Gold Travels

Tour Overview

Experience the ultimate journey across the "organic state" of Sikkim and West Bengal's iconic "Queen of Hills." Framed by breathtaking, continuous views of Mt. Kanchenjunga—the world’s third-highest peak—this comprehensive 8-day itinerary takes you through sacred high-altitude lakes, heritage monasteries, ancient royal ruins, sweeping tea gardens, and legendary sunrise viewpoints.

Itinerary (Day Wise)

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Day 1

Welcome to Sikkim – Arrival & Transfer to Gangtok

Route: NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) – Gangtok
Distance & Time: ~130 km | 4 Hours Drive
Elevation: 1,437 meters (4,715 feet)

· Scenic Mountain Drive: Arrive at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, where our warm representative will receive you. Begin an ascent through winding forested hills and river valleys up to Gangtok.

· Check-In & Unwind: Check in at your hotel and relax after your journey.

· Evening Walk at MG Marg: Spend your evening exploring MG Marg—Gangtok’s vibrant, pedestrian-only boulevard lined with local handicraft shops, cozy cafés, and street-side seating.

Overnight: Enjoy a hot dinner and cozy overnight stay in Gangtok.

Day 2

High-Altitude Glacial Lake & Border Legends

Excursion: Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir (Nathu La Pass Optional)
Elevation: Up to 13,200 feet

· Tsomgo Glacial Lake (12,400 ft): Depart early for a 3-hour scenic drive along craggy mountain terrain to this sacred glacial lake, famous for its color-changing waters that mirror the surrounding snow peaks.

· Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir (13,200 ft): Visit the revered shrine dedicated to Captain "Baba" Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army soldier honored for his legendary guard over the eastern borderlands.

· Optional Extension – Nathu La Pass (14,140 ft): (Subject to permit clearance & additional charges) Drive up to the historic Indo-China trade border post along one of the world's highest motorable roads.

Overnight: Drive back to Gangtok for dinner and a restful night's stay.

Day 3

Full-Day Cultural & Natural Sights of Gangtok

Discover the spiritual, artistic, and natural highlights of Sikkim's capital.

· Tashi Viewpoint & Ganesh Tok: Enjoy sweeping panoramic vistas of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges and Mt. Kanchenjunga.

· Cascading Waterfalls: Visit Bakthang Waterfall and Banjhakri Falls, set in lush green gardens with local folklore displays.

· Buddhist Heritage: Explore the 200-year-old Enchey Monastery, the sacred Do Drul Chorten Stupa, and the world-renowned Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.

· Art, Flora & Cable Car: Visit the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, wander through the Flower Exhibition Centre, and ride the Gangtok Ropeway for a bird's-eye view of the city.

Overnight: Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4

Gangtok to Pelling – Journey Across West Sikkim

Route: Gangtok – Pelling
Distance & Time: ~120 km | 5.5 Hours Drive
Elevation: 2,150 meters (7,200 feet)

· Scenic Mountain Transfer: After breakfast, check out and embark on a peaceful drive to Pelling, winding past organic tea gardens, pine forests, and mountain villages.

· Check-In & Relaxation: Arrive in Pelling, check in at your hotel, and spend the afternoon at leisure taking in views of the Kanchenjunga range.

Overnight: Enjoy a warm meal and peaceful overnight stay in Pelling.

Day 5

Full-Day Pelling Sightseeing – Nature, Sacred Lakes & Ancient Capitals

Unveil the natural marvels and historic royal heritage of West Sikkim.

· Thundering Waterfalls & Valleys: Start your morning at Darap Valley, followed by visits to the refreshing Rimbi Waterfalls, Sewaro Rock Garden, and the thunderous Kanchenjunga Waterfalls.

· Khecheopalri Sacred Lake: Visit this placid, forest-encircled lake revered as a wish-fulfilling site by both Buddhists and Hindus.

· Royal Heritage & Monasteries: Explore Pemayangtse Monastery—one of Sikkim's premier Buddhist sanctuaries—and walk through the historical stone ruins of Rabdentse, the 17th-century royal capital of Sikkim.

· Pelling Helipad Viewpoint: Conclude your day with 360-degree views of the mountain peaks from the helipad grounds.

· Overnight: Return to the hotel for dinner and stay overnight in Pelling.

Day 6

Pelling to Darjeeling – To the "Queen of Hills"

Route: Pelling – Darjeeling
Distance & Time: ~73 km | 3.5 Hours Drive
Elevation: 2,042 meters (6,700 feet)

· Cross-Border Scenic Drive: After breakfast, check out from Pelling and drive into the mist-covered hills of North Bengal toward Darjeeling, crossing mountain rivers and historic bridges.

· Hotel Check-In & Leisure: Arrive in Darjeeling, check in at your hotel, and spend the evening enjoying the cool mountain air.

Overnight: Delicious dinner and overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Day 7

Full-Day Darjeeling Sightseeing – Sunrise, Tea Estates & Local Heritage

Wake up early for an iconic Himalayan sunrise followed by a complete tour of Darjeeling's famous landmarks.

· Tiger Hill Sunrise (4:00 AM): Ascend to Tiger Hill (2,590 m) to witness a breathtaking golden sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga.

· Batasia Loop & Ghoom Monastery: Visit historic Ghoom Monastery and admire the engineering marvel of Batasia Loop with its Gurkha War Memorial.

· Himalayan Zoo & Mountaineering Institute: Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to rare Red Pandas and Snow Leopards (Zoo closed on Thursdays).

· Tenzing Rock & Peace Pagoda: Marvel at Tenzing Norgay's practice climbing wall and visit the tranquil Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda.

· Chitrey Tea Garden & Mall Road Stroll: View sprawling tea slopes at Chitrey and spend your evening strolling along Mall Road / Chowrasta for local tea and hand-stitched woolens.

· Overnight: Dinner and overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Day 8

Homeward Journey

Route: Darjeeling - NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
Distance & Time: ~88 km | 3 Hours Drive

· Departure: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before completing check-out procedures.

· Return Transfer: Board your transfer down to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, carrying home unforgettable memories of your Eastern Himalayan journey.

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.