Introduction
High up in the Himalayan mountains is an enchanting destination called Sikkim. The landscape is surprising with tall mountains, alpine meadows, glaciers and amazing flora. Sikkim is home to some of the most exotic animals and birds in India. With the best treks, the State offers unique experience to the hiker in the lofty Himalayan heights.
The monasteries are the main attractions in towns and are architecturally different from edifices in the rest of India. The State is a diverse agglomeration of people and contains powerful and impressive cultural traits. The distinct impact of Buddhism in synergy with Hinduism is visible here. The white capped rugged snow covered mountain peak Khangchendzonga is in Sikkim.
Gangtok
The Capital City of Sikkim on River Teesta is entrenched between urbanity, dense forests, steep valleys, and white snow capped mountains of Himalayas. The city is the stepping stone for tourism and hence the economy depends much upon it. It is located at a height 1650 MSL in the Eastern Himalayas. Apart from trekking sightseeing at monasteries, temples and stupas is a popular activity for tourists.
Pelling
Pelling at the height of 2150 MSL is the base for trekkers in this State. Apart from monasteries other attractions are the sightseeing points. The highlight is the double pronged Kanhchenjunga falls and the Pemayangtse Monastery.
Yuksom
It is the base camp for trekking at Khangchendzonga Mountain and the National Park. For the Buddhist Yuksom has special cultural and religious significance. Eco-tourism and mountaineering is the main activity for tourists in this destination.
Kalimpong – West Bengal
A hill station in West Bengal, Kalimpong is most popular with the tourists. The destination is a eco-region with abundant floral and faunal wealth. It is home to Neora Valley National Park home to tigers and other exotic animals. Kalimpong offer some of the most breathtaking sights of the Himalayas in India.
Darjeeling – West Bengal
Famous for the Darjeeling Tea which is cultivated in numerous gardens in this hill township the destination is a tourist's hot spot. Another landmark is the toy train which plies from New Jalpiguri to Darjeeling. As a hill station the resort has much to offer for sightseeing and holidaying in Eastern India.
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Tour Highlights:
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First Day
Arrive at New Delhi and take flight for Bagdogra. We will meet at this airport and then drive to Gangtok which is about five hours. We will unpack at the hotel and just chill as there is no time for a visit. We might as well make merry at the luxury hotel in Gangtok.
2 Day
We are all set for sightseeing after a good breakfast. We will make a visit to Rumtek Monastery also known as Dharma Chakra Centre or Gompa at a distance of 24 kilometers. Rumtek is situated in panoramic set up with snowy mountains as background and on the front. Fast flowing streams and pristine river downstream surrounds the Gompa
. It has a religious history and houses relics of Buddhist saint. Next on our travel are Droul Chorten stupa and the picturesque Enchey Monastery which are important Buddhist religious edifices. The latter belongs to Vajarayana thought of Buddhism. It is believed to house protective deities. Our last stop is at Nam Nam viewpoint and then we move back to our hotel for relaxation, fine dining and peaceful sleep.
3 Day
We leave early after breakfast for Tshangu Lake at the towering height of 3780 Mts. It is a glacial lake at a distance of 40 kilometers from Gangtok town. We will spend the whole day here admiring the panorama and the charismatic lake. The road leads to steep highway called Nathu La Pass. But we will turn back to Gangtok and put up at the luxury hotel.
4 Day
We will visit a tea garden today and spend some time there learning all about the wonder brew that we sip every morning. Then we proceed further to Pemayangtse Monastery and pay a visit. In the evening we will take a stroll near the hotel booked for you and relish the amazing sight of sunset at Mt. Kangchendzonga. Stay for the night at Hotel here.
5 Day
We will go for a second visit to Pemayangtse near Pelling and explore further. Then this is followed by more sightseeing and Kangchendzonga Falls, and Rimbi Falls at Pelling. While turning back to the hotel we will stroll around Dentam village to learn about the locals and their culture. Night Stay is at the hotel in Pelling.
6 Day
We leave Pelling for Yuksom today to see Khecheopari Lake on the way. This is a wish come true lake very sacred to Buddhists. We drive on after the lake to Yuksom the erstwhile capital of Sikkim and a historical town. Our night stay is at Yuksom, a model village for Eco-tourism.
7 Day
This is the day whence we will explore Yuksom and visit the Dhubdi Monastery. The oldest monastery of Sikkim was built in the year 1700 by Chogyar Namgyal. Tne Monastery is literally a work of art a living masterpiece as we stand to admire its interiors full of paintings and embellishments. After this visit we will move to Tashi Namgyal the stone throne of the first king of Sikkim. We will stay for the night at Yuksom.
8 Day
This day is spent traveling to Kalimpong in the State of West Bengal. This is a four hour drive hence in the evening will be able to visit some interesting places in Kalimpong. Night Stay at luxury Hotel.
9 Day
At Kalimpong we will spend the whole day visiting places and then laze around to get the hill resort feel into our bones. In the background of magnificent Himalayan Ranges we will visit the flower nurseries the destination is famous for and other places. We will also visit the Neora National Park to observe Himalayan flora and fauna. Our night stay is at luxury hotel in Kalimpong.
10 Day
We will visit Darjeeling Hill Resort in West Bengal using the toy train. The spectacle at Batasia Loop is much touted sightseeing point. All along we will see the Himalayan backdrop which adds to the panorama.
11 Day
Full day sightseeing at Darjeeling starting with a visit to Tiger Hill for a captivating glimpse of sunrise over Kangchendzonga. We will visit a tea garden to explore tea cultivation and the surroundings. We will also visit a zoological park and a mountaineering institute. There is much to see at this famous hill resort in West Bengal the ethnic mix is as exciting as the nature, it is wonderful cultural experience to meet people and explore Darjeeling. Our night stay is at Darjeeling Hotel.
12 Day
Our Sikkim Tour has come to an end hope you have liked the experience of coming across amazing sights of Himalayas, endemic culture, wildlife, monuments and all other things. Today will drive to Bagdogra Airport for flight to our next destination. Adios!