Detailed Sikkim with Darjeeling Itinerary (7 nights/8 days)

(3 Nights Gangtok – 1 Night Pelling – 2 Nights Darjeeling)

Day 1: Bagdogra (IXB)/NJP Station – Gangtok & Leisure Time (124 km/ 5-6 hours)

IXB/NJP Pickup: Arrive at Bagdogra (IXB)/NJP Station where you will be received by our tour representative. Sit comfortably in the car (hatchback/SUV) and enjoy the scenic drive from the airport/train station to Gangtok, located at an elevation of 5,500 feet. 

Hotel Check in: Arrive at the Gangtok hotel and after checking in, savour a welcome drink (non-alcoholic). Unpack and rest well in your room after a long and tiring journey. The rest of the day in Gangtok is free for leisure. 

Leisure Time: To enjoy your leisure time, you can explore MG Marg, a vibrant and bustling tourist street known for being pedestrian friendly. You can shop for souvenirs, try momo and thukpa, and have a cup of coffee at a local cafe. 

Overnight stay in Gangtok: After exploring MG marg, return to your hotel and rest in your warm and cosy hotel room.

Day 2: Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir Tour from Gangtok 

Morning: Wake up, freshen up and have breakfast at your hotel on time. Post breakfast, we will go on an excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir. Tsomgo lake is about 2 hours drive from Gangtok whereas Baba Mandir is 30-35 minutes drive away from Tsomgo lake. 

Tsomgo Lake: Visit the serene Tsomgo lake (12,313 ft), which is one of the holy lakes in Sikkim. The lake is home to a variety of birds such as Himalayan monal and Brahminary ducks. You will spot many prayer flags around the lake, symbolising its sacredness. 

Baba Mandir: A holy shrine and memorial built for Indian Army soldier Harbhajan Singh is amongst the top sites to visit in Sikkim. The temple was built in honour and gratitude of the departed soldier who according to local legend still guards the borders. You can offer prayers at the temple and seek blessings. 

Nathula Pass (Optional Tour): You can also opt for a Nathula Pass visit, but please note that it can also be visited with permit and valid id proofs. Located near the India-China border, it’s one of the highest roads in Sikkim. 

• Nathula Pass is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Rough weather conditions can affect the Nathula Pass tour. 
• The permit processing can take up to 72 hours and is available on a first come first serve basis. 

Overnight stay in Gangtok: We will head back to Gangtok and our representative will drop you off at the hotel. Enjoy a delicious dinner and retire for the night.

Day 3: Full Day of Sightseeing in Gangtok 

Morning: Explore the top attractions of Gangtok on a full day sightseeing tour after breakfast. Visit temples, monasteries, view points and more such points of interests in Gangtok. 

Ganesh Tok – A beautiful Ganesha temple located on a hilltop, offering sweeping views of mountains and lush greenery. The temple offers a serene space to visitors where they can pray or be at peace. 

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – This institute is an incredible place to explore Tibetan culture. There is a library, a research centre and a museum displaying scrolls, scriptures, paintings, etc.  

Gangtok Ropeway –  Get a bird’s eye view of Gangtok city through Gangtok ropeway. The cable car offers a ride from Deorali to Tashiling with a return. The ride is about 15-20 mins.

Bakthang Waterfalls – It’s a small but beautiful waterfall making the gushing sound and creating a soothing atmosphere. You can try ziplining near the waterfall and take photos. 

Do Drul Chorten Stupa – Built in 1946 in Tibetan style and architecture, Do Drul Chorten Stupa is dedicated to Dorjee Rinpoche. It is surrounded by 108 prayer flags and two giant statues of Guru Padmasambhava. 

Tashi View Point – Catch the gorgeous views of Mt Kanchenjunga from Tashi viewpoint. Along with views you can also enjoy snacks and tea selling in nearby stalls. 

Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom – Watch the traditional arts and crafts preserved and promoted at the Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom. You can also shop traditional items like choktse, thangka, painted dolls, tribal masks, Lepcha shawls and more. 

Enchey Monastery – Next, explore the beautiful Enchey monastery known for its architecture, peaceful atmosphere and cultural and historic significance. 

Flower Exhibition Centre (Ridge Park) – A delight for the senses, the flower exhibition centre is amongst the best places in Gangtok. During the spring season (February to April) you can witness beautiful flowers like Orchids, Chrysanthemum, Roses, Azaleas, etc.

MG Marg: Conclude your Gangtok excursion at MG Marg by exploring the street, shopping and dining. 

Overnight stay in Gangtok: Post this long Gangtok tour, get transferred to the hotel and stay the night.

Day 4: Gangtok to Pelling (124 km/6 hours) 

Morning: Stay ready for a pick up from the hotel to Pelling, but before that have a delicious breakfast. Check out from the hotel and get transferred to Pelling with our tour agent. 

Arrive at Hotel: After crossing through the scenic views, valleys, tea plantations, and alpine forests, we will reach Pelling hotel. Check in at the hotel and unwind in your room after the long 6 hours of travel. 

Overnight stay in Pelling: Enjoy your stay at the property, have a warm and delicious dinner, and catch some sleep.

Day 5: Full Day of Sightseeing in Pelling 

Morning: Say hello to a new morning in Pelling and have a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Get ready for a full-day of sightseeing in this beautiful Sikkimese village. 

Kanchenjunga waterfalls: Start your sightseeing with the Kanchenjunga falls, believed to have originated from Mt. Kanchejunga glacier. The waterfall cascades from 100 ft and makes a roaring sound. You can take photos, enjoy nature and have some snacks from the nearby stalls. 

Sewaro Rock Garden: Also referred to as Orange garden, take a therapeutic walk in the lush green garden. It features stone formations, fountains, zigzag foot paths, and a cafeteria, making it an ideal place for picnics and relaxation. 

Darap Village: An ideal place for nature lovers and those who are interested in village tourism. The village has waterfalls, lush paddy fields, and cottages. 

Pemayangtse Monastery: Built in 1705, Pemayangtse Monastery is dedicated to Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). Inside the monastery, you will find statues, paintings, scrolls, and scriptures of prominent Buddhist figures. 

Rimbi waterfalls: Relax yourself with the soothing sounds of Rimbi waterfall. One has to climb a flight of stairs to watch the waterfall from close quarters. 

Khecheopalri Lake: One of the most sacred lakes in Sikkim is Khecheopalri Lake. It is surrounded by many prayer flags and is considered a significant site for Buddhists and Hindus. 

Rabdentse Ruins: Explore the ruins of Rabdentse palace and chortens. The whole complex was invaded by the Gurkha army. It gives a fascinating insight into Sikkim’s history. 

Back to Hotel & Overnight stay in Pelling: After concluding your tour, return to Pelling hotel to have dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Pelling to Darjeeling (around 70 kms/ 4 hours)

Morning: After breakfast, check out from the property and travel from Pelling to Darjeeling. The road conditions might be bumpy, so we will depart early and cover our journey in broad daylight. 

Arrive in Darjeeling: Check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure. The overnight stay will be at Darjeeling hotel.

Day 7: Full Day of Sightseeing in Darjeeling 

Morning: Wake up early to catch the sunrise and the very first of sun rays falling on the Mt. Kanchenjunga range. We will begin our sightseeing tour by visiting the following attractions. 

Tiger Hill: Located at an elevation of 2,590 metres (8,500 ft), you can witness the peaks of mountains bathed in sunrays even before its start showing in low-elevation areas. On clear days you can watch Mount Everest, Makalu and Lhotse from Tiger Hill. 

Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery: Explore the spiral trackway, Batasia loop surrounded by lush gardens.  Later, visit Ghoom Monastery, the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery established in Darjeeling belonging to the Gelukpa sect.

Breakfast at Hotel: Return to the hotel to freshen up and have a healthy breakfast, Post breakfast, we will resume our Darjeeling sightseeing tour. 

Japanese Temple: Also known as Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, explore the beautiful and white-clad Japanese temple. It was established under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fuji. You will hear sacred chants echoing through the walls of the temple.  

Other Attractions: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tenzing Rock, Peace Pagoda, and Chitrey Tea Garden. (from outside). 

Mall Road: Conclude your Darjeeling sightseeing tour at Mall Road, enjoy some street food and experience the bustling vibe of this popular tourist attraction. 

Overnight stay in Darjeeling: Return to the hotel, have dinner and stay overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 8: Darjeeling to Bagdogra (IXB)/NJP station

Morning: Have breakfast at the hotel and check out from the premises. Our tour representative will be at the hotel to pick you up. 

Drop-off: Get a seamless transfer from the hotel to Bagdogra Airport (IXB)/NJP station. Board your flight/train and run home taking beautiful memories of this Sikkim Darjeeling trip.

8 Day Sikkim Tour Information

Gangtok:

• Standard: Hotel Mandarava | Rufina Pinasa Residency | Comfort Inn | Hotel Sikkim Retreat
• Deluxe: Summit Ttakshang Residency Hotel & Spa | Summit Norling Resort & Spa | Mandarava | Udaan Keepsa Resort & Spa
• Luxury: Mayfair Casino Resort & Spa | The Elgin | Ramada | Lemon Tree

Pelling:

• Standard: Rufina Palm Bliss | De Regency | Hotel Retreat Crassula
• Deluxe: Summit Tashi Ghang Heritage Resort | Uddan Hotel Pine Crest | Udaan Olive Hotel & Spa
• Luxury: The Elgin – Mount Pandim | Yashshree Hotel

Darjeeling:

• Standard: Hotel Pradhan | Hotel Zambala Retreat | Hotel Seven Seventeen
• Deluxe: Summit Swiss Heritage Resort & Spa | Uddan Dekeling Resort | Udaan Nirvana Resort & Spa | Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa
• Luxury: The Elgin | Mayfair Hill Resort

Cost of Hotel in Sikkim (Per Night)

The estimated cost of hotel accommodation per night is: 

For standard option  – ₹2000  to ₹2500

For deluxe option – ₹2500 to ₹5000 

For luxury option – ₹8000 to ₹12000

Transfers (Vehicle Options):

We provide transfers + airport pickup & drop in

• Standard vehicles: Tata Sumo / Bolero / WagonR / Similar
• Luxury vehicles: Innova / Xylo / Scorpio
• The biggest four-wheeler we offer is a 7-seater SUV. We do not offer bus or tempo traveller services.

Documents for Permits in Sikkim  (ILP/PAP) 

1. Tourists with an Indian citizenship must provide Voter ID or Driving License, or Passport as proof of citizenship along with 2 passport size photos to get a permit. 

2. For kids, a birth certificate or passport along with 2 passport size photos are required documents to obtain a permit. 

3. Aadhaar card and PAN card are NOT proof of citizenship and thus will not be considered as valid documents for acquiring a permit. 

4. Service of a tour guide is mandatory in case of a foreigner travellers who want to visit North Sikkim / Nathula pass & Baba Mandir.

5. For Foreign travellers must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for which a valid passport and an Indian visa along with the application form is required. 

6. Minimum two foreign tourists are required to obtain the required permit for North Sikkim/Nathula pass & Baba Mandir. Single foreign tourists are not allowed to visit restricted areas in Sikkim.