Day-wise Itinerary: Gangtok 3N – Darjeeling 2N (6 Days)
Embark on a mesmerizing 6-day Sikkim Darjeeling package, exploring the enchanting landscapes of Gangtok and Darjeeling. This itinerary includes a Gangtok sightseeing tour, a Tsomgo Lake excursion, a Darjeeling hill station tour, and a Tiger Hill sunrise, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure in the Eastern Himalayas.
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Gangtok – May 21, 2025
Begin your journey with a warm welcome at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, followed by a scenic transfer to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Key activities include:
- Arrival & Welcome: Our representative will receive you at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport (IXB) and assist with your transfer to Gangtok, a 4-5 hour drive through picturesque landscapes.
- About Gangtok: Nestled at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet), Gangtok is Sikkim’s capital, renowned for its tranquility, monasteries, mystic rituals, and vibrant festivals—a must-visit spot in India.
- Check-in & Relax: Check into your hotel in Gangtok and spend the evening unwinding, acclimatizing to the hill station’s serene ambiance.
Enjoy an overnight stay in Gangtok, ready to explore the wonders of Sikkim.
Day 2: Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir (Nathula Pass Optional) – May 22, 2025
Embark on a breathtaking excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir, with an optional visit to Nathula Pass, immersing yourself in Sikkim’s natural and spiritual beauty. Key activities include:
- Morning Drive: After breakfast, set out for a 2-hour drive (40 km) to Tsomgo Lake, situated at an elevation of 3,753 meters (12,310 feet).
- Tsomgo Lake Excursion: Admire this oval-shaped glacial lake, nearly 50 feet deep, often covered in snow for most of the year. It’s home to Brahminy ducks and migratory birds, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir: Continue 12 km further to visit this revered shrine dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, a soldier whose spirit is believed to protect the border, located near the Indo-China border.
- Nathula Pass (Optional): Optionally, extend your journey to Nathula Pass (additional permit required, subject to availability), a historic mountain pass at 4,310 meters (14,140 feet) on the Indo-China border, offering panoramic views (extra charges apply).
- Evening in Gangtok: Return to Gangtok and spend the evening exploring M.G. Road (Mall) or the local shopping center, perfect for souvenirs like thangkas, prayer flags, and Sikkimese tea.
Weather Note: In case of bad weather, landslides, or political movements, if Tsomgo Lake is closed (as per STDC), alternate sightseeing options like Enchey Monastery or Rumtek Monastery will be provided.
Enjoy an overnight stay in Gangtok, filled with memories of the day’s high-altitude adventure.
Day 3: Gangtok Local Sightseeing – May 23, 2025
Discover the cultural and natural gems of Gangtok with a full-day Gangtok sightseeing tour, visiting iconic landmarks and scenic spots. Key activities include:
- Tashi View Point: Start your day with panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range, one of the best sunrise spots in Gangtok.
- Ganesh Tok & Hanuman Tok: Visit these sacred hilltop temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman, offering stunning views of Gangtok city and the surrounding Himalayas.
- Flower Show: Explore the Flower Exhibition Centre, showcasing Sikkim’s vibrant flora, including orchids, rhododendrons, and seasonal blooms.
- Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom: Visit this cultural center (closed on Sundays) to witness traditional Sikkimese crafts like thangka paintings, carpets, and wood carvings, with an opportunity to buy authentic souvenirs.
- Dro-Dul Chorten: Explore this significant Buddhist stupa, built in 1945, surrounded by 108 prayer wheels, a peaceful spot for reflection.
- Bakthang Falls: Admire this scenic waterfall, a serene spot surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
- Gunjan Monastery: Visit this lesser-known monastery, offering a tranquil escape and insights into Buddhist practices and architecture.
Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Gangtok, reflecting on the day’s cultural and natural exploration.
Day 4: Gangtok to Darjeeling Transfer – May 24, 2025
Leave Gangtok for Darjeeling, another gem in the Eastern Himalayas, known for its tea estates and colonial charm. Key activities include:
- Scenic Transfer: After breakfast, embark on a 4-5 hour drive (97 km) from Gangtok to Darjeeling, enjoying scenic views of the Teesta River, rolling hills, and tea gardens along the way.
- Arrival in Darjeeling: Arrive in Darjeeling, known as the “Queen of Hills,” nestled at 2,050 meters (6,710 feet), famous for its Darjeeling tea and views of the Kanchenjunga peak.
- Check-in & Relax: Check into your hotel in Darjeeling and spend the evening unwinding, preparing for the next day’s adventures.
Day 5: Darjeeling Sightseeing Tour – May 25, 2025
Immerse yourself in the charm of Darjeeling with a full-day Darjeeling hill station tour, including a Tiger Hill sunrise and visits to iconic landmarks. Key activities include:
- Tiger Hill Sunrise: Wake up early at 4:00 AM to visit Tiger Hill (subject to permit/token availability) for a spectacular sunrise view over the Kanchenjunga mountain range, a highlight of your Darjeeling trip.
- Return & Breakfast: Return to your hotel for breakfast, recharging for the day’s sightseeing starting at 8:30 AM.
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Visit this institute, established in 1954, showcasing mountaineering history, equipment, and exhibits on Everest expeditions.
- P.N. Zoological Park: Explore this zoo (closed on Thursdays), home to Himalayan wildlife like snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan black bears, set amidst natural surroundings.
- Tenzing Rock: Visit this natural rock formation, named after Tenzing Norgay, used for rock climbing training by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
- Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre: Discover this center (closed on Sundays), established in 1959, where Tibetan refugees produce and sell handicrafts like carpets, woolens, and thangkas, supporting their community.
- Tea Garden (Outer View): Drive past a Darjeeling tea estate, witnessing the lush green plantations that produce the world-famous Darjeeling tea, known as the “Champagne of Teas.”
- Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda: Visit this serene Buddhist temple and the nearby Peace Pagoda, built by the Nipponzan Myohoji organization, symbolizing peace and offering panoramic views of Darjeeling.
- Ghoom Monastery: Explore this historic monastery, also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, built in 1850, housing a 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha and ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
- Evening at Leisure: Spend the evening free for shopping at Darjeeling’s markets, picking up Darjeeling tea, handicrafts, or woolens, or simply relaxing at leisure.
Enjoy an overnight stay in Darjeeling, filled with memories of the day’s scenic and cultural exploration.
Day 6: Darjeeling to NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport – May 26, 2025
Conclude your Sikkim-Darjeeling journey with a scenic transfer back to NJP or Bagdogra for your onward travel. Key activities include:
- Early Checkout: After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel in Darjeeling and prepare for your departure.
- Transfer to NJP/IXB: Embark on a 3-4 hour drive to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport (IXB), enjoying final views of the Eastern Himalayas along the way.
Conclude your Sikkim Darjeeling package with happy memories of Gangtok’s mystic charm and Darjeeling’s colonial allure, taking home unforgettable experiences of the Eastern Himalayas.
Ready to explore more Himalayan wonders? Check out our Himalayan tour packages for your next adventure!
