Blissfull Sikkim Darjeeling Pelling Tour

The moment you step out of the Railway Station, you’ll feel the bliss of being in heaven. Welcome to a world which you’ll never want to leave after spending a week here. You’ll find our representative who will help you with your transfer from the railway station to your already booked Hotel in Gangtok. On your way, you will witness the untouched beauty of hillocks and valleys. Do not stop yourself from stepping down of the car and taking a halt at a place where you can have the best of your pictures. Reach the hotel, freshen up, have something to eat and spend the remaining day at leisure. Take a complete rest because the next day will be full of adventures.

Get up all refreshed and give your morning an early start around 8:00 AM. Today’s day will be filled with adventure, stories and legends. You will be visiting-

Tsomgo Lake
‘Tsomgo’ meaning the ‘Source of Water’ is located at the height of 12,310 feet. Also known as the Changu Lake, this is one of the most remarkable high altitude lakes in India. The road to Tsomgo Lake is steep and hence gives you all the adventurous chills that you have been waiting for. A km long oval-shaped lake, it is an epitome of sheer beauty. During the spring and the autumn, the lake finds itself surrounded with Alpine vegetation and Primula flowers. As the winters come by it turns into a snowfield, all frozen and sparkles with the sunshine above it.

Baba Harbhajan Mandir
Your next destination is the memorial of honourable soldier Baba Harbhajan Singh whose spirit is said to guard the soldiers posted in the nearby area. The late Sepoy counted his last breathe while serving his unit on October 4, 1968, in Sikkim. While he was escorting mules, he slipped and fell into the waters. His body which was carried by the current two kilometres away was found after three days. There is a belief that water kept at his temple becomes capable of curing different sicknesses. The devotees leave the bottles here, later taking them to the ailing persons for their treatment.

Nathu La Pass/Optional Tour
Finding itself at an altitude of 14,400 ft Nathu La pass was the place from where the Silk Route operated until 1962. This route used to serve as an inter-trade platform between Tibet and India. Soldiers of both the countries surround this fenced Indo-China border. You will find the memorials of the Soldiers who fought for their respective nations. Note that this area is a protected place and NRI’s and other International tourists aren’t allowed in its premises. Only Indian nationals can enter this area that too after seeking special permits. The Nathu La Pass tour is an optional tour which you can take at additional charges.

If you wish to visit Nathu La Pass make a quick move from Baba Harbhajan Mandir and if not then seek his blessings and leave for your hotel. Plunge into your delicious dinner and spend a night here in Gangtok.

Have your breakfast and leave for Pelling which is a tiny town located at the foothills of Mt.Kanchenjunga. It is the second largest emerging tourist destination in Sikkim after Gangtok. A paradise for nature enthusiasts it is a picturesque setting amiable for small treks and nature walks. On your way to Pelling visit the following two places-

Namchi Char Dham Temple
Established by the government to promote religion and ecotourism in Sikkim, Char Dham in Namchi is a must visit place. The incredible Pilgrimage Centre has one main temple which is 108 feet tall. In the temple is based an 87 feet high statue of Lord Shiva in a sitting posture on the majestic Solophok Hill. It also has the replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas for the devotees of Shiva.

Samdruptse Statue
Located at an altitude of 7000 feet, the Samdruptse Statue finds itself on the ‘wish fulfilling hill’, the Samdruptse Hill. This 45 m tall statue is of Guru Rinpoche, also known as Guru Padmasambhava, the saint of Sikkim who has been blessing the state from more than 1,200 years. Overlooking the city this golden statue shines bright with the light of the sun giving out the positive and spiritual bliss. From here you get the most magnificent view of mountain ranges and nearby forests. It is believed that the hill is a dormant volcano which can be kept calm only by prayers. Hence, the monks offer regular reverence and devotion to it.

After sightseeing, proceed to Pelling, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Stay overnight at Pelling hotel.

Kickstart your day with a healthy breakfast and leave for the following attractions in Pelling. You are assured a day full of fun and great memories to be stored in your treasure box. Start as early as possible as you have many places to visit.

Darap Valley
Coming up as an offbeat travel destination in Sikkim, Darap is a small village offering your eyes the most scenic landscapes and skies. Wrapped in a serene environment the valley has lovable villagers who provide you with local food and walks through their little wonderland. Here you can blend into the cultural lifestyle of the Limboo Community and learn some amazing facts about it.

Rimbi Waterfalls
Near the Darap village is this mesmerising waterfall gathering a decent footfall of tourists from the surrounding areas. The fall leads to Rimbi river which is famous for fishing activities. The green blanket from which it flows makes the scene look all the more alluring and enchanting.

Rock Garden
Sewaro Rock Garden is one of the most frequently visited tourist place in Pelling. It is a great picnic spot where you can spend some time with your family, or yourself or your other half. Here you will also find swimming pools and well-maintained cafes which are a carrier of stunning views under the pitch blue sky. The swirling oaths, gushing Teesta River, chirping of colourfull birds, and well-groomed trees make this a favourite spot for many locals and tourists.

Kanchenjunga waterfalls
Considered as one of the most perennial tourist attraction the, the waterfall originates from the heavenly ranges of Mt.kanchenjunga hence, gets its name. Until a local tour operator found about it in the 90s no one knew that the waterfall even existed. Hidden in a complete green cover the waterfalls serve as a favourite picnic spot for many. With small cafe and stalls set up near it, the place is best suited for chilling under the clear skies in the vicinity of wild.

Khecheopalri sacred Lake
Considered sacred for both the Buddhists and the Hindus the lake is also known as the ‘wish fulfilling lake.’ It is locally known as Sho Dzo Sho, meaning, “Oh Lady, Sit Here.” The quirky or the fascinating information about the lake is that no leaf is allowed to float inside the lake. As soon as one drops into the waters, a bird comes flying by and picks up the leaf, making the lake free from it.

Take a halt at some restaurant or café and have your lunch. After you are done eating resume your tour with-

Rabdentse Ruins
Rabdentse gives you an outline of Sikkim’s history. From 1670 to 1814 it was the second capital of the kingdom of Sikkim. The city was pulled down to ruins by the Gurkha army, and today all you see is its remains. These ruins are also a part of the Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit. Also, the monument has been declared to be of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Pema Yangtse Monastery
Built in 1705 this monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. Founded by Gyalwa Lhatsum Chempo t belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Mahayana Buddhism. The Zangdokpalri on the top floor is the most significant part of the monastery. Apart from this, the monastery houses many wall paintings, sculptures, gold-plated statue of Guru Padmasambhava and thankas.

Helipad Ground
The Helipad does not operate regularly. Helicopters from Gangtok can make a landing here only with prior permission. It gives some of the most awe-inspiring views of the neighbouring hills and valleys.

We are sure you had an overwhelming day. Get back to your hotel, have your dinner, and go off to sleep.

Wake up to the second last day of your tour. Have your breakfast, pack all your belongings and leave for Darjeeling. The twisting roads, fresh breeze, and green lad mountains will be your travel buddies on your way to the town of toy trains. As soon as you reach Darjeeling, check in at the hotel and rest for some time. Go for an evening stroll at the Chowrasta and the Mall Road. Come back to the hotel and go off to bed.

Lured by the magical beauty of Darjeeling you will never wish to leave this place. Cute little toy trains, rejuvenating tea gardens, orchids, rhododendrons, and pines covering the rolling hills, and peaceful monasteries, this is what the town of Darjeeling has to offer. To make the best of this gem, start early in the morning, around 4:00 AM.

Tiger Hills
Head towards your first destination of the day, i.e. the Tiger Hills in order to witness the most spectacular sunrise of your life. The hues which the early rays spread on the hilltops find no words for its description. It is heavenly to be here early in the morning. On the days when the sun shines at its fullest giving the more unobstructed view of surroundings with less or no mist, you can lay your eyes upon the Teesta River, Kurseong, Mahananda River, Balason River, and Mechi River.

Ghoom Monastery
On the way back to the hotel, make a halt at one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, the Ghoom Monastery. A belonging to Gelukpa, it is famous for its 15 feet high statue of the Lord Buddha. Geshe Sherab Gyatso founded this monastery which is also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery. The place of spirituality offers a serene environment.

Batasia Loop
The toy train spiral track in Darjeeling, Batasia Loop is located on the Hill Cart Road. There is no better place than this which can give you a 360-degree view of the town of Darjeeling and the great Himalayan mountains on one side with Mt.Kanvhenjunga on the other. The area is beautified with an exotic collection of flowers. Sink in the beauty that your eye captures as you sit at the Batasia Loop.

Finally, reach your hotel and get your hands on the tasty breakfast. Enjoy every bite that you eat. Do not hurry. Pack your stuff, check if you have kept everything and leave for the remaining attractions with your luggage as after the sightseeing you’ll be heading straight to the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The HMI is the pioneer institute in providing training for mountaineering. It was established with a motive of promoting mountaineering as a proper sport like other in India. After Tenzing Norgay successfully climbed the Everest, the HMI came into being. It also has a museum which houses several artefacts, literary works, and models.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Named after the daughter of Sarojini Naidu, the Zoological Park is known for its breeding conventions of red panda and snow leopard. It came into existence on 14th August 1958 and since then has been successful in providing shelter to many animal and plant species. There are around 200 plants and tree species at this park. Apart from the flora, the fauna here can be found in abundance. The Tibetan Wolves, Ring-Necked Pheasants, Siberian Tigers, Sambars, etc. are a few animals that can be spotted here.
(Remains closed on Thursdays)

Tenzing Rock
It is a huge natural boulder used by mountaineers and trekkers. The professionals use the left side of the rock whereas the right remains reserved for the amateurs and the non-professionals.

Chitrey Tea Garden
An area full of tea gardens, Chitrey is a must visit. Here you will find stalls selling tea made of fresh leaves from the gardens behind. The place also is a site worth capturing. You can get some great desktop pictures over here.

Japanese Temple and the Peace Pagoda
The traditional Japanese style built temple is an eye-arresting place. Its beauty will render you speechless. Constructed in 1972 the temple also offers commanding mountain views. Near to this two-storied gem is the Peace Pagoda which represents Gautam Buddha’s four avatars. It was established as a symbol of peace and hence got its name.

After visiting the last site of the tour, recollect all the memories, you have made till the very moment. And with these memories leave for NJP.