Gold Travels

Tour Overview

Embark on the ultimate 9-day journey across the pristine landscapes of Sikkim and West Bengal. Framed by continuous views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, this comprehensive itinerary weave together Sikkim’s vibrant capital Gangtok, the high-altitude alpine wonderland of Lachung & Yumthang Valley (including Zero Point at 15,300 ft), the spiritual and historical treasures of Namchi & Pelling, and the mist-covered "Queen of Hills," Darjeeling.

Itinerary (Day Wise)

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Day 1

Welcome to Sikkim – Arrival & Transfer to Gangtok

Route: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / NJP Railway Station – Gangtok
Distance & Time: ~122 km | 3–4 Hours Drive
Elevation: 1,650 meters (5,410 feet)

Scenic Mountain Arrival: Meet and greet our representative upon your arrival at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station. Begin a scenic ascent winding through forested hills and river valleys up to Gangtok.
Hotel Check-In & Rest: Arrive at your hotel, complete check-in procedures, and unwind.
Evening Leisure: Spend your evening exploring local street markets or taking a relaxing walk along MG Marg at your leisure.
Overnight: Comfortable overnight stay at your hotel in Gangtok.

Day 2

High-Altitude Glacial Lake & Border Shrine Excursion

Timing: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Elevation: Up to 13,200 feet

Tsomgo Glacial Lake (12,400 ft): Depart early for a 40 km drive to Tsomgo (Changu) Lake. Surrounded by steep, snow-draped mountains in winter and vibrant alpine blooms in summer, this sacred lake is a natural highlight of East Sikkim.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir (13,200 ft): Drive further up to the famous shrine dedicated to Major "Baba" Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army soldier whose spirit is believed to guard military personnel along the high-altitude border.
Return Transfer: Return to Gangtok in the late afternoon to rest and relax.
Overnight: Overnight stay at your hotel in Gangtok.

Optional Tour – Nathu La Pass:

Visit the historic Indo-China Silk Route border post (Subject to permit availability at additional cost; closed on Mondays & Tuesdays; permits issued on a sharing basis).

Day 3

Gangtok to Lachung – Gateway to North Sikkim

Route: Gangtok - Mangan – Lachung
Distance & Time: ~127 km | 5–6 Hours Drive
Elevation: 2,682 meters (8,800 feet)

Drive to North Sikkim: After breakfast and check-out, set out on an exhilarating road trip toward the mountain village of Lachung.
En-Route Highlights:
- Mangan: Stop for a lunch break after a 3-hour drive.
- Singhik Viewpoint: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu.
- Seven Sisters Waterfalls: Admire the multi-tiered cascading falls along the highway.
- Chungthang Confluence: Witness the sacred confluence of the Teesta, Lachen, and Lachung Rivers.
Arrival in Lachung: Check in at your hotel/homestay, de-stress, and spend a relaxing evening exploring the quiet mountain hamlet.

Overnight: Delicious dinner and comfortable overnight stay in Lachung.

Day 4

Yumthang Valley & High-Altitude Zero Point Excursion

Excursion: Lachung - Yumthang Valley - Zero Point (Yumesamdong) – Lachung
Elevation: Up to 15,300 feet

Yumthang Valley ("Valley of Flowers"): Drive through the Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary filled with colorful alpine flora. Take a short 40-minute hike through pine and rhododendron forests to visit the natural therapeutic Hot Springs.
Zero Point (Yumesamdong - 15,300 ft): Push further up to Zero Point—where motorable civilian roads end near the Tibet/China border. Marvel at snow-capped landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.
Return to Hotel: Drive back to the hotel/lodge in Lachung for dinner and a restful night.
Overnight: Dinner and overnight stay in Lachung.

📌 Note on Zero Point:

Excursion to Zero Point (Yumesamdong) is permitted for Indian tourists only at an additional cost (approx. ₹4,000/- per vehicle payable on prior notice).

Day 5

Lachung to Gangtok Transfer & City Sightseeing

Route: Lachung – Gangtok
Distance & Time: ~127 km | 5–6 Hours Drive

Return Transfer: After breakfast, check out from Lachung and embark on a scenic drive back down to Gangtok.
Evening Leisure: Arrive in Gangtok, check into your hotel, and spend the evening enjoying local shopping or dining at your leisure.
Overnight: Delicious dinner and comfortable overnight stay at your hotel in Gangtok.

Day 6

Gangtok to Pelling via South Sikkim Pilgrimage

Route: Gangtok - Namchi – Pelling
Distance & Time: ~120 km | 4–5 Hours Drive
Elevation: 2,150 meters (7,200 feet)

Samdruptse Hill (Namchi): Visit the mammoth 135-foot statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Sikkim's patron saint) standing atop Samdruptse Hill.
Solophok Char Dham: Explore this grand pilgrimage complex featuring an 87-foot statue of Lord Shiva atop Solophok Hill, surrounded by replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas, 4 sacred Dhams (Badrinath, Jagannath, Dwarka, Rameshwaram), and a 16.5-foot statue of Lord Kirateshwar.
Arrival in Pelling: Continue your drive into West Sikkim. Check in at your hotel in Pelling for dinner and relaxation.

Overnight: Delicious dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Pelling.

Day 7

Pelling Sightseeing & Transfer to Darjeeling

Route: Pelling – Darjeeling
Distance & Time: ~90 km | 3–4 Hours Drive
Elevation: 2,123 meters (7,000 feet)

Morning Pelling Highlights:
- Pemayangtse Monastery: One of Sikkim's oldest and premier Nyingma Buddhist monasteries.
- Pelling Skywalk: Experience thrilling glass-walkway views overlooking the valley and mountain ranges.
- Rabdentse Ruins: Walk through the historical stone ruins of Sikkim's 17th-century royal capital.
Transfer to Darjeeling: Cross into the mist-covered, tea-draped hills of West Bengal toward Darjeeling.
Overnight: Check into your hotel in Darjeeling for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8

Full-Day Darjeeling Heritage & Sunrise Sightseeing

Experience iconic Himalayan views and rich colonial heritage.

Tiger Hill Sunrise (4:30 AM): Travel up to Tiger Hill to watch the golden sunrise illuminate the snow peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga (Subject to traffic police pass availability).
Breakfast & Heritage Stops: Return to the hotel for breakfast, then proceed to visit:
- Batasia Loop & Ghoom Monastery: Admire the spiral train loop with its Gurkha War Memorial and visit historic Ghoom Monastery.
- Himalayan Zoo & Mountaineering Institute: Visit HMI and explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (closed Thursdays), home to Red Pandas and Snow Leopards.
- Tibetan Refugee Center & Tea Gardens: Visit the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center (closed Sundays) and view sloping green Tea Gardens (outer view).
- Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda: Experience peaceful Buddhist architecture and panoramic views.
Overnight: Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Day 9

Farewell to the Mountains

Route: Darjeeling - Bagdogra Airport (IXB)

Departure: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel, complete check-out procedures, and board your private transfer down to Bagdogra Airport for your onward flight home.

Package Inclusions & Exclusions

Arrival & Departure Assistance: Warm meet-and-greet service upon arrival at NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport (IXB).

Private Sightseeing & Transfers: Airport/railway station pick-up, drop-off, and all regional sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.

Accommodation: Stays in selected hotels with daily breakfast included. (Note: Stays at Lachung hotels include both daily breakfast and dinner).

Dedicated Transport: Exclusive non-disposal A/C vehicle operating strictly on a point-to-point basis according to the itinerary.

Taxes: All applicable government and service taxes included.

Airfare & Railfare: Any airfare or train tickets to/from NJP / Bagdogra.

Optional Permits & Excursions: Permit charges and vehicle costs for Nathu La Pass or Zero Point (unless explicitly added).

Personal Expenses: Room heaters, laundry services, phone calls, room service, mineral water, soft/alcoholic beverages, tips, and personal porter charges.

Unlisted Services: Anything not expressly mentioned under the "Inclusions" list.

Force Majeure & Calamities: Any emergency expenses arising from natural disasters (landslides, road blockages, heavy snowfall) or political events (strikes, road blockages). Extra hotel stays or rerouting costs must be borne directly by the guest on the spot.

Extra Vehicle Usage: Costs for additional sightseeing or vehicle usage outside specified itinerary routes and operating hours.

Monument & Entry Fees: Entry tickets to tourist attractions, eco-tourism spots, cable car/ropeway rides, camera permits, or activity charges.