DARJEELING: Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breath-taking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow-capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.
GANGTOK: At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid-19th century and has undergone rapid development since then. The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
Bagdogra/NJP –Darjeeling 93 kms 3 hours approx
Assistance at the airport/station on arrival and drive to Darjeeling.
Overnight at hotel.
Darjeeling
Early morning visit Tiger Hill (Subject to availability of Coupon) to see a beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colours just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden.
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for city tour visiting Himalayan Mountaineering Institute(closed on Thursday) which was started by Tenzing Norgay after he climbed Mt. Everest, Zoological Park(closed on Thursday), Tenzing Rock, Gombu Rock, Tea Estate(from outside), Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda.
Overnight at hotel.
Darjeeling – Gangtok 98 kms 4 hours approx.
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Gangtok
Later proceed for half day sightseeing in Gangtok visiting Flower Show, Handicraft, Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten.
Overnight at hotel.
Gangtok
Breakfast at the hotel and full day excursion to Changu Lake which is 35 Kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400 feet. The lake derives its waters from melting snows off the surrounding mountains Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying the colour of the lake’s waters.
Also visit New Baba Mandir
Overnight at hotel.
Gangtok – Bagdogra/NJP 125 kms 4 hours approx.
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra/NJP in time for flight/train to onward destination.