North East India is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes you will ever come across. From lofty hillocks to winding roads accompanied by gushing brooks, nature here is at her purest best. Darjeeling and Gangtok are two of the most popular hill towns in the North East with many popular sightseeing spots, shopping options, bustling nightlife and hospitable locals.

We start our North East tour of Darjeeling to Gangtok from either New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra and spend the first 2 days exploring Darjeeling in North Bengal and then proceed to Gangtok to witness the grandiose of this quaint town, which is the capital city of Sikkim. We cover important and popular spots like Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir. This trip is a great way to introduce one to the beauty of the North East and getting to understand the culture and lifestyle of these beautiful towns. The glimpses of Mount Kanchenjunga come as an added bonus of this refreshing trip.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 01: Arrival NJP/Bagdogra to Darjeeling (Approx. 65 KM – 2.5 Hrs Drive)
On arrival at Bagdogra / NJP, you will be met by our representative before embarking on your picturesque journey to the Queen of the Hills. En-route Darjeeling you will drive past the Teesta River amidst oak & sal forest. If you are lucky with a clear sky, you might be able to get the first view of Kanchenjunga Range on the way. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Spend the day at leisure, resting and exploring the place. You can take a walk on the famous Mall road in the evening and return to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 02: In Darjeeling
You start this day pretty early, around 4 AM, to catch the sunrise from the Tiger Hill. The view of the first sun rays falling over the tip of Mt Kanchenjunga is breath- taking. After capturing some unforgettable shots atop the tiger hill we proceed to return to the hotel. On the way we can visit Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop which is a spiral railway known for its engineering marvel and also a memorial ground for Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives for Indian Independence in 1947.
After breakfast we proceed to visit 7 sightseeing points, covering the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & PNZ Zoological Park (both closed on Thursday), Tenzing Rock, Tibetans Refuge Centre (closed on Sunday), Tea Garden (outer view), Japanese Temple, Peace Pagoda & Ropeway ( operational, rope ride ticket to be paid by guest directly). You can spend the evening taking a leisurely walk around the quaint hill town on your own. Come back to the hotel in the evening for overnight stay.

DAY 03: Darjeeling to Gangtok (Approx. 98 KM – 4 Hrs Drive)
Today as you bid farewell to Darjeeling, get ready to visit another charming city, the capital of Sikkim – Gangtok. The journey through out is pleasing to the eyes amidst tea gardens and faraway ridgelines. On arrival check in at the hotel and freshen up. Later in the afternoon Visit the Banjhakhri Water Falls, go for an optional Cable car ride (ticket cost to be paid by the guest), Botanical garden, Do-Dul Chorten,
Institute of Tibetology (closed on Sunday), Flower show and Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms (Closed on Sunday). You can spend the evening either resting in the comforts of the hotel or by visiting the famous MG road which is the hub of night life in Gangtok. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 04: Excursion Trip to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir (timing will depend on the issuance of Permit)
Today you will go for a day excursion to Tsomgo Lake which is situated at a height of 3,780 mts. with an average depth of 50 ft and is the highlight of this tour. A winding road amidst rugged mountain terrain takes you to Tsomgo which means source of water in Bhutia language. The charm of the lake varies depending on the season. In winter the lake remains frozen and in spring time, blooming rhododendron flowers add a riot of colours around the lake. You can opt for a yak ride near the lake. Later visit Baba Mandir - the shrine made in memory of Sepoy Harbahajan Sing, which is 1 hour drive from the lake. Return back to the hotel by late evening for overnight stay.

DAY 05: Gangtok to NJP/Bagdogra Drop (5 Hrs Drive)
Today the tour comes to an end as you get transferred to Bagdogra Airport/ NJP to return back home with happy memories of the mystic mountains of the north east.