Jewels of the East

Bagdogra → Gangtok

~125 km · 4.5–5 hrs 126 m → 1,650 m

Arrive at Bagdogra Airport (or NJP Railway Station) and begin your journey upstream along the Teesta River into the capital city of Gangtok. The route winds through subtropical forests of Sal trees (Shorea robusta), riverine bamboo, wild banana trees, and sub-tropical orchids, home to river birds like white-capped redstarts. Upon arrival in Gangtok, check into your hotel and hand over your government ID copies and photographs to your tour coordinator to process permits for Nathu La and high-altitude areas. Spend the evening taking a relaxed stroll along MG Marg, Gangtok's pedestrianized town center.

Meals Included: Dinner

Gangtok

~20–30 km local 1,650 – 1,800 m

Spend a dedicated acclimatisation day exploring Gangtok's local sights at a comfortable pace. Start the morning with visits to Tashi Viewpoint, Ganesh Tok, and Hanuman Tok for panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga snow range framed by temperate conifers, poplars, and cultivated orchids. Listen for bird calls from verditer flycatchers and blue whistling thrushes as you visit Bakthang Waterfall and browse traditional woodcarvings at the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms. In the afternoon, explore the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Do-Drul Chorten stupa before enjoying a ride on the Gangtok Ropeway. Return to Mall Road in the evening for some shopping and exploring at pace.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tsomgo Lake excursion

~80–90 km round-trip Up to 4,310 m

Depart early in the morning for high-altitude border attractions. Ascending through Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, the landscape shifts to alpine scrublands featuring dwarf rhododendrons, primulas, edelweiss, and the Himalayan Blue Poppy. This habitat shelters the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), Blood Pheasant, yellow-throated marten, and yaks. Visit the sacred, cliff-framed Tsomgo Lake,near the Indo-Tibet border (subject to permit and weather conditions). Return to Gangtok in the late afternoon for rest.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Gangtok → Pemayangtse

~115 km · 6–7 hrs 1,650 m → 2,150 m

Check out from Gangtok and drive into West Sikkim through cardamom plantations, oak woodlands, and wild magnolia groves populated by Himalayan barbets. Visit Siddheshwar Dham (Char Dham) on Solophok Hill near Namchi, featuring an 87-foot statue of Lord Shiva. Continue to Ravangla’s Buddha Park to see the 130-foot Lord Buddha statue set against mountain peaks. Arrive in Pelling by late afternoon, check into your hotel, and relax.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Pemayangtse

~40–50 km local circuit ~1,900 m – 2,150 m

Begin the day on the glass-bottom Pelling Skywalk, then take a forest trail through moss-covered oak trees to the 17th-century Rabdentse Palace Ruins. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, famous for its hand-carved wooden Zandog Palri structure built single handedly by the Founder’s late grandfather who was also the Head lama of the monastery. In the afternoon, drive to Kanchenjunga Falls and Rimbi Waterfalls, then visit the sacred, leaf-free Khecheopalri Lake set amidst temperate rainforest. Conclude your sightseeing at Singshore Bridge, one of Asia's highest suspension bridges, before returning to Pelling town.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Pemayangtse To Darjeeling

~75 km (4 to 5 hours drive) Cross into West Bengal's hills to Darjeeling (~2,045 m / 6,700 ft)

After breakfast, drive from Pelling through winding valleys into Darjeeling. The terrain transforms into terraced tea gardens (Camellia sinensis) interspersed with tall Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) trees. Arrive in Darjeeling in the afternoon and check into your hotel. In the evening, explore Chowrasta (Mall Road) to enjoy colonial architecture, bakery treats, and mountain views.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Darjeeling

~35–40 km local circuit Early morning climb to Tiger Hill (2,590 m / 8,482 ft), returning to Darjeeling town (~2,045 m).

Wake up early (3:30 AM) to watch the sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill. On the return drive, stop at Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop. After returning to your hotel for breakfast and rest, head out to explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park—famous for Snow Leopards (Panthera uncia) and Red Pandas—and the adjoining Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI). Visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate (or take the Darjeeling Ropeway) to observe tea processing, and stop by the serene Peace Pagoda. Spend your final evening enjoying a Toy Train joy ride or shopping around Mall Road.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Darjeeling to Bagdogra

~70 km (Approx. 3 to 3.5 hours drive) Descent from ~2,045 m (Darjeeling) down to 126 m (Bagdogra)

Enjoy a final relaxed breakfast at your hotel in Darjeeling. Check out and drive directly down through scenic tea plantations and pine slopes toward the plains, arriving at Bagdogra Airport (or NJP Railway Station) in time for your onward flight or train.

Meals Included: Breakfast