Adventure Itinerary: Darjeeling - Pelling - Gangtok in 6 Days

  1. Day 1: Darjeeling
    Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling (68.2 km, 3 hours)

    Visit the Tiger Hill before sunrise to see the breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga Mountains. Then, head to the Batasia Loop and enjoy a scenic ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. After that, visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate to learn about tea production and taste some delicious tea. End your day by strolling around the picturesque Mall Road.

  2. Day 2: Pelling
    Darjeeling to Pelling (73.7 km, 3 hours)

    Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Then, go to the Sanga Choeling Monastery for a challenging uphill trek and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Later on, visit the Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred lake known for its peaceful ambiance and mythological significance.

  3. Day 3: Pelling
    Exploring Pelling

    Visit the Rabdentse Ruins, an ancient capital of Sikkim that offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and mountains. Then, visit the Kanchenjunga Falls, a beautiful waterfall that drops from a height of 100 feet. In the evening, attend the Cham Dance, a traditional masked dance performed by the monks.

  4. Day 4: Gangtok
    Pelling to Gangtok (116 km, 4 hours)

    Visit the Nathu La Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass that connects India and China. Then, visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, a shrine built in memory of a soldier who was martyred near the Nathu La Pass. End your day by visiting the M.G. Marg, a lively street that offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

  5. Day 5: Gangtok
    Exploring Gangtok

    Visit the Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and scenic landscapes. Then, go to the Ganesh Tok, a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Later on, visit the Enchey Monastery, a Buddhist shrine known for its intricate architecture and peaceful ambiance.

  6. Day 6: Gangtok
    Exploring Gangtok

    Visit the Ranka Monastery, a serene Buddhist monastery that offers spectacular views of the Himalayas. Then, go to the Bakthang Falls, a scenic waterfall located on the way to Tashi Viewpoint. End your day by visiting the Do Drul Chorten, a stupa that contains rare Tibetan Buddhist texts and relics.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tiger Hill (2 hours, free)
  • Batasia Loop (1 hour, INR 15 per person)
  • Happy Valley Tea Estate (2 hours, INR 100 per person)
  • Pemayangtse Monastery (1 hour, INR 20 per person)
  • Sanga Choeling Monastery (4 hours, INR 30 per person)
  • Khecheopalri Lake (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
  • Rabdentse Ruins (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
  • Kanchenjunga Falls (1 hour, INR 20 per person)
  • Nathu La Pass (3 hours, INR 750 per person)
  • Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Tsomgo Lake (3 hours, INR 300 per person)
  • Ganesh Tok (1 hour, free)
  • Enchey Monastery (1 hour, INR 20 per person)
  • Ranka Monastery (1 hour, free)
  • Bakthang Falls (1 hour, free)
  • Do Drul Chorten (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding transportation): INR 1,375 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit the Rumtek Monastery in Gangtok, which is one of the largest and most important monasteries in the world. If you have less time, you can skip the Cham Dance in Pelling. It is recommended to book a private car for the entire trip to save time and avoid hassles of public transportation.

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