Mystic Mountains of Darjeeling & Gangtok

Assistance on arrival at Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and drive to Gangtok.

GANGTOK:

At an altitude of 1750 m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid - 19th century and has undergone rapid development since then. The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by monasteries and orchids, Gangtok is truly a traveller's delight.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast excursion to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir. & back.

Tsomgo Lake:- 35 kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400 feet is the beautiful Tsomgo Lake, which freezes over in winter. The lake derives its waters from melting snows of the surrounding mountains. Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying the color of the lake’s waters. Fishing is totally prohibited and all are requested not to dirty the environs of the lake to maintain its sanctity.

Also visit Baba Mandir.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast sightseeing in Gangtok visiting Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (Closed on Saturday / Sunday & Govt. Holidays), Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts (Closed on Saturday / Sunday & Govt. Holidays) and Flower Exhibition Centre.

Rumtek Monastery:- 24 kms from Gangtok is the awe-inspiring Rumtek Monastery, the World Dharma Chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the lavishly decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from all over the world. Opposite the entrance to the institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel - studded Chorten, the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of His Holiness the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa. According to legend, it is believed that after years of meditation, the first Karmapa was visited by ten thousand fairies who came to congratulate him, each of whom offered a strand of her hair as a gift. These were said to have been woven into a black hat, which was passed down and is still at Rumtek Monastery today. It is said that unless held on to by the wearer (who, of course, cannot be anyone else but the Karmapa) or kept in a box, the hat would fly away.

The Do Drul Chorten was built to commemorate the victory of good over evil, and the Jhang Chub Chorten was built in the memory of Thrukshik Rinpoche, an ardent devotee, a great spiritualist and interpreter of Buddhism. Near the Chorten are housed two giant statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology:- Amidst serene surroundings of oak, birch and ash lies the unique organization established in 1958. Built in traditional style, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research in Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. It has one of the world’s largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. The institute also has a retail outlet where related books and commercially produced religious art and crafts of Tibet can be bought.

Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts:- This directorate was set up to promote traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden friezes, intricate bamboo work, along with beautiful handwoven carpets and handlooms are on exhibit here. Visitors can not only purchase these items here but also see the artisans at work. Among others, a favourite item here is the choktse, a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a portable pack.

Flower Exhibition Centre:- The Flower Exhibition Centre, situated in Gangtok, showcases flowers from different parts of Sikkim under a single roof, making it a heaven for all nature lovers. Located right across the White Memorial Hall and below the Ridge Park, it lies within walking distance from MG Marg. Though the flowers are displayed here throughout the year, the annual flower show held from April to May should not be missed, as during this time numerous varieties of orchids along with other flowers from around the state are presented. Participants from neighbouring states are invited to be part of the annual flower contest held on the premises by the Government of Sikkim. A medium - sized tropical greenhouse, the centre is filled with unusual species of plants, including numerous species of fresh orchids, namely Anthurium and Lilium. The presence of such colourful flowers along with their enchanting fragrance fills the entire centre, making it a very refreshing place for visitors. This lovely place is fantastic to spend time just looking at the flowers and clicking pictures. In addition, there is an artificial water pond along with a bridge constructed over it where tourists can take a stroll while enjoying the pleasant ambience around. One is likely to get amazing photographs among the colourful and bright bushes and flowers. This place is worth a visit if you are planning a trip to Gangtok, as looking at the ever - smiling flowers is sure to freshen you up entirely and brighten your day.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Darjeeling.

DARJEELING

Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134 m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow - capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow - gauge railway track. Surrounded by world - famous tea gardens and snow - capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake, in his book ‘An Introduction to Hill Stations of India’, refers to Darjeeling as having “A view scarcely unrivalled on Earth”.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at hotel.

Early morning visit Tiger Hill for sunrise and back.

Tiger Hill:- It is 13 kms from Darjeeling and one can see a beautiful sunrise and the Himalayan Range like Kanchendzonga, Mount Everest, etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turns golden. It is truly a majestic sight.

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for city tour.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute / Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:- (Closed on Thursdays)

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest to give training in mountaineering and other adventure sports related to mountaineering. In that institute, one can see equipment, etc. used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay and the Everest Museum having complete details on Everest. Attached to the institute, one can visit the Himalayan Zoological Park where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds.

Tibetan Self - Help Centre or Refugee Centre:- (Closed on Sundays) This institute is run by Tibetan refugees to preserve their handicrafts and one can see the making of Tibetan carpets, leather work, paintings and wooden work, etc.

Tenzing & Gombu Rock

Tenzing and Gombu Rocks are situated on Lebong Cart Road and face opposite each other. The huge Tenzing Rock is named after Tenzing Norgay, who was famous for climbing Mount Everest accompanied by Edmund Hillary in the year 1953. Gombu Rock has got its name after Nawang Gombu. He was Tenzing’s nephew and had climbed Everest twice, becoming the first person to do so. He climbed Everest first in the year 1963 and then in the year 1965.

Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda

Also known as Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, the shrine was built in 1972 and is located 10 minutes away from the Darjeeling town centre, on the hill of Jalapahar. Showcasing classic Japanese style of architecture, this resplendent white building offers visitors a serene and quiet sanctum where they can meditate and seek inner peace.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra Airport for onward journey.

Note: Above Itinerary is just indicative. Do not consider it as a Final Schedule. Date & Time of Tours can be changed by Local Agent / Tour Operator.