Darjeeling Kalimpong Gangtok Tour

As soon as you arrive at the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, you will witness the serene atmosphere of the West Bengal. Our representative will be at your service. He will help you to reach your hotel in the city of Darjeeling which is almost 72 km away from both the railway station and the airport. It will take two to two and a half hours for you to arrive at your hotel. Check in at your hotel and spend the night in complete relaxation. Have a sound sleep so that you have enough energy to explore different places the following day.

Kickstart your day at 4 in the morning. Today, you will be exploring Darjeeling inside out. You’ll be living a day full of nature’s magic.

Tiger Hill
Firstly, drive to the Tiger Hill and reach before the sun is set to rise. Here, you will be viewing one of the most spectacular sunrises of your life. Your eyes will capture imagery worth cherishing for life. Tiger Hill is the summit of Ghoom, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can look at the Mount Everest in its eye from the viewpoint at this hill. On clear days, Kurseong along with Balason River, Mahananda River, Mechi River, and Teesta River can also be seen.

Ghoom Monastery
On your way back to the hotel, visit the Old Ghoom Monastery or the Ghum Monastery. The monastery belongs to Gelukpa and is renowned for a 15 feet tall statue of Lord Buddha. The stature means ‘the Coming Buddha or Buddha of the future.’ Also known by the name of Yiga Choeling Monastery, it is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries in the city of Darjeeling.

Reach your hotel, freshen up, have your breakfast and now leave for the following places-

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The HMI or the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a premier organisation engaged in the promotion of mountaineering as a respectable and an organised sport. The institute came into being after Tenzing Norgay along with Edmund Hillary registered their names in the history of climbing the Mount Everest in 1953. So to encourage the youth for taking on mountaineering not only as an adventurous activity but a proper sport, HMI was established by the then Prime Minister Pdt.Jawaharlal Nehru on 4th November 1954. It is a leader in imparting great theoretical and practical education to the budding trekkers and mountaineers. Apart from being a temple of learning it also has a museum which has a vast collection of literary works, Hitler’s telescope, artefacts, models, etc.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
The only specialised zoo in the country Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is recognised internationally for its breeding programmes of Snow Leopards, Red Panda, Tibetan Wolf and other rarely found animal species in Eastern Himalayas. It was established on on14 August 1958 as a joint venture by the Government of India and West Bengal State Government. You can visit the Zoo on anytime during the week except for Thursday when it remains closed. Here you will find over 200 species of flora and many birds and aminals such as Ring-Necked Pheasants, Rose Ring Parakeets, Himalayan Black Bear, Yak, Sambar Deer, Goral, Clouded Leopards, Tibetan Wolves, and Siberian Tigers, etc.

Tenzing Rock
A pair of the humongous natural rock, Tenzing Rock is used for the sports people and mountaineers to practice their tricks of climbing the hill. It is named after Tenzing Norgay, the man who first climbed Mt. Everest in 1953. Professional climbers use the left face of the rock while the tourists and amateur climbers use the right front of the rock.

Chitrey Tea Garden (outer view)
A small hamlet located in the hilly terrains of Darjeeling, Chitrey has beautiful tea gardens which are a must visit. The breeze here is a whole lot different in any other part of the city. It is more refreshing and full of tea leaves’ fragrance. There are small tea shops selling tea made of leaves from the gardens over here.

Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda
The eye-arresting Japanese temple finds itself at a 10 minutes drive from the city of Darjeeling. The locals also know it as Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple which was built in the year 1972. It is two-storied white building constructed in traditional Japanese style architecture. Near to it is the Peace Pagoda which represents four avatars of Gautam Buddha. From the top of this Pagoda, you can witness panoramic views of the landscapes of Darjeeling and the Mt. Kanchenjunga range.

After covering all these attractions head back to your hotel, rest, and in the evening go strolling at the Mall Road and Chowrasta.

Get up all refreshed with energetic vibes as today is the time when you will visit Kalimpong. Have a proper breakfast and post that check out of your hotel and make a move towards your next travel destination, i.e. Kalimpong. It will take 2.5-3 hours for you to reach your hotel. Check in at the hotel, freshen up, have something if you are hungry and then start your half-day sightseeing tour. You will be visiting-

Deolo Hill
Hill with breathtaking views, Deolo Hill s one among the two hills between which the town of Kalimpong stands. Located in the north-east of the town it is the highest point in Kalimpong. From the top of it, you can see the whole area, the neighbouring villages of valley Relly, the Teesta river and the valleys from which it originates. If you are lucky and the day is bright and clear, you can also witness the beauteous snow-clad mountains of West Sikkim. The summit of this hill as a park for recreational activities and is full of exotic flowers. It is a place worth visiting.

Science City
In order to attract tourists to this area which will lead to a boost in tourism, Science City was established in 2008 under the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council or the DGHC. There are objects placed in the centre which aim at creating awareness and spreading joy for children. Best suited for kids, it is a scientific wonderland for them.

Jang Dong Palriffo Brang Monastery
Also known as Durpin Monastery, it was consecrated in 1976 by Dalai Lama. It serves as a reflection of the traditional Buddhist style of construction and has walls ornated with beautiful paintings. The sacred Kunguyar is one of the essential features of the monastery. It offers a peaceful environment within the alluring beauty of the Himalayas.

Durbin Dara Hill
Out of the two hills between which Kalimpong is located, Durpin Dara is one which is located in the south-west area of the town. The hill commands a majestic view of Kalimpong, snowcapped mountains of West Sikkim, Jelepla Pass, and the Teesta River and its splendid valleys. There is even a golf course at the summit of the Durbin Dara Hills. Zang Dhok Palri Monastery which was established in 1976 by the Dalai Lama sits atop the hill. Also, our Indian army finds its significant base at the top of the Durpin Hill.

Pine View Cactus Nursery
Known for its exotic cactus collection; the Nursery has over 1500 species of cactus that have been collected diligently from all over the globe. Mr Mohan S Pradhan is the great mind behind this formation. He is a live example of ‘if you follow your passion, success follows you.’ He left his work for his passion of collecting cactus. Another notable aspect of this place is that it has the largest cactus collection in the Asian continent.

You must have been tired by now, therefore head back to your hotel. Get your hands upon the delicious dinner and call it a day.

Today’s day will include only travelling to Gangtok. Enjoy the delicious breakfast, pack your bag, and check out from the hotel. On your way to Gangtok, you will encounter a stream of beauty. With lush greenways and vibrant skies, your journey to the capital city of Sikkim will be made memorable. Upon reaching Gangtok, check in at the hotel and spend your remaining day at leisure. Relax, allow your mind and body to sink in the magic of this wonderland.

You will be exploring Gangtok from its roots to the top. Wake up all distressed, have your breakfast and head for a full day Gangtok sightseeing expedition. The places that we will cover include-

Bakthang Waterfalls
Gushing down from the rocks into a small pool of water, Bakthang Waterfalls is a place worth your time. Its beauty renders no words. Despite being less in height, its width makes up for it. This waterfall is among the most famous tourist destinations in Gangtok. Sip a cup of tea or chill your inside with soft drinks while you witness the enchanting beauty of the place.

Tashi viewpoint
Almost eight kms from the Gangtok city centre, this viewpoint is known for giving you the most spectacular views of the sunrise. Apart from this, when the days are clear, you get to see the majestic range of Mt.Kanchenjunga. In the opposite mountains, you will also find Phodong and Labrang monasteries. The views from here are mindblowing. There is also a small shop selling snacks, souvenirs, drinks, and gifts at the Tashi Viewpoint. The prices are very reasonable.

Ganesh Tok
Near to the Tashi Viewpoint is this temple of Lord Ganesha. The locals and tourists visit the shrine for not only seeking the God’s blessings but also for blessing their own eyes with mesmerising views of mountains, rivers, and valleys. Downstairs, there is also a cafe serving food items, light snacks, coffee, tea, and souvenirs too.

Enchey Monastery
Established in 1909 above the capital town of Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery is a belonging of Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. It is a historical and religious treasure for the city of Gangtok and is 200 years old. Accommodating 90 monks, Lama Druptab Karpo founded this monastery. It has an atmosphere of sheer tranquility and peace. Here you will get time to reciprocate with yourself.

Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom
Located at the Zero Point of the city, the Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom was established so to keep alive the traditional arts and crafts of Gangtok. It was made with an idea of converting Sikkim as the Handloom and Handicraft destination for not only India but the world. The place remains open on all days of the week except for Sundays. Here you will learn about the progress which the handloom and crafts industry in Gangtok has made.

Do Drul Chorten Stupa
Built by Trulshik Rinpoche in 1945, the stupa finds itself on a hillock in Gangtok. Marked by a dome with a golden top this stupa can be seen from several places in Gangtok. There was a belief that evil spirits haunted the area where the stupa stands now. Many people who wandered here became victims and died. Later, Guru Padmasambhava also known as Trulshik Rinpoche visited the place and established this stupa, relieving the site from all sorts of negativity. This Stupa is regarded as one of the most significant Buddhist Stupas in Sikkim.

Institute of Tibetology
Known worldwide, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is the master in researching about Tibetan language and culture. It has books that are rarely found anywhere in the world. Built-in Tibetan style of architecture, this building remains true to its traditions. The Dalai Lama laid the foundation stone of this epitome of knowledge and research in the 14th century and Pdt. Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated it in 1957.

Flower Show
Flower Exhibition Centre – Ridge Park is a must visit for its exotic collection of flowers from almost everywhere around the globe. Sikkim is not only blessed with the beauty of landscapes, but flora too and this place proves this statement to be true.

Ropeway & Banjhakri Falls
Offering incredible sights, the Banjhakri falls create a pleasant ambience. Falling from a height of 70 ft these falls render you speechless. Here you have an assured mixture of serenity and excitement. The green surroundings nearby make it look all the more astounding. There are also some adventure activities that take place near the fall and ropeway is one of them.

After completing the traveling scenes for the day, it’s time for you to reach back to your hotel. Have you dinner and go for a relaxing sleep. Tomorrow is the day when you’ll have an early start.

It is the last day of this tour but don’t be sad; you still have two astonishing places to visit. Start early at 8 in the morning. We have reserved Tsomgo Lake and Baba Harbhajan Mandir for today. Both of these places are at a minimal distance from each other and.

Tsomgo Lake
The glacial lake is also known as the Changu Lake. Surrounded by steep mountain ranges, the river is located at an altitude of 12,400 ft. A winding road and scenery full of stupendous looks lead you to this lake. It is associated with several myths and religious aspects and hence is considered sacred by the people in Sikkim. During winters, the lake remains placid encapturing you in its locks.

Baba Harbhajan Mandir
The structure is a temple and a memorial built in honour of the “Hero of Nathula Pass”, Baba Harbhajan Singh. He was accorded as a saint or baba (saintly father) by the people who believe that his spirit protects the soldiers posted in the China-Tibet border and other areas nearby. His early death at the age of 22 has been the subject to many folklores and legends.

Nathula Pass/Optional Tour
Connecting Sikkim to some autonomous region in Tibet, China, the Nathu La pass was an offshoot part of Silk Route in the bygone days. It is one of the three open trading borders between India and China. Only Indian citizens are allowed to enter this area that too after receiving a legal permit. If you wish, you can take onto this optional tour for some additional charges.

After you are done exploring the places as mentioned above, return to your hotel. Have some tasteful dinner and then go off to bed.

Check out from your hotel and depart for the airport or the railway station. Leave the place with sweet memories that you will cherish forever.