Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights

Destinations Covered: Darjeeling, Ghoom, Tiger Hill, Pemayangtse, Pelling, Tashiding, Gangtok, Phodong Valley, Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery and Kalimpong.

Detailed Day-Wise Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Bagdogra Airport – Transfer to Darjeeling

Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport, meet your driver and begin your scenic drive to Darjeeling, the famous Queen of the Hills. Enjoy beautiful views of green tea gardens, winding mountain roads, forested hills and small Himalayan settlements along the way. After reaching Darjeeling, check in to your hotel and relax after the journey. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along Mall Road or Chowrasta, explore local shops and experience the charming atmosphere of the hill town.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

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

Early in the morning, proceed to Tiger Hill to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayan mountain range. On a clear day, enjoy magnificent views of Mount Kanchenjunga illuminated by the first rays of sunlight.

Continue to Batasia Loop, known for its landscaped gardens and panoramic mountain views. Later, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tenzing Rock and a local tea estate, subject to opening hours. Spend the evening exploring Darjeeling’s cafés, markets and local handicraft shops.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Day 3: Darjeeling – Leisure and Scenic Exploration

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day exploring Darjeeling at your own pace. Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and views of the surrounding hills. Continue to the Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park, where you can admire landscaped gardens, streams and natural scenery, depending on road and weather conditions.

You may also visit a tea garden to learn about Darjeeling tea and enjoy the scenic plantation landscape. The remainder of the day is free for shopping, photography and enjoying the cool mountain atmosphere.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Day 4: Darjeeling – Transfer to Pelling via Scenic Himalayan Routes

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive towards Pelling in West Sikkim. Enjoy a picturesque journey through forested hills, mountain villages, tea-growing areas and river valleys. The drive offers opportunities to admire the changing Himalayan landscapes as you enter Sikkim.

Upon arrival in Pelling, check in to your hotel and relax. If time permits, enjoy a short walk around the local area and admire the beautiful views of the Kanchenjunga range, weather permitting.

Overnight stay in Pelling.

Day 5: Pelling – Pemayangtse Monastery and Local Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin sightseeing around Pelling, a peaceful hill destination renowned for its Himalayan views and Buddhist heritage. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim’s important historic monasteries, known for its traditional architecture, religious artwork and spiritual atmosphere.

Return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight stay in Pelling.

Day 6: Pelling – Tashiding Monastery and Sacred West Sikkim

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Tashiding, a revered Buddhist destination in West Sikkim. The scenic drive passes through peaceful villages, green hills and picturesque countryside.

Visit Tashiding Monastery, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site associated with the Nyingma tradition. Explore the monastery complex, prayer areas and surrounding sacred landscape while learning about the spiritual significance of this place.

Overnight stay in Pelling.

Day 7: Pelling – Scenic Drive to Gangtok

After breakfast, check out and depart for Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Enjoy a scenic drive through mountain roads, green valleys and traditional settlements. The journey may take several hours, depending on the selected route, traffic and road conditions.

On arrival in Gangtok, check in to your hotel and relax. In the evening, explore MG Marg, the town’s popular pedestrian promenade, known for its cafés, restaurants, shops and lively atmosphere. Enjoy local cuisine and browse for souvenirs.

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

Day 8: Gangtok – Enchey Monastery and Local Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin exploring Gangtok’s cultural and scenic attractions. Visit Enchey Monastery, a peaceful Buddhist monastery situated on a hill above the town. Experience its serene surroundings, traditional architecture and spiritual atmosphere.

Continue to Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok for panoramic views of Gangtok and the surrounding mountains when the weather is clear. Visit Tashi View Point for a chance to admire the Himalayan landscape. Depending on opening hours, you may also explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do Drul Chorten, both associated with Sikkim’s Buddhist heritage.

Return to MG Marg in the evening for shopping, dining and leisure.

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

Day 9: Gangtok – Rumtek Monastery and Surrounding Countryside

After breakfast, drive to Rumtek Monastery, situated in the hills outside Gangtok. This major Buddhist monastery is renowned for its religious importance, traditional Tibetan Buddhist architecture and peaceful mountain setting.

Return to Gangtok later in the day. Spend the evening at leisure or visit MG Marg for dinner.

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

Day 10: Gangtok – Phodong Valley and North Sikkim’s Cultural Landscapes

After breakfast, proceed towards Phodong Valley, north of Gangtok, to experience Sikkim’s quieter mountain landscapes and Buddhist heritage. Enjoy views of forested slopes, traditional villages, mountain streams and terraced fields along the route.

Visit Phodong Monastery, an important Buddhist monastery in the region, subject to local access and opening conditions. Spend time exploring the peaceful surroundings and appreciating the region’s cultural traditions. Enjoy scenic stops along the route where safe and permitted.

Return to Gangtok in the afternoon or evening, depending on road conditions and the time spent sightseeing.

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

Day 11: Gangtok – Leisure, Culture and Optional Excursions

After breakfast, enjoy a flexible day in Gangtok. You can revisit favourite viewpoints, explore local markets, discover traditional handicrafts or spend additional time learning about Sikkimese culture.

Alternatively, consider an optional excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, subject to weather, road conditions, permits and eligibility requirements. These high-altitude destinations are not included as guaranteed visits and may require an early start. If you prefer a relaxed holiday, spend the day enjoying cafés, local cuisine and the mountain scenery around Gangtok.

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

Day 12: Gangtok – Transfer to Kalimpong via the Teesta Valley

After breakfast, check out and drive to Kalimpong, a charming hill town in West Bengal. The scenic journey passes through mountain roads, forested slopes and the beautiful Teesta River valley.

Overnight stay in Kalimpong.

Day 13: Kalimpong – Monasteries, Viewpoints and Cultural Heritage

After breakfast, begin a full day of sightseeing in Kalimpong. Visit Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery, known for its Buddhist traditions and peaceful setting. Continue to Durpin Hill for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges when visibility is favourable.

Explore the flower nurseries for which Kalimpong is well known, with seasonal displays of orchids, cacti and other ornamental plants. Visit Dr Graham’s Homes, subject to visitor access, to appreciate the town’s historic educational heritage. You may also explore local churches, traditional markets and viewpoints around the town.

Return to your hotel in the evening and enjoy a relaxing night in the hills.

Overnight stay in Kalimpong.

Day 14: Kalimpong – Nature, Local Villages and Leisure

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day discovering more of Kalimpong and its surroundings. Depending on your interests, visit nearby scenic viewpoints, local village areas and peaceful countryside locations. Enjoy photography, short nature walks and opportunities to experience the local way of life.

You may spend additional time exploring the town’s nurseries, cafés and markets or simply relax at your hotel while enjoying the mountain atmosphere. This flexible day provides a comfortable break after several days of sightseeing and travelling through the hills.

Overnight stay in Kalimpong.

Day 15: Kalimpong – Transfer to Siliguri and Leisure

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive towards Siliguri, travelling through the scenic Teesta valley and foothill landscapes. The drive generally takes around two and a half to three hours, although traffic and road conditions can affect the journey.

Overnight stay in Siliguri.

Day 16: Siliguri – Departure from Bagdogra Airport

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Bagdogra Airport according to your flight schedule. Your memorable 16-day Himalayan journey through Darjeeling, West Sikkim, Gangtok and Kalimpong concludes with beautiful memories of mountain scenery, historic monasteries, cultural experiences and peaceful hill destinations.

The transfer time will depend on your hotel location, traffic and flight departure time, so allow sufficient time to reach the airport.

Tour ends with wonderful memories of the Eastern Himalayas.