Day 01: Pakyong Airport / Gangtok (30km, approx. 1-hour drive) OR Bagdogra Airport / Gangtok

On arrival at Pakyong or Bagdogra airports, our agent will meet you and take you to Gangtok.

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a captivating city, a picturesque hill station set in the mountains and clouds. Gangtok, whose name means "hilltop," is an ideal combination of old traditions and contemporary innovations. The village provides a breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest alpine peak in the world.

Evening walk around MG Road, buying up souvenirs and sampling a few regional specialities.

Overnight in Gangtok (1,650 m / 5,410 ft altitude).

Day 02: Gangtok Sightseeing

After breakfast, the following locations will be visited during the tour in Gangtok:

Ban Jhakri Falls: Located around 11 kilometres from Gangtok, Ban Jhakri Falls is a waterfall that plummets from a rocky height of approximately 40 feet with great power. Around the waterfalls are beautifully planted gardens and statues of Ban Jhakri (traditional healer or Shaman) and other Jhakri (Shaman) sculptures and figures. The statue in the park depicts rituals, some healing rites and others the induction procedure in the life of a shaman.

Do Drul Chorten was built in 1945 by Trulshi Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, and has a holy gold-topped shikhara with 108 prayer wheels.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was created in 1958 and is a notable worldwide centre for the study of Buddhist philosophy and religion. It has the world's greatest collection of Mahayana Buddhist manuscripts. The museum also features more than 200 Buddhist icons, ancient paintings, thangkhas, sculptures, shrines, tapestries, and masks. The Institute holds 30,000 books, mostly xylographs. Sunday-closed

Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts Centre was founded in 1957 to promote and preserve Sikkim's traditional arts and crafts. Sunday-closed

Flower Exhibition Centre: Located near MG Marg Gangtok, Flower Exhibition Centre shows flowers from all over Sikkim under one roof. The yearly flower show is conducted from April through May, when the management displays orchids and other flowers from across the state.

Rest of the time can be spent taking stroll on MG Road.

MG Road is the heart of Gangtok and the central shopping hub of this beautiful state capital with various shops, restaurants, and hotels lined up along both sides of the road. This is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or just sit on the benches and revel in the eclectic ambience.

Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 03: Gangtok- Rumtek - Kalimpong (83km, approx. 3.1/2-hour drive)

After breakfast, proceed to Rumtek monastery, seat of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism (45minutes). Following the visit of Rumtek monastery, we continue our journey to Kalimpong. 

Kalimpong is at 1,250 m in the Himalayan foothills. The town gives a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. Green valleys are calming. Kalimpong's busy bazaars contrast with the peaceful mood created by its many houses of worship. Gushing rivers and lush woodlands contribute to the region's charm.

Later sightseeing of the day in Kalimpong includes:

Deolo hills. The 1,704m Deolo Hill is Kalimpong's highest peak. On a clear day, the snow-clad mountains of West Sikkim may be seen from this spot.

Dr. Graham's Home was created in 1900 on Deolo Hill for orphans and disadvantaged youngsters. The school's 1925 chapel has stained-glass windows. The turn-of-the-century school building is very popular. From the school, it's a 40-minute walk to Deolo Hill, where there's a Tourist Bungalow with great views of Kalimpong.

The Dalai Lama consecrated Jang Dog Palriffo Brang Gompa (Durpin Gompa) in the 1970s. The gompa's prayer chamber wall murals and three-dimensional mandala are worth seeing. Durpin Dara Hill has magnificent mountain views. Here, high mountain ranges stand tall and formidable.

Durpin Hill, 5 kilometres from the main town, gives a stunning view of the Chola range and Jelepla pass. On the horizon to the northwest is the expansive Kanchenjunga range, while on the horizon to the south is Tiger Hill. Durpin Dara Hill also features a golf course and the Jang Dog Palriffo Brang Gompa.

Kalimpong's flower nurseries are well-known. It grows 80% of India's gladioli and orchids. Overnight in Kalimpong (Altitude 1,250m / 4,100 ft).

Day 04: Kalimpong / Darjeeling (65 km approx. approx. 3-hour drive)

After breakfast, begin your journey to Darjeeling while taking in the stunning natural landscape along the way, which may include river valleys, verdant hills, and flowing rivers.

Darjeeling, affectionately known as 'Queen of Hills,' is nestled amid the undulating mountains with Mount Kanchenjunga towering over the blue sky. It is also the home of the world-famous Darjeeling tea and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and is a gateway for those who want to be in one with nature.

Later in the day, go through Chowrasta, a historic public plaza. In the 18th century, it was a popular gathering spot for townspeople and tourists, and it remains so today.

Optional DHR Toy Train rides.

Darjeeling to Ghoom via Batasia Loop is a 14-km, 2-hour round journey. Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, is a colonial emblem and technical wonder. It's a great way to see the Himalayas from the slopes.

Overnight in Darjeeling (Altitude 2,000m / 6,560 ft).

Day 05: Darjeeling Sightseeing

Drive to Tiger Hill in the wee hours of the morning to enjoy a magnificent sunrise. Tiger Hill, 13km from Darjeeling and 2,590m above the village of Ghoom, offers a spectacular sunrise across Mount Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks. Mount Everest (8,848m) is also visible.

Visit Ghoom monastery on the way back. Ghoom Monastery, sometimes called Yiga Choeling, features a 15-foot-tall Maitreya Buddha statue. Built in 1850 by a Mongolian monk, it's notable for its Thangkha, bells, and drums.

En route visit Batasia Loop and War Memorial

Then return to the hotel for breakfast. 

Later in the day visit to:

Later visit Peace Pagoda & Japanese Temple, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Tenzing & Gombu Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, Happy Valley Tea Estate (visit from outside).

Optional: Darjeeling Ropeway Ride

One of the best ways to experience the panoramic views that Darjeeling is so famous for, is by taking a ride on the ropeway. It's also called the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car because of the spectacular view of the valley around the river Little Rangeet. 

Overnight in Darjeeling. (Altitude 2,000m / 6,560 ft)

Day 06: Darjeeling / Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri (78km, approx. 3-hour drive)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri for your onward journey.