Explore the Indian Himalayan paradise on a Discover Kalimpong, Sikkim and Darjeeling tour amidst pine forests and tea plantations

Destination

Sikkim, India
Trip Duration

6 Nights/ 7 Days
Max. Altitude

2,050m/6,726ft.
Touring Grade

Easy+Light
Trip Start Point

Bagdogra, India
Trip Ending Point

Bagdogra, India
Accommodation

Hotel (New Elgin Hotel)
Meal

6 Dinner, 6 Breakfast, 5 Lunch
Trip Activity

Cultural and Historical Tours

Sikkim cultural and historical tours to Pelling, Khechopalri Lake, Gangtok

If you are looking for a tour of the Indian Himalayan paradise, look no further – join AlpineTrav Treks and Expeditions for a tour of Kalimpong – Sikkim and Darjeeling, nestled in the lap of the world’s third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga. (8586m/28,162ft). Nearby Kalimpong – Sikkim and Darjeeling offer the perfect setting of the Himalayan mountains with their mild climate, green hills, pine forests and long valleys surrounded by lush tea gardens. Sikkim is a region influenced by Buddhism. With its many Buddhist temples, monasteries and learning centres, Sikkim embodies the culture and values of the Sikkimese version of Buddhism. A stronghold of Tibetan Buddhism, Sikkim is home to over two hundred monasteries, mostly inhabited by Lepchas, Nepalis, Tibetans, Indians and Bhutanese. The region was only recently opened to foreigners. Chosen by the British Raj as a hill resort for its mild climate and natural beauty, Darjeeling is still a popular hill station among Indian and international travellers.

The journey begins with your arrival in Kalimpong, and the route you take to Kalimpong depends on where you are travelling from. If you are coming via Nepal, a local representative from AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions will welcome you at Bhadrapur Airport (Nepal border), if you are coming via Bhutan, at Phuentsholing (Bhutan border), or at Bagdogra Airport if you are flying from Delhi or Kolkata. If you are boarding a train to the nearest railway station, either New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri, a local representative from AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions will meet you at the respective stations. From Kalimpong, you will head towards the capital of Sikkim, then you will go to Pelling and also visit Khechopalri Lake. On your way to Darjeeling, you will have a final sightseeing tour of various places including Mount Kanchenjunga.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival and transfer to Kalimpong 1,247m/4,091ft
Day 02: Kalimpong Sightseeing and transfer to Gangtok 1,700m/5,578ft
Day 03: Sightseeing in Gangtok 1,700m/5,578ft
Day 04: Transfer from Gangtok to Pelling 1,800m/5,906ft
Day 05: Khechopalri Lake and then Darjeeling 2,050m/6,726ft
Day 06: Darjeeling Sightseeing 2,050m/6,726ft
Day 07: Drive from Darjeeling to your destination

Day 01 :

Arrival and transfer to Kalimpong

Your Sikkim and Darjeeling tour begins today. In the morning, you will be met by a local representative of AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions at Phuntsholing (Bhutan border - 250 km 6 hrs) or Bhadrapur Airport (Nepal border - 140 km 5 hrs) or Bagdogra Airport (flights from Delhi and Kolkata - 78 km 3 hrs). On your arrival, you will be taken to Kalimpong. Check in to your hotel in Kalimpong.

Maximum Altitude: 1,247m/4,091ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Himalayan Hotel)
Meals: Dinner

Day 02 :

Kalimpong Sightseeing and transfer to Gangtok

Today, you will start by visiting some of the tourist attractions of Kalimpong like Dello View point and Hat Bazar. There are only a few Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Kalimpong. One of them is Tharpa Choling Gompa. After the darshan, you will have to take a break for lunch. After lunch, you will drive to Gangtok (75 km 3 hrs). Check in to the hotel in Gangtok.

Maximum Altitude: 1,700m/5,578ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Denzong Regency)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03 :

Sightseeing in Gangtok

Today early morning, you will make your first visit to Tashi View point about 8 km From Gangtok. It is a resting shed. Astounding views of Khangchendzonga and the Siniolchu Range are the main attractive of this point. The distant north Sikkim monasteries are also visible from this point along the North Sikkim highway. Then, you will come back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, you will visit at Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms or Government Institute of Cottage Industries, Enchey Monastery, Research Institute of Tibetology, and Rumtek Monastery. Overnight in Gangtok.

Travel Distance: 130 km Driving: 6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 1,700m/5,578ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Denzong Regency)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04 :

Transfer from Gangtok to Pelling

After your breakfast today, you will be taken to Pelling. Pelling is a small town in West Sikkim. The journey will be 126 km long and will take 6 hours including sightseeing. On the way, you will visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, and Rabdenste Palace Ruins. Overnight in Pelling.

Travel Distance: 126 km Driving: 4 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 1,800m/5,906ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05 :

Khechopalri Lake and then Darjeeling

Upon your breakfast, you will visit to Khechopalri Lake. The name Khechopalri means Lake of birds in pleasant mountains, but Sikkimese call it Tsho-Sho which means Great Lake.The lake is the foot print of Goddess Tara. Khechopalri lake (1780m) lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags and forested hills. The tranquility of the lake is mood elevating. After the visit to the lake, you will come to the hotel for lunch. After lunch you will head for Darjeeling. Pelling to Darjeeling, the drive is of 105km and will take 5hours. Check in at Hotel at Darjeeling.

Travel Distance: 105 km Driving: 5 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,050m/6,726ft
Accommodation: Hotel (New Elgin Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06 :

Darjeeling Sightseeing

Early this morning, you will be at Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise over Kanchenjunga. On your return journey, you will also visit the Yiga-Choling (Ghoom) Monastery. After breakfast, you will visit the sightseeing places around Darjeeling, some of the places you will visit within Darjeeling include Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tea Garden and Tea Factory. Then in the evening walk around Darjeeling and then farewell dinner at Darjeeling’s oldest Restaurant (Glenary’s)

Maximum Altitude: 2,050m/6,726ft
Accommodation: Hotel (New Elgin Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07 :

Drive from Darjeeling to your destination

Your entire journey is coming to an end today! After your breakfast, you will be transferred to Phuntsholing (Bhutan border - 280 km, 7 hours) or Bhadrapur Airport (Nepal border - 130 km, 5 hours) or Bagdogra Airport (connecting flights from Delhi and Kolkata - 95 km, 4 hours) for your onward journey.

Meal: Breakfast