Sikkim is India’s one of the loveliest destinations located in the Himalayas bordering the beautiful countries like Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet of China. Buddhism is the main religion in Sikkim. Due to its scenery, biodiversity and culture, it has become a very popular tourist destination in India and has the third-highest mount peak Kanchenjunga.
Sikkim has beautiful Buddhist monasteries, Serene lakes, gorgeous valleys, and glittering mountains. The most impressive thing of Sikkim is almost 25% of its part comes under Kanchenjunga National Park. It is the first organic state of India as it has completely implemented organic farming.
Darjeeling is among the most picturesque hill stations in India having tea gardens producing the finest tea in the world. It has got breathtaking pines, incredible orchids, and overwhelming rhododendrons. The charming Himalayan Train whistles the way through the Himalayas.
On arrival at Kolkata International Airport of Bengal, our representative will extend a grand reception.
After the welcome, you will be transferred with assistance to the hotel. He will also help you in check-in at the comfortable hotel.
Post breakfast take a full-day tour of Kolkata city. Begin with Victoria Memorial, situated in the center of Kolkata city; Victoria Memorial was constructed in memory of Queen Victoria. The edifice is a perfect example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style and it houses a variety of paintings and other displays that belong to the British period.
Later, visit other major attractions of the city – Pareshnath Jain Temple, Howrah Bridge, Mother Teresa House, and Dalhousie Square. Pareshnath Jain Temple is an intricately carved temple complex that is dedicated to 4 Jain Tirthankaras. The structural design of the temple is done by beautiful glass work and it also includes tremendously maintained fountains and gardens. Howrah Bridge is undoubtedly one of the iconic attractions in Kolkata.
Also referred to as Rabindra Setu, Howrah Bridge is a gigantic steel cantilever bridge. The bridge expands across River Hooghly and joins Howrah and Kolkata. Mother House is a Roman Catholic sacred congregation that was founded by Mother Teresa. At one part of the house, there is Mother Teresa’s Tomb as well as a display that depicts the various belongings of Mother Teresa. Dalhousie Square or B.B.D. Bagh (Benoy-Badal-Dinesh Bagh) is an example of British colonial architecture that serves as a political and commercial center of Eastern India.
Today after breakfast, fly to Bagdogra airport and then drive to Gangtok. On arrival at Gangtok, check-in to the hotel and take rest.
As the evening is for leisure, you can visit the local market to explore the local lifestyle and culture or try out local food items.
Gangtok is a divine and attractive hill station that houses an assortment of eye-striking monasteries.
Today, visit Gangtok and nearby places. Our day tour will begin with visiting two celebrated monasteries in Gangtok that are Enchey and Rumtek Monastery to start off your Gangtok tour on a religious note. The Enchey Monastery is believed to be constructed approximately 200 years ago and it symbols an essential work surface of Tibetan Buddhism’s Nyingma.
Renowned saint Lama Dhrupthob Karpo blessed this monastery. One of the noteworthy monasteries of the state, Rumtek Monastery or Dharma Chakra Centre is open for everyone and it holds remains of the 16th Karmapa. Green mountains enclose the monastery and it offers the spectacular sight of the entire Gangtok town.
Later visit Do Drul Chorten and Kagyu Headquarter. Built-in 1945, Do Drul Chorten is one of the vital stupas in Sikkim that encompasses about 108 prayer wheels (Mani Lhakor). The prayer wheels are carved with significant mantras that can be a hymn by revolving them. Kagyu is one amongst six key schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Today visit our famous monasteries near Gangtok, i.e. Phodong Monastery and Labrang Monastery. Located on the North Sikkim highway, Phodong Monastery is designed with striking paintings and it comprises a wealthy collection of antique murals.
The monastery belongs to the Karma Kagyu division of Tibetan Buddhism. Labrang Monastery is also a great example of ancient architecture.
Return to Gangtok in the evening.
After breakfast, get ready to drive to Pelling. En-route visit Ravangla that is renowned for its picturesque beauty and various old monasteries. While your stay you can visit Bonn and Ralang Monastery and from the historical market of Ravangla you can buy traditionally designed shawls and wooden carvings as a tour souvenir.
Later, visit Temi Tea Garden, which is a single tea garden in Sikkim that produces top-quality tea.
Afterwards, continue your drive to Pelling
Today take an excursion to Yuksom – the erstwhile capital of Sikkim. It is a meeting place of three monks.
En route visit Khechepari Lake, which is one of the most sacred mountain lakes for Buddhists and Hindus both and considered to be a wish accomplishing lake. The lake is an essential component of the well-regarded Demazong Valley.
In the morning, transfer to Darjeeling and on the way visit Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdangtse Ruins to get a feeling of calmness and spirituality. Built around 300 years ago, Pemayangtse Monastery offers the expression of the well-off architecture. The three-storied structure houses various sculptures of saints and Rinpoches along with several antique idols. The Rabdentse ruins are the fraction of Buddhist sacred pilgrimage route that includes ruins of the ancient palace and chortens.
Upon arrival at Darjeeling, make yourself comfortable in the hotel and enjoy the beauty of tea town.
Take a tour of the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre (TRSHC), located at Lebong hillside TRSHC is a Recuperation Centre for the Tibetan migrants. Later, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Everest Museum. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute conducts an assortment of adventure & mountaineering courses and Everest Museum outlines the history of endeavors on the highest peak of the World, Mt. Everest.
Also visit Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park – which is quite known for its thriving breeding programs of the Himalayan wolf, Red Panda, and Snow Leopard. After having lunch, board a toy train (An UNESCO World Heritage Site) to Ghoom (one of the highest elevation stations). Later take a tour of Ghoom Monastery. Ghoom Monastery is an ancient monastery which is about 7 km away from the town. The monastery is well-known for its colossal figurine of Maitreya Buddha (Lord Buddha).
Begin your day 10 tour by visiting the most beautiful peak point of Darjeeling, Tiger Hill. From here, you can see the attractiveness of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga peak and 3 other mountain peaks including Mt. Everest. If you want to see the real beauty of snow and sunrise, visit the place early in the morning. Tiger Hills is approx. Eleven km from Darjeeling city.
Later transfer to Bagdogra airport to board a flight to Kolkata. Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to the hotel for a relaxed overnight stay.
Post breakfast, our driver and representative will drop you at Kolkata Airport for onward journey.
Your mesmerizing Sikkim and Darjeeling tour will end here with great memories.
