Pelling, Gangtok & Darjeeling
Two nights each in Pelling, Gangtok and Darjeeling: Kanchenjunga close up from Pelling with its sacred lake and monasteries, the Buddha Park at Ravangla, Tsomgo lake and Nathula from Gangtok, and the Tiger Hill sunrise to finish.
Highlights
- West Sikkim
- Lake, waterfalls and monastery
- Buddha Park on the way
- Tsomgo lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula
- Via Lamahatta and the tea gardens
- Tiger Hill sunrise and the town
- Back to the plains
Good to know
Indicative cost
Per person, twin sharing
Per person, twin sharing
Per person, twin sharing
Per person, twin sharing
Per person on twin sharing, land only from Bagdogra/NJP, with breakfast and dinner, based on peak-season rates. The lower figure is for 6 travellers sharing an Innova, the higher for 2 in a small car; 4 travellers on standard hotels is about ₹28,500 each. Flights, the Nathula permit (about ₹3,000–5,000 per vehicle), entry fees and GST 5% are extra.
What's included
- 6 nights' hotels on twin sharing with breakfast and dinner
- Private vehicle point to point as per the itinerary (WagonR/Dzire for 2, Innova/Xylo/Scorpio for 4–6)
- Pickup and drop at Bagdogra airport or NJP station
- Parking at sightseeing points and a 24-hour helpline
Not included
- Flights or train to Bagdogra/NJP
- Nathula permit (about ₹3,000–5,000 per vehicle), entry fees and guides
- Toy train, ropeway, rafting and other activities
- Lunch, room heaters, tips and insurance
- GST 5%
Day by day
West Sikkim
Fly to Bagdogra and drive about 125 km (5–6 hours) via Jorethang to Pelling (about 6,250 ft). Evening free in town.
Lake, waterfalls and monastery
Rimbi falls, the Kanchenjunga waterfalls and the sacred Khecheopalri lake. After lunch, Pemayangtse monastery (about 300 years old) and the Rabdentse palace ruins, a 30-minute forest walk.
Buddha Park on the way
Drive to Ravangla for the Tathagata Tsal Buddha Park, then on to Gangtok (about 128 km in all, 5–6 hours).
Tsomgo lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula
Tsomgo lake (about 12,300 ft), Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir and the Nathula pass on the China border. Evening on MG Marg. The Nathula permit is extra and depends on the day.
Via Lamahatta and the tea gardens
Drive about 115 km (4–5 hours) via Rangpo and Teesta, with lunch at Lopchu. Rafting on the Teesta is possible on the way at extra cost. Evening on the Mall.
Tiger Hill sunrise and the town
Tiger Hill sunrise, Ghoom monastery and Batasia Loop; after breakfast the Japanese temple, Peace Pagoda, zoo and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tenzing Rock, the Tibetan Refugee centre and Happy Valley tea estate.
Back to the plains
Drive about 90 km (3–4 hours) to Bagdogra or NJP for your journey home.