This week long trip to Sikkim and Darjeeling is one of the best trips in North east India. It combines the natural and cultural beauty of Sikkim and the age old appeal of Darjeeling as a hill destination will be the panoramic sites which surprises of all kind.

Pronounced as ‘Su-Khyim’ in local Lepcha language (the Lepchas are the original inhabitants of Sikkim) Sikkim a state located in northeast India. It shares border with China, Nepal and Bhutan. Sikkim is known as the garden of India because of its richness and abundance of floral diversity. It is believed that 25% of all the flowering plants of India are found in Sikkim. Sikkim is also home to Kanchenjunga (8586m), the world’s third highest peak. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Altogether 28 mountain peaks, more than 80 glaciers, 227 high-altitude lakes, five major hot springs, and more than 100 rivers and streams have been documented in Sikkim. Further a total of 5,000 species of flowering plants have been comprehended including 515 rare Orchids (Cymbidium), 60 Primulas (Primroses) species, 36 rhododendron species, and 16 conifer species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, and over 424 medicinal plants.

According to legends, the Buddhist guru Padmasambhava visited Sikkim in the 8th century AD, and introduced Buddhism. One of world’s largest statues of Guru Rimpoche is situated in Sikkim including many monasteries and dzongs. Developed as the summer capital by the British during their colony in India, Darjeeling is the tourist as well as educational center of India. The major group of inhabitants of Darjeeling is Nepalese, Tibetan, Bengali and other ethno-linguistic groups.

Visa & Permits for inflowing Sikkim vicinity.

In addition to an Indian visa, foreigners must acquire inner line permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim, the permits can be obtained from all Indian missions, Tourism Office, New Delhi, Sikkim Tourism office, Calcutta and Sikkim Tourism Office, Siliguri on the potency of an Indian Visa.

Foreigners are issued a permit for preliminary period of 15 days duration on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of Passport and Visa details along with two passport photos of applicants are made available. It can be extended for further 30 days of 15 days each. The extension of permits can be obtained from FRO at Gangtok, Superintendent of Police of North, South and West Districts.

If you are visiting the interior regions, you also require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) OR Protected Area Permit (PAP) which is obtainable in Gangtok from the Police Check Post and Department of Tourism.

Note: This permit is issued to local government registered travel agents only.

These days Darjeeling is recognized as a town in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is situated at the elevation of 2,045m. Tea plantations are seen in abundance in Darjeeling which produces some of the world’s best teas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a world heritage site, is another attraction for tourists visiting Darjeeling. The rail connects Darjeeling with the plains of West Bengal. Darjeeling also offers splendid scenery of Eastern Himalayan ranges including Mt. Kanchenjunga which is easily visible from famous tourist spot Tiger Hill.

Many tourists have the impression that Kalimpong is small and there is nothing much to see and do at hand, and tend to spend little time in this lovely hill town. Most are unaware that Kalimpong other than being a town is also one of the districts and is quite vast. There are numerous tourist places, attractions and activities in and around Kalimpong. Ranging from so many lovely viewpoints offering sweeping views of Kanchenjunga & Chola range as well as of river Teesta flowing between the towering mountains, great monasteries with awesome architectures, quaint temples, sprawling tourist complexes, numerous flower nurseries, parklands, famous missionary schools and more.

In fact some can easily argue, and we can somewhat agree that there are more vantage points in Kalimpong than Darjeeling town to get views of Kanchenjunga snow peaks. There are some stretches in Kalimpong where such views will be on your direct eyesight for a long time as you drive along. Durpin Monastery also known as Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, it's located at the Durpin Dara Hill. As you enter the monastery, the first thing you will notice are the two large cylinders on two sides (each about some 10-ft high). You can turn the cylinders by a crank, and a lever is so arranged that a bell will ring at every turn. As common with most Buddhist monasteries, outside on the wall you will see a row of prayer wheels. Durpin monastery was constructed in 1972 by Hon. Dudjum Rimponche.

There are rare Buddhist manuscripts on Tibetology inside called "The Kangyur" of 108 volumes. These were presented by Dalai Lama when he visited Kalimpong in 1956. He brought them from Tibet. Some idols inside were also brought from Tibet. Dalali Lama revisited Kalimpong on 29th May 1976 when he consecrated at Durpin Monastery.

Apart from the mentioned cenotaphs, Kalimpong District have possession of beautiful places of tourist interests like Tharpa Choling Monastery – The Religious Center Of Buddhism, Thongsa Gompa – The Oldest Monastery, Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery – The Architectural Marvel, Mangal Dham Temple – Home To Samadhi Of Furu Mangaldas Ji, Hanuman Temple – The Tallest Statue Of God, Durga Mandir – The Peaceful Touch, Kali Mandir – The Impeccable Views, MacFarlane Memorial Church – The Scottish Structure, Pine View Nursery – The Exotic Flora, Nurseryman’s Haven – The Orchid Nursery , Shanti Kunj Nursery – The Exporters Of Cacti, Shahid Park – The Memorial Of Gorkhas, Rishi Bankim Chandra Park – The Scenic Landscapes, Neora Valley National Park – The Richest Biological Zone, Jelepla Viewpoint – The Splendid Views, Deolo Hill – The Highest Point, Crookety House – The European Architecture, Morgan’s House – The Old British Haveli, Lepcha Museum – The Cultural Centre, Nature Interpretation Centre – The Museum Of Environmental Hazards, Lava And Lolegaon – The Hidden Mountain Village, Tiffin Dara Viewpoint – The Trekker’s Delight, Lamahatta – The Serene Getaway and many more.

Gangtok capital city of the state Sikkim, Tsomgo Lake, Ranka monastery, Chorten Monastery – Tibetology, Namchee and Pelling are the must see destinations’ which can be explored with our Sikkim tour packages. Sikkim is a known destination which inspires the poets to write and the writers to frame their story, just with the rejuvenating breeze that soothes the soul. Live this experience of paradise with our Sikkim and Darjeeling tour packages. Be a part of a treasured travel story with us and relish our legacy to travel, explore and celebrate life.