Darjeeling, Pelling, Lachung, and Gangtok are four enchanting destinations in the northeastern part of India, each offering unique experiences and stunning landscapes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to each location and how they fit together in a travel itinerary:

Darjeeling:

Overview: Darjeeling, often referred to as the "Queen of the Hills," is a popular hill station in West Bengal known for its colonial charm, tea gardens, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Key Attractions:

1. Tiger Hill:

   • Famous for its sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga range, the third-highest peak in the world. It offers a spectacular sight at dawn.

2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway:

   • A UNESCO World Heritage site, this narrow-gauge railway offers a scenic and historic ride through the hills.

3. Batasia Loop:

   • A spiral railway track providing panoramic views of Darjeeling and the surrounding mountains, along with a war memorial dedicated to local soldiers.

4. Peace Pagoda:

   • Located in the Japanese Temple Complex, this beautiful stupa offers serene surroundings and panoramic views of the hills.

5. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:

   • A zoo dedicated to the conservation of Himalayan wildlife, including the red panda and snow leopard.

6. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute:

   • An institute that promotes mountaineering with a museum showcasing mountaineering equipment and achievements.

7. Tea Gardens:

   • Darjeeling is renowned for its tea, and visiting estates like Happy Valley Tea Estate provides insight into tea production and stunning views.

8. Mahakal Temple:

   • A revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering tranquility and panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

Travel Tips:

• Weather: Darjeeling has a temperate climate with cool summers and cold winters. Dress in layers to manage temperature changes.
• Travel: Darjeeling is about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Kalimpong and around 115 kilometers (71 miles) from Gangtok.

Pelling:

Overview: Pelling, located in western Sikkim, is known for its spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga range, tranquil monasteries, and natural beauty.

Key Attractions:

1. Pemayangtse Monastery:

   • One of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries, known for its intricate woodwork and stunning views of Kanchenjunga.

2. Khecheopalri Lake:

   • A sacred lake surrounded by lush forests, considered to be wish-fulfilling and ideal for meditation and reflection.

3. Kanchenjunga Falls:

   • A beautiful waterfall near Pelling, providing a picturesque setting and opportunities for photography.

4. Pelling Sky Walk:

   • A glass skywalk offering panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and the surrounding landscape.

5. Rabdentse Ruins:

   • The ruins of the ancient Rabdentse Palace, which was once the capital of Sikkim, offering historical insights and stunning views.

6. Sangachoeling Monastery:

   • One of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, known for its spiritual ambiance and beautiful views.

Travel Tips:

• Weather: Pelling can be quite cold, especially in winter. Prepare for varying weather conditions and dress warmly.
• Travel: The journey from Darjeeling to Pelling takes about 3-4 hours by road, with scenic views of the hills.

Lachung:

Overview: Lachung is a picturesque town in northern Sikkim, known for its stunning landscapes, traditional wooden houses, and high-altitude attractions.

Key Attractions:

1. Yumthang Valley:

   • Known as the "Valley of Flowers," it’s famous for its vibrant meadows, hot springs, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. It’s especially stunning in spring when wildflowers are in bloom.

2. Zero Point:

   • Located further north of Yumthang Valley, Zero Point offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and pristine landscapes. It is one of the highest points accessible in the region.

3. Lachung Monastery:

   • A traditional Buddhist monastery that offers a glimpse into the local culture and spiritual practices.

4. Lachen Monastery:

   • Located nearby, this monastery reflects traditional Tibetan architecture and culture.

Travel Tips:

• Permits: Travel to Lachung requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be obtained through travel agencies in Gangtok.
• Altitude: Lachung is situated at around 2,750 meters (9,000 feet). Prepare for high-altitude conditions and potential altitude sickness.

Gangtok:

Overview: Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and serves as a gateway to exploring the natural and cultural beauty of the state.

Key Attractions:

1. MG Road:

   • The main commercial street in Gangtok, offering a vibrant atmosphere with shops, cafes, restaurants, and local markets.

2. Enchey Monastery:

   • An important Buddhist monastery known for its peaceful ambiance and panoramic views of Gangtok and the surrounding mountains.

3. Rumtek Monastery:

   • One of Sikkim’s largest monasteries, renowned for its intricate architecture and religious artifacts.

4. Tsomgo Lake:

   • A high-altitude glacial lake about 40 kilometers from Gangtok, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and popular for its beauty and yak rides.

5. Nathula Pass:

   • A high-altitude pass on the Indo-China border, accessible with special permits. It offers spectacular views and a unique experience.

6. Banjhakri Falls:

   • A picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and landscaped gardens.

7. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology:

   • A museum dedicated to Tibetan culture and Buddhism, featuring a collection of artifacts and manuscripts.

Travel Tips:

• Permits: Special permits are required for Nathula Pass and other restricted areas.
• Altitude: Gangtok is at around 1,650 meters (5,400 feet) above sea level, so acclimatize if coming from lower altitudes.

Traveling Between Darjeeling, Pelling, Lachung, and Gangtok:

• Darjeeling to Pelling:

  • Approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles), taking about 3-4 hours by road.

• Pelling to Lachung:

  • Approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles), generally taking around 6-8 hours by road. The journey is long but offers diverse scenery.

• Lachung to Gangtok:

  • Approximately 115 kilometers (71 miles), typically taking around 5-7 hours by road.

• Gangtok to Darjeeling:

  • Approximately 115 kilometers (71 miles), taking around 4-5 hours by road.

In Summary:

• Darjeeling is known for its colonial charm, tea gardens, and stunning Himalayan vistas.
• Pelling offers spectacular views of Kanchenjunga, tranquil monasteries, and beautiful natural sites.
• Lachung is celebrated for its high-altitude landscapes, including Yumthang Valley and Zero Point.
• Gangtok serves as a vibrant cultural hub with monasteries, high-altitude lakes, and scenic beauty.

These destinations provide a diverse range of experiences, from cultural exploration and spiritual retreats to breathtaking natural landscapes and historical sites.

Day 1 - Arrival and transfer to Darjeeling

 Our representative will be there to receive the Guest at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (Junction) – He will be assisting for the transfer - Darjeeling - Nearly 105 kilometers 3 ½ - 4 hours’ drive – At an height of 2123 meters / 70001 feet lies the land of breathtaking beauty, sloping tea gardens with spectacular views of the Mount Everest is the Queen of the hills  It is also home to the famous World Heritage train (UNESCO) – The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) and the famous Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park - Check into hotel – Evening free to roam around Mall or local Shopping center - Over Night stay at Darjeeling 

Day 2 - Darjeeling Local Sight Seeing(Half Day)

 Early morning at around3:45 AM drive to 8000 feet / 2440 meters through primitive forests of oak, magnolia to Tiger hill to view sunrise over Kanchendzonga Peak (subject to clear weather) – On the way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Peace memorial & Batasia Loop – On the way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Peace memorial & Batasia LoopBack to hotel for breakfast - After breakfast rest for half an hour After breakfast next round of sightseeing - Half Day city tour includes Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Ropeway, Tensing Gumpo Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (Closed on Sunday), Tea Estate, Natural History Museum (Sunday Closed), Peace Pagoda – Back to hotel – Evening free to stroll around the area - Overnight stay at Darjeeling 

Day 3 - Transfer to Pelling

 Morning breakfast and check out of the hotel to proceed to Pelling - A drive of nearly 115 kilometers – 3 – 3 ½ hours’ drive - Pelling is situated at an altitude of 2072 meters / 6800 feet - On a clear day guest can get a clear view of Himalayan range with snowcapped mount Pandim, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Khangchendzonga, Zopuno, Shimbho, Narsing, Sinolchu etc. It is one of the exotic settlement with varieties of Rhododendron, Orchids, historical sites, short trek routes and wildlife – Its botanical and zoological richness is inspiring and the scenic view from the top of the ridge across deep valley to the heights of Kanchendzonga ranges is something to be seen to be believed - Yuksom, Ravangla, Rinchenpong and Namchi are some of the tourist spot nearby – Check into hotel - Evening free to roam around the small settlement - Over Night stay at Pelling 

Day 4 - Pelling Local sightseeing (Full Day)

 After breakfast at hotel – Drive for Full Day Sight Seeing. The routes are forested and the botanical and zoological richness is inspiring. Places of vi sit are Rimbi water Falls, Rimbi Rock Garden, Kechopalri Lake, it’s one of the holy Buddhist lake and it is believed that any wish in front of the lake comes true - Myth is that when a leaf falls on the placid clear water surface, it is picked by a bird and thus the water surface is always free of leaves, Kechopalri Monastery, Kanchenjunga water Falls, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdantse ruins, the scenic view from the top of the ruin to the mystic heights of Kanchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished – Back to hotel  Evening free to roam around the helipad or Shopping center - Over Night stay at Pelling 

Day 5 - Transfer to Pelling &Gangtok Local Sight Seeing (Half Day)

Morning breakfast - After breakfast drive for the city tour of Gangtok – Sightseeing will be for half day hence the drive will be easy and comfortable – Plucking orchid or catching butterflies is a criminal offence in this city of India - Visit to Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten (Stupa), Enchey Monastery, White Hall, Flower Show, etc. Back to hotel – Evening free to roam around M G Road (Mall) or local Shopping center - Over Night stay at Gangtok

Day 6 - Transfer to Lachung

Early morning breakfast – Next start for North Sikkim package tour – Leave Gangtok at about 10 A M proceed to Lachung 119 kilometers – 4 ½ hours – 5 ½ hours – Lachung is situated at an altitude of 8600 feet - On the way stop and enjoy a few wonderful locations like Tashi Viewpoint, Kabi Lungstok, Naga Waterfalls, confluence of Lachen chu and Lachung Chu at Chungthang, Twin Waterfalls and Bhim Nala Waterfalls - Lunch break at Namok ( Extra Cost ) - The roads are colored with full bloom of Primulae, Rhododendrons and many other Alpine flowers Guest specially during spring – Guest are likely to reach Lachung at late afternoon or early evening - Check into the hotel / resort - Evening free to stroll around the village - Dinner will be served at about 8 PM – Overnight stay at Lachung 

Day 7 - Sight Seeing at Yumthang

After breakfast drive towards Yumthang situated at an elevation of nearly 11800 feet - On the way you may visit the famous hot spring which is known for its curative properties of skin diseases - Yumthang is a valley near the river Lachung Chu surrounded by mountains where the tree line ends - In spring the valley erupts in riots of colors as Primulae, Rhododendrons and many other Alpine flowers in full bloom along with snow-covered valley except in autumn - During winter Yumthang is somber with snow all around and the snow-clad mountains adding to the ethereal beauty - Return to resort at Lachung for Lunch - After lunch visit Lachung Monastery, Cottage Industry and Waterfalls – Evening free to stroll around the village - Dinner will be served at about 8 PM – Overnight stay at Lachung 

Day 8 - Transfer to Gangtok

 After breakfast leave for Gangtok - 125 kilometers, 4 – 5 hours’ drive - On the way stops at Singhik and Mangan - If the weather is fine and the sky is clear one can enjoy the view of Himalayan range with mount Kanchenjunga, mount Pandim, mount Kabru, mount Simvo, mount Jopuno, mount Khangchendzonga and mount Siniol chu - Various location offers a majestic view of these peaks hence photography will consume some time  The drive will be smooth due to the scenic beauty as in spring the forest cover erupts in a riot of colors as Rhododendron, Primulae and many other Alpine Flowers are in full bloom - Back to Gangtok - Evening free to roam around M G Road (Mall) or local Shopping center - Over Night stay at Gangtok 

Day 9 - Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir(Full Day)

 Morning breakfast at hotel – Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir ( New ) nearly 40 kilometers - The Lake is oval shaped lake nearly 50 feet deep - Generally covered in snow for most of the year – This lake is home to the Brahmini ducks & many migratory birds – Nearby is the sacred Baba Mandir known to be a very holy site for all - Nathu La Pass to the Republic of China is nearly 20 kilometers and is optional tour - Back to Gangtok - Evening free to roam around M G Road (Mall) or local Shopping center - Over Night stay at Gangtok (Incase of Landslide or due to any other reasons if Shango Lake is closed then an alternate sightseeing will be provided) 

Day 10 - Departure 

 Gangtok to Siliguri – Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (Junction) - Morning breakfast - After breakfast transfer to Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (Junction) - Nearly 135 kilometers 4 ½ - 5 hours’ drive – Guest are advised to start early and not to rush - Forwarding Journey.