13-Day Sikkim and Darjeeling Monastery and Village Tour via Gangtok

1

Day 01

Arrival in Darjeeling, the Queen of the Hills

• Arrive at Bagdogra Airport and meet the representative for your transfer to Darjeeling.
• Drive through scenic landscapes to reach Darjeeling, known as the Queen of the Hills.
• Admire the beauty of evergreen hills, tea gardens, and views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
• Learn about Darjeeling's geographical location, bordering Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan, and the plains of Bengal.

2

Day 02

Tiger Hill Sunrise, Toy Train Ride, and Monasteries

• Drive early in the morning to Tiger Hill, at an altitude of 8,442 feet, to witness the sunrise.
• Enjoy views of Kanchenjunga along with Mt Kabru, Mt Pandim, Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse.
• Spot additional peaks including Mt Jano, Mt Nar sing, Mt Frey, and Mt Sinolchu.
• Experience a joy ride on the UNESCO-recognised Darjeeling Toy Train.
• Visit Yiga Choling Monastery, Sakya Guru Monastery, Aloobari Monastery, and Druk Sangag Choling Monastery.
• Spend the evening exploring the local market.

3

Day 03

Mountaineering Heritage and Darjeeling Tea Culture

• Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
• Explore Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, known for snow leopard and red panda conservation.
• Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre.
• Explore Happy Valley Tea Garden and learn about tea production.
• Spend the evening at leisure in the local market.

4

Day 04

Drive to Turuk and Walk Along Tarey Bhir

• Drive to Turuk village, passing through tea gardens and villages.
• Cross the Teesta River and enter Sikkim through the Melli checkpoint.
• Continue uphill to Turuk village.
• Walk along Tarey Bhir, a cliff at around 10,000 feet offering views of the Darjeeling and Kalimpong ranges.
• Experience the serene and less crowded Himalayan landscape.

5

Day 05

Turuk to Rinchenpong Village Experience

• Drive to Rinchenpong, located near Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.
• Learn about its historical connections with Captain Lloyd and J W Grant.
• Take an afternoon walk through the village and observe local life.

6

Day 06

Rinchenpong to Pelling via Monasteries and Heritage Sites

• Visit Poison Lake, Ressum Monastery, Lepcha Monastery, and Lepcha King House.
• Drive to Pelling and stop at Dentam village.
• Visit the alpine cheese factory and explore the local market.
• Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, built in 1745.
• Hike to the 17th-century Rabdentse Palace ruins.

7

Day 07

Pelling to Yuksom via Sacred Lake and Waterfall

• Visit Chenrezig Sky Walk and Sanga Choeling Monastery.
• Stop at Khecheopalri Lake, believed to be the footprint of Goddess Tara.
• Visit Khangchendzonga Waterfall, originating from the mountain.
• Continue the drive to Yuksom.

8

Day 08

Yuksom Heritage, Tashiding Monastery, and Martham

• Visit the Norbughang throne, where the first king of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641.
• Learn about Yuksom as the first capital of Sikkim and a trekking base.
• Visit Phamrong Waterfall.
• Explore Tashiding Monastery, blessed by Guru Rinpoche.
• Learn about the Bhum Chu ceremony and the sacred Chorten Thongwa Rangdol.
• Drive to Martham, visiting Ravangla Buddha Park and Bon Monastery en route.

9

Day 09

Martham to Gangtok with Rumtek and Ranka Monasteries

• Walk through paddy fields in Martham, known for premium rice.
• Drive to Gangtok, the present capital of Sikkim.
• Visit Rumtek Monastery, built in 1717 and renovated in 1960.
• Visit Ranka Lingdum Monastery, Ban Jhakri Waterfall, and the Flower Exhibition Centre.
• Explore Gangtok town in the evening.

10

Day 10

Phodong and Labrang Monastery Excursion

• Visit Phodong Monastery, located 28 kilometres from Gangtok.
• Learn about its history and reconstruction by Sidkeong Tulku Namgyal.
• Visit Labrang Monastery and explore its ancient murals.
• Visit Tashi View Point for panoramic views.
• Spend time exploring Gangtok town.

11

Day 11

Gangtok to Kalimpong via Namchi and Temi Tea Garden

• Drive to Kalimpong via Namchi Siddheswari Chardham Temple and Samdruptse Stupa.
• Visit Temi Tea Garden.
• Learn about Kalimpong's history as a Bhutanese stronghold and Silk Route trade centre.
• Explore Kalimpong local market in the evening.

12

Day 12

Kalimpong Monasteries, Viewpoints, and Cultural Sites

• Visit Geden Tharpa Choeling Monastery and Zang Dog Palri Monastery at Durpin Dara.
• Enjoy views of Kanchenjunga and the Bhutan hills on a clear day.
• Visit flower nurseries and the Deolo Hills viewpoint.
• Explore Dr Graham's Homes, established in 1900.
• Visit Mangal Dham Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna.
• Visit the Handmade Paper Factory and Lepcha Museum.

13

Day 13

Departure from Kalimpong to Bagdogra

• Check out after breakfast and drive to Bagdogra Airport.
• Travel approximately 80 kilometres over 4 hours for departure.