Itinerary – Sikkim Darjeeling Kanchendzonga tour 

Day 01:  Siliguri/Bagdogra to Kalimpong (80 km./2.5 hrs)

Welcome to Sikkim Darjeeling – Kanchendzonga View Tour. Drive from Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway station to Kalimpong. En-route enjoy the natural beauty of Eastern Himalaya. The route passes through River Teesta & the famous Coronation Bridge on the river.

Day 02: Kalimpong sightseeing & to Gangtok

After breakfast drive for a full day sightseeing of Kalimpong  including Dello Hills, Flower Nurseries, and Durbin Dara Hills & Monastery. Delo & Durpin Dara both offers magnificent views of Mt.Kanchandzonga & adjoining hills. Transfer from Kalimpong to Gangtok (75km/ 2.30 hrs).

Day 03: Gangtok sightseeing 

Proceed for a Gangtok sightseeing including Tashi view point & Ganesh Tok; 3 viewpoints offering panoramic view of snow capped Himalayan peaks & Gangtok city. Proceed to visit Rumtek Monastery, Institute of Tibetology to have a glance of Tibetan Thanka and antics, Orchid House (having numerous collection of orchids), Enchay Monastery, Dodurl Chorten etc.

Day 04 : Gangtok to Ravangla via Namchi (104 km)

Today you will be transferred to Ravangla from Gangtok via Namchi. Namchi is a small township & the district head quarter of South Sikkim. Visit Siddheswar Dham at Namchi, popularly known as Chardham. Check into your hotel in Ravangla. Afternoon free for refreshment.

Day 05 : Ravangla to Pelling (65 km./ 3 hrs)

Today you will transferred to Pelling from Ravangla – Check into your hotel in Pelling. Afternoon free for refreshment.

Day 06 : Pelling sightseeing

Today you will proceed to full day sightseeing to Rimbi False, Rimbi Rock Garden, Kanchandzonga False, Khecheopalri Lake, Pemayangtse monastery, Rabdantse Ruins, Pelling Sky Walk etc. Khecheopalri lake is considered to a sacred lake for Buddhist. Rabdantse was the second capital of Sikkim. Chadok Namgyal shifted his capital from Yuksom to Randantse in 1670. The runs of the capital is still preserved there. The view of Mt. Kanchendonga from Rabdantse will be an amazing experience.

Day 07: Pelling to Darjeeling (74 km. / approx 4 hrs)

Transfer from Pelling to Darjeeling through lush green tea gardens & undulating hills. Check into hotel & rest of the day is t leisure.

Day 08: Tiger Hill & Teagarden Visit

Early in the morning (around 4 am), proceed to Tiger Hill to view the breath taking view of Mt.Kanchandzonga (28,200 ft.) & effect of sunlight on the same along with the adjoining peaks like Kabru & Pandim. On the way back visit Ghoom Monastery & Batasia Loop. After breakfast proceed for a half day excursion to Happy Valley Tea Garden. You will get a chance to witness tea processing.

Day 09: Joy Ride by DHR & Darjeeling sightseeing

After breakfast proceed for a Joyribe by the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Drive for a Darjeeling sightseeing including Himalayan Mountaineering (HMI) & Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Thursday closed), Peace Pagoda, Japanese Temple, Tea garden (outer view), Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center (Sunday closed) etc.

Day 10: Transfer from Darjeeling to Siliguri/Bagdogra (83km/ 3 hrs).

Today is your farewell day for your Sikkim Darjeeling Kanchendzonga View Tour. Drive back to Siliguri (NJP)/ Bagdogra (IXB) for your onward journey with happy memories to cherish.

Sikkim Darjeeling Tour Package cost

Sikkim Darjeeling Package cost includes

• All transfers & sightseeing in N.AC car according to itinerary.
• Accommodation on twin sharing basis in the above mentioned or any similar category hotels.
• Meals according to the meal plan. (EP- Room only,  CP- Room & Breakfast, MAP- Room + Breakfast & Dinner, AP- Room + Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.)
• Assistance on arrival.
• All applicable service & permit charges.

Sikkim Darjeeling Package cost excludes

• Guide charge.
• Travel insurance.
• Entry fees, parking charges, Room Heater.
• Rescue operation by helicopter/car or any additional charge incurred by any accident/natural calamities/ political disturbance etc.
• Any Beverages or meals other than it is specified in the package details.

Required Documents for foreigners

• Foreigners need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter Sikkim. It can be obtained from Sikkim Tourist Office at Rongpo, Bagdogra & Siliguri during office hours. All the guests must carry 2 copies passport size recent colour photographs & Passport.

Terms and Conditions – Sikkim Darjeeling Package tour

• Rates are not valid for festive seasons, summer vacation (May & June) & long weekends.
• Transportation will be provided as per itinerary only (not at disposal). Any additional transport service will be on extra cost.
• In case of AC car, AC will not be run on the hills. AC will be available in plains only.
• Navigator India will not be responsible for any incident beyond human control, such as natural calamity, political disturbance, loss or theft of baggage etc.
• Rates applicable for Indian Nationals only. Non Indian Nationals may avail the same package after inquiring about the applicable rate.
• Rates may change without prior notice. Navigator India reserves the right to modify or terminate any offer any time.
• Once the tour is booked, addition or alteration of service will be subject to availability & additional charge.
• Meaning of the terms:  EP- Room only, CP- Room & Breakfast, MAP- Room + Breakfast & Dinner, AP- Room + Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
• Foreigners are not allowed to go to Baba Mandir. They can go up to Tsomgo Lake only accompanied by a local guide (compulsory). Guide charges to be paid extra.

Accommodation – Sikkim Darjeeling package tour

Kalimpong – Sood’s Garden Retreat or similar  on CP basis

Gangtok – New Orchid/ Sikkim Retreat or similar on CP basis

Ravangla – Buddha Retreat or similar on CP basis

Pelling – Aryan Residency/ De Regency or similar on CP basis

Darjeeling – Hermitage/ Montana or similar on CP basis

CP- Room & Breakfast

Places to Visit – Kanchendzonga View tour 

Rumtek Monastery (Dharma Chakra Centre)

Rumten Monastery is 24km away from the city. After Tsomgo Lake it is the most important tourist spot. It also works as the Buddhist head quarter of India. The monastery was constructed in the year 1960 by the Gyalwa Karmapa, who was the 16^th Karmapa & settled in Sikkim in late fifties. Rumtek is the largest monastery of Sikkim. Just beside the monastery there is Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies with huge collection Buddhist text, art & paintings.    Read More…

Namgyal (Research) Institute of Tibetology

About one kilometer away from the Gangtok main market there is Namgyal Institute of Tibetology surrounded by magnolia, oak & brich trees. The institute building is a perfect example of Tibetan style of architecture & a major sightseeing point. It is one of the renowned institutes of the world with rare collection of books, documents & manuscripts on Buddhism. There is a huge volume of xylographs (printed wooden documents), translation of original teachings of the Lord Buddha & Buddhist scholars around the world. The institute also conducts research on Buddhism along with Tibetan culture & language. The adjoin museum has a rare collection of antiques like Thankas, coins & Buddhist sculpture. The foundation stone of the institute was laid by Dalai Lama in 1957 & was inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1958.

Tashi View Point

This is a view point in Gangtok, approx 8 km from the main market. The tourist spot with a view point, offers a panoramic view of the Himalaya including Mt. Kanchendzonga & Mt. Siniolchu.

Ganesh Tok

Near Tashi View point there another Gangtok sightseeing point called Ganesh Tok. Basically it is a small Temple Lord Ganesha along with a view point. From here one can have a bird’s eye view of the city & Raj Bhaban Complex. On a clear day magnificent view of Mt. Kanchendzonga can be seen.

Government Institute of Cottage Industry

Just one km away from the main market it is one of the popular tourist attractions. In the year 1957 the institute was established with a view to manufacturing of the local art & handicrafts. There is an emporium within the institute to promote the same. Thankas (scrolls with traditional painting), masks, woollen carpets, dolls, Choksees (hand carved wooden table) are some of the important artefact of the emporium. Handmade paper, extensive used as invitation cards & letterheads, is another unique artwork in the institute.

Flower Exhibition Centre (Flower Show)

Not only the beautiful landscape, Sikkim is the home more than 5000 species of flowering plants. The climatic condition has made this state a home to more than 600 species of orchids & 30 species of rhododendrons. To showcase this natural treasure a Flower Exhibition Centre has been established & is a must see attraction during Gangtok sightseeing. It is situated near White Hall, within a walking distance from MG Marg. Though the centre is open through the year, Mar to May will be the best time as the flowers will be in full blossom. International Flower Festival is organised every year tentatively in April.

Kecheopalri Lake

Situated in the north-west of Pelling, Kecheopalri Lake is a sacred pilgrimage site in Pelling sightseeing for both Hindus and Buddhists. Believed to be a wish-fulfilling lake, this place is heaven for nature lovers and travellers. Many interesting legends revolve around the origin and history of the lake. The shape of the lake looks like a footprint if viewed from the top. Hindus consider this as the footprint of god Shiva while Buddhists believe it to be the footprint of goddess Tara. Another interesting fact about this lake is that in spite of being situated amidst so mush of greenery, no fallen leaves can be seen floating on its surface. There is a belief that the birds keep the lake clean all the time. Emerging as a popular tourist attraction in Sikkim, Kecheopalri Lake is visited by pilgrims from all around the world.

Kanchendzonga Waterfalls

24 km from the beautiful township of Sikkim, Kanchendzonga waterfall is one of the major tourist hotspot in west Sikkim. It is a perennial waterfall and remains active throughout the whole year. Noted for its fascinating view of surrounding hills and countryside, this stunning waterfall is doubtlessly one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the entire Sikkim. Here, one can also find many small food-stalls selling snacks and tea, which make this place an ideal picnic spot to spend some quality time with near and dear ones.

Rabdentse Ruins

Established in 1670, Rabdentse ruins used to be the second capital of Sikkim, until 1814. Located near Pemayangtse monastery, this place is one of the must see historical tourist destination in Pelling. The view of the Kanchendzonga Mountain from Rabdantse is breathtaking. The lovely 20 minutes nature walk uphill to the ruins through Himalayan vegetation is totally a thrilling experience, if one is physically fit and loves to trek. The well maintained and preserved ruins will definitely mesmerize its visitors.

Kanchendzonga View tour – Best time to visit  

You can plan your travel to Sikkim at any time of the year. Every season will offer you a different flavor. Weather in varies from sub-tropical in the south to tundra in the north. It mainly has five seasons.

Spring (March to April)

It is a very good season with moderate temperature. This is the time for rhododendrons, orchids & various flowers. You can also have snowfall in some parts of the state in March.

Summer (May to June)

As summer is not very hot in Sikkim. It draws the maximum no of tourist. Most of the regions of the state experience a temperature clime & it ranges from 18C (64F) to 25C (78F).

Monsoon (July to Mid Sep)

This is the time when the state gets maximum rainfall. Sikkim is an ideal place to enjoy Indian monsoon with lush green valleys, hills along with beautiful clouds & fog. But heavy rain increases the risk of landslide during monsoon.

Autumn (Mid Sep to Nov)

Just after monsoon this is probably the best time to travel with clear sky & moderate temperature.  It is also a good time for photography.

Winter (Dec to Feb)

These are the coolest months & some part of state receives a good volume of snowfall. One can have snow in North district & part of East district. Sikkim is a place with some of the highest snow capped peaks of the world.

How to Reach Sikkim

By Air

The only airport in Sikkim is Pakyong (30 km from Gangtok). Pakyong is directly connected with Kolkata & Guwahati. Another operational airport is Bagdogra (IXB) located in West Bengal. Bagdogra to Gangtok is 125km, Pelling 145km & Namchi is approx 110km. Bagdogra has direct connections with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, Hydrabad, Bangaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad & Bangkok & it is indirect connection all major cities in India.

Sikkim Airport: Pakyong Airport (PUG) is the only airport in Sikkim. It is approx 30 km away from Gangtok. It connects Kolkata & Guwahati.

By Rail

Due to the geographic nature Sikkim does not have any railway connectivity. The nearest railway station is New Jalpauguri (NJP) located in neighboring state West Bengal. NJP has direct connection with all major cities in India. NJP to Gangtok is 120km, Pelling 135km & Namchi is 98km.

By Road 

National Highway 10 connects Sikkim with Siliguri/Bagdogra/NJP through national . It connects West & South district through Melli & Gangtok (East) through Rongpo. Sikkim National Transport (SNT) operates regular busses from Siliguri to various destinations in Sikkim. Private buses are also available from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus.

Distance :
Siliguri (NJP) to Gangtok – 120 km (4.30 hrs)
Bagdogra to Gangtok – 125 km (4.30 hrs)
Gangtok to Pelling  –  125 km (5 hrs)
Gangtok to Pelling via Namchi  –   155 km (6 hrs)

Darjeeling to Gangtok – 98 km (4 hrs)
Gangtok to Ravangla  –  68 km (3 hrs)
Gangtok to Namchi  –  80 km (3 hrs)

Bagdogra to Pelling  –  140 km (7 hrs)
Gangtok to Lachung/Lachen  –  105 km (5 hrs)