Day 01: Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri / Gangtok ( 124 Kms, 4 hrs drive)
Arrive Bagdogra by flight. Meeting upon arrival and depart by car for Gangtok.
Arrive Gangtok and check in at hotel.
Gangtok: Gangtok can be a dream destination for those who love anything and everything about mountains. Gangtok the Capital of the Sikkim is a modern hill resort with ancient spiritual beliefs and an impressive cultural heritage. Perched at a height of 5500 ft, it is offering a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with the other great peaks of the Eastern Himalayas at a distant skyline.
Rest of the time free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Gangtok
Morning after breakfast depart for an excursion to
Tsomgo Lake: the Tsomgo Lake is one of the many high-altitude lakes in Sikkim situated at an altitude of 12400 ft on the Gangtok – Nathu La highway. Located at a distance of 38 Kms from Gangtok this serene lake is about 1 Km long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people. Popularly known as Changu Lake, it is a must visit destination of every tourist’s itinerary. Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake that originates from the melting snows of the mountains around it.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple or Baba Mandir (Foreign Nationals are not allowed): It is a distinguished “mandir” or shrine dedicated to “Baba” Harbhajan Singh, a soldier of the Indian Army who died near the Nathula Pass protecting the frontiers of India. It is situated between Nathu La and Jelepla Pass, at a distance of 64 km from Gangtok.
The soldiers of Indian Army and the locals believe that Harbhajan Singh comes to the temple every night and does his rounds after putting on his uniform. People worship him as a saint and believe that he guards the international boundary between India and China, over the last three decades and he is accomplishing this task alone.
Inside the Baba Mandir, one can see a large photo of Harbhajan Singh along with his other belongings like his neatly ironed uniforms and polished boots.
There are two shrines have been built to show tribute to Baba Harbhajan Singh. The old one has been built at the site of the bunker, where Baba Harbhajan was posted during his tenure and the new one has been built at a close proximity from Tsomgo Lake.
Nathula Pass (Foreign Nationals are not allowed): Considered as one of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world, Nathula Pass forms a part of an offshoot of the Old Silk Road. Even today the pass serves as an important trade link between India and China and indulges passing tourists in pretty much the same way as it once catered to traders and merchants.
This Indo-Chinese border post is nestled at an elevation of 14,140 feet and one can see the border gates of both countries and military bunkers lying across both sides of the border.
A road trip to Nathula Pass from Gangtok is a real treat for the eyes for the mountain lovers, as these roads come up with thrills and beauties in every curve. This is why the Nathula road trip should be in the travel bucket list of every tourists visiting Gangtok.
Later return to the hotel.
Evening free to explore the M G Marg – the main shopping street in Gangtok by your own.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Gangtok / Lachen (Approx 148 kms 7 hrs)
Morning after breakfast around 9.00 a.m. take the transfer to Lachan.
On your way visit Singhik View point, Seven Sister Waterfalls, Naga Water Falls.
Lunch on the way.
Arrive Lachen and check in at hotel.
Lachen: When we talk about Lachen, the first things come to our mind are pristine Himalayas, mesmeric scenery and beautifully crafted wooden houses. Lachen is a small picturesque village located in the lap of Himalaya and the gateway to some of the most spectacular tourist places in North Sikkim.
The main attraction on Lachen is the Nyingma Monastery, one of the oldest major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Situated on top of a hill, this place serves as a vantage point to witness panoramic view of the village Lachen Chu and the majestic Himalayan ranges. For the adventure seekers, Lachen serves as a trail head for some of the most thrilling treks like the trek to the famous Green Lake or Kunchenjunga National Park along with the other trekking trails to Yumthang Valley, Thangu Valley, Chopta Valley and Tso Lhamu Lake. It also serves as the starting point for the famous and majestic Gurudongmar Lake
Overnight in Lachen.
Day 04: Lachen / Chopta Valley / Gurudongmar Lake / Lachung
Post breakfast we embark on an excursion trip to
Chopta Valley: The relatively unexplored and untouched Chopta Valley in north east Sikkim is very popular among trekkers as well as people of several faiths. Chopta is famous for its monuments of historical and religious importance — from Chandrashila to the Tungnath Temple and more. It is also home to rare species of animals, plants and birds and welcomes birders as well as trekkers and other adventure sports enthusiasts.
The valley, at 13,200 feet, is a preferred destination for hiking, angling and water sports and the trek from Chopta Valley to Muguthang Valley is considered one of the best. It lies in the Greater Himalayas at 15,500 ft. Trekkers are assured of scenic landscapes with snow-covered mountain peaks on one side and green pine forests and meandering rivers on the other.
Gurudongmar Lake (Foreign Nationals are not allowed): Spread out over 290 acres and is surrounded by snow-covered mountain ranges all around Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest altitude natural lakes in the world (17,800 feet).
One of the most amazing facts about this lake is the whole water of this lake never freezes completely even though the temperature goes down below -20° celcius. There is a religious belief around this lake that explains this phenomenon. Hindu’s, Buddhists and Sikhs come together to consider this lake to be a sacred place.
The water of Gurudongmar Lake is believed to have healing powers, locals believe that drinking this water could resolve fertility issues of women. Many tourists bring the water with them. There are many brightly coloured prayer flags all around the lake offered by the people who visited the lake. These flags add up to the mystic stories about the lake and making it a “Wish Lake” for thousands of visitors.
The Gurudongmar Lake is form by the glacial waters. It is a source stream for the Tso Lahmu Lake that later forms the source of the Teesta River. The area around the lake is extremely windy and that makes the place feel a lot more freezing than the temperature itself. Wind speed keeps going up as the day progresses. It is believed that afternoon wind in Gurudongmar Lake can even lift stones.
Later return to Lachen.
Late afternoon depart for Lachung which takes around 2 ½ hrs drive to reach (Approx 65 Kms)
Lachung: One of the best things about Lachung is all the beautiful nature. Many tourists flock to Lachung each year just to enjoy the pristine Himalaya. Situated at the confluence of Lachen and Lachung river in Sikkim, , Lachung is is the home to the pristine streams, cascading waterfalls, exotic apple orchards and the most beautiful mountain ranges of Eastern Himalaya. It also has a centuries old Buddhist monastery along with a handicraft center to get a glimpse of the region’s culture.
Arrive Lachung and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day 05: Lachung / Yumthang / Gangtok (Lachung to Gaogtok: Approx – 117 kms 6 hrs)
Early morning embark on an excursion trip to
Mount Katau (Foreign Nationals are not allowed): Located 28 kms from Lachung, Mt. Katao is amongst the magnificent sights you can imagine in the state. One has to obtain the special permit from the army to enter into the area where this majestic peak is located. It is a erfect place for adventure lovers as sports like skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and stone grinding can be enjoyed here during the winter season.
After breakfast excursion trip to Yumthang-valley (known as Valley of Flowers) which is situated at a distance of 24 Kms from Lachung
Yumthang Valley: The picturesque Yumthang Valley is situated at an altitude of 3564 meters in the North of Sikkim. Popularly known as the ‘valley of flowers’ like the one in Uttarakhand, it is home to a zillion flowers, breathtaking surroundings, spectacular mountains & a pristine river. A taxi ride from Lachung to Yumthang valley which is just about 26 kms offers the spectacular view of the rhododendrons flowers on both sides during the season. During winter, a clear blanket of snow all around with soft, cotton-like snowfall makes the tourists feel like be in the paradise on earth. A Yak ride is something that a tourist can never miss on their visit to Yumthang. The anglers can also find their interests in the two well-stocked rivers – Yumthang chu and Puniya chu. About 7-8 km away from Yumthang there is the beautiful Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary with a area of 35 square kms which houses 38 different varieties of rhododendrons.
Later return to Lachung.
Late afternoon depart for Gangtok
Arrive Gangtok and check-in to your hotel.
Overnight in Gangtok.
Day 06: Gangtok
Morning after breakfast full day sight seeing of Gangtok visiting:
Rumtek Monastery: Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre or Rumtek Monastery: About 24 Kms away from Gangtok, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre popularly known as Rumtek Monastery which is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim, belonging to the Kagyud order, one of the four major Tibetan sects of Buddhism.
Built by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in the 1960s the glorious Rumtek Monastery houses a beautiful shrine temple and a monastery for the monks which were established with the aim of spreading the Buddhist teachings around the world. It also houses some of the World’s most exquisite religious scriptures and rare traditional objects. A golden stupa and various other sculptures belonging to the 16th Karmapa have also been preserved at the monastery.
The magnificent shrine has a walkway around it on which the monks, pilgrims and visitors perform Kora (a circuit round of the monastery). The massive prayer hall inside the monastery is decorated with splendid murals, statues and thangkhas. Tourist can be present within the hall during the afternoon prayer ritual that starts at about 2:00pm. The prayer of the monks chanting, and playing religious musical instruments including drums, lutes, and horns is so mesmerizing and intense that can help you to experience the highest level of imperturbability.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology NIT: The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was established in 1958 to promote and support research in the field of religion, history, language, art and culture of the people of the Tibetan cultural area including Sikkim.
Built in the Tibetan architectural style amidst the lap of lush green nature, the NIT has a excellent museum and a library which houses one of the largest collections of Tibetan Tibetan iconography and religious art and literature books in the world outside Tibet, and a museum of. It has published the Bulletin of Tibetology since 1964 and numerous books over the years.
Even though established primarily as a place for study and research of Tibetan and Buddhist culture, The Namgyal Institute has emerged as a major tourist attraction in Gangtok.
Tashi View Point: Tashi Viewpoint is one of the prime tourist places in Gangtok which offers a get a view of the magnificent Mount Sinilochu and Mount Kanchenjunga. On a clear day one can also enjoy the spectacular views of Labrang Monastery and Phodong Monastery embedded amidst the lush green backdrop.. It was built by King Tashi Namgyal who ruled Sikkim between 1914 and 1963, Nestled in a pristine location, just 8 kms away from Gangtok town it also serves as a fabulous picnic place for local, as well as foreign tourists. The Sikkim Tourism has developed it as in ideal tourist spot with resting sheds, a park and a small cafeteria for visitors refreshments.
The Gangtok Ropeway: The Gangtok Ropeway is one of the prime tourist attractions in Gangtok which attracts thousands of tourists every year. Operational since December 2003, the ropeway has three terminal stations. The lower station is based in Deorali Market near to Institute of Tibetology. The mid-terminal is situated at Nam Nang, and the upper terminal is based just below Sikkim Secretariat. One can enjoy the stunning bird’s eye view of the city along with the majestic mountains and the valleys.
The cable car ride or the Gangtok ropeway opens from 9:30 am in the morning and closes at 4:30 pm in the evening and the duration of the ride is 1 km, a roundtrip is 2 kms.
Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa: The Dro-Dul Chorten or Stupa is one of the most important Stupas of Sikkim. It was constructed by Trullshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. It is situated next to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology at Deorali.
A complete set of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur relics (Holy Books) and other religious objects are kept inside the stupa. Around the stupa are 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer wheels. The stupa is surrounded by Chorten Lakahang and Guru Lakhang, where two statues of Guru Rinpoche are present. The Chorten was recently in news for the micaculous water dipping from its top on a clear sunny day.
A steep climb takes one to this holy place where one can witness the Buddhist monks live spending their days turning the wheels of Dharma and reciting prayer beads. The white Stupa with it’s gold halfmoon crest dominates the skyline of the area.
Ganesh Tok: Ganesh Tok view point is one of the many popular tourist attractions in Gangtok. Located at a distance of 6 Kms from Gangtok, it offers spectacular views of the snow capped Himalayan mountains. There is a small Ganesh Temple which is surrounded by colourful flags, tied across the stairs making it looks divine and serene. There is a lounge and a balcony in front of the temple which is the main attraction of the place.
Hanuman Tok: Dedicated after the Hindu God- Lord Hanumana, Hanuman Tok is a popular temple and a major tourist attraction in Gangtok. It is located 11 kms from Gangtok,on the way to the Indo-Chinese border post of Nathula.
The legend says, Lord Hanuman took a rest at this point on his way to Lanka after collecting the Sanjeevani Booti (herb) to heal Lord Lakshman. The temple is situated at an altitude of 7200 feet; and thus providing a brilliant view of the surrounding mountains along with the famed Mount Kanchenjunga. The cremation ground of the erstwhile Namgyal Royal family of Sikkim is just next to this pristine place. Presently the temple and the surroundings are preserved and maintained by the units of the Indian Army.
Lingdum Monastery or Ranka Monastery: Lingdum Monastery, popularly known as Ranka Monastery lies in the East Sikkim some 20 km from Gangtok is one of the popular monasteries in Sikkim. Built in 1998. The monastery follows the Zurmang Kagyud lorder of Buddhism. Since it’s relatively a new monastery and does not have much historical or strategic significance like Rumtek Monastery, it is not much talked about.
However, due to its picturesque surroundings and beautiful architecture, the monastery attracts many Bollywood filmmakers here, and it has been a part of several Bollywood movies that have been shot here.
The monastery is spread out in a vast area with a 2-storey building along the periphery of the courtyard that has several classrooms where the young lamas undergo training. The visitors can easily interact with the young monks who are trained here.
The monastery is a good example of Tibetan architecture with a huge gold plated Buddha statue sits in the lotus position inside the sanctum. There are rows of low tables lying inside the sanctum where the lamas read their prayer books. One can visit the monastery during the evening prayer time when the monks chanting, and playing religious musical instruments thereby creating serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Banjhakri waterfalls: En route to Ranka Monastery the Ban-Jhakri Waterfall is well known for its beautiful natural springs and pristine environment. This 100 ft waterfall is nestles in a thickly forested area of Swastik, which is about seven kilometers away from Gangtok. This beautiful waterfall gains its importance after the new tourist circuit emerges with the opening of the famed Ranka Monastery. Spread over an area of two acres of land, the waterfall cascades down with a lot of force and along with the Energy Park built specially for the tourists it becomes a prime attraction which should be on every travellers bucket list.
Evening free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Gangtok / Bagdogra (124 Kms, 4 hrs drive)
Morning after breakfast transfer to Bagdogra airport for onwards destination.
Tour Ends.
