Package Overview: NJP/IXB Airport-Gangtok-lachen –Lachung-Gangtok-Pelling-Yuksom-Kalimpong-Drop to NJP/Bagdogra Airport.
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: pickup from (N J P) New Jalpaiguri railway station / Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok (1,950.mtrs) 125km appx.
Day 02: Gangtok (1,630.mtrs) to Lachen (2750.mtrs) 123km, 6-7 hrs. Appx.
Day 03: Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake (5,164.mtrs) excursion (45km, Appx 3 hours. After Lunch same day drive to Lachung.
Day 04: Lachung to Yumthang Valley Excursion same day drive to Gangtok (125km, 6 hrs) Appx.
Day 05: Excursion to Tsomgo Lake (3,760.mtrs) & Baba Mandir (3,970.mtrs).
Day 06: Gangtok Local Excursion.
Day 07: Gangtok to Pelling via Temi Tea Garden 123km. 5 to 6 hours.
Day 08: Pelling Local Excursion.
Day 09: Pelling to Yuksom via Khecheopalri Lake 57km 4 to 5 hours.
Day 10: Yuksom to Kalimpong via jorthang 111km 5 to 6 hours.
Day 11: Kalimpong Local Excursion.
Day 12: Leave Kalimpong for NJP/Bagdogra airport as planned.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Pickup from (N J P) New Jalpaiguri railway station / Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok (1,950.mtrs) 125km appx.
The nearest airport is Bagdogra, around 125.km from Gangtok and nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) around 120.km. Bagdogra airport and NJP are the most important entry points to Sikkim. From here you can get connecting flight for many destination. From airport, helicopter service is available between Bagdogra and Gangtok around 35 minutes one way. Drive from Bagdogra airport /NJP to Gantok takes about 3 to 4 hours. The road routes from Bagdogra airport, NJP and Siliguri all meet at Sevoke Road which leads to the National Highway NH31A. The route passes through the Teesta bazer and then all the way goes to Gangtok via Police Check Post at Rangpo. Foreigners need Inner Line Permit (ILP) to proceed. Our Guide and driver will help you get all the necessary permits here. You could have tea here and then continue drive to Gangtok. Check into hotel.
Day 02: Gangtok (1,630.mtrs) to Lachen (2750.mtrs) 123km, 6-7 hrs. Appx.
After breakfast drive from Gangtok to Lachen. It is around 123km and 6 – 7 hours away. The journey will take you past various places of interest such as the Tashi View Point, Phodong Monastery, Kabi Longstok, Mangan and Chungthang which you are encouraged to visit. You will have a lunch break at Mangan. Mangan is a small town which is at 1,185m above msl. After lunch, drive towards Chungthang and continue to Lachen and Lachung. Lachen is a small town at an elevation of 2,700 meters in North Sikkim. The name Lachen means big pass. Lachen is one of the popular tourist destinations in North Sikkim for Gurudongmar Lake, Green lake trek and Choktha valley. Lachen, quite close to the China border, serves as an excellent base for adventure lovers.
Day 03: Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake (5,164.mtrs) excursion (45km, Appx 3 hours. After Lunch same day drive to Lachung.
After breakfast drive towards Gurudongmar Lake. It is around appx 3 hour drive from Lachen. The lake is at an elevation of 4,164 metres. Located near Indo-china border, it is an amazingly peaceful place in the lap of high mountains. The Gurudongmar Lake is the most sacred lake in Sikkim.
Note: the altitude here may cause breathing problems for some. Take it easy and do not make a physical effort beyond wha tis needed. After visit back you will return to your hotel, take refreshments and have lunch then leave for Lachung.
04: Lachung to Yumthang Valley Excursion same day drive to Gangtok (125km, 6 hrs) Appx.
After breakfast get ready to visit Yumthang valley which is around 3 hours away. On the way you will visit the rhododendron sanctuary and hot springs then return to the hotel. Hereafter we depart for Gangtok. Ideally should not take more than 6 to 7 hours. And it is advisable to start early since it is a long drive. Lunch can be enjoyed at Mangan Bazar. After having lunch, continue your drive towards Gangtok. Overnight stay at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy free time to stroll around the city.
Day 05: Excursion to Tsomgo Lake (3,760.mtrs) & Baba Mandir (3,970.mtrs).
After breakfast drive to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. You will enjoy abundant natural beauty as the lake is a biodiversity hotspot. Click here to know more about these. After the visit you will return to Gangtok in evening free time overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Gangtok Local Excursion.
After breakfast get ready for a local excursion around Gangtok.
This day you will visit the notable places of visit in and around Gangtok. You will visit the Do-Drul Chorten Stupa, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (established in 1958), the Chorten Stupa, the Ropeway (Cable Car) ride, a great ride to view the whole of Gangtok (One of the most recommended things to do!), Flower Exhibition Centre (The famous Sikkim Flower Show happens usually around March), The Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms (DHH) was established in 1957. Click here for more details.
Day 07: Gangtok to Pelling via Temi Tea Garden 123km. 5 to 6 hours.
Today after breakfast, drive to Pelling. The road distance from Gangtok to Pelling is about 123 kms and it takes 5 to 6 hours of drive via Temi Tea Gardens. Pelling is at an elevation of 2100m. En route you will visit the Temi Tea gardens, The Buddha Park and the Bon Monastery. The drive from Gangtok to Pelling passes through Singtam, Ravangla and Geyzing before arriving in Pelling. Have the evening free. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08: Pelling Local Excursion.
This day, after breakfast, get ready for a local excursion around Pelling. The Singshor Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in India and second highest suspension bridge in Asia, The Rabdentse Ruins and the Pemayangtse Monastery are the attractions you will visit this day. The Tenzing Hillary Park, Uttarey, is also nearby and if someone is interested, this too can be covered. The road takes you past the Changay waterfalls which you will visit on your way back. We shall return to Pelling for Lunch.
To know more about these places of interest, please click here.
Day 09: Pelling to Yuksom via Khecheopalri Lake 57km 4 to 5 hours.
After breakfast we will drive towards Yuksam. On the way you will visit the Khechoplari Lake, Rimbi waterfalls, Orange garden and Khangchendzonga waterfalls. This day you will drive around 4 to 5 hours. Khecheopalri Lake is regarded as one of the most sacred lakes. Many people come over here for worship and offering. Khecheopalri Lake is sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus, and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake. After the visit, drive towards Yuksom. On the way you will pass by Khangchendzonga waterfalls and drive to Yuksom. Check into the hotel. After lunch visit the Dubdi monastery. It is the oldest monastery in Sikkim established in 1701 AD. Free time in the evening. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 10: Yuksom to Kalimpong via jorthang 111km 5 to 6 hours.
This morning after breakfast you will visit the Kathog Monastery and the Norbugang Coronation Throne. They have a very interesting history. To know more click here.
Then drive towards Jorthang city where you can have lunch. It takes another 2-3 hours to reach Kalimpong. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 11: Kalimpong Local Excursion.
This day after breakfast visit the Cactus Garden, Durpin Monastery, Jelepla View Point, Dr Graham’s homes, Delo Hill. Have lunch and have a leisurely evening. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Leave Kalimpong for NJP/Bagdogra airport as planned.
After having breakfast, we depart to NJP or Bagdogra Airport depending upon the guests’ mode of travel to their respective homes. It is advisable to start early. We suggest you pack the luggage the night before your journey. The distance from NJP/ Bagdogra airport is 75 kilometres which ideally should not take more than 2 to 3 hours. Lunch can be enjoyed at Siliguri if you have time or at NJP/Bagdogra Airport.