Start your first day in Darjeeling with a sunrise view from Tiger Hill. Wake up early and make your way to the hilltop, where you can see the sun rising over the Kanchenjunga mountain ranges. Afterward, head to Ghoom Monastery, the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling. Take a tour of the monastery and learn about the history and culture of the Tibetan people. In the afternoon, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, where you can see fascinating mountaineering artifacts and learn about the history of mountaineering in the region. End your day with a visit to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, where you can see rare and exotic Himalayan animals, including red pandas and snow leopards.
Start your day with a scenic drive to Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake located at an altitude of 12,400 feet. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and you can take a yak ride or a pony ride around the lake. Afterward, visit the Baba Mandir, a temple dedicated to a soldier who lost his life in the Indo-China war. In the evening, head back to Gangtok and visit the MG Marg, a bustling pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, and bars. Enjoy local cuisine and live music before retiring for the night.
Begin your day with a visit to the Rumtek Monastery, the largest monastery in Sikkim. The monastery is home to several monks and houses rare Buddhist artifacts. Afterward, visit the Banjhakri Falls, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and a perfect spot for a picnic. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride from Deorali to Tashiling, where you can get a bird's eye view of the city of Gangtok. End your day with a visit to the Ranka Monastery, located on a hilltop and offering panoramic views of the city.
If you have an extra day, consider visiting the Nathula Pass, a mountain pass on the Indo-China border. You can get a permit to visit the pass from Gangtok. Another option is to take a day trip to Pelling, a picturesque town located 4 hours away from Gangtok. You can also consider doing a trek to Sandakphu, a peak located at an altitude of 11,941 feet. The trek takes 6-7 days and offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Make sure to carry warm clothes and trekking gear if you plan to do the trek. Finally, don't forget to savor the local cuisine, which includes momos, thukpa, and Tibetan butter tea.
Click here to find hotels and flights.