11 Days Darjeeling Sikkim Exclusive — Tsomgo Lake & Yumthang Valley

Upon arrival at late night meet and transfer to hotel. Check into hotel and overnight.

After breakfast drive to airport to take a short flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival meet and transfer to hotel for lunch. After lunch transfer to Darjeeling.This is one of the most beautiful and relaxing car journey with mesmerizing view of the hills all along the sides of the road stretching about 4 hours up the hill to Darjeeling. On the way you will encounter the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Also known as the “toy train”). On arrival check in hotel. Enjoy the cool climate and explore Darjeeling town on your own.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway “Toy Train”
The toy train in Darjeeling is not merely a source of delight for the young and old, it also represents the engineering skills of the highest order. This 83 km. long section connecting Darjeeling with the railhead at Siliguri is of great importance and has been bestowed World Heritage Site status. The railway line from Siliguri to the beautiful hill section of Darjeeling is considered an engineering feat and passes through one of the most picturesque hill station.

Early morning drive to famous Tiger Hill to view the beautiful sunrise over the Kanchenjunga massif. After that, city tour covering Darjeeling City and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Late afternoon some time for shopping.

Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is famous for the panoramic views it offers of Mount Everest along with Kanchenjunga. The first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light upon the twin peaks of Kanchenjunga painting it pink and then bathing it in a beautiful orange color. From Tiger Hill, Mount Everest (8848m) is just visible, peeping out through two other peaks standing by its side. Makalu (8481m) looks higher than Mt. Everest, owing to the curve in the horizon, as it is several miles closer than Everest. The distance in straight line from Tiger Hill to Everest is 107 miles.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)
The Institute was established on 4th November 1954, which was then the hub center of all mountaineering activity in India. The first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary sparked a keen interest in establishing mountaineering as a well-respected endeavour for people in the region. The late Maj N.D. Jayal was the first Principal of the Institute whereas the late Tenzing Norgay was Director of Field Training. The museum also has a lot of good artifacts and gear from many of the famous expeditions. You will be amazed to see how little equipment the Hillary-Tenzing team had on the first climb to Everest. The Institute is the landmark in Darjeeling and an important center of tourist attraction. It commands a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga massif.

After breakfast drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. We will stop by at Rangpo check post to apply for your Inner Line Permit. You can have tea or early lunch at the café before driving to Gangtok, Upon arrival check in hotel and explore around M.G. Marg.

M.G. Marg
The main street of Gangtok town is pedestrianized and a pleasant place to take a stroll. You can sit at the park and listen to the piped in music played for the listening pleasure of visitors or just walk down the mall and take in the carnival like atmosphere. Perhaps you may also fine some unexpected gems hidden in the winding side alleys as you begin to gain insight into the lifestyle of the Sikkimese. The Bakery Café is the only place that serves reasonably good lattes and cappuccinos with freshly made bread. Be sure to indulge!

After breakfast, take a day tour to the famous Tsomgo Lake 40 km away from Gangtok. Late afternoon sightseeing in Gangtok city including Nagyal Institute of Tibetology and Lal Bazaar.

Tsomgo Lake
Known as “source of the lake” in Bhutia language, this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway and is considered sacred by the local people.

Nagyal Institute of Tibetology
Established by the chogyal in 1958 to promote research into the Tibetan language and religious traditions. The institute boasts one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Tibetan scripture and artifacts, ranging from the beautiful intricate silk artwork to the macabre instruments fashioned from human bones.

Lal Bazaar
Lal Bazaar is a flea market where you get almost everything from apparel to eatables. The fresh produce market on the first floor is both exotic and unique. It is also a nice place to interact with the locals who know a lot more about local plants and food. You’ll get some of the finest produce here from yak ghee and mushroom to fresh trout caught from the nearby streams and Teesta River. A walk through the food market provides interesting insight to the Sikkimese’s customs.

After an early breakfast we will proceed to Lachen. The route meanders through small villages with valleys up to forest grove of Kabi Langchuk.

Shinghik comes next with its promises of one of the most glorious views of Kunchanjungha. Situated at an altitude of over 4000ft Singhik offers a desired break to the travelers on the way to Lachen . We will have our lunch on the way. Visit Chungthang- the confluence of Lachen Chu and Lachun Chu (river) and Vimnala falls water falls on your way to Lachen. Upon arrival check in hotel. Late afternoon short walk around the Lachen.

Early morning drive to Thangu Village (4100m / 13450ft), a remote high altitude village of Tibetan Nomads and also proceed further to Chopta Valley (4000m / 13124ft) to get some breath taking view of alpine valley of frozen rivers. From Chopta Valley drive for another 30kms in 1.5hr to Gurudongmar Lake (5225m / 17143ft) close to Tibet Border, the one of the highest and biggest fresh water lakes in Sikkim and back to Lachen for a late lunch. After that drive to Lachung.

Lachung
Another remote high altitude village of Tibetan and Bhutia people in North Sikkim with towering rocky snow peaks, vibrant rhododendron valley, lush green yak pastures, perennial waterfalls, hot springs and the base for exploring alpine valley of Yumthang and Yumesamdong close to the Tibetan plateau.

Upon arrival check in hotel and some rest. Evening Dinner.

Early morning drive to Yumthang Valley, an alpine flower valley in North Sikkim. Enjoy the scenic landscape and hot Spring. The valley is covered with snow during January to March & with rhododendrons during April & May.

Yumthang Valley is a grazing pasture surrounded by the Himalayan mountains in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim, India. It is at an elevation of 3,564 metres. Popularly known as ‘Valley of Flowers’. It is also home to the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and has over twenty-four species of the rhododendron, the state flower.

After spending whole morning there and back to hotel for Lunch. After lunch visit Handicraft Centre & Lachung Monastery.

After breakfast drive back to Gangtok. En-route you will enjoy magnificent view of Himalayan peaks of North Sikkim & numerous waterfalls. Upon arrival check in hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast drive to Bagdora for about 4 hours. Lunch on the way and connect flight to Kolkotta. Upon arrival meet and transfer to downtown for leisure shopping. Evening dinner and transfer to airport for departure.

Early morning arrive Singapore.

Package Includes:

• Domestic air ticket Kolkata-Bagdogra-Kolkata
• Sikkim Inner Line Permit application (on arrival at Rangpo)
• Private A/C transportation including airport transfer
• Personal English speaking tour guide
• Accommodation as per itinerary
• Meals as per itinerary
• Entrance fees

Package Excludes:

• International airfare
• India visa (required for entry into Sikkim, self- apply before departure)
• Travel insurance
• All alcoholic and other beverages
• All personal expenses
• Liabilities of loss, theft and damages
• Tips