Eastern Himalayan Trails

Early morning around 04:00 am visit Tiger Hill for sunrise and back. 

Tiger Hill- It is 13 kms from Darjeeling and one can see beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga , Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden. It is truly a majestic sight.

Breakfast at the hotel and go for Enjoy toy train ride upto Ghoom then visit Ghoom Monastery (Subject to operation of this train & availability of the seats)

Toy Train -The spectacular landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan railway, opened in 1881, labours at about 10 mph criss-crossing the road. It has tiny 4-wheel locomotives (some over 100 years old) like living legends. One can experience the sound, smell and romance of a bygone era. DHR is a work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and cultural importance. It is beautiful and has outstanding universal appeal. Based on its unique features, it is considered to be of lasting significance to mankind.

Ghoom Monastery- This is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height.

Afternoon proceed for city tour.

Himalayan Mountainering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park - The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest to give training  to learn Mountaineering and other adventure sports related to mountaineering and in that Institute one can see equipment etc.used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay and Everest Museum having complete details on Everest attached to institute one can  visit Himalayan Zoological Park where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds.

Tibetan Self- Help Centre/ Refuge Centre-  This institute is run by Tibetan Refugees to preserve their handicrafts and one can see making of Tibetan Carpets, Leather work, Paintings and Wooden work etc.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Pelling by shorter route.

Pelling is a small town that is situated in the state of Sikkim in the West Sikkim region. The town is a laid back place and it attracts travellers from different parts of the country. Pelling is located near the foothills of Kanchenjunga and one can witness an outstanding view of the mountain from here. There are numerous scenic spots that one can visit in the area. The main attractions in the place are the monasteries that dot the countryside.

Overnight at Hotel.

After Breakfast visit  Rimbi Waterfalls & Darap Village & back.

The Rimbi Waterfalls is one of the tourist attractions of Sikkim which is located about 12kms from Pelling at about 5kms from the Darap Village, another attraction of Sikkim. This waterfall can be seen throughout the year although in the rainy season it looks much more beautiful. The waterfall leads to Rimbi River and is famous for the recreational activities like fishing. The Karchen Powerhouse is the oldest powerhouse in west Sikkim. The powerhouse was built in the early 70s by the last king’ government. It used to supply water to all the neighbouring villages during that period.

Darap Cherry Village is one of the few places undiscovered where travelers looking for a taste of bucolic life can escape from the maddening crowds of touristic places. The word Darap is originated from the limbo word ’Tan-lop’ which literally means a plain or even land. It is located just 8 km from Pelling on the way to Khecheopelri and Yuksam. The area is mainly inhabited by the Limboo Community and other small communities like the Bhutias, Chettris, Tamangs, Rais, Gurungs and Lepchas live in harmony.

The landscape is gently sloped unlike any other locations in the west of Sikkim. Because of its close proximity to Pelling, Darap has now become a potential destination for Village tourism

Afternoon Visit to Sangacholing Monastery, Sky Walk, Chengriz Statue.

Sangacheoling Gumpa -It is the second oldest Gumpa constructed by Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo in 1697 AD. This monastery is on the hill top and therefore commands an excellent view of the mountains.

Chenrize Statue-  World’s tallest statue, i.e., a 137-ft statue of Chenrezig, in Sikkim, is set to woo tourists from November 1. As per the Sikkim Government, this new pilgrimage site in Pelling will feature the world’s tallest statue at an elevation of 7200 m. Sikkim, apart from its picturesque beauty, now adds another feather to its cap with this statue standing tall in the midst of snow-capped mountains. As per the locals, Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara is the earthly manifestation of eternal Buddha, Amitabha. Tourism Minister Ugen T Gyatso, referring to this development, said that around INR 46.65 crore has been invested to develop the spot at Choeling in Pelling, and it is part of the Sikkim Government’s policy to promote it as a Buddhist Pilgrimage Tourism Circuit. He further mentioned that building the world’s tallest Chenrezig statue and a new complex, replete with a café and a gallery, and a skywalk, has been a challenging task for the engineers because of the terrain. However, everyone is happy with the outcome.

The Skywalk - Around 2.5 kilometers from Pelling and located at a height of 7,200 feet above sea level, the skywalk is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas and overlooks the marvellous137 feet tall statue of Chenrezig and the stairs that lead up to it, with golden prayer wheels on both sides. If the weather is clear one can also get a panoramic view of the Teesta and Rangit rivers.

Overnight at hotel.

After Breakfast visit Pemayangtse Monastery & Rabdentse and drive to Namchi.

Pemayangtse Monastery - 2.5 Kms. from Pelling and standing at 2085m. The Perfect Sublime Lotus, perched on a wooded hilltop, commands the most sublime view of the Khangchendzong. Built during the late 17th century, it is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. To the present day, it is only the monks of this monastery who enjoy the title of ‘Tasang’ or pure monks. The importance of this monastery grew with time and reached its peak when only monks from this monastery could anoint the reigning sovereign of the land with holy water. Pemayangtse monastery follows the Mindroling tradition besides holding the lineage of LhatsunChenpo. Mindroling monastery was founded by MinlingTerchenGyurme Dorje whose famous daughter JetsunMigyurPaldon lived near Pemayangtse and taught there during her exile. Her stone throne is still to be seen in this monastery, which has 108 monks. The main attraction of the monastery is the wooden replica of ZangdogPalri; the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava built by SerdupLhundrup Dorje Rinpoche in 1971. The annual chaam (monk dance) is held here on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.

Rabdentse- Sikkim’s second capital. The ruins of Rabdantse are worth exploring. The winding track through the forest brings you to a small set of ruins of the early town and eventually on the ruins of the palace with Chorten (stupa) nearby.

Namchi is situated at an altitude of 1,675 m (5500 feet) above sea level. It is situated at a distance of 78 kilometres (48 mi) from the state capital Gangtok and 100 kilometres (62 mi) from the town of Siliguri,[1] the nearest railhead and airport. Namchi lies off the road between Melli and Jorethang. Namchi is well connected to other towns in Sikkim and West Bengal. Jeeps and buses regularly ply between Namchi to Gangtok, Pelling, Jorethang, Kalimpong and Siliguri.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast visit  Samdruptse and Chardham and drive to Ravangala.

Samdruptse It is near Namchi in South Sikkim in Samdruptse which means in Bhutia language “The Wish Fulfilling Hill”. A 135 ft unique statue of Guru Padmasambhava is installed at the top of Samdruptse. His Holiness The Dalai Lama laid the foundation stone of the statue on 22.10.1997. Is is said to be the highest statue of Guru Padmasambhava in the world. It took 1000 laborers and scores of experienced engineers and highly skilled architects and sculptors nearly three years to complete this awe inspiring and towering statue. A two section Ropeway from Namchi to Samdruptse in under construction. It will pass through the Rock Garden, Namchi.

Chardham This unique Pilgrim Centre has a main temple of 108 feet height on which is based the 87 feet high statue of Lord Shiva on the sitting posture at the Solophok Hill. Apart from Shiva statue, this Pilgrim Centre also has replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas, to offer one platform for Shiva devotees. Solophok Chardham Lord Shiva incarnated as Kirateshwar in Indrakeel (Present Sikkim). Therefore, in this incarnation he is locally worshipped by the people of Sikkim as Lord Kirateshwar. A statue of 16 1/2 feet height of Lord Kirateshwar is also installed in the complex. In order to attain Moksha, the Hindu belief is to perform pilgrimage to all the existing four Dhams. Thereby, replicas of these four Dhams, namely Badrinath, Jaganath and Dwarka dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Rameshwar, dedicated to Lord Shiva is also constructed. Solophok Chardham Solophok Chardham The pilgrim centre is constructed on top of the Solophok Hill in South Sikkim which is about 5 kilometers from Namchi town over an area of 28.958 Ha of land. The built up complex covers an area of approximately 7 acres and is accessible by a smooth road.

Overnight at Hotel

After Breakfast visit The Buddha Park of Ravangla then drive to Gangtok

The Buddha Park Of Ravangla, also known as Tathagata Tsal, is situated near Rabong (Ravangla) in South Sikkim district, Sikkim, India. It was constructed between 2006 and 2013 and features a 130-foot high statue of the Buddha as its centerpiece. The site was chosen within the larger religious complex of the Rabong Gompa (Monastery), itself a centuries-old place of pilgrimage. Also nearby is Ralang Monastery, a key monastery in Tibetan Buddhism.The statue was consecrated on 25 March 2013 by the 14th Dalai Lama, and became a stop on the 'Himalayan Buddhist Circuit'. The statue of the Buddha marks the occasion of the 2550th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha. This statue was built and installed in the place through the joint efforts of the Sikkim government and its people. The Buddhist circuit of this park was built here under a State government project, for boosting pilgrimage and tourism in the region.

Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

After Breakfast Sightseeing in Gangtok visiting Rumtek Monastery/Do Drul Chorten, Tibetology(Closed on Saturday/Sunday & Govt. Holidays), Enchey Monastery & Cottage Industry(Closed on Saturday/Sunday & Govt. Holidays)

Rumtek Monastery: -24 Kms. from Gangtok is the awe -inspiringRumtek Monastery, the world Dharma chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the lavishly decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from the world over. Opposite the entrance to the Institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel studded Chorten the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of His Holiness the xvi Gyalwa Karmapa. According to legend, it is believed that after years of meditation, the first Karmapa was said to have been visited by ten thousand fairies who came to congratulate him each of whom offered a strand of her hair as a gift. These were said to have been woven into a black hat, which was passed down and is still at the Rumtek Monastery today. It is said that unless held on to by the wearer (who of course, cannot be anyone else but the Karmapa) or kept in a box, the hat would fly away.

The Do Drul Chorten, built to commemorate the victory of good over evil and the Jhang Chub Chorten, built in the memory of Thrukshik Rinpoche, an ardent devotee, a great spirtualist and interpreter of Buddhism. Near the Chorten are housed two giant statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim.

Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology: -Amidst a serene surrounding of oak, birch and ash lies the unique organization established in1958. Built in traditional style, the namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research in Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. It has one of the world’s largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. The Institute also has a retail outlets where related books and commercially produced religious art and craft of Tibet can be bought.

The Enchey Monastery: -Perched on a ridge above Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery is nestled within lush woods with a spectacular view of Gangtok town. Built in 1910 on the site of the hermitage of the great tantric saint, Lama DrutobKarpo, who was renowned for his powers of levitation, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism.

Directorate Of Handloom And Handicrafts: -This Directorate was set up to promote traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden friezes, intricate bamboo work, along with beautiful hand woven carpets and handlooms are on exhibit here. Visitors can not only purchase these items here but also see the artisans at work. Among others, a favourite item here is the choktse a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a portable pack.

Overnight at hotel.

After Breakfast excursion to Tsomgo Lake & back.

Tsomgo Lake: -35 Kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400 feet is the beautiful Tsomgo Lake, which freezes over in winter. The lake derives its waters from melting snows off the surrounding mountains. Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying the color of the lake’s waters. Fishing is totally prohibited and all are requested not to dirty the environs of the lake to maintain its sanctity.

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kalimpong. 

Kalimpong : At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong’s location is ideal for a pleasant , relaxed getaway. Its clement weather has made Kalimpong’s orchids and gladiole well renowned. Up to the early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim raja’s domain.In the early 18th century, the Bhutan king also took it over. In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War , it was annexed to Darjeeling. Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s. The town thrived as a wool trading center with Tibet till 1950s. Today it’s a quiet hill resort and a haven for retired people. 

Later go for sightseeing in Kalimpong visiting Flower Nursery, Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery, Tharpa Choling Monastery and Thongsa Gumpa, Deolo Hill, Mangal Dham.

Flower Nurseries: The climate of Kalimpong is ideal for the cultivation of flowers and plants. Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotice flowers like Amaryllis lilies, Anthuriums, Roses gerberas, Dahilias, Gladiolias as well as Orchids and Cacti.

Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery: This is a fairly new monastery located in Durpin Dara, from here one can get an exclusive panoramic view of the town and surroundings. The prayer room inside the monastery is adorned with wall paintings and there is a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs.

Tharpa Choling Monastery at Tirpai hill on route to Dr.Graham’s Home belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Lamas to which the present Dalai Lama belongs

Thongsa Gumpa: This monastery is of Bhutanese origin and built around 1692. It is the oldest in Kalimpong.The original structure was destroyed in the inter-clan wars before the British arrived.

Deolo Hill: Deolo hill is one of the two hills in-between whom the town of Kalimpong is nested, the other being the Durpin hills. The hill at 5590 feet is the highest point of Kalimpong and offers a breath taking view of not only the Kanchenjunga range but the entire town of Kalimpong, the surrounding villages of Relli Valley, Teesta River as well as the snow clad hills of Sikkim. The hill top is marvelous parkland with wonderful view points and a sprawling garden.

Mangal Dham: Mangal Dham is one of the most significant religious centres in the beautiful hill station of Kalimpong. The place was built in the memory of Guruji Shir Mangaldasji Maharaj who in 1940 arrived at Kalimpong and made it his home. He got several orphanages, schools and temples constructed here to serve God and humans. Spreading over an area of about two acres, the temple features a prayer hall on the top floor where idol of Raj Shyamji is placed. So make sure to visit this pure and pious spots whenever in Kalimpong.

Overnight at hotel.