Day 1: Arrival at Bagdogra Airport – Transfer to Darjeeling

Overnight: Darjeeling

Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport, meet your driver and begin the scenic journey to Darjeeling. The road gradually climbs through forested hills, tea plantations and picturesque mountain settlements. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax after the journey.

In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around Chowrasta and Mall Road, where you can explore local shops, cafés and the charming atmosphere of this famous Himalayan hill station.

Approximate transfer time: 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Day 2: Darjeeling – Tiger Hill, Ghoom and Local Sightseeing

Overnight: Darjeeling

Start early in the morning with an excursion to Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise over the Himalayan peaks. On clear days, the first rays of sunlight illuminate Kanchenjunga, creating a memorable mountain panorama.

Return via Ghoom, one of the highest railway stations on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway route. Visit the historic Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop, a beautifully landscaped railway loop with mountain views and a war memorial.

After breakfast, continue exploring Darjeeling’s tea gardens, traditional markets and colonial-era surroundings. The remainder of the day can be spent enjoying the peaceful hill-town atmosphere.

Day 3: Darjeeling – Tea Gardens and Cultural Experiences

Overnight: Darjeeling

Enjoy a relaxed day discovering more of Darjeeling’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visit a local tea estate, learn about the cultivation and processing of Darjeeling tea, and enjoy the surrounding green slopes.

Depending on opening hours and personal interests, you may visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park or a Tibetan handicraft centre. A ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway can also be arranged, subject to availability.

Spend the evening at leisure, sampling local cuisine or enjoying the mountain views from your hotel.

Day 4: Darjeeling – Pemayangtse – Pelling

Overnight: Pelling

After breakfast, depart for Pelling in western Sikkim. Enjoy a scenic drive through mountain roads, forested slopes and traditional settlements before arriving in this peaceful Himalayan destination.

Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim’s important Buddhist monasteries, known for its spiritual significance, traditional architecture and intricate religious artwork. The monastery offers a wonderful introduction to the region’s Buddhist heritage.

After sightseeing, check in to your hotel in Pelling. If the weather is clear, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Kanchenjunga range.

Day 5: Explore Pelling and Its Himalayan Surroundings

Overnight: Pelling

Spend the day discovering the beautiful surroundings of Pelling. Begin with scenic viewpoints overlooking the Himalayan range, followed by visits to selected local attractions according to road conditions and available time.

You may explore the historic Rabdentse ruins, the remains of an ancient Sikkimese royal capital, and enjoy walks through forested paths and traditional villages. Other possible excursions include Khecheopalri Lake and nearby waterfalls, depending on the day’s schedule.

Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening surrounded by the tranquillity of the mountains.

Day 6: Pelling – Tashiding – Gangtok

Overnight: Gangtok

After breakfast, travel towards Tashiding, an important spiritual destination in Sikkim. Visit Tashiding Monastery, renowned for its sacred Buddhist traditions, peaceful surroundings and elevated setting among forested hills.

Take time to appreciate the monastery’s religious atmosphere and the surrounding landscape before continuing towards Gangtok. The journey passes through scenic valleys, villages and winding mountain roads.

On arrival in Gangtok, check in to your hotel and relax. In the evening, explore MG Marg, the city’s popular pedestrian street, with its cafés, restaurants and local shops.

Day 7: Gangtok – Enchey Monastery and City Highlights

Overnight: Gangtok

After breakfast, begin a sightseeing tour of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Visit Enchey Monastery, a peaceful Buddhist centre situated on a hillside above the city. Its colourful prayer flags, traditional architecture and spiritual atmosphere make it an important cultural landmark.

Continue to selected city attractions, which may include Do Drul Chorten, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and viewpoints overlooking the surrounding valleys. The exact sightseeing order can be adjusted to opening hours and local conditions.

Spend the evening exploring MG Marg or enjoying a traditional Sikkimese meal.

Day 8: Gangtok – Phodong Valley and Monastery Excursion

Overnight: Gangtok

Today, head north from Gangtok towards Phodong Valley, an area known for its peaceful mountain landscapes, traditional settlements and Buddhist heritage.

Visit Phodong Monastery, an important religious centre associated with the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Explore its courtyards and religious artwork, while learning about the spiritual practices and cultural traditions of Sikkim.

Enjoy the scenery along the mountain road, with opportunities to stop at suitable viewpoints and local villages where permitted. Return to Gangtok in the afternoon or early evening.

Note: Phodong is also spelled Phudong in some travel references. Sightseeing depends on road access and local conditions.

Day 9: Gangtok – Rumtek Monastery and Surrounding Countryside

Overnight: Gangtok

After breakfast, drive to Rumtek Monastery, one of the most prominent Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim. The monastery complex is celebrated for its traditional Tibetan-style architecture, religious murals, prayer halls and peaceful mountain setting.

Spend time exploring the complex where access is permitted and learning about its importance in the Kagyu Buddhist tradition. The surrounding countryside offers a glimpse of everyday life beyond the busy streets of Gangtok.

Return to the city later in the day. The evening is free for shopping, dining or relaxing at your hotel.

Day 10: Gangtok – Kalimpong

Overnight: Kalimpong

After breakfast, depart for Kalimpong, a charming hill town known for its pleasant climate, historic monasteries, flower nurseries and Himalayan scenery.

The drive descends through beautiful mountain landscapes and follows sections of the Teesta River valley before climbing towards Kalimpong. On arrival, check in to your hotel and begin exploring the town.

Depending on arrival time, visit local markets, a Buddhist monastery or a scenic viewpoint. Kalimpong’s blend of Himalayan, Tibetan, Nepali and Bengali influences makes it a distinctive destination within the region.

Day 11: Kalimpong Sightseeing and Cultural Exploration

Overnight: Kalimpong

Enjoy a full day exploring Kalimpong and its scenic surroundings. Visit Durpin Monastery, also known as Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, an important Buddhist site offering attractive views of the surrounding hills.

Continue to Deolo Hill, a popular viewpoint overlooking Kalimpong and the valleys beyond. If time permits, explore local flower nurseries, traditional markets and historic churches, or visit a handicraft centre to learn about regional traditions.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and mountain scenery before your final night in the Eastern Himalayas.

Day 12: Kalimpong – Bagdogra Airport Departure

Tour concludes

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer by road to Bagdogra Airport for your onward flight.

Enjoy the final views of the Himalayan foothills and the Teesta River valley along the way. Your 12-day journey through Darjeeling, Sikkim and Kalimpong concludes with memories of mountain landscapes, Buddhist heritage, tea gardens and the warm hospitality of the Eastern Himalayas.