Sikkim Darjeeling Explorer

Get an early start with a good breakfast and head out for another day that is going to leave a real mark on you.

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake rests at an elevation of 12,400 feet above sea level and carries a sense of calm that is hard to describe until you are actually standing there. A temple built along its shore is believed to be the reason locals hold it as a sacred place, and the lake itself adds to that feeling by shifting into different colours as the seasons change around it.

Baba Harbhajan Mandir

Perched at 13,200 feet, Baba Harbhajan Mandir is a shrine built in honour of an Indian soldier who is believed to continue serving and protecting the nation even after his passing. The national anthem plays here every half hour, and for every Indian Army personnel, a visit to this memorial is not optional but a matter of deep respect and duty.

Optional Tour to Nathula Pass / Additional Charges / Special Permit - For those who want to stretch the day a little further, an optional visit to Nathula Pass can be arranged separately. Sitting close to the Indo-China border, it is one of those places that carries a weight and significance that you feel the moment you arrive. After a day this full and rewarding, head back to the hotel in Gangtok and give yourself the rest you have genuinely earned.

On the third day of your Darjeeling Gangtok Pelling tour, start with a relaxed and delicious breakfast, check out of the hotel in Gangtok and hit the road toward the wonderfully scenic town of Pelling. The drive itself comes with a couple of stops that are well worth your time.

Namchi Char Dham Temple

A short detour off the main route brings you to the Namchi Char Dham Temple, a significant religious and cultural landmark where the central temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is widely believed that a sincere visit here washes away one's sins, and there is a certain peaceful energy about the place that makes that very easy to believe.

Samdruptse Statue

Sitting atop a hill at 7,000 feet is the towering Samdruptse Statue, a giant figure of Sikkim's beloved patron saint Guru Padmasambhava that commands your attention the moment it comes into view. Local belief holds that the hill beneath it is a sleeping volcano and that only the power of prayer keeps it at rest. What makes this place even more remarkable is that the foundation stone was laid by none other than the Dalai Lama himself. After taking in both these wonderful spots, continue the drive to Pelling. Check in at the hotel on arrival, let the evening unfold however you like and settle in for a comfortable overnight stay.

Start the day early with a satisfying breakfast and get ready to see what Pelling is truly made of.

Darap Valley

The first stop is Darap Valley, a charming little hamlet that has a very warm and unhurried feel to it. It makes for a lovely spot to slow down, have a casual chat with the locals and get a real taste of everyday Sikkimese life and food.

Rimbi Waterfalls and Kanchenjunga Waterfalls

These two perennial waterfalls are among the most loved spots in town for very good reason. There is something genuinely refreshing about standing near them, and beyond just the views, they are also popular for recreational activities like fishing.

Rock Garden and Khecheopalri Lake

The Rock Garden is a delightful place to walk through, with gardens and pools tucked along its winding footpaths that make every turn a little surprise. Nearby, the Khecheopalri Lake sits quietly within a dense forest and is widely regarded as one of the most sacred water bodies in Pelling. It is clean, still and incredibly picturesque in a way that feels almost untouched.

Rabdentse Ruins

The Rabdentse Ruins carry the weight of Sikkim's rich and glorious past within every weathered stone. For anyone who loves history or archaeology, this is the kind of place you could spend hours in without realising it.

Pema Yangtse Monastery

Just a short walk from the ruins sits Pema Yangtse Monastery, offering some of the most stunning views of the Kanchenjunga ranges that you will find anywhere in the region.

Helipad Ground

The Helipad Ground rounds off the day beautifully as one of the finest viewpoints around for gazing at the snow capped peaks. The sunset from here is the kind that stops all conversation and just makes everyone stand still. Head back to the hotel in the evening and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in Pelling.

Sit down for a lovely breakfast, finish checking out of the hotel in Pelling and get ready for a drive that has its own quiet charm. The road to Darjeeling winds through hilly terrain with the sounds of summer all around you and sweeping panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga accompanying you along the way. There is a certain anticipation that builds naturally as the hills roll past and Darjeeling draws closer, and that feeling is very much part of the experience. On arrival, check in at the hotel, shake off the journey and let the rest of the day be entirely yours. Spend the evening however feels right and drift off to sleep in the comfort of a cosy hotel room.

Tiger Hill

Set your alarm early because the day begins at 4 a.m. with a drive up to Tiger Hill. At 2,590 meters, this is where you will witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises you will ever see in your life. Watch as the first light of the morning spills across the dark sky and slowly illuminates the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. It is the kind of moment that stays with you long after the trip is over.

Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop

On the way back down, stop by the Ghoom Monastery, a beautifully placed spiritual landmark surrounded by some truly stunning natural scenery. The Batasia Loop nearby is widely regarded as one of the most scenic train routes in all of Darjeeling and is well worth a few minutes of your time. Head back to the hotel, sit down for a proper breakfast and then head out again for the rest of the day.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

A visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute gives you a fascinating look into the world of mountaineering and the spirit of pushing human limits, with a strong focus on inspiring the younger generation to take up the sport.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, closed on Thursdays, is home to a wonderful variety of Himalayan wildlife and species that you are unlikely to spot anywhere else quite so easily.

Tenzing Rock

Adventure lovers will feel right at home at Tenzing Rock, a well known and much loved rock climbing site that draws thrill seekers from all over.

Japanese Temple and the Peace Pagoda

On the way to the Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda, take a moment to enjoy the outer view of Chitrey Tea Garden, the very ground where Darjeeling's world famous aromatic tea comes to life. The temple and pagoda carry a deep sense of calm, and the panoramic views of the landscape and Kanchenjunga range from the top of the pagoda are absolutely stunning.

Chowrasta and Mall Road

Round off the evening with a relaxed stroll through Chowrasta and Mall Road, two of Darjeeling's most beloved market areas. Pick up some bamboo and cane crafts, pottery, hand stitched jackets or woven shawls to take back as reminders of this beautiful town. Settle in for a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

The last morning has quietly arrived, and just like that, your Sikkim Darjeeling holiday is drawing to a close. Pull up a chair for one final breakfast, let the memories of the past few days wash over you, and then take care of the check out formalities before heading off. Your transfer to NJP Railway Station, Siliguri Bus Station or Bagdogra Airport will all be sorted out as per your travel plan, so there is nothing left to worry about. You are heading home with stories worth telling, souvenirs worth showing off and memories worth revisiting on even the most ordinary of days. It was truly a pleasure having you with us and we hope that the next time travel comes calling, we get to be part of that journey too.