Sikkim Darjeeling Kalimpong Tour: 8 Days In The Eastern Himalayas

Start your morning early with a fresh breakfast and get ready for a thrilling excursion.

Today, we’ll head towards Tsomgo Lake (12,000 ft), a high-altitude glacial lake known for its changing colors throughout the day.

You can spend some time by the lake, watching its clear waters reflect the surrounding snow-covered peaks, or even try a short yak ride along the shore.

You can also try some maggie and momos at the various food stalls around the lake.

From here, we’ll continue towards Baba Mandir, a revered shrine dedicated to Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army Soldier.

If permits allow, you can further visit Nathula Pass, located at 14,140 ft near the Indo-China border.

Later, we’ll return to the hotel in Gangtok by evening, descending back through the mountain roads.

You can spend the rest of the time relaxing or indulging in some shopping at MG Marg ( On Your Own ).

Overnight stay in Gangtok.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Pelling.

Before leaving Gangtok, visit Enchey Monastery, a peaceful 200-year-old monastery set on a hilltop.

Spend some time here and receive a traditional monk blessing.

Then, we’ll head towards Pelling, which takes around 4–5 hours through winding hill roads and changing landscapes.

Reach Pelling by evening and check in to your hotel.

You can spend the evening at leisure either taking a short walk or enjoy views of the surrounding mountains from your stay.

Overnight stay in Pelling.

Start your day with breakfast and get ready to explore Pelling and its nearby valleys.

We’ll begin with a visit to Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred lake set amidst dense forest, known for its calm waters and local beliefs.

Continue towards Rimbi Waterfalls for scenic views and stop by the nearby Rimbi Orange Garden (seasonal) where you can walk along Orange Orchards.

Next, explore Darap Village, known for its traditional wooden houses and quiet village setting.

Later, visit the Skywalk complex, home to the Chenrezig Statue, one of the tallest in Sikkim.

You can walk on India’s first Skywalk at around 7,000 ft, where the valley slopes and monastery complex just lie underneath your feet.

Next, we’ll head to Pemayangtse Monastery, a 17th-century monastery known for its detailed woodwork and spiritual significance.

From here, we’ll take a short 15 - 20 minute forest walk to reach the Rabdentse Ruins, the remains of the old Sikkim capital.

Return to your hotel by evening and relax after a full day.

Overnight stay in Pelling.

Enjoy your breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey towards Darjeeling.

The drive takes around 3-4 hours, gradually opening into rolling tea estates like Happy Valley with neatly lined plantations.

Reach Darjeeling, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

You can either take a walk along Mall Road ( On Your Own ) or relax at heritage cafés with a cup of fresh Darjeeling tea overlooking the hills.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Start your day early around 4:00 AM for the drive to Tiger Hill to see a magical sunrise.

Watch the first light hit Mt. Kanchenjunga, turning the peaks golden, with distant views of Mt. Everest on clear days.

On the way back, stop at Batasia Loop to take stunning photos, where the spiral railway track curves through landscaped gardens with mountain views.

Visit the Gorkha War Memorial here, built in honor of soldiers from the region.

Get back to your hotel for breakfast, and then step out to explore the town.

We’ll visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute ( closed on Thursday ) , Tenzing Rock ( closed on Thursday ) and the nearby zoo, home to species like the red panda and snow leopard.

Head to a tea estate for a short walk through the Chitery Garden and tea estate and see how Darjeeling tea is grown.

Later, visit the Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda, known for their quiet setting and views over the town.

After a full day of sightseeing, get back to your hotel by evening and relax.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and get ready for a day excursion to Kalimpong, about 2-2.5 hours away.

It’s a quieter hill town known for breathtaking Kanchenjunga views and a laid-back charm.

Then, visit Durpin Monastery, where you can see rare Buddhist scriptures, detailed murals, and enjoy hilltop views overlooking the Teesta Valley.

Later, stop by Pine View Nursery to see the extensive collection of 1600 cactus species.

Post-sightseeing, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

You can head to the 7th Mile Viewpoint for a stunning sunset, and later explore Haat Bazaar to buy Kalimpong’s famous flowers and handicrafts.

Overnight stay in Kalimpong.

Enjoy your final breakfast and then check out of the hotel.

Board your transfer towards Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station.

Your Sikkim Darjeeling trip comes to an end with your drop-off at your departure point.

Head home with beautiful memories of mountain views, winding roads, and unforgettable experiences.