Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling are three captivating hill stations in the northeastern region of India. Each offers its own unique attractions, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Here’s a detailed look at each destination:

Gangtok:

Overview: Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is a vibrant hill station nestled in the eastern Himalayas. It serves as a gateway to exploring the natural and cultural richness of Sikkim.

Key Attractions:

1. MG Road:

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

2. Enchey Monastery:

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

3. Rumtek Monastery:

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

4. Tsomgo Lake:

   • A high-altitude glacial lake located about 40 kilometers from Gangtok. It’s surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is a popular spot for tourists.

5. Nathula Pass:

   • A high-altitude pass on the Indo-China border, accessible from Gangtok with prior permission. It offers breathtaking views and an opportunity to experience high-altitude terrain.

6. Banjhakri Falls:

   • A picturesque waterfall located about 7 kilometers from Gangtok, surrounded by lush greenery and landscaped gardens.

7. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology:

   • A museum dedicated to Tibetan culture and Buddhism, featuring a collection of Tibetan manuscripts, artifacts, and thangkas (religious paintings).

8. Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok:

   • Small temples offering panoramic views of Gangtok and the surrounding regions.

Pelling:

Overview: Pelling is a beautiful town in western Sikkim, known for its stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, serene monasteries, and lush landscapes. It serves as a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Sikkim.

Key Attractions:

1. Pemayangtse Monastery:

   • An ancient and significant monastery known for its intricate woodwork and panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range.

2. Khecheopalri Lake:

   • A sacred lake surrounded by lush forests, believed to fulfill wishes. It’s a serene spot for meditation and reflection.

3. Kanchenjunga Falls:

   • A beautiful waterfall located near Pelling, providing a scenic backdrop for photography and relaxation.

4. Pelling Sky Walk:

   • A glass walkway offering breathtaking 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. The site offers historical insights and panoramic views.

6. Sangachoeling Monastery:

   • One of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, offering spiritual ambiance and beautiful views.

7. Pelling Helipad:

   • A popular spot for viewing the majestic Kanchenjunga range and other Himalayan peaks.

Darjeeling:

Overview: Darjeeling, often called the "Queen of the Hills," is a picturesque hill station in West Bengal known for its tea gardens, colonial charm, and stunning views of the Himalayas.

Key Attractions:

1. Tiger Hill:

   • Famous for its sunrise views over the Kanchenjunga range. It’s a must-visit early in the morning for breathtaking vistas.

2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway:

   • A UNESCO World Heritage site, this narrow-gauge railway offers a scenic ride through the hills, showcasing colonial-era charm.

3. Batasia Loop:

   • A spiral railway track with panoramic views of Darjeeling and the surrounding mountains. It also features a war memorial dedicated to soldiers from Darjeeling.

4. Peace Pagoda:

   • Located in the Japanese Temple Complex, the Peace Pagoda is a beautiful stupa offering serene surroundings and panoramic views.

5. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:

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

6. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute:

   • An institute promoting mountaineering, with a museum showcasing mountaineering equipment and achievements.

7. Tea Gardens:

   • Darjeeling is famous for its tea, and visiting a tea estate, such as Happy Valley Tea Estate, provides insight into tea production and offers beautiful views.

8. Mahakal Temple:

   • A revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on a hilltop and offering tranquility and panoramic views.

Traveling Between Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling:

• Distance:

  • Gangtok to Pelling: Approximately 110 kilometers (about 68 miles), typically taking 4-5 hours by road.
  • Pelling to Darjeeling: Approximately 75 kilometers (about 47 miles), generally taking 3-4 hours by road.
  • Gangtok to Darjeeling: Approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles), with a travel time of around 4-5 hours by road.

• Travel Options:

  • Shared taxis, private cabs, and buses are available for travel between these destinations. The journey offers scenic views of the hills and valleys.

In Summary:

• Gangtok offers a blend of vibrant culture, monasteries, and high-altitude attractions.
• Pelling is known for its stunning Himalayan views, serene monasteries, and natural beauty.
• Darjeeling is celebrated for its colonial charm, tea gardens, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Together, these destinations provide a diverse range of experiences, from cultural exploration and spiritual retreats to scenic beauty and historical sites.

Day 1 : Arrival and Transfer to Darjeeling

Our representative will be present to receive the Guest at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (Junction) – He will be assisting you to reach Darjeeling - Nearly 85 kilometers 3 ½ - 4 hours drive –Darjeeling(2123 meters / 7001 feet) is located in northern part of West Bengal –Surrounded by Himalayan mountain ridges, pleasant climate and beautiful tea gardens- Darjeeling is a paradise for trekkers and adventure lovers-It is the home of famous Toy Train, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute(established by Tenzing Norgay),Tiger Hill, Ghoom Gompa and Peace Memorial–Places to visit nearby are Mirik,Kurseong, Kalimpong ,Pashupati market and Phalut- Check-in to the hotel – Evening free to stroll around the around Mall, Chowrasta or the Local market area - OverNight stay at Darjeeling

Day 2 : Darjeeling Local Sight Seeing

Morning drive from your hotel to Tiger Hill (8482 feet / 2590 meters) at around 3:45 am-Catch the stunning sight of early rays of sun falling over Mount Kanchenjunga(if the weather is clear)– Please note Tiger Hill excursion is available only in early morning after which it is closed -While returning back, a visit to Ghoom Monastery, Peace memorial & Batasia -Back to hotel for breakfast - After breakfast rest for half an hour -Then next round of sightseeing - Full Day city tour of places Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Ropeway, , Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (Closed on Sunday),Beautiful Tea Estate, Natural History Museum (Sunday Closed), Peace Pagoda -The car will be at your disposal-But it might be impossible to cover all the sites mentioned above in a single day – Back to hotel – Evening free to stroll around the area - OverNight stay at Darjeeling

Day 3 : Transfer to Pelling and Local Sightseeing in Pelling

Early breakfast and then drive to your next destination Pelling-Pelling is 75 kilometres and 4-5 hours drive from Darjeeling - Pelling (2072 meters / 6800 feet) is situated in Sikkim-It is a popular hill station of West Sikkim-Pelling is popular for its spectacular view of Himalayan mountain ridges like Koktang,Frey,Rathong,Kabru North ,Kabru South, Kabru Dom,Talung,Pandim,Jupuno,Narsing and Tinchikhang ( only if the weather is clear),rich alpine forests, mystic waterfalls, soft treks routes and tranquility-Pelling is also an ideal spot for adventure sports-Foreigners need to obtain Inner Line Permit before entering Sikkim-Please carry any kind of photo identity proof and passport size photos--Avoid plucking orchids and catching butterflies as it leads to judicial proceedings in Sikkim--Check into Hotel-After Lunch sightseeing to places like are Rimbi water Falls, Rimbi Rock Garden, Khecheopalri Lake, a wish fulfilling sacred lake -
 

Day 4 : Transfer to Gangtok and Local Sightseeing

Early Breakfast and then transfer to Gangtok-Gangtok is 135 kilometres and 5-6 hours drive from Pelling - Gangtok(5800 feet/1800m) is the capital of Sikkim-Located in East Sikkim-It is the most visited tourist destination-Gangtok is famous for its monasteries, picturesque site of Himalayas, stunning landcape,rich variety of fauna and flora(basically orchids and butterflies) and steaming dumplings- -Smoking or selling any form of tobacco is strictly banned here-Check into the hotel-After Lunch visit to Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten (Stupa), Enchey Monastery, White Hall, Flower Show,– Back to hotel – Evening free to roam around M G Road (Mall) or local Shopping center – There are few discotheques in Gangtok to spend time - Over Night stay at Gangtok

Day 5 : Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir (Full Day)

Early breakfast at hotel – Our full day excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir ( New ) which is 40 km from Gangtok at the altitude of 3753 meters/ 12310 feet- Generally covered in snow for most of the year –It is an oval-shaped lake which is 15m deep and almost 1km long-You won’t be disappointed with this visit as the combination of landscape and lake is a view not to be forgotten even after you leave the place-It’s just amazing – This lake is home to the Brahmini ducks & many migratory birds – Nearby is the sacred Baba Mandir built in remembrance of Baba Harbhajan Singh who went missing from this place - Nathu La Pass to Republic of China is nearly 20 kilometers and is an optional tour –Photo identity card and passport size photo is required for visiting Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La-A special permit is required in advance to visit Nathu La-Foreigners are not allowed in Nathu La Pass- Back to Gangtok -In evening free to r
 

Day 6 : Departure

Gangtok to Siliguri - Breakfast - After breakfast returning back to Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (Junction) - Nearly 124 kilometers 4 ½ - 5 hours drive – Guest are advised to start early and not to rush –Hope you leave with pleasant memories of the place