Day 01: Bagdogra to Gangtok

Arrive Bhadrapur and drive to Gangtok (185 Km). Arrive Gangtok and check in at hotel. From the hot plains of India we drive up to the border of West Bengal and into the former kingdom of Sikkim. The 4-/ 5 hour journey leads us along the holy river Tista that originates in the high North of Sikkim, near the border to Tibet. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Gangtok

Morning proceed on a full day sightseeing tour of Gangtok visiting Enchey Monastery - this 200 years old monastery one of the important seats of Nyingmapa sect is blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo a trantic master famous for his flying power. Research Institute of Tibetology - center for studying Buddhist philosophy and religion this institute is a treasure trove of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas and has over 200 Buddhist icons. Do-Drul Chorten - the biggest Stupa in Sikkim Do Drul Chorten was built by Trulshi Rimpoche head of Nyingmapa or Red Hat sect during 1945 – 46. A complete set of Kangyur (108 volumes of holy books), Zung (sacred mantras) and other religious objects put inside the stupa which makes it very sacred. Chorten is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels purifying the environ every time it is turned and Chorten and Guru Lakhang with two huge statues of Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche. Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms - Established in 1957 by Chogyal the erstwhile ruler of Sikkim with the purpose of keeping traditional arts and crafts of Sikkim alive. The institute showcase exquisite hand woven carpets, blankets, shawls including hand carved furniture. Also, walk around the local market. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Gangtok to Martham

Morning depart Gangtok for Martham (40 Km) stopping by en route to visit Rumtek monastery or Rumtek Dharma Chakra - the seat His Holiness Karmapa head of the Kagyu order which is one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Traditional in design, it is almost replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet. The centre has a collection of some of the most unique religious art objects. Arrive Martham and check in at hotel with rest of the explore the surroundings on your own. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Martham to Yuksom

Morning depart Martham for Yuksom (120 Km) by road visiting Bon Monastery at Kewzing which is only one of its kind in the whole of Sikkim. Witness Thanka painting by monk if one is in progress. Also, visit Tashiding Monastery on the way which boasts of another old monastery in Sikkim. Started as a small Lakhang (temple) in 1717 by Lama Ngadak Sempa Chembo, the main monastery was built by Pedi Wangmo during the reign of third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal.Tthis monastery belongs to Nyingmapa (red hat) order of Buddhists. Monastery is perched on a hill top on the bottom flows Rathong and Ranjeet rivers. Monastery is surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and commands an excellent view of the mountains. Arrive Yuksom and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Yuksom

Morning visit sightseeing tour of Yuksom. Yuksom the first capital of Sikkim meeting point of three great Lamas (Buddhist Monks) has witnessed the coronation (by these three great saints) of Phuntsog Namgyl the first Chogyal of Sikkim during 1641 AD dynasty which ruled Sikkim for another 300 yrs. One can still see the coronation throne made of stone till date though ravaged by time. It is starting point of famous Kanchenjunga trek in west Sikkim.

You can also visit Dubdi Monastery if desired. About an hour’s walk away perched on the hill is Yuksom’s oldest monastery Dubdi or Yuksom Monastery. Built by Chogyar Namgyal in 1701 AD this monastery belongs to Nyingmapa or the red hat sect of Tibetan Buddhist order. It literary meaning of Dubdi in local language is ‘The Retreat’ – thus monks and devotees alike look for a solace in this holy abode. Dubdi is the focal point for the history of Sikkim as it is its ascetic founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme was one of the Lamas who was responsible for crowning Phuntsog Namgyal as the first King or Chogyal of Sikkim in 1642 and Dubdi monastery was established to commemorate that beginning of Kingdom of Sikkim. It is the only surviving monasteries out four built during that period. Monastery consists of elaborately painted walls with images of different deities and other Buddhist frescos. Monastery also has a collection of manuscripts and religious texts. Monastery lamas who were responsible for establishing Yuksom. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Yuksom to Pelling

Morning depart Yuksom for Pelling visiting Kechepelri Lake a crystal clear high altitude lake at an altitude of 1700 mt. which is believed to be in existence since 3500 yrs en route. The folklores of the lake are deeply rooted within the surrounding communities. It is still acknowledged as a “wish fulfilling lake” and is considered sacred. Despite the fact that it’s unrivalled scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and pristine surroundings make it a beckoning site.

Arrive Pelling and check in at hotel followed by sightseeing tour of Pelling visiting 17th century Pemayangtse Monastery one of the oldest and very impressive monasteries in Sikkim. Belonging to Nyingmapa order monastery houses numerous religious idols and other objects of worship, most of which are precious because of their antiquity however ‘Zandopalri’ or the abode Guru Rimposhe or imaginary heaven or Buddhism faith a wooden sculpture is the highlight of the visit. Rabdentse has served as capital for erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim. It came into existence after Yuksom as second capital of Sikkim and served till 1814 AD. Though the place is now in ruins, it commands stunning view from deep valley to majestic heights of Kanchenjunga mountain range. Higher up on the next ridge above Pelling, Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Pelling to Darjeeling

Morning drive to Darjeeling (122 Km). Arrive Darjeeling and check in at hotel with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Darjeeling

Early morning drive to Tiger Hill to witness sun rise. Tiger Hill: A sunrise view from Tiger Hill on a clear day is an experience which one would like to cherish forever. The whole of Kanchenjunga range performs an amazing colour display along with the changing lights of rising sun. One can also see summit of Mt. Everest, Makalu and Lotse from here (four of the 8000 mts. Peaks including first and the third highest peaks). Also, visit Goom Monastery said to be built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso from Chumbi valley in Tibet it is considered to be one of the holiest monasteries as this was personally blessed by the renowned Tomo Geshe Rimpoche of Tibet. It is also said that the monastery keeps rare books on Buddhism. The monastery has a statue of the ‘Maitreye Buddha’ believed to be coming Buddha.

Later in the morning visit some of sites of tourist interest – Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center: started on 1959 to rehabilitate thousands of Tibetans who fled Tibet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to India following Chinese invasion. Started from 04 workers today it over 700 workers producing traditional handicrafts such as Tibetan carpets, wood, metal and leather works, the Centre have also experimented in finding new production lines incorporating traditional Tibetan motifs which would find a ready market both here and abroad. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Everest Museum - first ascent on the Mount Everest has provided the impetus to mountaineering as an organised sport in India and HMI came into being as a result. Ace mountaineers are associated with this institute including Tenzing Norgey (the first man to climb Mt. Everest with sir Edmond Hillary) as the first Director of Field Training. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: A unique zoo in the country this is the only Zoo in the world to breed Tibetan Wolf in captivity and the first South Asian Zoo to breed Snow Leopard and Siberian Tiger. It is the only specialized zoo in the country and is internationally recognized because of conservation breeding of Snow Leopard and Red Panda.

Afternoon take a joy ride on Darjeeling Himalayan Rail also called Toy Train. A joy ride on 150 years old steam powered train is another pride of Darjeeling and an engineering marvel. This train a World Heritage Site will take you on a joy ride to Ghoom which is one of highest train station in the world and gets you back to Darjeeling. In this two hour of nostalgia you will observe what makes this train so special. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Darjeeling to Bagdogra

In time transfer to Bagdogra airport to board the flight for onward destination.