Sikkim is the second smallest and least populous state of India, nestled in the Himalayas. The thumb-shaped state is characterized by wholly mountainous terrain. Almost the entire state is hilly, with an elevation ranging from 280 metres (920 ft) to 8,585 metres (28,000 ft). Kangchenjunga is the highest mountain point of Sikkim, it is also the third highest in World. Sikkim is always attracts visitors with its natural beauty. Its legendry mountains, landscape and monasteries are famous for tourist’s point of view. There have several magical mountain lakes.
After 45 minutes of flight takes you to Bhadrapur. You will be welcomed by our local representative at the airport and then, drive to Darjeeling. Darjeeling is a hilly destination of north east India and is about 150 km from Bhadrapur. On reaching, transfer to the hotel.
An early start (as early as 4am) is recommended for the visit to Tiger Hill, situated around 11 km from Darjeeling. It takes about an hour to reach this miniature plateau from which to view the sun's first rays breaking over mighty Kanchenjunga (8586m) and Mount Everest further into the distance (weather permits). Later, visit Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop. Ghoom Monastery or Ghoom Monastery is the popular name of Yiga Choeling Monastery located at Ghoom. It is 8 km far from Darjeeling city centre. The monastery follows the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. There is a 15-feet high statue of "Maitreya Buddha" (Coming Buddha) in the monastery. It contains images of Buddha’s disciples, Chenrezi and Chongapa. The Batasia Loop is a spiral railway created to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. There is also a memorial to the Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives after the Indian Independence in 1947.[1]. From the Batasia Loop one can get a panoramic view of Darjeeling town with the Kanchenjunga and other snowy mountains in the back-drop. At the end of the day, visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Zoo and Tibetan Self Help Center. Back to the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Kalimpong, which is around 85km drive through picturesque tea garden, especially the one at Peshok. Along the way, among other stop, we can stop at Triveni view point, to see the view of the confluence of Teesta and Rangeet rivers at a point that is known as Lover's Meet. On reaching, check in to the hotel. Visit the flower nurseries, Dr.Graham’s Homes, a well respected boarding school built in 1900s. Visit Trongsa Gompa or Bhutanese monastery and more time for stroll in the bazaar. Rest of the day free.
After breakfast, visit Durpin Dara for amazing views of the plains, and nearby you can visit Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa temple. Then, drive to Pemayangtse. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery in the afternoon.
After breakfast drive to Khechoperi Lake which is also known as the wishing lake, and is considered very sacred and no water sport or other activities besides prayer and worship are allowed around it. Later, visit Rabdantse Ruin. Rabdentse Ruins was the second capital of the past Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom and until the year 1814 AD. The state has been ruled by the king of Sikkim from this place. The ruinsis located very close to Pemayangste Monastery, west Sikkim. It is an archaeological site to be visited by all the people.
Post breakfast, drive Pemayangtse to Gangtok. Today, we will drive through Ravangla. In Ravangla one can visit the Bon - Pa Monastery founded by Tunpa Shenrab Miwoche, which is the only Bon – Pa Monastery in Sikkim. On reaching Gangtok, check in to the hotel. Later, visit Rumtek Monastery. . It is known as the world’s richest monastery and is home to the community of monks and where they perform the rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyulineage. A Golden Stupa contains the relics of the 16th Karmapa. Opposite that building is a college, Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies
Morning, visit Tsuklakhang Monastery (better known as Royal Monastery). The Royal Chapel of the Chogyals is the main centre for prayers with an assembly hall in the centre and large depository of Buddhist scriptures and literature and contains altars which are orated with Buddha, Bodhisattvas and Tantric deities. Tsukhalang Palace which served as a location for coronation, marriages and victory ceremonies among Sikkim royalty. Later, visit Cottage Industry, Research Institute of Tibetology.
Day free until departure transfer to the airport (Bagdogra / Bhadrapur Airport) for onward journey.