Experience the thrill of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Take the hour-long ride through scenic mountains and tea plantations. Arrive in Darjeeling and visit the Batasia Loop, a spiral railway loop with views of the Himalayas. Finish the day with a tea tasting.
Wake up early for the stunning sunrise views of the Himalayas at Tiger Hill. On the way back, stop by Ghoom Monastery, run by the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Then, head to Nathu la Pass, crossing through beautiful valleys, waterfalls and rugged terrains.
Explore the trade route used for many centuries at the Nathu la Pass, which connects India and China. Visit the Memorial of Chorten built in the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives on both sides of Indo-China war. Then, proceed to the stunning Tsomgo Lake – a high altitude lake surrounded by steep mountains and home to the annual Guru Purnima festival.
Get your adrenaline pumping with a day of adventure sports in Kalimpong. Take your pick from activities like paragliding, river rafting, or zip-lining. Enjoy the scenic beauty by going for a Nature Walk in the Kalimpong Pine Forest trail.
Start your day exploring the city centre of Gangtok with a visit to the Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest in Sikkim. Next, visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to learn about Tibet's history, culture, and lifestyle. Explore the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, home to over 200 species of orchids. For an alternative view, check out Hanuman Tok, perched atop a hill in warm sunlight.
Visit the secluded Nathang Valley, which is covered with snow for about six months a year. The valley offers scenic views of the Himalayas, waterfall and the Nathang Monastery. Walk through the old Silk Route that connects China to India. End the day with lunch at the Zuluk Homestay. It also houses the historic Nathang Gumpa, a monastery built in the 1960s.
If you have more time, you could explore the nearby cities of Kalimpong and Pelling. For those with less time, we recommend skipping the Gangtok city tour and exploring Kalimpong for the day. Make sure to check the weather updates and opening hours of each location before you leave.