Kalimpong, Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling are four beautiful destinations in the northeastern Indian states of West Bengal and Sikkim. Each offers its own unique charm, attractions, and experiences. Here’s an overview of each location and how they fit together in a travel itinerary:

Kalimpong:

Overview: Kalimpong is a serene hill station in West Bengal, known for its vibrant flower nurseries, monasteries, and panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Key Attractions:

1. Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery:

   • A prominent Buddhist monastery with unique architecture and serene surroundings.

2. Kalimpong Cactus Nursery:

   • A fascinating nursery showcasing a diverse collection of cacti and succulents.

3. Deolo Hill:

   • A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It's a great spot for picnicking and leisurely walks.

4. Kalimpong Science Centre:

   • An interactive museum featuring educational exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.

5. Flower Nurseries:

   • Kalimpong is famous for its colorful flower nurseries, including the popular Pine View Nursery.

6. Dr. Graham’s Homes:

   • A historic school known for its beautiful campus and educational legacy.

Travel Tips:

• Weather: Kalimpong enjoys a moderate climate, but it can get chilly in the evenings, especially in winter. Dress in layers.
• Travel: It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Darjeeling and around 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Gangtok.

Gangtok:

Overview: Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and is known for its vibrant culture, Buddhist monasteries, and beautiful landscapes.

Key Attractions:

1. MG Road:

   • A lively pedestrian street with shops, cafes, and local markets.

2. Enchey Monastery:

   • A peaceful monastery offering stunning views of Gangtok and the surrounding mountains.

3. Rumtek Monastery:

   • One of Sikkim’s largest monasteries, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance.

4. Tsomgo Lake:

   • A high-altitude glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, 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 breathtaking 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.

Pelling:

Overview: Pelling is a scenic town in western Sikkim, known for its stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, serene monasteries, and lush landscapes.

Key Attractions:

1. Pemayangtse Monastery:

   • An ancient monastery renowned for its exquisite woodwork and panoramic views of Kanchenjunga.

2. Khecheopalri Lake:

   • A sacred lake surrounded by dense forests, considered to fulfill wishes and ideal for meditation.

3. Kanchenjunga Falls:

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

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:

   • An ancient monastery offering spiritual ambiance and beautiful views.

Travel Tips:

• Weather: Pelling can be quite cold, especially in winter. Dress in layers and prepare for varying weather conditions.
• Travel: The journey from Gangtok to Pelling takes about 4-5 hours by road, with scenic views of the hills.

Darjeeling:

Overview: Darjeeling, known as the "Queen of the Hills," is a popular hill station in West Bengal famous 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. A must-visit early in the morning for breathtaking vistas.

2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway:

   • A UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a charming ride through the hills and showcasing colonial-era charm.

3. Batasia Loop:

   • A spiral railway track with panoramic views of Darjeeling and the surrounding mountains, featuring a war memorial.

4. Peace Pagoda:

   • Located in the Japanese Temple Complex, 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 renowned for its tea. Visiting a tea estate, like the Happy Valley Tea Estate, provides insight into tea production and offers beautiful views.

8. Mahakal Temple:

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

Travel Tips:

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

Traveling Between Kalimpong, Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling:

• Kalimpong to Gangtok:

  • Approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles), taking about 2-3 hours by road.

• Gangtok to Pelling:

  • Approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles), taking around 4-5 hours by road.

• Pelling to Darjeeling:

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

• Darjeeling to Kalimpong:

  • Approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles), taking about 1.5-2 hours by road.

In Summary:

• Kalimpong offers a serene experience with its flower nurseries, monasteries, and scenic viewpoints.
• Gangtok provides a vibrant city experience with cultural sites, monasteries, and high-altitude attractions.
• Pelling is known for its stunning views of Kanchenjunga, serene monasteries, and natural beauty.
• Darjeeling is celebrated for its colonial charm, tea gardens, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas.

These destinations collectively offer a rich tapestry of cultural, natural, and historical experiences in the picturesque region of northeastern India.

Day 1 - Arrival & Transfer to Kalimpong

 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 assist the guest to proceed to Kalimpong - Nearly 95 Kilometers, 3 ½ - 04 Hours’ drive - Kalimpong is a historical destination situated on the old silk route - It is situated on the foothills of the Himalayas at an elevation of 1243 meters / 4078 feet with lots of greenery - Kalimpong is a hill station buzzing with colorful people and bazaar – Specialty is the nurseries with orchids, Gladiolus, rarest cacti, etc. There are historical buildings over 50 nurseries and offers spectacular views of Mount Kanchendzonga and its range - It is an ideal setting with a milder climate and various tourist options - Check into Hotel/resort – Evening free to roam around the local market or nursery - Overnight stay at Kalimpong 

Day 2 - Sight Seeing at Kalimpong and Transfer to Gangtok

 After breakfast at hotel, Depart for sightseeing Tour of Forest Museum (Closed On Thursday), Jhalep La View Point, Deolo Hill, Dr. Graham Homes School, Durpin Monastery, Mangal Dham, Pine View Nurseries (Cactus Only) & Next drive of nearly 105 kilometers, 2 - 2 ½ hours’ drive - Gangtok the capital of Sikkim Suits all from tranquility to adventure, land of monastery, mystic rituals & festivals at a height of 1670 meters / 5480 feet and is the most visited spot of India - It is one of the most beautiful towns with varieties of Rhododendron, Orchids, and butterflies - Check into hotel – Evening free to roam around M G Road (Mall) or local Shopping center - Over Night stay at Gangtok 

Day 3 - Gangtok Local Sight Seeing (Full 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 – It is not possible to cover all the spot in a single day hence we make the program with points covering minimum distance traveled - Visit Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten (Stupa), Enchey Monastery, White Hall, Flower Show, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Tashi View Point, Banjhakri Falls, one of the finest falls close to Gangtok, etc.  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 4 - 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 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 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 ifTshangu Lake is closed then an alternate sightseeing will be provided) 

Day 5 - Transfer to Pelling - Transfer to Pelling via Jorethang

 A drive of 140 kilometers 3 ½ - 4 hours through scenic road – Check in to the hotel – 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 the 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 6 - 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 visit 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 7 - Transfer to Darjeeling

A drive of 120 kilometers 3 ½ - 4 hours through scenic road via Jorethang and along the River Teesta for a short stretch – Darjeeling - It is situated at a height of 2123 meters / 70001 feet - It is a land of breathtaking beauty, sloping tea gardens with spectacular views of the Mount Everest is the Queen of the hills – Darjeeling is home to many international Schools and few of the internationally famous site like Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, etc. It is also home to the famous World Heritage train – The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) - Check into hotel – Evening free - Over Night stay at Darjeeling 

Day 8 - 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 9 - Departure

 Darjeeling to 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) via Mirik - Nearly 105 kilometers 3 ½ - 4 hours’ drive – Forwarding Journey