Mystic Hills of Sikkim & Darjeeling – A Himalayan Rhapsody

Day 1: Bagdogra Arrival – Onwards to Gangtok (120 km / 4-5 hrs)

Welcome to the North-East! As soon as you land at Bagdogra Airport, our local rep will greet you with warm smiles and fresh energy. Hop into your comfortable ride and begin your scenic drive to Gangtok, the buzzing capital of Sikkim. As you move uphill, the plains slowly give way to misty mountains, tea gardens, and winding roads that hug the hillside. Feel the cool breeze and watch the Teesta River snaking through the valley – it’s nature's own welcome mat.

By the time you reach Gangtok, the evening lights will have started twinkling across the slopes. Check-in to your hotel, sip on some hot chai, and take a relaxed walk around MG Marg, the heart of the city. This lively stretch is full of cafés, souvenir shops, and colorful prayer flags dancing in the wind. No honking, no pollution – just peaceful mountain vibes. Retire early to recharge for the adventures ahead!

Day 2: Gangtok Local Sightseeing – Monasteries, Viewpoints & More!

Wake up to the aroma of momos and mountain air! After a hearty breakfast, it's time to explore the spiritual and scenic jewels of Gangtok. First stop – Tashi View Point, where if the skies are clear, you’ll get your first goosebump moment with Mt. Kanchenjunga. Then head to the Ganesh Tok temple perched high above the city – both the deity and the view bless you at once.

Next, soak in the quiet vibes at Enchey Monastery, a 200-year-old place echoing with chants and prayer bells. Later, step into the world of butterflies, flowers, and Himalayan flora at the Flower Exhibition Centre and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – a treasure house of Buddhist culture and ancient scriptures.

After lunch, visit Banjhakri Falls and its landscaped park – perfect for fun photos. Evening is again yours to roam MG Marg, grab some hot thukpa, or shop for handwoven souvenirs. It’s a mix of tradition and trend – just like Gangtok itself!

Day 3: Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir Excursion (Approx. 12000 ft altitude)

Get ready for an epic day! After an early breakfast, we head towards the mystical Tsomgo Lake, about 40 km from Gangtok. As you climb higher, the landscape changes dramatically – pine forests give way to rugged terrain and snow-dusted slopes. And suddenly, there it is – Tsomgo, the sacred glacial lake shimmering at 12,000 ft. Surrounded by snowy peaks, it’s a photographer’s paradise. You can even ride a yak here if you're feeling adventurous!

A little further up lies the legendary Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, built in honor of a brave Indian soldier whose spirit is believed to still protect the region. The locals and Army alike hold this place with deep reverence.

If roads permit, we’ll try for Nathula Pass (Indo-China border) – subject to permits and weather. It’s a goosebump-worthy moment standing so close to the frontier. Return to Gangtok by evening, tired but full of awe. Warm dinner and cozy blankets await you at the hotel.

Day 4: Gangtok to Lachung – Journey into High Mountains (110 km / 6-7 hrs)

Today’s drive is a postcard come alive! After breakfast, say goodbye to Gangtok and buckle up for a ride through North Sikkim’s untouched beauty. The road to Lachung is scenic beyond words – waterfalls like Seven Sisters, deep gorges, pine forests, and roaring rivers accompany you throughout. Every curve reveals a new frame worth capturing.

We’ll halt for lunch midway, where you can enjoy a steaming plate of local delicacies like bamboo shoot curry and rice. As you ascend further, the air gets thinner, crisper, and oh-so-fresh. Reach Lachung by late afternoon – a quaint village surrounded by towering peaks and apple orchards.

Check in to your cozy hotel or homestay. The evening is for soaking in the silence. No city noise here, just the sound of the Lachung River flowing nearby and the chill in the air reminding you – you’re high up in the Himalayas. Have an early dinner and snuggle up, for tomorrow we go higher!

Day 5: Yumthang Valley – The Valley of Flowers – Return to Gangtok

Rise and shine for a magical morning! Post breakfast, we drive further north to the dreamy Yumthang Valley – often called the “Switzerland of the East.” Imagine snow-capped mountains, hot springs, grazing yaks, and a valley carpeted with rhododendrons (in bloom during spring). At 11,800 ft, this place is pure magic.

There’s a lovely walk you can take by the river, or simply sit back and breathe in the mountain vibes. If roads permit and you’re feeling adventurous, we might also visit Zero Point, where the road literally ends and the snow never does!

Post your Himalayan rendezvous, drive back to Lachung for lunch, and then continue towards Gangtok. Yes, it’s a long day, but the views and memories are totally worth it. Reach Gangtok by evening and give your tired legs some rest. You just conquered North Sikkim!

Day 6: Gangtok to Pelling via Ravangla (130 km / 5-6 hrs)

Another day, another scenic ride! After breakfast, we bid Gangtok goodbye and drive towards Pelling, with a pitstop at Ravangla – a hidden gem. Here, visit the massive Buddha Park featuring a towering 130-ft golden Buddha statue with panoramic views all around. The serenity here is almost meditative.

After a short break, continue your journey through forested roads, village bridges, and tea-clad hills. By afternoon, arrive at Pelling, a quiet little town facing the mighty Kanchenjunga. The views from your hotel balcony? Straight out of a dream!

Unwind in the chilly mountain air and catch the sunset if you’re lucky. Evening free to walk around and enjoy the calmness. Dinner at the hotel with local Sikkimese flavors to tickle your taste buds.

Day 7: Pelling Sightseeing – Nature, Heritage & Monasteries

Today is about soaking in Pelling’s charm. Start your day with a visit to Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in Sikkim. The peace here is unmatched. Then trek a bit to Rabdentse Ruins, once the capital of Sikkim, now an eerie yet fascinating set of ancient stone structures.

Later, head to Khecheopalri Lake, a holy wish-fulfilling lake – crystal clear and surrounded by dense forests. Don’t miss Rimbi Waterfalls and Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, both thunderously beautiful and perfect for quick photos.

Evening back at the hotel. Share stories, scroll through your breathtaking photos, and sleep to the sound of silence only the mountains can offer.

Day 8: Pelling to Darjeeling – Queen of Hills (80 km / 4-5 hrs)

After breakfast, start your journey to Darjeeling, the colonial hill station that still wears its British charm with pride. As you drive through winding roads and rolling tea estates, you’ll feel the change – from Buddhist monasteries to British-era bungalows.

Reach Darjeeling by afternoon. After check-in, head out for a relaxed walk along Chowrasta Mall Road, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and soak in the vibe. Browse shops for Tibetan trinkets, woollens, or just people-watch.

Evening free to explore or chill at a café. Tomorrow’s sunrise is something you won’t want to miss, so tuck in early!

Day 9: Tiger Hill Sunrise – Local Sightseeing – Return to Bagdogra

Rise before dawn and head to Tiger Hill, the highlight of any Darjeeling trip. As the first rays of the sun touch the snow-clad peak of Kanchenjunga, the entire sky lights up in hues of orange and gold. On a clear day, you might even spot Mount Everest in the distance – truly a goosebump moment!

Return via Batasia Loop, a unique spiral railway track, and stop by the Ghoom Monastery. After breakfast, explore Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Zoo, and Tenzing Rock if time permits.

Post lunch, drive back to Bagdogra Airport with a heart full of memories, phone full of pictures, and soul full of Himalayan peace.