Tour Highlights
Itinerary
- Welcome to Sikkim, where your journey into the serene Eastern Himalayas begins. Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, you will be met and transferred to your vehicle for a scenic drive to Gangtok, the vibrant capital of Sikkim. The journey unfolds through winding mountain roads, lush valleys, and river landscapes, offering a beautiful introduction to the region.
- Alternatively, guests may also arrive via Pakyong Airport, located closer to Gangtok. Upon arrival in the city, check in to your hotel..
- Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the evening is at leisure allowing you to relax, settle in, or take a gentle walk to experience the calm rhythm of the mountains.
Travel Information:
• Road transfer from Bagdogra / NJP to Gangtok (125 km / 5 hrs)
Overnight: Hotel Elgin Norkhil or Similar
- After an early breakfast, set out on a scenic excursion along the historic Old Silk Route. Journey through winding mountain roads to reach Tsomgo Lake, one of India’s highest altitude lakes, nestled amidst dramatic Himalayan landscapes. The lake, revered in Buddhism, reflects the surrounding hills and carries a sense of quiet spirituality, with prayer flags and wheels adding to its serene charm.
- Continue further to Nathu La Pass, once a vital trading route between India and Tibet along the ancient Silk Route. Located at a high altitude, the pass offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and on a clear day, the historic trade route can be seen winding through the landscape.
- After this immersive high-altitude experience, return to Gangtok. In the evening, step out to explore the lively MG Marg and surrounding streets, where cafés, local shops, and a vibrant atmosphere offer a glimpse into the city’s culture all set against the distant presence of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Experiences:
• Excursion along the Old Silk Route
• Visit Tsomgo Lake
• Visit Nathu La Pass (subject to permits)
• Evening walk along MG Marg & local streets
Travel Information:
• Road excursion from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake & Nathu La Pass
Overnight: Hotel Elgin Norkhil or Similar
- After breakfast, depart Gangtok for a scenic and adventurous journey into North Sikkim, travelling towards the picturesque village of Lachung. Set amidst dramatic Himalayan landscapes, this region remains largely untouched, known for its raw natural beauty and cultural richness.
- Drive through the mountain towns of Mangan and Chungthang, often considered the last settlements before the remote northern frontier.
- Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and later set out on a guided village walk. Explore the heritage of Lachung through its traditional homes and architecture, some dating back over 300 years, offering insight into the region’s cultural roots and way of life.
- In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
EXPERIENCES:
• Journey through Mangan & Chungthang
• Explore North Sikkim landscapes
• Guided village walk in Lachung
TRAVEL INFORMATION:
• Road transfer from Gangtok to Lachung (109 km / 4.5 hrs)
Overnight: Hotel Yarlam Resort or similar
- Begin the day early with an adventurous excursion into the high Himalayas, driving towards the breathtaking Yumthang Valley, often referred to as the Valley of Flowers. Set at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters, this pristine landscape is home to one of India’s most beautiful rhododendron sanctuaries, where vibrant blooms carpet the valley during the spring season.
- Continue further towards Zero Point (subject to conditions), located near the Indo-China border, where the road ends and the high-altitude wilderness begins. Spend time soaking in the raw beauty and stillness of this remote region before returning to Lachung.
- The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings of the mountains.
Experience:
• Excursion to Yumthang Valley
• Rhododendron sanctuary visit (seasonal)
• Visit to Zero Point (subject to conditions)
• Scenic high-altitude Himalayan drive
Travel Information:
• Road excursion from Lachung to Yumthang & Zero Point (50 km / 2.5 hrs one way)
Overnight: Hotel Yarlam Resort or Similar
- After breakfast, depart Lachung and journey through scenic mountain landscapes towards South Sikkim, arriving at the Temi Tea Estate. This is the only government-owned tea estate in Sikkim, renowned for producing premium organic tea amidst rolling hills and lush greenery.
- En route, there is an optional visit to Rumtek Monastery (subject to time and additional cost), one of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim and the seat of the Karmapa Lama in Tibetan Buddhism.
- Upon arrival at Temi, check in to your charming British-style tea estate stay, surrounded by expansive tea gardens. The rest of the day is at leisure enjoy a walk through the plantations, unwind in the tranquil surroundings, or savour the delicate flavours of Temi’s first flush organic tea.
Optional Experience:
• Optional visit to Rumtek Monastery
• Tea tasting experience (optional)
Travel Information:
• Road transfer to Temi Tea Estate (120 km / 4–5 hrs)
Overnight: Temi Tea Estate or Similar
- Begin the day with a relaxed morning at the tea estate, soaking in the tranquil surroundings before continuing your journey towards Pelling in West Sikkim known as the second capital of Sikkim, Pelling holds deep historical and cultural significance, once serving as the seat of the royal palace and home to some of the region’s most important monasteries.
- En route, stop at Ravangla, a serene town often referred to as a spiritual hub of Sikkim. Visit Buddha Park, home to one of the largest Buddha statues in India, set against a backdrop of sweeping Himalayan views. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic setting make it a memorable pause along the journey.
- Continue onward to Pelling, a charming hill town offering breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to unwind or simply take in the majestic mountain vistas.
Ecperience:
• Visit to Ravangla & Buddha Park
Travel Information: Transfer from Temi Tea Estate to Pelling (~68 km / 3 hrs)
Overnight: Chumbi Mountain Retreat or Similar
- After breakfast, set out to explore the cultural and natural highlights of Pelling. Begin with a visit to Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred and wish-fulfilling lake nestled amidst forested hills revered as part of the hidden valley of Demazong, the lake holds deep spiritual significance and is believed to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.
- Continue to Rimbi Falls, where cascading waters flow into the Rimbi River, creating a scenic setting surrounded by lush landscapes. The journey then leads to India’s first Glass Skywalk, perched at an altitude of 7,200 feet. Overlooking the towering statue of Chenrezig, the skywalk offers sweeping views of the surrounding Himalayas along with glimpses of the Teesta and Rangit rivers below.
- After a brief stop at Darap Village, proceed to the historic Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Nearby lie the Rabdentse Ruins, once the second capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim, now offering a glimpse into the region’s royal past amidst serene surroundings.
- The evening is at leisure, allowing time to explore Pelling at your own pace or unwind while taking in the stunning mountain views.
Experiences:
• Visit to Khecheopalri Lake
• Rimbi Falls & scenic landscapes
• Glass Skywalk & Chenrezig statue
• Pemayangtse Monastery visit
• Rabdentse Ruins exploration
Travel Information:
• Local sightseeing in and around Pelling
Overnight: Chumbi Mountain Retreat or Similar
- After breakfast, begin your return journey to Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
- Guests may also choose to extend their journey with post-tour experiences, available on request.
TRAVEL INFORMATION:
• Road transfer to Bagdogra / NJP (160 km / 6 hrs)
Accommodation
Lemon Tree Hotel or Similar
Gangtok
KHANGRI KARPO RETREAT & SPA or Similar
Lachung
Temi Tea Bungalow or Similar
Temi
Norbu Ghang Retreat and Spa or Similar
Pelling
What's Included
Inclusions
The cost of accommodation for 7 Nights / 8 Days at the suggested hotels on a double occupancy basis.
Please note: if required, Anecdotes reserves the right to offer similar category hotels, and will advise the guests of any change.
All transport and vehicles as required per the itinerary. Transport will be provided in Innova or Xylo Vehicles (4 persons in each vehicle). Vehicle usage will be from point to point basis as per the itinerary.
Accompanying English-speaking guide services as per the itinerary.
- Exploring the Sikkimese heritage & culture in Gangtok
- Village walk exploring the architectural marvels of Lachung
- Day excursion to Yumthang & Zero Point
- Tea tasting & guided tea estate tour at Temi Tea Estate
- Brief stop at Ravangla to explore the town with the biggest Buddha Statue, en-route to Pelling
- Day of exploring Pelling - visiting Khecheopalri Lake, Rimbi Falls, skywalk, Pemayangtse Monastery & Rabdentse Ruins
- Entry Fees - The tour cost includes all entry fees and charges, as per the itinerary, assuming all Indian Nationals
- Permits- All permits for Lachung, Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass & Zero Point are included (all permits are subject to the discretion of the concerned authorities)
- Breakfast - On all days at the hotels
- Dinner - On all the days at the hotels
Please note, your personal concierge will be able to assist in coordinating any medical requirements or aid, if required, during the tour
Exclusions
- Taxes of 5% will be added to the presented per person cost
- All airfare and other travel arrangements to and from the destinations
- Meals as not mentioned in the above tour cost
- Any Optional activity
- The above proposal is applicable for Indian passport holders and foreign passport holders are available on request
- Beverages, alcohol, and non-alcoholic would be at the guest's own discretion
- Any additional services utilized at the hotel or items purchased during the tour
- In the event of any unforeseen medical requirements, the expenses would be at the guest's discretion
- Personal or medical insurance
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