Day
1 - Siliguri to Darjeeling Via Mirik - 110Kms in
4hrs
We take you to Darjeeling through an uncommon
route via Mirik - a small scenic tourist spot at an altitude
of 5100ft (1761m) with a beautiful lake surrounded by forested
hills on all sides with the back drop of Mt Kanchenjunga.
The drive to Mirik runs through some fascinating tea gardens
and pine forests. Enjoy a break to breath in the fresh air
near the lake and proceed to Darjeeling. Darjeeling- the Queen
of hills - greets you with all its grandeur: the great view
of mountains and valleys dotted with tea gardens and forests,
and a blend of traditional heritage and modern cultures.
Get refreshed and have free leisure evening.
We recommend a relaxed evening with short walk around the
mall to enjoy the typical hill life of Darjeeling town in
a painted landscape. (Overnight Darjeeling)
Day
2 - Early morning visit to TIGER HILL at 8442ft above
sea level to experience the unforgettable sight of Sunrise
over the snow peaks of Kanchenjunga. The summit at Tiger Hill
also commands a fine view of the vast plains of North Bengal,
the mountain ridges slowly descending to the plains, several
courses of major rivers of North Bengal like Tista, Mahananda
and Balasan along with dense forest covers of Senchal Wildlife
Sanctuary. Visit GHOOM MONASTERY - one of the oldest Monasteries
in Darjeeling and also BATASIA LOOP - the picturesque garden
and War Memorial with the backdrop of snow ranges - on your
way back to hotel. Car Service Duration: 3Hrs.
After breakfast in your hotel we would take
you to PADMAJA NAIDU ZOOLOGICAL PARK (CLOSED ON THURSDAY)
to see some rare collections of high altitude Himalayan species
like Snow leopard, clouded Leopard, Siberian Tiger, Red Panda
and many rare mammal and birds in natural surrounding. Visit
HIMALAYAN
MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE (CLOSED ON THURSDAY) to see the priceless
collection of mountaineering gears used by legendary climbers
in the Himalayas. After that we take you to the TEA GARDEN
on the undulating valleys for viewing the scenic landscape
with tea plucking and processing (SEASONAL) then proceed to
TENZING ROCK AND GOMBU ROCK for some fun rock climbing activities.
Now we take you to the TIBETAN REFUGEE CENTER (CLOSED ON SUNDAY)
and BHUTIA BASTI to procure the traditional handicraft items
made by the local people. Visit AVA ART GALLERY that houses
the unique art and embroidery works of Mrs. Ava Devi. Back
to Hotel for lunch. Car Service Duration: 3Hrs
After lunch proceed to visit the LLOYD BOTANICAL
GARDEN that houses and conserves more than 1500 species of
rare variety of orchids and plants. This place is also a romantic
promenade for the honeymoon couples. We take you to DHIRDHAM
TEMPLE built on the ambitious lines of the great Pashupatinath
Temple of Nepal, in 1939, the NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM displaying
comprehensive collection of fauna found in different altitudes
in the Eastern Himalayas. Also visit to the LAL KOTHI - the
Gorkha hill council assembly (Out side only) and the JAPANESE
PEACE PAGODA. In the evening we suggest you take a walk to
the Nightingale park. A 10 minute pleasant walk from Darjeeling
Mall, there are regular cultural programs in the park during
tourist season. The park remains open till 8 in the evening
except for the winter when it closes at 7 pm. (Overnight
Darjeeling)
Day
3 – Today we travel to Gangtok, 5500Ft (1650M)
Via Ghoom - Tista Bazaar - 110kms in 3hrs.
Today we drive to Gangtok via Peshok road.
The view of the fascinating tea gardens at Peshok with the
Kanchenjunga snow range and Rangit River Valley will demand
you to stop a while for a refreshing break. From Tista Bazaar
we follow the winding road along the emerald green River Tista.
Spend some time on some scenic spots on the way to enjoy the
landscape. We reach Gangtok by afternoon. The capital town
of Sikkim - a former Himalayan Kingdom welcomes you with its
typical traditional Hospitality.
Check in at hotel. Get refreshed and have
free leisure evening. We recommend a relaxed evening with
short walk around MG Road to enjoy the typical hill city life
of Gangtok in the twilights. Car service till drop at Hotel.
(Overnight Gangtok)
Day
4 - Gangtok to Tsongo Lake 42kms in 2.5hrs (One way)
After a heavy breakfast we take you to famous
Tsongo Lake at 12000ft (3600M).
We start at 8.30 AM in the morning from hotel. You have whole
day to enjoy snow and Yak ride at the scenic high altitude
alpine lake near Indo-Tibet border. The 1 km long and 15m
deep lake is considered sacred to the local people. The pristine
clear water remains frozen during winter. Have fun with snow
and enjoy exciting Yak ride around the lake.
Drive further to the legendary Baba mandir
10kms from Tsongo Lake at an altitude of over 13,000 feet.
It was built in memory of a soldier in the 23rd Punjab Regiment,
who was drowned in a stream near the spot. Legend has it that
the armed forces as well as civilians visit this area are
protected by the spirit of the soldier. Back to Hotel and
have a leisure afternoon. (Overnight Gangtok)
Day
5 - Gangtok to Lachung -124kms in 6hrs, Alt 8600
ft (2580M). Your tour to North Sikkim starts today. Have breakfast
and start for Lachung around 8.30AM. Today your lunch will
be at a roadside hotel on your way to Lachung. Visit TASHI
VIEW POINT on the way for some fascinating view of the Gangtok
town as you leave the city. As the journey continues from
Gangtok the route meanders through small villages flanked
by fields and valleys until it hits the forest grove of KABI
LANGCHUK. Shinghik comes next with its promises of one of
the most glorious views of Kanchenjunga. Situated at an altitude
of over 4000ft Singhik offers a desired break to the travelers
for the magnificent view of Kanchenjunga. After leaving Singhik
you will soon reach Chungthang, the confluence of Lachen Chu
and Lachung Chu (rivers). Reach Lachung in the afternoon.
Check in at Hotel and have free evening. (Overnight
Lachung)
Day
6 - Lachung to Yumthang - 25kms in 1.5hrs (one way)
Today morning at 7.30AM we take you to Yumthang
(24kms) - the valley of flowers at 12000ft (3600M). The journey
from Lachung to Yumthang offers an unforgettable virgin landscape
covered with rhododendron bushes and 108 other types of Orchids
which bloom in different colours from April to May. The entire
area goes under snow between November and March. The hot springs
and mesmerizing scene with yaks grazing on flower - carpeted
meadows on the backdrop of snow peaks are the added attractions.
Spend some spellbound time at the valley and return to Lachung.
Optional visit to Yumesamdong (15300ft,
4600M) 26kms further from Yumthang close to Tibetan border
and to Katao, 25kms from Lachung at 15000ft (4500M) can be
arranged locally on special request at an added cost. Both
places are famous for the snow view and landscape beauty.
After
Lunch roam around the little village on the bank of Lachung
river – one of the sources of Tista, enjoy the beauty
of nature that surrounds you. Also visit to the Monastery
at Lachung. (Overnight Lachung)
Day 7 - Lachung to Gangtok
124kms in 6hrs
After Breakfast we proceed to Gangtok via
Chungthang. Reach Gangtok in the afternoon. Check in at Hotel
and relax. Car service till drop at Gangtok Hotel. Suggested
evening activities: Visit to M G Marg, the busy market of
Gangtok, for shopping and having Sikkimese delicacy at the
local restaurant. (Overnight Gangtok)
Day 8 - Departure from
Gangtok to NJP / Bagdogra, 125kms in 3.5hrs
We check out from Hotel after breakfast. Today your tour with
naturebeyond concludes with your transfer to NJP Station or
Bagdogra Airport. We help you to board your train or flight
back home. Farewell and tour ends. |