Welcome on arrival at Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and transfer to Darjeeling (95kms/3hrs). 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 Darjeeling.
Early morning visit Tiger Hill to see a 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. 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), Tenzing Rock, Gombu Rock, Tea Estate (from outside), Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda. Overnight at Darjeeling.
Morning transfer to 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. Later proceed for half day sightseeing in Gangtok visiting Flower Show, Handicraft, Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten, and Bakthang Falls., overnight at Gangtok.
Breakfast at the hotel in Gangtok and drive to Lachung enroute visiting villages and water falls. Lachung is a mountain village close to the Tibetan border, in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It's divided by the Lachung River. The village is home to the 19th-century Buddhist Lachung Monastery, surrounded by apple orchards. Nearby, the Yumthang Valley's Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary protects many species of rhododendron. The valley is also known for its waterfalls, pine forests and hot springs. Overnight at Lachung.
Breakfast at the hotel and excursion to Yumthang Valley & back. - The valley of flowers. Flora, Fauna, Rhododendrons and Primulas and found in abundance. Yumthang is the summer grazing grounds of the Yaks. Overnight at Lachung.
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Gangtok. Arrive Gangtok by late evening. Overnight at Gangtok.
Breakfast at the hotel and full day excursion to Changu Lake which is 35 Kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400 feet. The lake derives its waters from melting snows off the surrounding mountains Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying the color of the lake’s waters. Also visit New Baba Mandir. Overnight at Gangtok.
Morning Transfer to Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
