Collect at Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) rail station and drive to Darjeeling via Siliguri and Kurseong — scenic hill road. Journey takes about 3.5–4.5 hours depending on traffic and weather.
Glenary's (bakery/café near Chowrasta) serves continental and local dishes; Kunga is great for authentic Tibetan/Sikkimese food. Both are open midday and ideal to sample local momos and thukpa.
Short visit for panoramic views of Darjeeling, the toy train loop and a landscaped garden — great for sunset photography. Open all day; best in late afternoon for clear valley views.
Depart very early for Tiger Hill to see the sun rise over Kanchenjunga — superb panoramic views on clear mornings. Site is accessible before dawn; expect a short drive and cold temperatures.
Zoo (9:30am–4:30pm) houses high-altitude species; adjacent HMI museum tells mountaineering history — both are must-visits for nature and climbing enthusiasts.
Take a short heritage toy-train run (Darjeeling–Ghoom–Darjeeling) if services are operating — timetable can be limited in winter, so check on the day. Great for nostalgia and scenery.
Leisurely stroll, local shops and tea stalls; perfect place for Himalayan tea shopping and souvenirs. Open all day; evening ambience is pleasant and sheltered.
Choose Glenary's for bakery treats or The Park for regional dishes and comfort food. Both places stay open into the evening; book ahead for dinner during peak tourist season.
Road transfer of around 4–5 hours via NH10 with scenic views — depart after breakfast, with a breaking stop in Teesta/Siliguri if needed. Roads generally open but check for winter conditions.
Arrive Gangtok, check in and enjoy lunch at Taste of Tibet or similar on MG Marg — a convenient central spot open all day with good local and Tibetan dishes.
MG Marg is pedestrianised and lively; perfect to acclimatise, shop for souvenirs and relax in cafés. Open all day; best in late afternoon when stalls are lively.
Try local momos at Momo King for a casual meal or choose The Square at Mayfair for a more upscale dinner; both popular with travellers and open evenings.
Depart very early for Lachen (approx 6–7 hours) through Chungthang; road conditions in February can include snow—arrange a 4WD and driver experienced in winter mountain roads.
Roadside stops serve simple Sikkimese/Indian meals; better to carry a packed lunch from Gangtok if you prefer specific dietary needs. Facilities are basic in the hills.
Settle into a homestay or mountain lodge in Lachen to acclimatise. Expect simple but warm accommodation; electricity/water availability can vary in winter.
Gurudongmar is a spectacular high-altitude lake but in February access can be restricted by snow and permit rules. Only attempt with an experienced operator and valid permits; start pre-dawn to allow acclimatisation and return before afternoon.
If Gurudongmar is closed, enjoy local walks to Thangu valley, short hikes or cultural interactions with villagers — snow-clad landscapes are beautiful and less crowded in winter.
Simple, warm mountain food served at lodges — a comforting lunch after a cold morning. Confirm meal times with your host as kitchen hours may vary in winter.
Transfer from Lachen to Lachung (~2–3 hours) with stunning high-altitude scenery — roads may have snow; ensure vehicle is winter-ready. Arrive in Lachung and check in.
Visit Yumthang Valley (open approx 8:00am–4:00pm depending on conditions) — in February it is usually snow-covered and spectacular. Permits required and are arranged by your operator; enjoy hot springs and snow activities if available.
Dinner at your lodge with opportunities to dry wet clothes and prepare for the drive back to Gangtok tomorrow. Power cuts can occur in winter; keep backup layers.
Rumtek Monastery (8:00am–5:00pm) is one of Sikkim's most important monasteries with striking architecture and serene ambience; check closing time and arrive before 5pm.
Long drive west to Pelling (approx 5–6 hours) through beautiful mountain roads crossing into western Sikkim. Start after breakfast; expect varied weather and occasional roadwork.
One of Sikkim's oldest and most important monasteries (open 8:00am–5:00pm), with beautiful architecture and quiet surroundings — a peaceful afternoon visit.
Char Dham Park and the towering Samdruptse statue are open to visitors (generally 9:00am–6:00pm) and offer cultural and panoramic experiences — allow about 1–1.5 hours.
Drive to Bagdogra (approx 3–4 hours from Namchi) allowing buffer time for winter road delays; arrive in time for flights or trains — end of the 9-day circuit.