Gangtok-Darjeeling Family tour
Overview
SIKKIM
One of the top most tourist destinations in India, Sikkim is also a politically stable and peaceful place in India. This landlocked state is blessed with some of the most spectacular landscapes, flora and fauna making it a haven for adventure enthusiasts and naturalists. Lying at an elevation of 8,586 meters, the state's highest point is the summit of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak of the world. Sikkim tourism has lots to offer a discerning traveler. Foreigners here can visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodong, Pemayangtse and the Yuksom -Zongri trekking route on the basis of restricted area permits which can be obtained. There are numerous Lakes and Monasteries which make the hill station vibrant and lively.
DARJEELING
Darjeeling is one of the beautiful hill stations in India. Darjeeling, still the “Queen of the Hill” is situated at an altitude of 2134 meters. So far known as the best travel destination in the north east state of India. It has magnificent views of snowcapped Kanchanjanga, valleys of small mountains, beautiful tea gardens, variety of green trees with the beautiful people. Darjeeling is considered as popular flowering land of different variety of flower, like rhododendrans, orhids and magnolia etc. Darjeeling Himalayan Rail (DHR) popularly called “Toy Train” is the another jweal of Darjeeling Town is declared as World Heritage by UNESCO by British Crown in 1981. Darjeeling is surrounded by many beautiful spots like Rock Garden, Nightingale Park, HMI (Himalayan Mountaineering Institute), Tea gardens attached to the town, Rock garden, Beautiful sun rise view from Tiger Hill. Chowrasta is another spot to relax in the evening. If your vacation plan is to relax, enjoy food, do shopping and sightseening, the friendly people of Darjeeling will make you feel perfectly at home as you enjoy the fabulous weather and charm of the place.
Package Itenary
Day 1 - Bagdogra Airport (IXM)/New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Gangtok.
Your trip starts with an early morning flight or train journey that will make you arrive at the NJP railway station or the Bagdogra airport. On landing, transfers to Gangtok will be arranged for.
Keep your eyes wide open as the drive will take you to a height of 1437 meters above sea level and you travel amidst the most scenic mountain valleys. After reaching Gangtok, check in to your hotel room and freshen up. The rest of the day is at leisure.
MG Marg
If you wish, you can visit the MG Marg in Gangtok that is very popular among tourists for shopping. Pick up some books on Buddhism, Thankas that are religious scroll paintings, wall hangings, woodcarvings and much more.
If you do not wish to indulge in splurging, opt for a leisurely stroll instead or soak in the ambience by sitting on the street side benches.
Return back to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 2 - Excursion to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mindir
Tsomgo Lake
Start driving to the Tsomgo Lake that is located at a height of 12,400 feet. After a 3-hour drive, you will reach this glacial lake that is admired as highly sacred and enormously revered by the Buddhists and Hindu locals. Do not miss out on the glut of flowers in bloom if spring is the season during your visit in Gangtok.
Baba Harbhajan Mandir
Then, drive towards the Baba Harbhajan Mandir that is also set at a massive height of 13,200 feet. He served in the Indian armed forces and is revered as the “Hero of Nathula” since it is believed that his spirit still guards the area.
Return back to savour a meal and spend the overnight at the hotel in Gangtok.
Day 3 - Half day sightseen and transfer to Darjeeling
After devouring some delicious breakfast on this day, proceed for a half-day Gangtok town sightseeing tour.
Bakthang Waterfalls and the Tashi viewpoint
Start by first visiting the Bakthang Waterfalls and the Tashi viewpoint. The Bakthang Waterfalls is a natural cascade that runs down to form a pool and the Tashi viewpoint provides its visitors with some sweeping views of the gigantic Kanchenjunga mountain ranges.
Ganesh Tok and Enchey Monastery
Next, head to the Ganesh Tok and Enchey Monastery. Ganesh Tok is a quaint Hindu temple with an all-encompassing hilltop view. The monastery houses around 90 monks and is believed to be blessed by Druptob Karpo, the respected tantric master.
Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom and Drul Chorten Stupa
Then, visit the Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom and head to the Drul Chorten Stupa. The solitary aim of Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom is to preserve and safeguard the art and craft of the people in Gangtok. The stupa, on another hand, is marked by a golden top dome and was once haunted by evil spirits.
Institute of Tibetology
Then, head to the Institute of Tibetology where you can enjoy the views as well as gain knowledge on the models and mores of the Mahayana Buddhism and the Tibetans.
Flower Museum and Ropeway to Banjhakri Falls
Enjoy some time at the flower museum and behold the sights of some unique flora and fauna before hopping on the ropeway to the Banjhakri Falls. It is well known for the breath-taking marvels and a pleasant ambience.
After sightseeing, proceed to Darjeeling. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and you can choose to go to Chowrasta and Mall Road for an evening stroll. Both these are renowned market areas and you can shop for items made from bamboo and cane, pottery stuff, hand-stitched jackets and woven shawls, etc.
Return to the hotel at night and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 4 - Full day Darjeeling Sightseen
Tiger Hill
Early in the morning d rive atop and reach the Tiger Hill that is set at a striking height of 2590 meters. Views of a spectacular sunrise can be witnessed here and it is one of its kinds. The sun will rise over Mt. Kanchenjunga, which is the world’s third highest peak, and you can bask in the electric atmosphere as the sky changes its colours.
Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop
On your way back down, halt at the Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop. The monastery is the largest in Ghoom and is home to an idol of the Maitreya Buddha. It also preserves the very rare handwritten Buddhist manuscripts. The Batasia Loop is the point where the trail of the Toy train coils around itself over a hilltop and through a tunnel. The view is gripping and is sure to leave an imprint in your mind.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute that stages different kinds of mountaineering equipments, assortment of paintings and modelsrelated to life in mountains. There is a historic scientificTelescope here from which you can get a clear view of the lofty Khangchendzonga.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Sprawling across 67.56 acres, at an elevation of 7000 feet, the park is home to a variety of species of Himalayan animals including Asiatic black bears, cloud leopards, red pandas and Tibetan wolves.
Tenzing Rock
Then, head to the Tenzing Rock which is very popular spot among adventure junkies for rock climbing activity and enjoy an outer view of the Chitrey Tea Garden which is the home ground for Darjeeling’s aromatic tea.
Japanese Temple and the Peace Pagoda
Lastly, visit the temple and the pagoda. Both these scared shrines provide focus to people of all castes and races to unite for a better world.
After sightseeing, depart for NJP/ IXB to return backto the pavilion with all the pleasant memories you made on this trip.
Over night stay in hotel at Darjeeling.
Day 5 - Back to Bagdogra Airport (IXB)/ New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
After breakfast transfer to Siliguri. One will travel through the best Tea estate of the world – Drive to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) /Siliguri - Guest are advised to start early and not to rush.
This is how the beautiful journey of Darjeeling & Mirik will end with unforgettable memories.
Hope to see you again….
Inclusion/Exclusion and Other Details
INCLUSION
- Accommodation in hotel as discussed before booking with the client on twin/ double sharing
- Exclusive vehicle as per itinerary.
- All applicable charges like parking charges, road tax and toll tax.
- Representative on arrival.
- Meals are served according to the client's itinerary.
EXCLUSION
- Flight and Railways fare.
- Guide and porter charges.
- Any personal expenses such as Laundry, Telephone bills, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages etc.
- Skipped meals will not be re-arranged.
- Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusion section.
- Applicable monument entrance fees.