Train. Visit Yiga Choling Monastery, Sakya Guru Monastery, Aloobari Monastery, and Druk Sangag Choling Monastery. Spend the evening exploring the local market.
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3Day 03
Mountaineering Heritage and Darjeeling Tea Culture
Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Explore Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, known for snow leopard and red panda conservation. Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre. Explore Happy Valley Tea Garden and learn about tea production. Spend the evening at leisure in the local market.
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4Day 04
Drive to Turuk and Walk Along Tarey Bhir
Drive to Turuk village, passing through tea gardens and villages. Cross the Teesta River and enter Sikkim through the Melli checkpoint. Continue uphill to Turuk village. Walk along Tarey Bhir, a cliff at around 10,000 feet offering views of the Darjeeling and Kalimpong ranges. Experience the serene and less crowded Himalayan landscape.
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5Day 05
Turuk to Rinchenpong Village Experience
Drive to Rinchenpong, located near Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. Learn about its historical connections with Captain Lloyd and J W Grant. Take an afternoon walk through the village and observe local life.
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6Day 06
Rinchenpong to Pelling via Monasteries and Heritage Sites
Visit Poison Lake, Ressum Monastery, Lepcha Monastery, and Lepcha King House. Drive to Pelling and stop at Dentam village. Visit the alpine cheese factory and explore the local market. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, built in 1745. Hike to the 17th-century Rabdentse Palace ruins.
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7Day 07
Pelling to Yuksom via Sacred Lake and Waterfall
Visit Chenrezig Sky Walk and Sanga Choeling Monastery. Stop at Khecheopalri Lake, believed to be the footprint of Goddess Tara. Visit Khangchendzonga Waterfall, originating from the mountain. Continue the drive to Yuksom.
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8Day 08
Yuksom Heritage, Tashiding Monastery, and Martham
Visit the Norbughang throne, where the first king of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641. Learn about Yuksom as the first capital of Sikkim and a trekking base. Visit Phamrong Waterfall. Explore Tashiding Monastery, blessed by Guru Rinpoche. Learn about the Bhum Chu ceremony and the sacred Chorten Thongwa Rangdol. Drive to Martham, visiting Ravangla Buddha Park and Bon Monastery en route.
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9Day 09
Martham to Gangtok with Rumtek and Ranka Monasteries
Walk through paddy fields in Martham, known for premium rice. Drive to Gangtok, the present capital of Sikkim. Visit Rumtek Monastery, built in 1717 and renovated in 1960. Visit Ranka Lingdum Monastery, Ban Jhakri Waterfall, and the Flower Exhibition Centre. Explore Gangtok town in the evening.
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10Day 10
Phodong and Labrang Monastery Excursion
Visit Phodong Monastery, located 28 kilometres from Gangtok. Learn about its history and reconstruction by Sidkeong Tulku Namgyal. Visit Labrang Monastery and explore its ancient murals. Visit Tashi View Point for panoramic views. Spend time exploring Gangtok town.
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11Day 11
Gangtok to Kalimpong via Namchi and Temi Tea Garden
Drive to Kalimpong via Namchi Siddheswari Chardham Temple and Samdruptse Stupa. Visit Temi Tea Garden. Learn about Kalimpong's history as a Bhutanese stronghold and Silk Route trade centre. Explore Kalimpong local market in the evening.
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12Day 12
Kalimpong Monasteries, Viewpoints, and Cultural Sites
Visit Geden Tharpa Choeling Monastery and Zang Dog Palri Monastery at Durpin Dara. Enjoy views of Kanchenjunga and the Bhutan hills on a clear day. Visit flower nurseries and the Deolo Hills viewpoint. Explore Dr Graham's Homes, established in 1900. Visit Mangal Dham Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Visit the Handmade Paper Factory and Lepcha Museum.
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13Day 13
Departure from Kalimpong to Bagdogra
Check out after breakfast and drive to Bagdogra Airport. Travel approximately 80 kilometres over 4 hours for departure.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Bagdogra Airport Road, Bagdogra, West Bengal, India · Tour start: Sikkim, India — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
