Compare Darjeeling, Sikkim & the Singalila Ridge by Exodus Travels vs Explore North East India Tour by Amazing India Tours
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,300 | $ 1,000 |
| Price Per Day | $ 220 | $ 100 |
| Highlights |
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• Visit the ‘City of Joy’ Kolkata and have a heritage tour of the city Including Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and Victoria Memorial. |
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, seven lunches and 10 dinners are included. Allow at least 1,600-2,000 rupees (approximately US$20-US$25) per day for lunch and dinner (where not included). You can eat out cheaply in India, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend the upper limits of the suggested amount. Please note, service in restaurants can be quite slow. Tea and soft drinks are reasonably priced. A (large) bottle of beer is approximately 400 rupees (approximately US$5). While camping, we have a cook and assistants who prepare simple but plentiful nutritious food. Breakfasts will be porridge, cereals, eggs and toast with plenty of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Lunches will usually be a picnic lunch with soup, various kinds of local breads, cheese, eggs, tinned fish, and meat and fruit where available. There is afternoon tea and biscuits on arrival at camp followed later by dinner, which is usually soup, a pasta, rice or potato-based main course with fresh vegetables, followed by dessert, tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Drinking water Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity. However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in India On trek, the cooks collect and boil drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use your own water purification treatment as well. Purification tablets can be an economical way to treat your water, most taking between 30 minutes to one hour to purify one litre of water and are easy to used in water bladders/hydration packs. Purification tablets which contain chlorine dioxide are reported not to leave an obvious taste as other tablets may. We suggest you may like to bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening and use a Steripen to treat any non-boiled water. A Steripen is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered, so easy to pack. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a Steripen on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions). Steripens are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Models that take lithium batteries are best as they last longer, especially in cold conditions. |
Daily Breakfast |
| Description |
Tucked in a corner of the beautiful Indian Himalaya mountains are Sikkim and Darjeeling. In recent years, Sikkim has become more accessible for those looking to explore its unique beauty. Journey from the plains of India to Gantok, the capital of Sikkim, and onto the delightful Martam village. From here, we travel through beautiful tea plantations to Darjeeling, with its colonial hill station and Unesco World Heritage toy train. Trekking up to and along the Singalila Ridge, which divides India and Nepal, we move through thick forests of rhododendron and are rewarded with views of the great Himalaya peaks. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, dominates the horizon and on a clear day we see majestic Makalu, Lhotse and Everest.Enjoy a classic trek from the Darjeeling tea hills to the highest mountain range on Earth |
North-East India is one of the most fascinating places of India and of the world, located at the northeastern region of India, and consisting of 7 states, called collectively as 'the seven sisters'. Much of the region has been left unexplored till date, owning to the regions formidable terrain consisting of mountains, hills, rainforests, river, jungles and predators, and deficiency of infrastructure. The small sized region has one of the highest biodiversity density found anywhere in the world. |
Day 1 Start Delhi
The adventure begins at our hotel in Delhi. You are free today to explore the city or rest after your flight; rooms may not be available until noon but it is often earlier than this. Our leader holds a trip briefing today. You need passport photographs for the various permits and checkposts, so please ensure you bring four. Accommodation: Hotel Deventure (or similar)
Day 2 Fly to Bagdogra; drive to Gangtok
We transfer to the domestic airport terminal and fly to Bagdogra. On arrival, we join our vehicles and drive to Gangtok. The road soon leaves the plains and at Sevoke we cross the Teesta River and climb into the Doar Hills. At Rangpo, we take a break as we enter Sikkim. Border formalities take time – you need your passport and one photograph. Climbing further, we reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, set at an elevation of 5,510ft (1,680m). The drive usually takes about five hours (78mi/125km) but has been known to take up to 10 hours in instances where landslides have occurred from heavy rain along the route. Your leader will advise if your journey is likely to be affected. Accommodation: Netuk House, Gangtok (or similar)
Day 3 Drive to Martam village visiting Rumtek Monastery en route
Gangtok is set among the hills and, on a clear day, we can see Kanchenjunga from the hotel. We have the morning for exploration. The Mall Road is the centre of Gangtok and the nearby indoor vegetable market makes for an interesting wander. Either explore Gangtok solo or your leader can take you to see some of the sights. About an hour’s walk from the hotel there is the small Enchey monastery. Overlooking the town, it was founded in 1840 by Lama Drubthob Karpo and was rebuilt in 1908 by the 10th chogyal (king) of Sikkim. From the monastery, walk back to town via the Flower Show, a small exhibition of orchids and other local flowers. There is a handicraft centre close by, which is a government enterprise offering community training in traditional handicrafts such as carpet weaving and wood carving. After lunch, we have an hour’s drive to Rumtek monastery. Founded in the mid-1700s by the 12th Karmapa, it fell into ruins. When the 16th Karmapa came from Tibet, he rebuilt the monastery as the main seat in exile of the Karmapa sect. It is the largest monastery in Sikkim and contains a golden stupa with the remains of the 16th Karmapa. A 30-minute drive brings us to Martam, a scenic Himalayan village in a quiet corner of East Sikkim. Accommodation: Martam Resorts (or similar)
Day 4 Sightseeing in Martam
We spend today in the pretty village of Martam, which was known for producing butter and other dairy products (mar means butter and tem means spread). The population is about 10,000, made of Bhutia and Nepali communities. In the morning, we go for a hike around the village. We can visit the interesting Nyingma Institute, which provides education in higher Buddhist studies and philosophy to many monks. There is also another small monastery and a Krishna Mandir in the village. We return to our hotel for lunch and the afternoon is free. Accommodation: Martam Resorts (or similar)
Day 5 Drive to Darjeeling and visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Leaving Sikkim, we drive to Darjeeling. The road winds all the way to the Testa River, where we enter the state of West Bengal. It then weaves back into the hills to Darjeeling. We arrive by lunchtime; this afternoon, we explore one of the most famous hill stations of the British Raj. The region originally belonged to the chogyals of Sikkim, before it was annexed by the Gurkhas. By the early 1800s, it was in the control of the British East India Company who returned it to Sikkim rule. Stumbling across Dorje Ling Monastery, situated on a quiet forested ridge, two British soldiers thought it would make a great location for a sanatorium and with the permission of the Sikkim king, a hill station was born. Today, Darjeeling is a bustling town but the Mall still retains Victorian charm. Our stay includes a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded by Tenzing Norgay and where many famous Sherpa climbers trained in mountaineering skills. There are interesting displays and photographs from some of the early Everest climbs. Today’s drive is 50mi (80km) and will take approximately four hours; however, there may be delays due to landslides caused by heavy rain. Your leader will advise if this is the case. Accommodation: Sinclairs Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 Ride the toy train; drive to Rimbik and trek to Manedara
On a clear day, wake early for beautiful sunrise views of Kanchenjunga from the roof of our hotel. After breakfast, we have a 40-minute ride on the toy train to Ghoom (subject to running, see Day 13 for another opportunity if not running today). The train chugs out of Darjeeling, stopping to take on water and to allow passengers to photograph the Batasia Loop. At Ghoom, we meet our cars and drive for around four hours to Rimbik, the trailhead of our trek at 7,500ft (2,286m). We have a 45-minute gentle uphill walk through magnificent rhododendron forests (a blaze of reds in spring) to our camp at Manedara, where we spend our first night under canvas. As we approach the village, we have stunning views of Kabru Dome and Kabru South peaks. Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 8,040ft (2,450m)
Day 7 Trek through forest and villages to Gurdum
Today we start our trek with an easy trail passing small houses and fields. It is about two hours’ gradual walk through beautiful forest to Shepi village. We then descend to the Gurdum Khola river, which we cross by bridge and after a steep one-hour climb to Gurdum village, we arrive at our camp for the evening. Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 7,875ft (2,400m)
Day 8 Trek through forest ascending through Sandakhphu to Chandu
It’s a fairly tough but rewarding day as we finish our ascent to the Singalila Ridge. The trail climbs steeply in places until we emerge at a forest clearing. From here, it undulates through rhododendron forest to the ridgetop at Sandakhphu (11,929ft/3,636m), the highest point of our trek. On a clear day, the climb is well worth the effort as we are rewarded with a magnificent Himalayan panorama. The views from here are truly amazing – the towering slopes of Kanchenjunga lie ahead and Everest, Lhotse and Makalu come into view in the distance. After lunch at Sandakhphu, it is a gradual walk on a rough jeep track to our camp at Chandu. Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 11,715ft (3,570m)
Day 9 Trekking along the Singalila Ridge to Sabargam taking in Himalaya views
We are now on the Singalila Ridge, the border between Nepal and India, which means at times we are walking in each country. This is a great day for views. The trail undulates, following the ridge through chestnut, oak and silver fir trees with commanding panoramic views of the Himalaya all day. Dwarf rhododendrons and primulas colour the landscape in spring. Tonight, we have a spectacular wild camp at Sabargam. The views from here are sublime and we hope to see a magnificent sunset and sunrise over Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu and a whole host of other Himalayan peaks. Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 11,601ft (3,536m)
Day 10 Trek to the end of the Singalila Ridge at Phalut then descend to Samaden
We enjoy a full day of trekking along an undulating trail to the end of the ridge at Phalut, where we descend to Samaden. On a clear day, we get breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga as we continue along the ridge. The Everest range is further away but Kanchenjunga rears up over us. Phalut is at 11,810ft (3,600m) and just behind the lodge there is a viewpoint where we are surrounded by Himalayan giants. The trail down to Samaden is glorious and takes us through forests of oak, conifers, pine and rhododendrons, an explosion of colour in spring. We camp tonight in Samaden, a small settlement with excellent views. Accommodation: Full-service camp – sleeping altitude: 8,135ft (2,480m)
Day 11 Trek through small settlements to Rimbik
Our final trek winds through a collection of small settlements (inhabited by Rais, Sherpas and Tamangs) to Ramman, where terraced fields and villages dot the landscape. We descend along a jeep track to Sri Khola for lunch, after which we cross a suspension bridge and continue for another 2hr 30min along a road, passing through more villages to Rimbik, a large Sherpa village among the forest landscapes of Singalila National Park. We stay in a small lodge with great views across the valley. Accommodation: Rimbick Lodge (guest house)– sleeping altitude: 7,500ft (2,286m) Please note, the guest house is a basic home-stay property. Although all bedrooms offer attached bathrooms (including toilets), those with shower facilities are limited and some bedrooms may only provide a sink and "bucket" wash option.
Day 12 Drive to Darjeeling, visiting a tea estate en route
Today we drive back to Darjeeling along a road that winds up and down ridges through picturesque landscapes. En route, we visit a tea estate and learn how this famous drink is grown and processed. We arrive in Darjeeling midafternoon and the rest of the day is free to further explore this historic hill station. Our hotel is close to the Mall, which is a great place to wander in the evening. Accommodation: Sinclairs Hotel (or similar)
Day 13 Morning to explore Darjeeling, drive to Siliguri, overnight train to Kolkata
We have the morning to explore further. If we missed the ride on the toy train and Ghoom monastery, there is time this morning. In the afternoon, we set off for the drive to Siliguri (two to three hours) where we board the overnight train to Kolkata. Train times in India change regularly, although it usually departs around 8pm or 9pm. Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Day 14 Arrive Kolkata; free time to explore
We arrive in Kolkata in the early hours of the morning and have the day to explore this fascinating city. Once the capital of British India, Kolkata has a turbulent past. It was central to the struggle for Indian independence and thousands of Bengali refugees came here at the start of the 1900s. It is a city of striking contrasts and the unusual sights, pungent smells and cacophony of sounds are an experience unique to India. If you would rather not navigate Kolkata alone, your leader can usually arrange a short guided city tour for you (pay locally). Accommodation: Hotel Peerless Inn (or similar)
Day 15 End Kolkata
The adventure ends in Kolkata after breakfast. If you’d like a little more adventure, however, consider joining our five-day Golden Triangle extension. Encompassing Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, the trip is a whirlwind of culture, taking in the Taj Mahal, Red Fort of Akbar and much more.
Day 1 Kolkatta
Arrive at Kolkata International airport. Meet our representative who will assist you for transfers
to your hotel.
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of India's West Bengal state. Founded as an East
India Company trading post, it was India's capital under the British Raj from 1773–1911.
Today it’s known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals. It’s also
home to Mother House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa,
whose tomb is on site. On arrival check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Kolkata
Day 2 Kolkatta
After breakfast, We will also be visiting the Victoria Memorial (Closed on Monday) The
delightful marble building of Victoria Memorial exhibits some of the finest collections of
paintings from the colonial era. From images of famous people to paintings of Indian princes
and rulers, the collection displays a range of collection.
Later, we will also visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, known as the first Episcopal Church of the
eastern world. Besides, being a religious site, the cathedral is also an architectural delight. St.
Paul‘s Cathedral is 247 feet in length, 81 feet in width and 114 feet at transept.
Visit Kalighat Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Sthals of India, is one of the most visited Kali
temples in India. The spot is where the toes of Sati's right foot fell during Shiva's Rudra
Taandav naach.
Indian Museum, Kolkata (Closed on Monday):- The ninth oldest museum of the world and
largest in India, the Indian Museum is located in the old city of Kolkata. The foundation stone
of the Indian Museum was laid down in the year 1814 and has been a centre of
multidisciplinary activities ever since. Popularly known as 'Jadughar', it exhibits some of the
finest collection of historical importance ranging from contemporary paintings and a sacred
relic of Buddha to Egyptian mummies and ancient sculptures. In addition to these, the Indian
Museum boasts of some of the most exquisite collections of ornaments, fossils, skeletons,
antiques, armours, and stunning Mughal paintings.
Visit Mother House (Closed on Thursday) :- The Mother House in Kolkata is the Missionaries
of Charity’s main House. It is a holy place of pilgrimage and reverence to the selfless Mother.
The blessed Mother Teresa founded the house in 1950 with the purpose of selfless service to
mankind. She dedicated her entire life to help the plagued humanity. She loved the unwanted
and showed the society the path to salvation.
We will then visit the College Street Book Market, Kolkatans are well-known for their
passion for books and this area is a treasure for the book lovers of the city - you can find of
them every day spending hours reading new books or bargaining for buying an old book. Some
of the Kolkata‘s most famous academic institutions like Kolkata University, Presidency College,
Kolkata Medical College and Sanskrit College are also located in this street. Closed on Sunday
& National Holidays.
Our next stop is at the Indian Coffee house and get engaged in an informal chat with
university students. Also known as "Albert Hall", this is the most favourite gathering place for
the writers, thinkers, artists and students for many decades. Casual chatting for hours about
any issue is the most favourite social activity of any Bengali and here in this large historical
and legendary coffee house you can find hundreds of Kolkatan's discussing about their
favourite issue over a cup of coffee.
Overnight at Hotel in Kolkata
Day 3 Kolkata – Darjeling
After early breakfast, check out from hotel and get transferred to Kolkata airport and fly
to Bagdogra.
Arrive at Bagdogra airport. Meet our representative and get transferred to Darjeeling by
AC Vehicle. (Distance of 69km 3 to 4 hours travel time by car)
DARJEELING: Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of
the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the
Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”,
it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway
track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling
remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘ An introduction to
hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”. On
arrival, check in to hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Darjeeling
Day 4 Darjeling
Breakfast at the hotel and go to Enjoy toy train ride.
Toy Train
The spectacular landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan railway, opened in
1881, labors at about 10 mph criss-crossing the road. It has tiny 4-wheel locomotives (some
over 100 years old) like living legends. One can experience the sound, smell and romance of a
bygone era. DHR is a work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and
cultural importance. It is beautiful and has outstanding universal appeal. Based on its unique
features, it is considered to be of lasting significance to mankind.
After breakfast, go for sightseeing tour of Darjeeling.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: (closed
on Thursday)- . The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when
Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest to give training to learn Mountaineering and other adventure
sports related to mountaineering and in that Institute one can see equipment etc. used by Mr.
Tenzing Norgay and Everest Museum having complete details on Everest attached to institute
one can visit Himalayan Zoological Park. Where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow
Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds.
Also visit Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda- The temple is also known as the Nipponzan
Myohoji Buddhist Temple. The two storied white building was built in a traditional Japanese
style in the year 1972. Close to the temple is the Peace Pagoda that showcases four avatars of
Lord Buddha.
Our tour also includes a visit to the Mall road, Botanical Garden & Bhutia Busty while
our time in Darjeeling. Later we will drive back to our hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Darjeeling
Day 5 Darjeling
Early morning go for a Hike to Tiger Gill.
You will be picked and driven to Tiger hill 14km morning at 4am It will take about an
hour to reach Tiger hill.
Tiger hill is the highest point in Darjeeling hills at an altitude of 8482 feet (or 2590 meters) and
11km (6.8 miles ) away from Darjeeling town. The view of Kanchenjunga pick from Tiger hill is
very clearly seen if the weather is clear with blue sky and the scenery is breath-taking.
After having the breath-taking view from tiger hill, start your hike towards to Jorbanglow about
4 km and visit a famous Buddhist monastery called Yiga Choeling Monastery since 1850 is 150
Year Oldest Monastery in Darjeeling. After visiting monastery back to Jorbanglow trek through
Alubari road which is 7 km back to Darjeeling. On the way visit another monastery named
Alubari monastery, the actual name of the monastery is Yolmowa Mak Dhog Monastery which
was build in the year 1914. Later we continues your hike to Darjeeling via Tenzing norgay Road
in local language call Alubari road (Alu means Potato - Bari Means Land so you finish your
hike at Churasta meaning four road meeting point.
(Hike Duration: 03 hours approx. )
After breakfast, Spend some time at leisure.
Visit to the Ghoom Monastery:- This is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875
and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height on the way back from Tiger Hill.
Afternoon, visit Tibetan Refugee Centre (closed on Sunday) – Established in 1959, this
refugee centre includes a Tibetan Buddhist temple, workshops producing carpets,
woodcarvings, wool and woollen items, plus a home for the aged, a kindergarten and a clinic.
Visitors are welcome to wander through the workshops.
Visit Happy Valley Tea Estate and learn all that goes in to processing tea.
Evening, We walk along the Observatory Hill that offers nice views of the mountains and the
town below. The walk climaxes at the Chowrasta where 4 paths meet. It would be lovely to
amble along the bazaars and restaurants. A favourite spot would be the 1st floor of the
Keventers Restaurant that serves typical English food. Also great views of the downtown are to
be had from here.
Bhutia Basti – An unusual blend of Tibetan-Nepalese architecture, Bhutia Basti Gompa is a
storehouse of rare artefacts that include the ancient Buddha texts. The oldest monastery in
Darjeeling, it was earlier built on Observatory Hill in 1765. The Nepalese sacked it in 1815 and
then this revered structure found a place near St. Andrews Church in 1861. Finally, it was
moved to Bhutia Basti which is its present location in 1879.
Day 6 Darjeling – Pelling
After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Pelling.
PELLING- Located at a distance of 120 kms from Gangtok Pelling is another serene, mountain
village which lies in the western districts of Sikkim. This village is situated at an altitude of
2000 mts(approx) and the distance from this village to the mount Kanchandzonga, as a crow
flies...is 26 kms approx.
On arrival, check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.
Overnight at Pelling
Day 7 Pelling
Early in the morning – walking tour (45 min walk from Pelling) to the Sangacholing
Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim
After breakfast visit PEMEYANGSTE MONASTERY.
2.5 Kms. from Pelling and standing at 2085m. The Perfect Sublime Lotus, perched on a wooded
hilltop, commands the most sublime view of the Khangchendzong.
Built during the late 17th century, it is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of
the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. To the present day, it is only the monks of this
monastery who enjoy the title of ‘Tasang’ or pure monks. The importance of this monastery
grew with time and reached its peak when only monks from this monastery could anoint the
reigning sovereign of the land with holy water.
Pemayangtse monastery follows the Mindroling tradition besides holding the lineage of
Lhatsun Chenpo. Mindroling monastery was founded by Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje whose
famous daughter Jetsun Migyur Paldon lived near Pemayangtse and taught there during her
exile. Her stone throne is still to be seen in this monastery, which has 108 monks. The main
attraction of the monastery is the wooden replica of Zangdog Palri; the celestial abode of Guru
Padmasambhava built by Serdup Lhundrup Dorje Rinpoche in 1971. The annual chaam (monk
dance) is held here on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Visit Khecheopalri Lake Khecheopalri Lake is a Holy Lake for Buddhists in West Sikkim, in
Sikkim, the tiny Himalayan former Buddhist Kingdom in eastern India, now a part of the
democratic republic. Khechipalri is also considered as a wish fulfilling lake and has thousands
of non-Buddhist believers who pray here. The real name of the lake is Sho Dzo Sho, meaning
“Oh Lady, Sit Here”, but is commonly known as Khachoedpaldri lake because it sits on the lap
of Khachoedpaldri, a very sacred hill.
Rabdentse- Sikkim’s second capital. The ruins of Rabdantse are worth exploring. The
winding track through the forest brings you to a small set of ruins of the early town and
eventually on the ruins of the palace with Chorten (stupa) nearby. Farther afield are the
Changay Falls.
Overnight at Pelling
Day 8 Pelling – Gangtok
After early breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Gangtok.
GANGTOK: At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid 19th century
and has undergone rapid development since then. The downtown area is dominated by huge
government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a testing
ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok
is truly a travellers delight. On arrival at Gangtok, check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at
hotel. On arrival, check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.
Overnight at Gangtok
Day 9 Gangtok
After early breakfast, proceed for full day sightseeing of Gangtok.
Rumtek Monastery: -24 Kms. from Gangtok is the awe -inspiring Rumtek Monastery the
world Dharma chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the
head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the lavishly
decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from the
world over. Opposite the entrance to the Institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel
studded Chorten the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of His Holiness
the xvi Gyalwa Karmapa.
The Do Drul Chorten, built to commemorate the victory of good over evil and the Jhang Chub
Chorten, built in the memory of Thrukshik Rinpoche, an ardent devotee, a great spirtualist and
interpreter of Buddhism. Near the Chorten are housed two giant statues of Lord Buddha and
Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim.
Directorate Of Handloom And Handicrafts: -This Directorate was set up to promote
traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden friezes, intricate bamboo
work, along with beautiful hand woven carpets and handlooms are on exhibit here. Visitors can
not only purchase these items here but also see the artisans at work. Among others, a favourite
item here is the choktse a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a portable
pack.
Visit Hanuman Tok- Hanuman Tok is a very famous temple of Gangtok which is named after
Lord Hanuman and is a maintained by the Indian Army. The temple also gives an amazing view
of the Kanchenjunga peak which is the third highest peak in the world.
MG Marg- MG Road is the heart of Gangtok and its most happening place. It is the central
shopping hub of this beautiful state capital with various shops, restaurants, and hotels lined
up along both sides. It's an open mall or boulevard square. The area is widely regarded to be
the town centre and is the best shopping destination for tourists. This is a great place for the
tourists to take a leisurely stroll or just sit on the benches and revel in the eclectic ambience.
Overnight at Hotel in Gangtok
Day 10 Gangtok – Bagdogra
After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed to Bagdogra airport to board your flight to
your native place.
