Gangtok and Darjeeling tour

Duration :6 Hours

Tsomgo Lake or Changu Lake is nestled at an altitude of 3,753 meters in the East Sikkim district, approximately 40 kilometres from Gangtok. It is one of the major sightseeing attractions for tourists visiting Gangtok. Tsomgo Lake is a mesmerizing glacial lake that undergoes a remarkable transformation with the changing seasons.

Surrounded by alpine forests, the lake's catchment area experiences a burst of floral brilliance during the summer months with rhododendrons, primulas, and poppies blossoming after the winter thaw. During winter months the lake remains partially of completely frozen.

Tourists can embark on joy rides atop decorated yaks and mules, delighting in the scenic beauty while relishing a variety of food and drinks from the kiosks dotting the lake's periphery. Access to Tsomgo Lake requires permits.

Duration :Half an Hour

Harbhajan Singh was a young Indian army soldier who was escorting a mule column when he fell into a river and was washed away. The incident took place in 1968. Since then the soldiers guarding the border believe that the spirit of Harbhajan Singh protects the soldiers on the border.

Baba Mandir, also known as Harbhajan Singh Temple, is a revered shrine located near Tsomgo Lake. It is believed that he continues to watch over his fellow soldiers, and many people visiting the area pay their respects to him.

The temple is situated at an altitude of around 13,123 feet (4,000 meters) and is a significant pilgrimage site. It is a small shrine with a room containing Harbhajan Singh's personal belongings, including his uniform and other articles. The army personnel posted in the region maintain the temple.

Duration :3 Hours

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling is named after Padmaja Naidu, the daughter of Sarojini Naidu, who was the Governor of West Bengal and a prominent political figure in India, the zoo is dedicated to the preservation and breeding of endangered Himalayan species.

The zoo is situated in the Birch Hill area of Darjeeling. It is adjacent to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, also known as HMI. The zoo specialises in showcasing and conserving the unique flora and fauna of the Himalayan region. It houses various species of animals and birds native to the eastern Himalayas.

The Zoo is famous for several unique programs such as the Red Panda Breeding Program where the zoo succeeded in Red Panda breeding. It is also known for its efforts in conserving the elusive and endangered snow leopard.

Duration :1 hour

The Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling is one of the many built worldwide as a symbol of peace and unity. The Darjeeling Peace Pagoda is situated on the slopes of Jalapahar Hill. 

It was built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk from Japan and the founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji order. The foundation stone was laid on November 3, 1972, and the pagoda was inaugurated on November 1, 1992. The pagoda follows the traditional Japanese architectural style. It is a four-tier structure with a golden statue of Lord Buddha at the top.

Duration :1 Hour

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of Darjeeling, the Happy Valley Tea Estate stands as a testament to the region's rich tea heritage. A sightseeing visit to this idyllic plantation from Darjeeling town is a journey into the heart of tea cultivation and its fascinating history.

Tourists are typically taken to a viewpoint to see the tea plantation from close quarters. The viewpoint is about 3 km from the heart of town and may take about 15 minutes to reach. Here you'll be treated to panoramic views of rolling hills covered in verdant tea bushes. The estate, established in 1854, is one of the oldest tea plantations in Darjeeling and is renowned for its high-quality, aromatic teas.

Duration :Half an Hour

Named after Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa guide who, alongside Sir Edmund Hillary, made the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, Tenzing Rock is a must-visit attraction for both adventure enthusiasts and those seeking a glimpse into the region's mountaineering heritage.

Situated about 3 kilometres from the heart of Darjeeling, Tenzing Rock is a massive granite rock face that stands at an imposing height. The rock provides a challenging surface for rock climbing enthusiasts. The site has been developed into a rock climbing destination, allowing both beginners and experienced climbers to test their skills against the natural contours of the rock.

For those not inclined toward climbing, Tenzing Rock offers a fantastic vantage point to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The rock served as a training ground for Tenzing himself, who honed his mountaineering skills here before embarking on his historic Everest expedition. Visitors to Tenzing Rock can also witness skilled local guides demonstrating rock climbing techniques, adding an element of adventure to the overall experience.

Duration :1 Hour

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) is a renowned institution located in Darjeeling and dedicated to mountaineering, adventure sports, and wilderness training. The HMI was established on November 4, 1954, by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, in honour of the successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953.

HMI conducts several adventure and mountain courses. These courses cover different aspects of mountaineering, including rock climbing, ice climbing, and high-altitude trekking.

Tourists can visit the Mountaineering Museum which displays a rich collection of mountaineering gear, artefacts, photographs, and information about famous mountaineers. It provides insights into the history and challenges of mountaineering in the Himalayas.

The HMI campus is within the campus of the Himalayan Zoological Park. The Zoo and HMI can be visited together.

Duration :1 Hour

The Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center was established in 1959 to support Tibetan refugees who fled Tibet following the Chinese occupation. The establishment was created to provide a means of livelihood and support for the Tibetan community. This is achieved through various vocational training programs, handicraft production, and the sale of traditional Tibetan crafts.

One of the main activities at the centre is the production of traditional Tibetan handicrafts. Skilled artisans at the centre create items such as carpets, shawls, wooden carvings, and various other handcrafted products. These items are often sold at the centre and in other markets to generate income for the community. 

The Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center has become a popular tourist destination in Darjeeling. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the artisans at work, learn about Tibetan culture, and purchase traditional Tibetan handicrafts. 

Duration :2 Hours

The Ghum Monastery, also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery, is one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Darjeeling. Situated in the town of Ghum, which is just a few kilometres from Darjeeling, this monastery is a key religious and cultural landmark in the region.

Ghum Monastery is situated at an altitude of about 8,000 feet (2,438 meters), making it one of the highest monasteries in the region. The monastery was established in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso. It belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and is affiliated with the famous Yiga Choeling Monastery in Tibet. One of the main attractions within the Ghum Monastery is a 15-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha. The monastery houses valuable thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings on cotton or silk) and ancient manuscripts.

Duration :1 Hour

The Batasia Loop is a mesmerizing feat of engineering and a testament to the region's scenic beauty. This architectural marvel is a loop in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

Built-in 1919, the Batasia Loop was constructed to overcome the steep gradient of the mountainous terrain and facilitate the smooth ascent and descent of trains. The loop is a spiralling track that winds around itself, creating a captivating spectacle for passengers and onlookers. It is strategically located between Ghum and Darjeeling, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the majestic Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.

Tourists and train enthusiasts flock to the Batasia Loop to experience the thrill of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway's toy train navigating the spiral track. The slow, rhythmic chug of the steam engine, coupled with the awe-inspiring vistas, creates an unforgettable journey through this picturesque loop.

Duration :4hr

Tiger Hill is a famous hilltop in Darjeeling. It is renowned for offering stunning panoramic views, especially during sunrise, and is a popular destination for tourists. Tiger Hill provides breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range, including the world's third-highest peak, Mount Kangchenjunga. On a clear day, you can also see the peaks of Mount Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse.

To witness sunrise from Tiger Hill, you have to start early in the morning and reach the spot before sunrise. It's approximately 11 kilometres from the main town and takes close to half an hour to reach. The local administration issues tokens for Tiger Hill visits to limit the congestion at the hilltop during early morning hours. So you need to decide at least one day in advance to visit Tiger Hill.

The weather at Tiger Hill can be chilly, especially during the early morning hours. Visitors are advised to dress warmly. The view also depends on local weather conditions. On a cloudy day, the sunrise might be a miss.