Assistance at the airport on arrival and drive to Darjeeling

DARJEELING: Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘ An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.

Overnight at hotel.

Early morning visit to Tiger Hill for sunrise carrying packed breakfast

Tiger Hill: - It is 13 kms from Darjeeling and one can see beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga, 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.

Hike back to the Darjeeling via Alubari Monastery and enjoy Picnic breakfast on the way back 13 kms 4 hours approx.

Afternoon visit to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Zoological Park

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:- The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest to give training to learn Mountaineering and other adventure sports related to mountaineering and in that Institute one can see equipment etc.used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay and Everest Museum having complete details on Everest attached to institute one can visit Himalayan Zoological Park where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds.

Evening option walk to Observatory Hill and Bhutia Basti Monastery

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Pelling

PELLING: Located at a distance of 120 kms from Gangtok Pelling is another serene, mountain village which lies in the western districts of Sikkim. This village is situated at an altitude of 2000 mts (approx) and the distance from this village to the mount Kanchandzonga, as a crow flies…is 26 kms approx.

Afternoon walk to Sanga Choling

SANGACHEOLING GUMPA : About 45 minutes walk from Pelling, it is the second oldest Gumpa constructed by Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo in 1697 AD. This monastery is on the hill top and therefore commands an excellent view of the mountains.

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel and full day hike to Khechipalri Lake 18 kms 5 hours Approx. with packed lunch.

KHECHEOPALRI LAKE : Past the ruins of ancient towns below monasteries tended by red robed lamas lie the crystalline wish fulfilling waters of Khecheopalri Lake. The sacred lake lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags and forested hills. Above (1.5km) is the Khecheopalri Gumpa.

Drive back to Pelling by vehicle

Overnight at hotel

After Breakfast Drive to Gangtok

GANGTOK: At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid 19th century and has undergone rapid development since then.The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight.

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Martham en route visiting Rumtek Monastery.

Rumtek Monastery: 24 Kms. from Gangtok is the awe -inspiring Rumtek Monastery, the world Dharma chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the lavishly decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from the world over. Opposite the entrance to the Institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel studded Chorten the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of His Holiness the xvi Gyalwa Karmapa. According to legend, it is believed that after years of meditation, the first Karmapa was said to have been visited by ten thousand fairies who came to congratulate him each of whom offered a strand of her hair as a gift. These were said to have been woven into a black hat, which was passed down and is still at the Rumtek Monastery today. It is said that unless held on to by the wearer (who of course, cannot be anyone else but the Karmapa) or kept in a box, the hat would fly away.

From Martham walk to Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary with packed lunch. This Wildlife sanctuary has an area of 51.76 Sq.Kms. This sanctuary is home to a large number of Wild Orchids, Rhododendrons. The richly forested area is also known to be home for various species of animals and birds.

Late afternoon walk back to Martham and drive to Gangtok.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kalimpong

KALIMPONG: At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong’s location is ideal for a pleasant , relaxed getaway. Its clement weather has made Kalimpong’s orchids and gladiole well renowned. Up to the early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim raja’s domain.In the early 18th century, the Bhutan king also took it over. In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War , it was annexed to Darjeeling. Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s. The town thrived as a wool trading center with Tibet till 1950s. Today it’s a quiet hill resort and a haven for retired people.

Afternoon proceed for sightseeing in Kalimpong: