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Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim Tour

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.

Itinerary

Overview
Details

Day 1

FLY KATHMANDU TO BHADRAPUR AND DRIVE TO DARJEELING

The flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur takes about 45 minutes. You will then take a drive from Bhadrapur to Kakarivitta (Eastern Border town of Nepal). After some custom formalities, drive to Darjeeling by jeep which takes about four and half hours.

 

Stay overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 2

FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING OF DARJEELING

Early morning visit to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise and also get the best view of the world's third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga and other peaks. On our way back we will visit Ghoom Monastery that is home to Maitreyee Buddha.

 

After breakfast proceed for a ride in the famous Darjeeling toy train for half an hour. We will further visit Botanical Gardens, Observatory Hill, mountaineering institute to know the history and the equipment and used in the first conquest of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norge. Then you will visit Zoological Park to see the Siberian Tigers, tea estates.

 

Stay overnight in Darjeeling.

 

Day 3

DRIVE TO GANGTOK VIA KALIMPONG

After morning breakfast, we will drive to Kalimpong. When you descend towards the river Teesta you will witness the typical village screening where you find every house practicing gardening and is decorated with natural flora and fauna available in the vicinity. On the way you will come across some locally planted rhododendron trees which bloom normally during the months of March - May. 24 species of rhododendrons are found in Darjeeling. These areas are also well known for the quality oranges, pears and cardamoms in its own season. Once you reach River Teesta the drive sets off effortless till you reach Chitrey, the drive then ascends till Kalimpong District. We will visit the entertaining and exciting locations like Forest Museum, Deolo Hill, Pujay Dara, Dr Graham Homes School, Durpin Dara Monastary in Kalimpong. After lunch, we will head towards Gangtok (Sikkim).

 

Stay overnight in Gangtok.

Day 4

FULL SIGHTSEEING TOURS IN GANGTOK (SIKKIM)

We will visit the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Research Institute of Tibetology, Rumtek Monastery, Orchid Sanctuary, Deer Park, and Botanical Garden among others.

 

Institute of Tibetology was established in 1958 to promote research on the language and culture of Tibet, as well as Mahayana Buddhism. The museum houses a number of exotic ritualistic Chortens, brass bells, Dorjis, rosaries, rare Thangkas and vast collection of rare Lepcha and Tibetan, religious manuscript. Rumtek Monastery belongs to the sect of the Gyalwa Karmapa Lama. The monastery is a magnificent example of Tibetan Monastic art and was built by His Holiness, Gyalwa Karmapa. It is a close replica of the H.H. Karmapa's monastery at Tsorphu in Tibet and houses some of the world's most unique religious art objects. The sacred Tsomgo Lake (elevation 3780 m) is situated 38 km to the east of Gangtok amidst picturesque mountains. Orchid Sanctuary: Orchid Sanctuary has a collection of 454 species of orchid found in Sikkim. Do-drul Chorten (Stupa): Situated on a hillock, it is a five minutes drive from Gangtok town and was built by late Trulshik Rimpoche in 1946, head of the Nyingmapa order, to invoke the Gods for the peace and tranquility in the State. Set of Kagyur holy books, relics, complete mantras, rare mandalas of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya) and other religious objects are found inside the Chorten. There is a monastery close by called “Guru Lakhang” with the state of Guru Padmasambhava and Guru Snong Zisil Gnen, the incarnated one of the first.

 

Stay overnight in Gangtok.

Day 5

DRIVE FROM GANGTOK TO PEMAYANGTSE (PELLING)

The journey takes about 4 to 4 and half hours. The drive today will be through bank of perennial river Teesta and many beautiful places of tourist interests. The famous Pemayangste monastery is less than a kilometer from Pelling and is a major tourist hotspot. Pelling also has sites for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations, apart from serving as a base for a number of treks in the region.

 

Stay overnight in Pelling.

Day 6

FREE DAY IN PEMAYANGTSE OR PELLING

We will spend today sightseeing around Pemayangtse. We will visit Pemyangtse Monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, located on a hilltop at a height of 6840 ft. and enjoy mountain views of the world's 3rd highest peak of Mount Khanchendzonga. The scenic town of Pelling is a perfect holiday destination for all nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. This ridge being situated in between two old Buddhist monasteries (Pemayangtse and Sangacholing) developed into a full-fledged village named Pelling. Today, Pelling is one of the best-chosen tourist hotspots in Sikkim.Other places of interest include Dabdi Monastery and Tashiding Monastery.

 

Stay overnight in Pelling.

 

Day 7

DEPART FOR KATHMANDU

Drive from Pelling to Kakarivitta via Siliguri which takes about 5 hours. You will then drive to Bhadrapur via Kakarivitta and fly from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu.

 

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.