Darjeeling in the north east of India provides the perfect ambiance of a hill resort with its mild climate, its green hills and valley and lush green tea gardens which are the major attraction to the jewel in India’s crown. Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586) looming over the northern horizon gives a magical beauty to the land which entices thousand of visitors.

Here you will visit Pemayangtse Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist lamasery of the Nyingmapa Order and one of the oldest, Kicheopalri Lake which is scared to both Hindu’s and Buddhist’s alike. Another major attraction is Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa Lama.

Fact of the Trip
Duration:  10 days
Maximum Elevation: 2100m
Per day walking: 2- 3 hours
Grade:   Moderate
Season:   March, April, May, October-Dec

Highlights of the Trip
• View of sun set over Mt. Khanchendzonga
• Visit Himalayan Zoo
• Unique culture and tradition
• Pemayangtse , Rumtek and Dubdi Monastery
• Famous Khechoperi Lake

Suggested Itinerary
 
Day 01:  Pick up from Phuenstholing Bhutan Border/Bhadrapur Airport and drive to
Darjeeling (4hrs.) Arrive Darjeeling /Check in hotel. Evening free. Stay O/N.

Day 02: Darjeeling (2100m)
Morning visit to the Himalayan Zoo where you can see Himalayan fauna in its natural habitat, red panda, black bear, yaks and the famous show leopard. Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering institute and Museum of Everest Expedition as well as the Tibetan self help centre, training, sales Emporium of Tibetan handicrafts and toy train. Evening free. O/N Hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 03: Darjeeling to Pelling (2,085m)
After Breakfast drive to Pelling. Arrive Pelling (Pemayangtse) Evening take a pleasant walk enjoying the sun set over Mt. Khangchendzonga. Stay O/N in Pelling.
 
Day 04: Pelling (2,085m)
In the morning Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery. This is a premier monastery of Sikkim built in the 17th century. Afternoon a short walk to Sangobhholing Monastery (02 km/45 minutes) located on a hillock above the hotel. On a clear day the view of the mountain range is breathtaking. O/N at hotel in Pelling.

Day 05: Pelling to Yuksam.
Drive from Pelling to Yuksam via Khangchendzonga water falls and the famous Khechoperi Lake (the wishing Lake) and drive to Yuksam hotel check in. Free evening. O/N in hotel in Yuksam.
 
Day 06:Yuksam to Gangtok
Early morning short walk to Dubdi Monastery back to hotel and after breakfast drive to Gangtok (1,600mts/117 km 5 hrs) In the morning drive through semi tropical forests, cardamom plantation’s and small villages to Gangtok, once the capital of the kingdom of Sikkm, spend the afternoon relaxing O/N at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 07: Gangtok
After Breakfast take a full day sightseeing where you will visit Enchey Monastery, Deer Park, The Government institute of cottage Industries, Dodrul Chorten, Research institute of Tibetolagy and Rumtek Monastery, situated 24 kms outside of town, this magnificent monastery was built by the late Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyu sect. O/N at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 08:Gangtok to Tsomgo to Gangtok
An easy excursion to Tsomgo Lake situated at the Indo-China border at
An altitude of 11,400ft. (Option to have the experience of a Yak ride here).
Enjoy the serene beauty of the lake and return back to Gangtok. Stay O/N in hotel.
 
Day 09: Gangtok-Kalimpong (588m/85 kms/ 2 1/2hrs)
In the morning drive along the Rangit river valley to Kalimpong, afternoon visit flower nurseries / local monastery / handicraft centre. O/N at hotel in Kalimpong.

Day 10: Kalimpong- Early morning drive to Bagdogra Airport (120 kms/ 3 hrs) or you are free to depart for your onward travel.