Peeling Gangtok Romance

The second day opens with a good and nourishing breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a day of sightseeing that is going to be hard to forget. The first destination is Tsomgo Lake, also widely known as Changu Lake. A three hour drive takes you up to 12,400 feet where this stunning glacial lake sits in complete stillness. The locals hold it as a sacred place and the way the surrounding hills reflect off the surface of the water is the kind of thing that genuinely stops you in your tracks. A small temple sits quietly along the shore, adding to the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the place.

From there, the journey continues to Baba Harbhajan Mandir, perched at 13,200 feet with views that are nothing short of extraordinary. This shrine was built in memory of an Indian soldier who lost his life drowning in a nearby stream. His clothes, shoes, badges and photographs are all carefully preserved here, keeping his memory very much alive. It is considered mandatory for army officials to come and pay their respects, as it is widely believed that his soul continues to watch over and protect his fellow soldiers to this day. Many visitors also carry away bottled water from here, believing it holds healing properties for those who are unwell. If you are up for it, an optional tour to Nathula Pass can be arranged at an additional cost, where you can also enjoy a ride on beautifully decorated yaks and ponies. Head back to the hotel in Gangtok afterward for a restful overnight stay.

Fill up with a good breakfast, check out of the hotel in Gangtok and get an early start to the day. The drive takes you through beautiful apple orchards and climbs up to a mesmerizing altitude of 8,800 feet as you make your way toward Lachen, a place that sits close to the Tibetan border and is home to historic Buddhist monasteries. Along the way, there are a couple of stops that are absolutely worth your time.

Singhik View Point
The Singhik View Point feels like a world away from the noise and crowds of city life. It is a genuinely peaceful spot that rewards you with breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu stretching out across the horizon, the kind of views that remind you why you travelled all this way.

Seven Sisters Waterfalls
The Seven Sisters Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled waterfalls in the entire region. It gets its name from the way it tumbles down in seven distinct stages in a rhythm that is almost hypnotic to watch. Standing before it, you will find it very hard to look away.

Naga Waterfalls
The Naga Waterfalls bring a completely different kind of energy. A wide and powerful rush of water thunders down at tremendous speed, giving you a thrilling and immersive experience that is equally exciting and humbling. After taking in all of these wonderful sights, continue the drive to Lachen. Check in at the hotel on arrival, sit down to a delicious dinner and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.

Wake up early, enjoy a good breakfast, check out of the hotel in Lachen and get ready for a day that covers some genuinely remarkable ground.

Gurudongmar Lake
The drive to Gurudongmar Lake takes about three hours and brings you up to a peak sitting at 17,000 feet, placing it among the highest lakes in all of India. The lake sits very close to the Tibet border and is surrounded by snow covered peaks throughout the entire year. Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists all consider it sacred, and the serene stillness of the place makes that feel completely natural the moment you arrive.

Chopta Valley
Chopta Valley is a strikingly beautiful destination that sits at 13,200 feet and is loved for the way its colours shift and change across the landscape. Adventure lovers are particularly drawn here for the hiking trails and the water sports activities that the valley has to offer.

Thangu Valley
Thangu is a snug little village dressed in bright alpine flowers that give it a cheerful and welcoming character. It draws a steady stream of travellers every year who come specifically for the wonderful hiking trails that wind through the valley.

After these stops, check out of the hotel post lunch and continue toward Lachung. On arrival, check in and visit the Lachung Monastery, an ancient Nyingma Buddhist gompa sitting at an impressive 9,600 feet. If your visit falls around the festive season, the famous mask dance held here is something you absolutely should not miss. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Lachung.

Today takes you to Yumthang Valley, lovingly called the Valley of Flowers, and it is one of those places that genuinely lives up to everything said about it. Start the morning with a good breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your way up to 11,800 feet where this stunning valley opens up around you. If you have the time, do stop by the famous hot spring along the way, which has built quite a reputation for its healing properties for various skin conditions.

Bheema and Twin Falls
On the drive back toward Gangtok, you will pass by two beautiful cascades - Bheema Falls and Twin Falls. Both leave a lasting impression and are the kind of sights that make you want to pull over and just stand there for a while. If the weather is kind and the skies stay clear, you will also be treated to sweeping views of the eastern Himalayan ranges.

Optional Tour to Zero Point (Additional Charges / Special Permit)
For those who want to push a little further, an optional visit to Zero Point can be arranged on request. Sitting at 15,300 feet, it marks the last point where civilians are permitted to go, with the international border of China lying just a few meters beyond. After wrapping up the sightseeing, continue the drive to Gangtok, check in at the hotel and ease into a warm and cosy overnight stay.

Wake up to a warm and satisfying breakfast, soak in the last few moments of Gangtok and then check out of the hotel as you get ready to move on. The drive to Pelling is one that has a character all of its own, taking you through landscapes that feel deeply alive with history, mystic rituals and the kind of cultural richness that you sense even through the car window. It is a land that carries its traditions close and wears them with quiet pride. On arriving in Pelling, check in at the hotel and let the rest of the day unfold at whatever pace feels right. Enjoy a relaxed and comfortable overnight stay.

Get an early start with a delicious breakfast and step out for a day that takes you through the very best of what Pelling has to offer.

Darap Valley
The first stop is Darap Valley, a charming little hamlet that is perfect for slowing right down. The locals here are genuinely warm and welcoming, and spending time with them gives you a lovely and honest window into everyday Sikkimese life.

Rimbi Waterfalls and Kanchenjunga Waterfalls
Next up are the Rimbi and Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, two perennial cascades that have a wonderfully refreshing effect on the mind, body and spirit. Beyond just being beautiful to look at, they are also popular spots for fishing and other recreational activities.

Rock Garden and Khecheopalri Lake
The Rock Garden is a lovely place to wander through, with gardens, pools and a small stream running through it. The Khecheopalri Lake nearby is one of the most sacred water bodies in Pelling - despite sitting deep within a thick forest, its surface stays completely free of floating leaves, adding to its almost otherworldly sense of calm.

Rabdentse Ruins, Pema Yangtse Monastery and Helipad Ground
The Rabdentse Ruins are a deeply compelling stop for anyone with even a passing interest in history, telling the story of Sikkim's rich and layered past through every worn stone and crumbling wall. A short walk from there brings you to Pema Yangtse Monastery, where the views of the Kanchenjunga ranges are breathtaking. The Helipad Ground rounds off the day perfectly as a stunning viewpoint for the snow capped peaks - the sunset witnessed from here is the kind that leaves everyone standing in silence. Head back to the hotel for a well earned overnight stay in Pelling.

All good things take their time to end, and today marks the final morning of your Sikkim holiday. Sit down for one last breakfast, take a quiet moment to look back at everything this trip brought your way, and then wrap up the check out formalities. Your transfer to the railway station, bus station or airport will be arranged according to your travel plan, so the journey home is taken care of without any fuss. You are leaving with a heart full of memories, a bag full of souvenirs and hopefully a smile that stays for a long time. It has been a genuine pleasure being part of your travels, and we truly hope that when the next adventure calls, you think of us again.