Offers

Best of Sikkim - Darjeeling with Kalimpong(7 Nights)

Bagdogra, Gangtok, Pelling, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Bagdogra

for Family Traveller, Honeymooner

Holiday Overview

Himalayan Zoological Park Darjeeling
Himalayan Zoological Park Darjeeling
Himalayan Zoological Park Darjeeling (Nivalink Trip Dated - 26 March 2010)
Tea Estate
Ghoom Monastery
Hanging Bridge
Tiger Hill
Darjeeling Heritage Train (Photo Courtesy: Mjanich)
Pemayangtse Monastery
Khecheopalri Lake
Views
Views
Dubdi Monastery (Photo Courtesy: Kothanda Srinivasan)
Tashiding Monastery (Photo Courtesy: walter callens)
Nathula Pass Views
Nathula Pass Parking
Tsongmo Lake
Enchey Monastery (Photo Courtesy: Kothanda Srinivasan)
Phensang Monastery (Photo Courtesy: walter callens)
View from Ganesh Tok Point (Photo Courtesy: Kailas98)
River Teesta near Kalimpong
Kalimpong Views
Kalimpong Views
Deolo Hill (Photo Courtesy: Nichalp)

This is a week long itinerary covering one major destination of West Bengal and three major destinations of Sikkim sector i.e. Darjeeling, Pelling and Gangtok along with Kalimpong.

Route

Gangtok(2) - Pelling(2) - Kalimpong(1) - Darjeeling(2)

Summarised Itinerary
  • Day-1 Arrival at Gangtok and Rumtek Visit
  • Day-2 Ex-Gangtok - Tshangu Lake visit and Baba Mandir excursion
  • Day-3 Gangtok - Pelling transfer. Visit to Pemayangtse Monastery etc
  • Day-4 Ex-Pelling - Darap Village, Khecheopalri Lake and Yuksom Visit
  • Day-5 Transfer to Kalimpong
  • Day-6 Kalimpong - Darjeeling transfer and Local Darjeeling Sightseeing
  • Day-7 Ex-Darjeeling - Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery and Local Visits
  • Day-8 Departure
Sightseeing Summary

Darjeeling - Peace Pagoda Darjeeling (1.20 kms), Himalayan Zoological Park Darjeeling (5.00 kms), Mountaineering Institute Darjeeling (5.00 kms), Batasia Loop (5.00 kms), Ghoom Monastery (8.00 kms), Tiger Hill (12.00 kms), Pasupati Nagar Border Market (58.00 kms)

Gangtok - Flower Nursery and Exhibition Centre (1.00 kms), Namgyal institute of Tibetology (3.00 kms), Ban Jhakri Falls (10.00 kms), Dro-dul Chorten (11.00 kms), Baba Mandir (42.00 kms), Tsongmo Lake (44.00 kms)

Kalimpong - Durbin Dara and Monastery (5.00 kms), Deolo Hill / Dr Graham's Home (10.00 kms)

Pelling - Rimbi Waterfall (12.00 kms), Darap Village (17.00 kms), Kanchenjunga Waterfall (25.00 kms), Khecheopalri Lake (34.00 kms), Yuksom (40.00 kms)

Preferred Arrival /Departure Destination
Arrival - Bagdogra Departure - Bagdogra
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Popular Extensions to the Itinerary

A small detour on Kalimpong - Gangtok route would cover Samdruptse which is home to two of the tallest and most imposing statues of Guru Padmasambhava and Lord Shiva. Guests looking for a comprehensive coverage of the destinations or relaxed pace of

Distances
  • Bagdogra to Gangtok -121 kms (4 hrs)
  • Gangtok to Pelling -110 kms (4 hrs)
  • Pelling to Kalimpong -40 kms (1.5 hrs)
  • Kalimpong to Darjeeling -51 kms (1.5 hrs)
  • Darjeeling to Bagdogra -66 kms (2.5 hrs)
Route

Bagdogra - Gangtok(2) - Pelling(2) - Kalimpong(1) - Darjeeling(2) - Bagdogra

Detailed Itinerary

Day-1 Arrival at Gangtok and Rumtek Visit Arrive Gangtok (5000 + ft asl) by afternoon. Gangtok is capital of Sikkim and a popular tourist destination. Given time visit Rumtek monastery (16th Century and one of the most significant in Sikkim) in the evening.

Day-2 Ex-Gangtok - Tshangu Lake visit and Baba Mandir excursion Here one can either undertake an excursion to Baba Mandir, Tshangu High Altitude Lake, Optional - Nathu-la Pass Indo Tibetan Border (Closed on Mon, Tue) which offers most scenic beauty but is a bit strenuous and adventurous in terms of drives OR can do a leisurely local visits to Rumtek Monastery (If not visited on day 1), Enchey Monastery, local temples, and view points. Both can take a little more than half a day. Rest of the day one can visit local markets for shopping or just relax.

Day-3 Gangtok - Pelling transfer. Visit to Pemayangtse Monastery etc Proceed to Pelling (6000+ ft asl, 112 kms - 4 hrs). Evening visit to Pemayangtse Monastery (One of the oldest and most significant monastery), Rimbi Water fall, Sangachoeling Monastery etc.

Day-4 Ex-Pelling - Darap Village, Khecheopalri Lake and Yuksom Visit After breakfast visit to Darap Village (Experiential village), Khecheopalri Lake (29 kms), Further drive to Yuksom (the meeting place of three monks) - the first capital of Sikkim. If time permitting can also visit Kaluk (26 km from Pelling and is prominently recognised for Bersay Rhadodendron Sanctuary).

Day-5 Transfer to Kalimpong Arrive Kalimpong and Relax for the rest of the day or enjoy the white water rafting in teesta OR can visit Dello hills, Dr. Graham’s Home, Flower Nurseries, Jang – Dong - Palriffo Brang and Durbin Dara Hills.

Day-6 Kalimpong - Darjeeling transfer and Local Darjeeling Sightseeing Proceed to Darjeeling (7000+ ft asl - 49.1 kms - 1 hr 45 mins), Darjeeling may feel crowded and cramped but is renowned for its close range Himalayan views (Oct - Mar) and tea plantations around. Evening one can make a visit to Himalayan Zoological Park & Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thur).

Day-7 Ex-Darjeeling - Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery and Local Visits Early morning visit to Tiger Hills to view sunrise over Kanchendzonga Peak (subject to clear weather). On way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop. After breakfast can proceed for Local Sightseeing like Japanese Temple, Tea Estate etc. Evening explore local markets around Chow Rasta (Mall Road).

Day-8 Departure  After breakfast, Depart for onward journey.

Detailed Sightseeing

Darjeeling :

  • Peace Pagoda Darjeeling - Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is located in Darjeeling and was built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii (1885-1985), a Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist Order.

  • Himalayan Zoological Park Darjeeling - Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (also called the Darjeeling Zoo) was opened in 1958, and is spread over 68 acres and is the largest high altitude zoo in India. It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions, and has successful captive breeding programs for the Snow leopard, the critically endangered Himalayan wolf and the Red panda. The zoo attracts a large number of visitors all round the year.

  • Mountaineering Institute Darjeeling - The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) was established in Darjeeling, India on November 4, 1954 to encourage mountaineering as an organized sport in India. HMI regularly conducts Adventure, Basic and Advanced Mountaineering courses at highly subsidised rates to encourage mountaineering as a sport. There is a museum there and a Tenzing Memorial with photographs and artefacts related to mountaineering and adventure sports.

  • Batasia Loop - The Batasia Loop (5 kms from Darjeeling) is a spiral railway created to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (List in UNESCO world heritage list). There is a memorial to the Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives after the Indian Independence in 1947. From the Batasia Loop one can get a panoramic views of Darjeeling town with the Kanchenjunga and other snow peaks in the back-drop.

  • Ghoom Monastery - Ghoom Monastery is the popular name of Yiga Choeling Monastery located at Ghoom at an elevation of 8,000 feet, 8 km from Darjeeling. 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. It was built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso. It is a popular visit option for all tourists.

  • Tiger Hill - Tiger hill near Ghoom is from where one gets the best views of Kanchenjunga. Best time to visit is early mornings or late evenings.

  • Pasupati Nagar Border Market - This border market with Nepal is a commercial center for trade in clothes, electronic and household goods.

Gangtok :

  • Flower Nursery and Exhibition Centre - A small nursery near town centre being home to many flowers and plant species. Orchids in Summer is an attraction (Apr - May).

  • Namgyal institute of Tibetology - Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a Tibet museum in Gangtok since 1958. The institute employs researchers and one of its research programs is a project which seeks to document and digitise the social history of Sikkims approximated 60 monasteries.

  • Ban Jhakri Falls - Banjhakri falls is a typical touristy spot in Sikkim having waterfalls with a height of about 40 ft at 10 kms from Gangtok.

  • Dro-dul Chorten - Dro-dul Chorten is a stupa in Gangtok. The stupa was built by Trulshik Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa, a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur relics (Holy Books) and other religious objects. Around the stupa are 108 prayer wheels.

  • Baba Mandir - Captain "Baba" Harbhajan Singh was an Indian army soldier who died near the Nathula Pass. He is revered by the soldiers of the Indian army, who have built a shrine in his honour. Baba Mandir is a popular tourist visit enroute Nathula Pass excursion.

  • Tsongmo Lake - Tsongmo Lake (Changu Lake) is a high altitude lake (12400 ft asl) enroute to Nathula Pass offering exceptional himalayan beauty.

Kalimpong :

  • Durbin Dara and Monastery - Durpin Dara (4200+ ft asl) is known for its River Teesta views and as an observatory point at 3 kms from Kalimpong. Durpin Dara, easily accessible by car, is the highest point in Kalimpong. Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Gompa (also referred to as Durpin monastery established in 1976) is located at Durpin dara hill.

  • Deolo Hill / Dr Graham's Home - Deolo Hill is the highest point in the area offering excellent views. Its a kind of quiet and nature centric place for honeymooners to spend some time. Located on the lower slopes of Deolo Hill, Dr Grahams home is an educational institution is sprawling over an area of 500 acres. In addition, the institution also houses farmhouse, bakery, dairy, poultry, hospital and clothing department.

Pelling :

  • Rimbi Waterfall - Rimbi waterfalls are located 12 kms from Pelling. Its a popular local hangout option and also for tourists.

  • Darap Village - Darap village is home of the local limboo tribe and offers guests a peek into cultural heritage of the community. The area is surrounded by exquisite beauty and therefore excellent for walking and experiential traveller.

  • Kanchenjunga Waterfall - Kanchenjunga waterfall is a popular perennial waterfall at 25 kms from Pelling via Sewaro Rock Garden. It takes a bit of a climb to reach foothills of the waterfall.

  • Khecheopalri Lake - Khecheopalri Lake is a sacred Lake for both Buddhists and Hindus located near Khecheopalri village at 34 kms from Pelling. The lake is an integral part of the much revered valley of "Demazong" and said to have been blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. The Khecheopalri Lake is also part of Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit involving the Yuksom, the Dubdi Monastery in Yuksom, Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, and the Tashiding Monastery. An interesting feature of the lake is that leaves are not allowed to float on the lake, which is ensured by the birds which industriously pick them up as soon as they drop into the lake surface.

  • Yuksom - Yuksom is a quiet but sprawling hamlet, 40 km north of the Pemayangtse Monastery. The area is renowned for its walks and is based point for trekking and mountaineering in the region. The area is also visited for Dubdi Monastery.

Destination Overview

Bagdogra - Bagdogra is visited for being a base point near Siliguri having an Airport from where guests access West Bengal Hills (Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Chalsa, Dooars etc.) and Sikkim (Gangtok, Pelling, North Sikkim etc).

Gangtok - The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is a popular hill station destination in the East. This small town, lies atop a ridge, at an altitude of 5,000 ft asl and home to some important monasteries. Gangtok is also the access point to visit higher remote areas of North sikkim.

Pelling - Pelling located in West Sikkim (6800 ft) is mainly for Himalayan views and monasteries, most notably being the Pemangyetse Monastery.

Kalimpong - Kalimpong is about Buddhist Monasteries, Hindu Temples, and Christian Churches. Flowers, Orchids and exotic flora, old colonial bungalows, scenic view points and snow peak views, (clearer in winter).

Darjeeling - Darjeeling (About 7000 ft) is a renowned British era hill station and has been visited for many a decades by tourists and is one of the popular tourist destinations. Darjeeling is internationally famous for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Access
Prefered Arrival : No ImageBagdogra
Prefered Departure : No ImageBagdograNo ImageSiliguri(14kms), Kurseong(38kms), Darjeeling(66kms)
Distances
  • Bagdogra to Gangtok -121 kms (4 hrs)
  • Gangtok to Pelling -110 kms (4 hrs)
  • Pelling to Kalimpong -40 kms (1.5 hrs)
  • Kalimpong to Darjeeling -51 kms (1.5 hrs)
  • Darjeeling to Bagdogra -66 kms (2.5 hrs)

Ready Cost estimate for this itinerary is not available.

However Nivalink would be able to readily offer a cost estimate or customise the itinerary as per specific requirements.

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Call 022-6150 6363 to speak to our travel planner or email hf14@nivalink.co.in to connect with our travel planner for details on the itinerary: Best of Sikkim - Darjeeling with Kalimpong.

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Travel Ideas incorporated in the itinerary

Gangtok Getaway

Gangtok (5000 ft) is the capital of Sikkim and an important point for visiting higher and more more

Pelling Getaway

Pelling is a stopover covered enroute from Darjeeling to Gangtok, especially in winter when the more

Kalimpong getaway

Kalimpong (4000 ft) is an all year destination. Kalimpong is about Buddhist Monasteries, Hindu more

Darjeeling getaway

Darjeeling (About 7000 ft) is a renowned British era hill station and has been visited for many a more

Lines indicate the best available driving routes.
Arrows indicate connectivity other than Road (e.g. Waterways or Air).
Please click on the markers for more detailed Information.

Distances
  • Bagdogra to Gangtok -121 kms (4 hrs)
  • Gangtok to Pelling -110 kms (4 hrs)
  • Pelling to Kalimpong -40 kms (1.5 hrs)
  • Kalimpong to Darjeeling -51 kms (1.5 hrs)
  • Darjeeling to Bagdogra -66 kms (2.5 hrs)

Expert Speak

This is best done in winter when one can enjoy close range Himalayan views. Guests looking for a comprehensive coverage of the destinations or relaxed pace of itinerary may opt for additional night at Gangtok and / or Darjeeling.

Expert Connect

Nivalink has taken over 300 trips across India and select destinations overseas over last 10 years to verify hotels, evaluate destinations and understand its suitability with different profiles of customers across different seasons.

At Nivalink you are able to connect directly with experts who have travelled to these destinations and are able to offer novel ideas, honest perspectives and help you narrow down choices.

Email to expert@nivalink.co.in to connect with sector expert for specific ideas and recommendations.

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