Overview
Bagdogra is a settlement in the Naxalbari CD block in the Siliguri subdivision of the Darjeeling district, in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is a part of the Greater Siliguri Metropolitan Area. Darjeeling is a town in India’s West Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. It’s famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes.
Itinerary
Arrive at IXB Airport & transfer to Gangtok (5,480 ft.), the capital of Sikkim. Check-in to hotel & rest of the day is free at leisure. Shop around at M.G. Marg & explore the city on your own. Spend overnight at hotel in Gangtok.
As the morning sores in, the warm rays of the sun knocks through the window to give a startup call for the second day. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in its peaceful surroundings, and load the bags with dry foods before leaving for a full day trip to Tsomgo Lake with Baba Mandir / Nathula Pass Excursion.
Tsomgo Lake (12400ft) - Also known as Changu Lake is an oval shaped glacial lake which is only 40 km from Gangtok City, and almost about 1Km in length with 15 meters depth. The name Tsomgo is made of two words in Bhutia Language 'Tso' means 'lake' and 'Mgo' means 'head' in a short 'source of the lake'. This high altitude lake is surrounded by snow-capped steep mountains and remains frozen during wintertime. As summer beings to step-in, the glacier melts and the lake gets its origin. The locals consider the lake to be sacred, and it reflects different colors with the change in seasons.
New Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir - The Baba Mandir was built in the Memorial of Baba Harbhajan Singh or the 'Hero of Nathula', a soldier in the Indian Army. It is situated at a distance of 12Km from Tsomgo lake, and 52Km from Gangtok city. Baba Harbajan served as a part of border patrol force, and in the year 1968 while escorting a mule column he felts on a fast-flowing stream and got carried away by the powerful water current. Soldiers found his remains after 3 days and cremated with full military honor along with a shrine on his Samadhi built as per Baba†wish, which he expressed through his friend post-death. The original bunker of Baba Harbajan Singh is located further up near the Gnathang valley which is the Old Baba Mandir but because of its difficult terrain tourist can reach there so they build a New Mandir for easy access. This shrine believed to have wish-fulfilling powers along with that Baba is still guarding the international border between India and China. On Sundays, a 'Langar' runs at the temple, which provides free meals to the visitors.
Nathula Pass - A major mountain pass in the Himalayas in East Sikkim district, which is a corridor of passage between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962 but reopened in 2006. Located around 56 km from Gangtok at an altitude of 14450 ft, the road to Nathula is the highest motorable roads, passes through the Tsomgo lake, and requires an entry permit to visit. The view from this international border is breathtaking and allows the tourist to get a glimpse of China on the other side along with their Chinese militants. On a clear day, the road winding down the Chumbi valley can be seen.
(Nathula Pass is closed on Monday /Tuesday and Permit depends on Weather condition). And ALWAYS ON EXTRA PAYMENT BASIS
Overnight at Gangtok
Morning after Breakfast transfer to Kalimpong and on arrival check-in to your hotel Later enjoy half day tour of Kalimpong Visit Mangal Dham, Deolo Hill, Dr. Graham’s Home, Golf Garden, Durpin Dara Hills & Pine View Nursery overnight stay at Kalimpong.
Pelling the most popular small hill town in the district of West Sikkim nestled at an altitude of 2150 m. This scenic place is a paradise for the nature lover with the mesmerizing view of mighty Kanchenjunga, and the neighboring peaks. Covered with thick forest this place is home to many wild animals, birds, and insects. After a long drive of 4 hours and Check-in at Hotel with a room facing the breathtaking Kanchenjunga surrounded by pristine nature. The evening is free for leisure to relish the tranquility of the place with a cup of hot tea in a peaceful surrounding.
Post breakfast, start for Pelling Sightseeing Tour divided in parts:
Rimbi Waterfalls - About 12 kms away from Pelling and about 5 kms further down from Darap village is Rimbi River Bank, which falls on the way to Khecheopalri, and Yuksam where the main attractions are the river waterfalls. A large volume of water is falling on massive rocks from a great height. It demonstrates both timelessness and power and is quite hypnotic.
Kanchenjunga Water Falls - One of the large waterfalls in West Sikkim situated at a distance of 24 km from Pelling. It is a major tourist attraction located on a sharply curved roadside. The water is so cold, and the intensity of the fall is also high, this water is directly from Kanchanjanga parvath, Holy water. The area is a cluster of many falls, and to see the main waterfalls, one needs to climb up around 50 staircases. To visit the main fall, you need to purchase tickets at a nominal price. While Kanchenjunga falls astonish visitors with the sight of a broad stream of water jumping deep down from a great height.
Khecheopalri Lake - Before leaving, make an immortal wish on it is a very holy and sacred lake, and birds prohibit any leaves to drop on the lake. This lake is a small paradise for Photographer & Bird Explorer. Khechipelri Lake makes people spellbound with its serenity and holiness. Try to attend the "Maghe Purne Festival" celebrated in April by floating Diyas & offering food. Back to Hotel for Lunch and post Lunch, visit the following attractions.
Rabdentse Ruins - Located near the Pemayangtse Monastery, this was the second capital of the Sikkim Royalty after Yuksom. The ruins of the city command a panoramic view of Khangchendzonga and the valley. You will require walking at least 2 - 2.5 km on a small road midst of dense trees to reach there from the main road. This ruins complex currently maintained by the Archeological Society of India.
Pelling Skywalk and Sangacholing Monastery - Pelling Skywalk is a new attraction and an engineering marvel and located just 3 km from Pelling town. The breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchanjhungha makes visitors spellbound from here, and you can reach the Sangacholing Buddha Statue from here Night Stay at the Hotel in Pelling.
After breakfast drive to Darjeeling Check-in to hotel & rest of the day is free at leisure start for the half day city tour
"The Queen of Hills" - Darjeeling, a gem of a place known for its youthful vibe combined with modern as well as colonial charm The dreamy town is situated at an altitude of 7100 ft, surrounded with tall mountains, coniferous trees, and green tea plantation. Darjeeling is a favored spot for everyone whether it’s a tourist, trekker, photographer, artist, or a botanist apart from its World famous Darjeeling Tea. On arrival, check-in at the hotel surrounded by Mother Nature with big, clean rooms facing the Mt. Kanchenjunga standing head up high. In the afternoon or evening, stroll about and shop -
Chowrasta & Darjeeling Mall - The heart of Victorian Darjeeling, this place is the commercial hub, set on the ridge above Darjeeling town, dotted with many curious centers and other shops selling excellent blended Darjeeling tea. There is much heritage and old stores lined up inside of the roads which sell unique handicrafts items along with food stalls selling hot dim sum, thukpas. Young children can enjoy a pony ride in the mall while elders can sit on the benches and feel the real vibe of Darjeeling while watching the people and their activities Overnight at Darjeeling.
After a delightful breakfast start for the full day sightseeing early morning visit to -
Tiger Hill Sunrise Point - An early morning visit to the tiger hill is perfect to witness the unforgettable sunrise over the snow-covered peaks of the majestic Himalayas. As the sunrise beings, the dazzling snow cover peaks of Mt. Kangchenjunga gloriously enlightens with a magnificent view, and on a clear day glimpse of the World’s highest peak Mt. Everest is visible. The sunrise from Tiger Hill has earned international fame for the magnificent view of the sunrise over Kanchenjunga and the great Eastern Himalayan Mountains.
Batasia Loop - The Batasia Loop is a spiral narrow-gauge railway track where the Toy Train negotiates a sudden sharp descent from Ghoom. This place provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains with a 360-degree view of the Darjeeling landscape in the backdrop of the majestic Kanchenjunga. The loop is decorated with grass, shrubs, and seasonal flowers, along benches laid inside the garden to enjoy nature while the Toy train enters hooting its way to complete the spiral route.
Ghoom Monastery - Yiga Monastery or Old Ghoom Monastery is one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in Darjeeling build in the year 1850 and below the Ghoom railway station. It follows the lineage of Sakya Sect of Vajra yana Buddhism and also has a small philosophical institute. This monastery has the biggest and the oldest statue of Buddha in Darjeeling and is being bought from Tibet. Back to Hotel for breakfast and freshen-up before heading towards city tour.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park - Also known as Darjeeling Zoo is now one of the best Zoo in the world after bagging the International Earth Hero Award in 2014. The unique feature of this zoo is, it houses animals of high altitude, and mostly from the upper Himalayas with rare animals like Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf, etc. The zoo contributes significantly to the breeding programs of endangered animals and safeguards the vulnerable ones.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday)- HMI is a pilgrimage for all climbing enthusiasts of the world. Established in honor of Tenzing Norgay, it has a well-stocked museum with mountaineering displays and many expedition artifacts. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone of the Institute, and now it comprises a residential school for mountaineering providing students with basic and advanced courses.
Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda - Also known as Darjeeling Peace Pagoda are on the Jalapahar hill. They build the Temple under the guidance of Buddhist monks from Japan in traditional Japanese style, and this place is the house of four avatars of Buddha. Close to it is the Peace Pagoda, where it showcases the four large avatars of Lord Buddha. The view from the top is magnificent with the panoramic view of the Darjeeling town, and Mt. Kanchenjunga. During the visit, tourists can join for morning or evening prayers in the temple along with the monks.
Tenzing Rock & Gombu Rock - This huge and giant natural rock named after Tenzing Norgay who created history after climbing the Mt. Everest is at Lebong Cart Road, also known as Monkey Rock. Located opposite of Tenzing rock is the Gombu rock name after Nawang Gombu, the nephew of Tenzing Norgay, who was the first person to climb Everest twice. Tenzing Norgay and his nephew used to climb this rock to train them for Everest climbing, and now these two steep rocks are being used by HMI during their Rock climbing training courses. Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre - The help center was established on 1st October 1959, to rehabilitate the Tibetan refugees who followed Dalai Lama and escaped from Tibet. The workers in the center produce excellent Tibetan handicrafts like carpets, woolens, wood, and leather works which they sell and export to different countries for a living. Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway - Also known as The Darjeeling Ropeway is the perfect spot to enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley below with the dreamy Darjeeling town, the lush green tea plantations, dense forests, mountain streams in their full flow, waterfalls, and the impressive snow peaks the background. You can also enjoy the World UNESCO Heritage world-famous Darjeeling railway or the Toy Train to Ghoom subject to track conditions. It’s the main and best attraction for visiting this hill train in Darjeeling. The path in which the train runs is well decorated by nature with lush green trees, flowering plants, small bushes, and vast Kanchenjunga dominating its presence throughout the journey. The evening is free to visit the Darjeeling Mall for shopping as this is the last spot to crack a great deal and grab something unique from this trip.
Overnight in Darjeeling
After breakfast will check-out from the Hotel and today bid farewell to your tour as airport for your onward journey from where to catch the flight for Jaipur with have sweet memories of this trip.
COST INCLUSIONS
- RETURN AIRFARES & AIRPORT TAXEX
- MEET & ASSIST AT THE AIRPORT
- RETURN AIRPORT TRANSFERS ON SIC BASIS
- ACCOMODATION IN THE HOTELS
- DAILY BREAKFAST & DINNER AT THE HOTEL
- TOUR PROGRAM WILL BE AS PER THE ITINERARY
- 02 NIGHTS HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN GANGTOK
- 01 NIGHT HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN KALIMPONG
- 02 NIGHTS HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN PELLING
- 02 NIGHT HOTELS ACCOMMODATION IN DARJEELING
- ALL APPLICABLE TAXES
COST EXCLUDES
- RIDES & CAMERA TICKETS
- PERSONAL TIPS, LAUNDRY CHARGES, ADDITIONAL TOUR CHARGES AND EXTRA FOOD CHARGES
- ANY THING WHICH IS NOT MENTIONED IN THE COST INCLUDES