An immersive experience exploring natural and cultural heritage of Sikkim
Duration
10 days
Language
English, Hindi
Detailed Schedule

Day 1: Arrive at Bagdogra Airport

  • Arrive at Bagdogra airport or NJP railway station where you meet us and we drive to our accommodation in Darjeeling. The ride to Darjeeling takes you through lush green spectacles and stunning mountain ranges. Spend the evening exploring by yourself at leisure.

Day 2: Trip to Tiger Hill and Mirik

  • Wake up early (Before 4 am) to witness the sunrise from Tiger Hill. After breakfast, take a tour to Mirik enjoying the scenic drive through tea gardens on the slopes. Head to the Simana Viewpoint where you can witness the Indo-Nepal border valley covered with a green carpet. Visit the Mirik Monastery and the famous Sumendu Lake surrounded by tea gardens and orange orchards. You can choose to enjoy boating and horse riding here. Return to Darjeeling for the overnight stay.

Day 3: Explore Darjeeling 

  • Darjeeling has many attractions for travelers. You can choose to cover as much as you desire as the town as plenty to offer. You can traverse the picturesque toy train pathways called the Batasia loop. The centuru old Ghoom monastery, tea gardens, Japense temple, Tenzing and Gombu rocks, and Peace Pagoda are other attractions. You can also visit the mountaineering institute and the Darjeeling zoo that is located at an elevation of 7000 ft.
  • Transfer to Gangtok and Stay in Gangtok for the night.

Day 4: Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir

  • After a leisurely breakfast, at around 8 am leave for Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft/3750 m/3 hrs drive) and Baba Harbhajan Mandir( 13,200 ft/4000 m). The zig-zag road through craggy mountain terrain takes you to Tsomgo Lake. Located at an altitude of 12,400 ft, the lake is enveloped in ethereal beauty and is considered sacred. The lake dons different looks in different seasons. In winters it gets covered in snow while in spring colourful flowers around the lake add life to it.

    Baba Harbhajan Mandir or the shrine is a must-visit place of Sikkim as it is dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh who was a brave Indian soldier. It is believed that his spirit protects every soldier in the high-altitude terrains of the Eastern Himalayas.

Day 5: Nathula Pass

  • Located on the Old Silk Route, Nathu La Pass connects Sikkim to China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Nathula Pass (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) is a spectacular view especially in winters when it's covered in snow. Note that the permit for the pass has to be arranged a day earlier which will require your id cards.
Day 6: Explore Gangtok 

    At your pace, choose the places you want to visit in Gangtok which has many beautiful places to explore. Visit Tashi Viewpoint from where you’d be able to spot the snow-clad peaks of Kanchenjunga and it is one of the best places to visit in Gangtok. While coming down from Tashi Viewpoint, stop at Banjhakri waterfall surrounded by a landscaped garden spread over 2 acres of land. Embrace your spiritual side by either visiting the Rumtek monastery 23 kms away or the Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok. Check out local handicrafts at the cottage industry and handloom centre.

  • There is also the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology built to promote scholastic and cultural research that houses a museum with an amazing collection of paintings, statues, scriptures, and artefacts to educate visitors about Tibetan Buddhism and culture. The Flower Exhibition Centre, Cable Car, Do Drul Chorten Monastery,  Jhakri Falls Park, Bakthang and Lhasa Waterfalls are other destinations you can explore if time permits.

Day 7: Trip to Ravangla

  • Today we go towards Ravangla. On the way, make a stop at Namchi where you visit Temi Tea Estate, which is one of the most picturesque roads of Sikkim. Visit Siddheshwar Dham which has a replica of 12 Jyotirlingas and a 108 ft. statue of Lord Shiva.

    Upon reaching Ravangla, you can also spend a little time at Buddha Park. Situated within Rabong Gompa, this park houses a 130 ft high statue of Gautam Buddha, set against the backdrop of Himalayan ranges. With manicured gardens, souvenir shops, and cafeterias, Buddha Park is the most popular place of interest in Ravangla. Do keep in mind that the park closes at 5pm and we need to reach Pelling for the night stay.

Day 8: Explore Pelling

  • Start with Khecheopalri Lake and Pelling skywalk, the first skywalk of India of this kind. The skywalk reached up to the 137 ft high statue of Chenrezig. A walk over the skywalk made of glass while looking down below is a thrilling experience you should not miss. Darap village and Rimsi watefalls are also places on the way you can explore.

    If time permits, on the same day you can visit the 300-year-old Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse Ruins, which used to be the palace of Sikkimese Kings till the 19th century. A visit to these two places would subtly take you back in time to the rich history of Sikkim.

Day 9: Trip to Kewzing Village

  • Kewzing, inhabited by the Lepcha and Bhutia families is a perfect example of community tourism. Engage in activities like cooking sessions, village hikes, or guided bird-watching. If you want to spend more time outdoors, then head to Doling Monastery and Seven Mirror Lake, a very interesting place full of mystical energy. Doling Monastery is not frequented with travelers as of now and thus you’d be able to spend a quiet time here. The mesmerizing sight of fluttering prayer flags and their reflections over the little lake is an indescribable sight.

Day 10: Transfer to Airport 

  • After breakfast, transfer to Bagdogra airport/NJP railway station and we hope it won't be a goodbye but a 'see you again'!

The things you will learn
  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
What’s included in the experience
  • Breakfast Every Morning
  • Car - Swift Dzire
  • 3-Star Accommodation in Cities and Welcoming Homestays in Villages
  • Local Guide for Specific Places
Useful guidelines
  • Carry raincoats and comfortable shoes
  • Please try to join the experience on or before the given time
  • Please carry a proof of identification with you
  • Always communicate through Freebirds and never transfer money outside the Freebirds platform
  • You can cancel upto 3 days before the experience is scheduled to start
Experience location
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Hosted by
Freebirds Team

Freebirds Team curates immersive travel experiences with local hosts for travelers who love to immerse in a new place and learn from their experiences there.


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