Sikkim

Sikkim

Day 1, DARJEELING TO PELLING

Drive from Darjeeling into Western Sikkim. You stay the night in Pelling, a small hamlet just a few minutes walk from Pemayangtse, with great views of the Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak.

In the afternoon visit the awe-inspiring ancient monastery of Pemayantse, one of the most important and revered monasteries in Sikkim. It houses hundreds of resident monks and scholars pursuing studies in Buddhism and there is an exceptional collection of religious artworks.

Stay at Norbu Ghang Resort for two nights.

Day 2, KHECHEPORI LAKE & TASHIDING MONASTERY

Travel to the sacred Khechepori Lake, surrounded by prayer flags and lush forest cover. Resist the temptation to swim, as it's a holy place.

In the afternoon drive to Tashiding. The gold topped monastery stands on a conical hill between two rivers. It is a steep 2.5 km walk from the chortens at the bottom of the village to the top of the hill but the walk is worthwhile with scenic views all around.

The Tashinding monastery was founded in the 17th century by one of the three lamas who brought Buddhism to Sikkim. The mural work inside is exquisite and there is a large statue of the historical Buddha. You end the day in Pelling.

Day 3, PELLING TO GANGTOK

Drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok is perched high on a ridge and inhabited predominantly by Buddhists.The scenery is spectacular and there are excellent views of the entire Kanchenjunga range.

In the afternoon, there is time at leisure to explore Gangtok.

Stay at Hidden Forest Retreat for two nights.

Day 4, PHODANG & LABRANG MONASTERIES

It is a winding and bumpy drive to Phodang monastery, 40 km north of Gangtok, a small and less pretentious monastery than Rumtek. The serene atmosphere here allows you to feel the timelessness of a part of Sikkim rarely visited by tourists. Lying on a spur of the hill, there are tremendous views of the valley below.

Labrang Monastery is some two kilometres uphill from Phodang and is a small older and unusual octagonal structure. You can enjoy here the spectacular scenery and views of the Kanchenjunga. Return in the afternoon to Gangtok.

Day 5, GANGTOK TO KALIMPONG

In the morning you drive to the nearby Rumtek monastery. Rumtek was built in 1740 but had to be rebuilt during the 1960s after an earthquake. Brightly painted wooden latticework decorates the facade. Inside are the beautiful murals and Thangkas. You are welcome to sit in on the prayer and chanting sessions. They'll even bring you a cup of salted butter tea when it's served to the monks.

In the afternoon you continue to the small market town of Kalimpong, a centre for mountain viewing, bird watching, hill-walking, visiting word famous flower nurseries.

Stay at Holumba Haven

Day 6, KALIMPONG TO BAGDOGRA OR NEW JALPAIGURI/span>

Today you return to Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri (both approximately a 3 hrs away) where your tour ends.

You can extend your holiday in the north-east of India by taking a short flight from Bagdogra to Guwahati (or an overnight sleeper-train from New Jalpaiguri to Guwahati). Guwahati is the gateway to Assam and the place to start our Guwahati & Kaziranga module.

Alternatively, you can drive directly from Kalimpong to Phuntsoling (180 km, 6 hours drive) to visit Bhutan.

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