Perched at an elevation of 2,045 meters on the Lesser Himalaya,
Darjeeling, which is one of the popular hill stations in India in North
Bengal, is frequented by thousands of tourists and adventurers all
throughout the year. The majestic view of the Kanchenjunga range at dawn
from Tiger Hill and the sprawling valley bedded with a rich verdure
captured from the Mall Road simply grabs the attention of every
traveller. Nonetheless, the fresh aroma emanating from the vast tea
garden that rolls down the hill simply makes the day inspiring and
rejuvenating.
Darjeeling is also a popular hub for trekkers as the hill station is
the base to the popular Sandakphu - Phalut Trek. The journey traverses
through the rich verdure of the Singalila range and cuts through the
thick forest of rhododendron and pine trees en route to several tribal
villages tucked in the mountains. It also allows you to get acquainted
with the wilderness of the Singalila National Park after crossing
Tonglu, which is at an elevation of 3,070 meters.
The
trek to Sandakphu - Phalut commences from Maneybhanjang, which is at
2,134 meters, and thereafter it leads to Garibas at 2,620 meters via
Tonglu and turns to Sandakphu at 3,640 meters. From Sandakphu to Phalut,
it's a gentle walk and one can catch the panoramic view of the
Himalayan range from Mount Everest to Kanchenjunga. The trek downhill
leads to Rimbik via Raman and thereafter wheels to Pelling in Sikkim.
Pelling is approximately 111 kilometers by road. From Pelling, the
Darjeeling and Sikkim trekking tour routes to the Pemayangtse monastery,
which is nestling at an elevation of 2,800 meters, and thence the tour
leads to Yuksom that is approximately 40 kilometers from Pelling. Yuksom
is the erstwhile capital of Sikkim and is the base point of the popular
Dzongri - Goecha la trek in Sikkim. From Yuksom one can pay a visit to
the Tashiding Monastery and thereafter steer to Martam. The journey
leads off at Gangtok via Rumtek Monastery.
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Where you will be met and transfered to your hotel. (Hotel B & B)
Where you will be met and transfered to your hotel. (Hotel B & B)
Day 02 : Delhi-Bagdogra (by plane) - Darjeeling (2130m) by car
Arrive Bagdogra airport and transfer to Darjeeling. A charming 4-hour journey, through Assam tea plantations and tiny villages takes us to Darjeeling. Built on top of a ridge, Darjeeling faces the Himalaya and is a popular destination for Westerners and Bengalis alike. Overnight in Darjeeling.
Arrive Bagdogra airport and transfer to Darjeeling. A charming 4-hour journey, through Assam tea plantations and tiny villages takes us to Darjeeling. Built on top of a ridge, Darjeeling faces the Himalaya and is a popular destination for Westerners and Bengalis alike. Overnight in Darjeeling.
Day 03 : Visit Darjeeling
We could take an early trip to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise. Afterwards we visit the famous Ghoom monastery that enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha). Later on we can visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and tea plantations. Overnight in Darjeeling.
We could take an early trip to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise. Afterwards we visit the famous Ghoom monastery that enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha (the coming Buddha). Later on we can visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and tea plantations. Overnight in Darjeeling.
Day 04 : Darjeeling - Manay Bhanjang ( 2134m. 1 h 30 mint) by car - Tonglu (3070m)
Early morning drive from Darjeeling to Manay Bhanjang. The trail overlooks the Bengali plain south, and we have tantalising glimpses of Kanchenjunga ahead, as we zigzag through rhododendrons.
Early morning drive from Darjeeling to Manay Bhanjang. The trail overlooks the Bengali plain south, and we have tantalising glimpses of Kanchenjunga ahead, as we zigzag through rhododendrons.
Day 05 : Tonglu - Garibas (2620m) in 4 hours
We take a mossy paved path that snakes through a succession of forests and hamlets, giving way, from time to time, to spectacular mountain sceneries.
We take a mossy paved path that snakes through a succession of forests and hamlets, giving way, from time to time, to spectacular mountain sceneries.
Day 06 : Garibas - Sandakphu (3640m) in 4 hours
We steadily climb to join the ridge trail towards Kalpokhari. Afterwards we start a long and steep climb onto the Singalila ridge that leads us to Sandakphu. A remarkable 360 ° view from the top.
We steadily climb to join the ridge trail towards Kalpokhari. Afterwards we start a long and steep climb onto the Singalila ridge that leads us to Sandakphu. A remarkable 360 ° view from the top.
Day 07 : Sandakphu - Phalut (3600m) in 6 hours
We walk to a prominent viewpoint for the magnificent sunrise over the Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyo. Throughout the day, there are ever-changing views: yak herds, silvery pine forests, tiny lakes ringed with grass, and the snow-capped Himalayan range in the background.
We walk to a prominent viewpoint for the magnificent sunrise over the Kanchenjunga, Jannu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyo. Throughout the day, there are ever-changing views: yak herds, silvery pine forests, tiny lakes ringed with grass, and the snow-capped Himalayan range in the background.
Day 08 : Phalut - Raman (2560m) in 5 hours
A pleasant descent through the woods takes us to Gorkhey (2500m) then we climb up towards Raman.
A pleasant descent through the woods takes us to Gorkhey (2500m) then we climb up towards Raman.
Day 09 : Raman - Rimbik (2280m) in 4 hours
We pass through numerous villages and cross the Sri Khola over a remarkable suspension bridge.
We pass through numerous villages and cross the Sri Khola over a remarkable suspension bridge.
Day 10 :
Rimbik - Pelling by car (9 hours)
Rimbik - Pelling by car (9 hours)
Day 11 : Pelling - Pemayangtse - Yuksam by car (2 hours)
2.5 km from Pelling, we will visit the Pemayangtse monastery. Perched at 2800m, it is one of the oldest and most impressive gompas in Sikkim.
2.5 km from Pelling, we will visit the Pemayangtse monastery. Perched at 2800m, it is one of the oldest and most impressive gompas in Sikkim.
Day 12 : Yuksam - Tashiding - Martam by car (6 hours)
En route, we visit the Tashiding monastery, one of the most isolated in Sikkim, perched on the top of a hill set between two rivers.
En route, we visit the Tashiding monastery, one of the most isolated in Sikkim, perched on the top of a hill set between two rivers.
Day 13 : Martam - Gangtok by car
We visit the Rumtek monastery, reputed for its religious Tibetan art. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers.
We visit the Rumtek monastery, reputed for its religious Tibetan art. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers.
Day 14 : Visit Gangtok
We will enjoy a visit of the amazing Orchid Sanctuary, where we can see a few of the 454 orchid species listed in Sikkim. To complete the day we will visit the Enchey and Do Drul monasteries, and the Tibetology Institute, which houses one of the richest collections of thankas and religious works in the world.
We will enjoy a visit of the amazing Orchid Sanctuary, where we can see a few of the 454 orchid species listed in Sikkim. To complete the day we will visit the Enchey and Do Drul monasteries, and the Tibetology Institute, which houses one of the richest collections of thankas and religious works in the world.
Day 15 : Gangtok - Bagdogra (by car) - Delhi (by plane)
(Hotel B & B)
(Hotel B & B)
Day 16 : At leisure in Delhi
Safety day for your international flight. (Hotel B & B)
Safety day for your international flight. (Hotel B & B)
Day 17 :
Transfer to airport and fly back home.
Transfer to airport and fly back home.
Tour & Services End.
