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Darjeeling and Sikkim Nature Itinerary - October 2023

  1. Day 1: Arrival in Darjeeling
    Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling (2 hours 20 minutes, 42.4 miles)

    In the morning, take a scenic drive to Darjeeling and check into your hotel. Afternoon, enjoy a peaceful walk around the scenic tea gardens of Happy Valley Tea Estate. Evening, go for a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  2. Day 2: Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery
    3.5 miles from Darjeeling

    Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range at Tiger Hill. Then, visit Ghoom Monastery, which is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in the area. Afternoon, explore the local markets and enjoy a hot cup of Darjeeling tea. Evening, relax at your hotel and enjoy the scenic views.

  3. Day 3: Pelling and Khecheopalri Lake
    Darjeeling to Pelling (4 hours, 72.2 miles)

    Take a scenic drive to Pelling, a charming hill town with stunning views of the Himalayas. Visit the sacred Khecheopalri Lake, considered one of the most sacred lakes in Sikkim. Afternoon, visit Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Evening, return to your hotel in Pelling for a relaxing evening.

  4. Day 4: Ravangla and Buddha Park
    Pelling to Ravangla (1 hour 30 minutes, 24.9 miles)

    Drive to Ravangla and visit Buddha Park, which features a 130-ft tall statue of Buddha and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Afternoon, visit Tumlong Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. Evening, return to your hotel in Ravangla for a peaceful evening.

  5. Day 5: Gangtok and Rumtek Monastery
    Ravangla to Gangtok (2 hours 50 minutes, 44.1 miles)

    Take a scenic drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Visit Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Afternoon, explore the city and visit Enchey Monastery and Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Evening, relax at your hotel and enjoy the scenic views of the city.

  6. Day 6: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir
    23 miles from Gangtok

    Take a day trip to Tsomgo Lake, a beautiful glacial lake situated at an altitude of 12,400 feet. Visit Baba Mandir, a shrine dedicated to an Indian army soldier. Afternoon, visit the Nathu La Pass, a mountain pass on the Indo-China border. Evening, return to your hotel in Gangtok for a peaceful evening.

  7. Day 7: Departure
    Gangtok to Bagdogra Airport (3 hours 45 minutes, 74.5 miles)

    Check out of your hotel and take a scenic drive to Bagdogra Airport for your flight back home.

Recommendations

If you're interested in adventure activities, you should try river rafting in Teesta River or trekking to Sandakphu. You can also visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling. If you have more time, consider visiting Kalimpong and Lachung for a more off-beat experience.

Maximize your fun by trying local Sikkimese cuisine like momos and thukpa, and shopping for souvenirs like traditional Sikkimese handicrafts and tea at the local markets. Make sure to check the weather forecast before planning your itinerary, as October can get chilly in the mountains.

For booking hotels and flights, please click here.

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