Highlights
- Explore the beauty of Tsomgo Lake – a glacial lake known for its serenity and picturesque views as you pass through and catch the best views of Mt.Kanchenjunga
- Marvel at the 130 ft high Buddha Statue at Ravangala Buddha Park against the backdrop of the mighty mountains
- If you’re a passionate bird watcher, a foodie, a thrill addict, or a culture vulture, Pelling in Sikkim is the destination for you.
- Unleash your inner wanderer with breathtaking landscapes composed of mountains, waterfalls, forests, lakes, and monasteries.
- Listen to the chanting of the Buddhist monks and the tinkling of bells at Ghoom monastery that was built in 19th century
About The Tour:
Retive yourself from the hassle of city life as you take this trip to some of the most scenic hillstations of Gangtok, Pelling and Darjeeling. If you are someone who loves to spend time in nature, go bird watching, adventure enthusiasts, history buff or a cultural curious person, this tour is just the right vacation for you.
From walking through the corridors of the monasteries to exploring some of the high altitute lakes, this tour is sure to greet you with a lot of wonderful and memorable moments to cherish for life.
Quick Info:
Route: Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake – Baba Mandir – Ravangla/Namchi – Pelling – Darjeeling
Duration: 6 Nights and 7 Days
Start Point/ End Point: IXB Airport / NJP Railway Station
Note: The above rates would vary and wouldn’t be the same on special days such as Diwali, Dussehra, Christmas, and New Years. To get the best rates for these days, you can connect with us directly.
Things not to miss:
- River-rafting at Teesta river.
- Yak rides and Ropeway activities at Tsomgo Lake.
- Stroll through the MG marg and taste the authentic food at “The Local Cafe”.
- Have your evening Tea or Coffee at Gallery’s Cafe and Restaurant with the best view of Darjeeling.
- Walk on Pelling Skywalk made of glass perched on a hilltop
How to Reach:
The easiest option to start this trip is by either reaching the Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in Siliguri (West Bengal). Both are very well connected with the major cities all over India, as it serves as a major gateway to North-East India.
Included
- Breakfast (from Day 2 to Last Day as per itinerary)
- Vehicle: Hatchback/ SUV (Depending Upon group Size).
- Accommodation in Standard Hotel (Customization Possible on Request).
- Permits, Tolls, Fuel charges, parking charges.
- Driver Allowances.
- Highly experienced driver.
Itinerary
- Upon arrival at the Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station, board a hassle-free transfer to Gangtok.
- Don’t forget to capture the picturesque views of the mighty Teesta River on the way.
- Upon reaching Gangtok, check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- In the evening, you can visit the MG Marg of Gangtok where you can collect souvenirs and treat your taste buds with authentic Sikkimese cuisine.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtok.
- After a tasty breakfast in the morning, get ready to visit some beautiful locations around Gangtok.
- Begin by visiting the famous glaciated lake - Tsomgo Lake aka Changu Lake which was used to predict the future by the Buddhist monk depending upon its changing colours.
- Following this, you will visit the famous shrine of the Baba Mandir where it is believed that his spirit protects every soldier in the inhospitable high-altitude terrain of the Eastern Himalayas.
- Later, you can also visit Nathula Pass* (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) which is one of the most crucial passes on the crossroads of the India-China border (at an additional cost).
- Later, return back to Gangtok for an overnight stay.
Note: The cost to visit Nathula Pass is dynamic according to the season (4000/- to 9000/-) and has to be paid on the ground.
- After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable transfer from Gangtok to Pelling via Ravangla OR Namchi.
- On the way, stop by Buddha Park in Ravangla to witness the 130 ft. High Shakyamuni Buddha Statue backed by scenic Himalayan ranges.
- OR visit the Namchi Chardham and witness the 108 ft. High Statue of Lord Shiva encircled by the replicas of Chardham, which are situated in India at four different places, in East as Jagannath, West as Dwarika, South as Rameshwaram, and North as Badrinath.
- As you drive towards Pelling witness the beauty of the Kanchenjunga Ranges throughout your journey.
- Upon reaching, check-in to the hotel and rest for the day.
- Overnight stay in Pelling.
- After a hearty breakfast, indulge in an immersive City tour of Pelling.
- Start off by visiting the sacred Khecheopalri Lake which is also known as the wish-fulfilling lake and has religious significance in both Hindu and Buddhist folklore.
- Later, seek blessings of the local deities by visiting the the Khecheopalri Monastery and Pemayangtse Monastery.
- Spend some time in nature as you visit some of the most scenic waterfalls like Rimbi Waterfalls and the Kanchenjunga Waterfall.
- Visit the Rabdentse Ruins to know about the glorious history of Sikkim.
- Depending on the remaining time you will also visit some other sightseeing places like Bird Sanctuary, Darap Valley, Helipad Ground & Rimbi Orange Garden.
- Return back to the hotel, after a day full of sightseeing.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Pelling.
- After having a flavorful breakfast, you will start from Pelling to Darjeeling.
- Travel through the trails decorated with the magical views of the Himalayas and the adjoining valleys and don’t forget to capture the amazing snow-covered peaks lined with aromatic Tea Gardens.
- Reach Darjeeling and check-in to the hotel, and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
- You can also explore the bustling Mall Road in Darjeeling and buy some unique souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Darjeeling.
- Kick-off your day at around 4 AM for an amazing experience.
- Climb up to the top of Tiger Hill to catch the sunrise casting lights on Mt. Kanchenjunga and adjoining peaks.
- Have your breakfast after this and then proceed for further sightseeing.
- Visit the famous Batasia Loop (Army Memorial), which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Darjeeling hill station lined with Himalayan peaks.
- Embrace the spiritual side of Darjeeling by visiting the Ghoom Monastery that houses a 15-foot high Maitreya Buddha statue (made from the clay bought from Tibet).
- Head out to explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Thursday closed) and the Tenzing rock to know the history of mountaineering in India.
- Following this visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Thursday closed) to get a glimpse of the Red Pandas (endangered specie).
- Take a stroll through the lush Tea Estates to understand the production of the best quality tea, popular all over the world.
- Later visit the Japanese Temple and the adjoining Peace Pagoda that showcases 4 avatars of Lord Buddha and offers scenic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga range.
- Conclude by visiting the Tibetan Refugee Centre where you can shop Tibetan handicrafts that are produced by the locals there.
- Return back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Darjeeling.
- After having a hearty breakfast, check out from the hotel and then board your vehicle to reach NJP Station/ Bagdogra Airport (IXB).
- Your tour concludes once you are dropped at the airport/ railway station for your onwards journey.
- It’s now time to head back home with a plethora of good memories.
Standard tour
Transfers: Private transfers for sightseeing
Pick Up and Drop from the Airport/ Railway Station
Meals: Breakfast (from Day 2 to Last Day as per itinerary)
(Get in touch with our destination expert to update your meal plan)
Stay: Comfortable Stay on a double or triple-sharing basis in hygienic and sanitized hotels.
Gangtok : Hotel Coral Inn / Hotel Innori / Nxgen Nostalgia / Similar
Pelling: Delight The Touristo /Norling retreat/ Hotel Swagat/Heruka Pelling / Similar
Darjeeling: Hotel Aliment / Hotel Wind Horse / Hotel Highland Inn / Sala Trees / Similar
Permits: All Required Permits
Driver: An experienced driver will accompany you during the tour.
Sightseeing: Sightseeing in a comfortable and sanitized vehicle as per the itinerary.
Deluxe
Transfers: Private transfers for sightseeing
Pick Up and Drop from the Airport/ Railway Station
Meals: Breakfast (from Day 2 to Last Day as per itinerary)
(Get in touch with our destination expert to update your meal plan)
Stay: Comfortable Stay on a double or triple-sharing basis in hygienic and sanitized hotels.
Gangtok : Mansarovar Hotel & Banquet / Palri Boutique / Mandarava A Boutique Hotel/Kunden village / Similar
Pelling : Sonamchen/ Green Leaf Resort / The Pelling Resort / Daksha pelling nest / Similar
Darjeeling : Wonder Woods / New Mandala / Golden Dolma / Similar
Permits: All Required Permits
Driver: An experienced driver will accompany you during the tour.
Sightseeing: Sightseeing in a comfortable and sanitized vehicle as per the itinerary.
Super Deluxe
Transfers: Private transfers for sightseeing
Pick Up and Drop from the Airport/ Railway Station
Meals: Breakfast (from Day 2 to Last Day as per itinerary)
(Get in touch with our destination expert to update your meal plan)
Stay: Comfortable Stay on a double or triple-sharing basis in hygienic and sanitized hotels.
Gangtok : Udaan Woodberry / Northstar/ Alaya resort/ Treenz / Similar
Pelling : Udaan Olive Resort and Spa / Palpasa Resort / Magpie Pachu Village / Similar
Darjeeling : Udaan Nirvana / Sumi Vista / Sanderling Resorts & Spa / Similar
Permits: All Required Permits
Driver: An experienced driver will accompany you during the tour.
Sightseeing: Sightseeing in a comfortable and sanitized vehicle as per the itinerary.
More about Details For the tours
• GST is applicable to the package and not mentioned in the above cost.
• Air Fare / Train fare /Bus fare are not included in the package.
• The travelers will have to take care of their international airfare, visa fees, airport tax or any kind of insurance cover.
• Pick up from the airport is only between 05:00 AM to 07:00 PM as it becomes unsafe for travel on the outskirts. Beyond these timings, you are advised to let Caravan Hospitality POC know before booking if you are arriving after 7 PM in Siliguri so that Caravan Hospitality can rearrange your Itinerary accordingly as you might have to stay in Siliguri itself.
• Govt. Approved Photo ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of booking (to acquire necessary permits), and also upon arrival. PAN card and Driving License will not be considered as a valid address proof.
• There is no governing authority (HRACC) to decide the star category of the hotels. Hence, the standards of the room will not be the same as TIER-I/II Cities.
• By default, we arrange a standard category room while booking unless you specify to receive a different (upgraded) category of rooms for your stay requirements.
• In case of triple sharing rooms, extra mattresses will be provided at the assigned property. Due to infrastructure limitations in the region the rooms in the North-East come with very basic and necessary amenities only.
• Senior citizens and travelers younger than 4 years are not recommended to go to Gurudongmar Lake because of low oxygen levels. Permits for the infant under 2 years of age are not granted by North Sikkim tourism. That means if you have an infant traveling with you, you’ll not be allowed to go to North Sikkim.
• As per North East guidelines, vehicles are available on point to point basis only (not on disposal), any deviation in the itinerary would cost an additional amount (unless any issue occurs such as bad weather, Political/social disturbances, roadblocks, VVIP movements & state transport rule prohibition). Before changing the itinerary, you are free to consult with us for the charges.
• The charges for Nathu La Pass are not included in the package as this is a restricted area and special permits are required to visit the same. Permits are granted only between Wednesday and Sunday and can be canceled anytime for security reasons or weather conditions. Very limited number of vehicles are granted permits for Nathu La therefore the same are subject to availability and are never guaranteed in advance. Thus, you are required to pay the same on spot, depending on the real time conditions. (Applicable even if Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir are included in the package).
• Nathu La Pass can be added at an extra cost of INR 4000/- to INR 9000/- per vehicle, depending on the season and availability.
• Mt. Katao, Kalapathar, Chopta Valley and Zero Point (in North Sikkim) can be added at an extra cost of INR 4000/- to INR 9000/- per vehicle per spot, depending on the season. Visiting these spots are subject to availability of permits that are mandatory (for both Indian and Foreign Nationals).
• Caravan Hospitality does not recommend Sumo/ Bolero for its travelers as these vehicles are not allowed in the main market areas of Sikkim. However, if you choose these vehicles then you’ll be dropped at/ picked up from the nearest possible location. You might have to walk or take a union cab (at your own expense) to reach the hotel/ the pickup point.
• During season time the vehicle may get delayed during pickup/ drop due to heavy traffic, bad weather, political/ social disturbances, roadblocks, VVIP movements & state transport rule prohibition. Customer discretion is advised.
• Due to power shortages in the state, the government does not allow travelers to use electric room heaters. Also, it is possible that hotels may usually not have room heaters installed. However, in some hotels room heaters may be available on a chargeable basis (subject to availability).
• As per state guidelines, travelers wearing a turban are not allowed in Lachen.
• Foreign Nationals are not allowed to visit Lachen, Baba Mandir & Nathula Pass as per state authority due to security reasons. Foreign Nationals in groups of 2 or above will be allowed to visit Lachung & Tsomgo Lake with an Indian Guide (Mandatory). However, Foreign Nationals traveling solo are not granted permits to visit any part of North Sikkim.
• Foreign National with Indian Spouse will be considered as a solo traveler unless the spouse also has an OCI Card.
• If your permit for North Sikkim is canceled/ not issued due to adverse weather conditions/ political dispute, etc., Thrillophilia will arrange alternate sightseeing for the travelers safety. In such cases, cost of alternative accommodation needs to be borne by the customer as the pre-booked hotels execute their cancellation policies & are non-refundable. The same policy applies when you book the hotels yourself as well.
• Heavy rain falls are observed between June – September & real time itinerary changes are possible in case of road blocks due to landslides or any other natural calamity.
• Any change in the itinerary is subject to weather conditions, political manifestations, and government restrictions, etc. Caravan Hospitality & on Ground Operators reserve the right to rearrange the itinerary in such cases.
• Any sightseeing point which is not completed due to time constraints, traffic jams, natural calamity, travelers starting late, permits issued late or any other reason beyond Caravan Hospitality control are not liable for a refund or a discount.
• The entire tour passes through eco-friendly zones and littering is prohibited. Any traveller found guilty might have to face strict charges by the local law enforcing authorities.
• Any Health Guidelines issued by the State-Government are to be followed. Social distancing to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitization and use of masks is recommended.
• It is advised that the travelers do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during the tour as it may cause respiratory problems or dehydration at high altitudes which can lead to serious health conditions and can be fatal as there are limited medical facilities in remote locations.
