DARJEELING

Day 1: Arrival & The Climb to Gangtok

Upon your arrival at New Jalpaiguri Station or Bagdogra Airport, you will begin a 118 km drive (approximately 4.5 hours) following the Teesta River upstream to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. En route, you will stop at a local wayside restaurant for an afternoon lunch, where you can enjoy your first taste of Sikkimese cuisine. Upon arriving in Gangtok, you will proceed to a hotel near MG Marg for a smooth check-in. The evening is yours to explore the pedestrian-only boulevard for shopping or a relaxing coffee. Conclude your day with a night dinner at your hotel or a nearby cafe before your overnight stay.

Day 2: Glacial Lakes and High-Altitude Shrines

Start your day with an early breakfast for a 42 km drive (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) to Tsongmo Lake , a sacred glacial lake at 12,312 ft. After enjoying the views, continue another 16 km (30 minutes) to reach the Baba Harbhajan Singh Shrine . For lunch, stop at the small local stalls en route, which serve hot noodles and local snacks, perfect for the chilly altitude. If you have pre-arranged permits, you can extend your trip to Nathula Pass (China Border). By mid-afternoon, begin the return journey back to Gangtok for an evening of leisure and a quiet dinner at your hotel.

Day 3: The Journey into North Sikkim

After an early morning checkout, begin the rugged 116 km journey (approximately 5 to 6 hours) toward Lachung. The drive is punctuated by scenic stops, including the Seven Sister Waterfalls and the Singhik View Point. You will stop for a traditional afternoon lunch at a local eatery in Chungthang, where the Lachen and Lachung rivers meet. After lunch, complete the final leg of the drive to Lachung (8,075 ft) and check into a nearby mountain lodge or hotel. Spend the evening walking through the quiet apple orchards of the village before a warm night dinner and an early sleep.

Day 4: Alpine Valleys & Return to the Capital

Wake up early for a 26 km drive (approximately 1 hour) to the Yumthang, also known as the Valley of Flowers. From there, you can opt to drive another 25 km (1 hour) to Zero Point, the last outpost of civilization before the Tibetan border. After exploring the snow-covered terrain, return to Lachung for a quick afternoon lunch. Post-lunch, you will begin the 116 km return drive (5 hours) back to Gangtok. You will check back into your previous hotel late in the evening for a night dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 5: Gangtok Culture & Transfer to Pelling
Your morning begins with a half-day tour of Gangtok, starting with a 3 km drive to the Do Drul Chorten and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Following this, begin the 124 km journey (approximately 4 hours) to Pelling in West Sikkim. You will stop for an afternoon lunch en route in Ravangla, where you can also visit the Buddha Park if time permits. Upon arrival in Pelling, check into a hotel near the Upper Pelling area, which offers the best views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, and enjoy dinner at the hotel. 

Day 6: Pelling’s Sacred Lakes and Ruins

After breakfast, embark on a local sightseeing circuit covering roughly 50 km throughout the day. Start with the Kanchenjunga Waterfalls and Rimbi Waterfalls, followed by the sacred Khecheopalri Lake. Enjoy an afternoon lunch at a local cafe near the lake or en route back to town. In the afternoon, visit the Pemayangtse Monastery and take a short walk to the Rabdantse Ruins, the ancient capital of Sikkim. Conclude your day with a final Pelling dinner overlooking the valley.

Day 7: Pelling to Darjeeling Heritage

Check out and begin the 69 km drive (approximately 3 hours) toward Darjeeling, the "Queen of the Hills." The route takes you through tea gardens and along the Rangeet River. You will cross the border into West Bengal and stop for an afternoon lunch at a restaurant in Jorethang or Melli. Upon arriving in Darjeeling, check into your hotel near the Chowrasta Mall. Spend your free evening shopping for authentic Darjeeling tea or enjoying the colonial vibe of the town before a night dinner.

Day 8: Sunrise at Tiger Hill & Departure

Your final day starts with an 11 km drive (approximately 45 minutes) to Tiger Hill, Darjeeling Click to open side panel for more information to witness the sunrise over the Himalayas. On the way back, stop at Batasia Loop and the Ghoom Monastery. Return to the hotel for breakfast before checking out. For your departure, you will begin the 70 km descent (approximately 3 hours) to either Bagdogra Airport or NJP Station. If your flight is late, you can stop for a final afternoon lunch in the plains of Siliguri before reaching your terminal, carrying the memories of the hills with you.