HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE Itinerary for DARJEELING GANGTOK TOUR PLAN?
Day by day guide on how should you go for Darjeeling and Gangtok tour plan, itinerary, costing and what your trip will look like while you book Darjeeling and Gangtok tour package
While you plan your trip, the question always comes, how do I plan the trip? How much will it cost? Am I being overcharged by the travel agencies? Is it wort visiting Darjeeling? or Is it worth visiting Gangtok? The biggest question is how to prepare Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Plan.
We will explain here how should you prepare Darjeeling and Gangtok tour plan and what your trip will look like while you book Darjeeling and Gangtok tour package.
Plan your Darjeeling Gangtok Tour as 3-Night Darjeeling, 1-Night Aritar and 2-Night Gangtok.
This way, you will cover many important must visit places in Gangtok and Darjeeling.
Since Sikkim and Darjeeling are Hill Stations, many places are less habituated and you will have very few options of shared vehicle. Thus you have to reserve a vehicle every time you go out during your Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Plan. Also, there are some places in Indo-China border like Nathula Pass, Changu Lake, Zero Point etc. that needs the permission from relevant authority of Sikkim to visit these places. You have to submit your ID proof and passport size photographs to get the permission.
Basically, physical presence is essential. Permits for Nathula Pass is issued to the registered tour operators of Sikkim only. So if you want to visit on your own, you have to forgo Nathula Pass. Permits for Changu Lake (Tsongmo Lake), North Sikkim and other border areas can be taken from the designated police station by submitting a copy of your ID proof (Driving License, Voter ID, Aadhar Card, etc). For foreign nationals, passport is necessary. Such permits are issued by police to cab/taxi with your photos properly stamped. You have to plan it 1 day prior to the visit for such documentations and permits. Also, permits are subject to season spike in tourist inflow and only limited vehicles are permitted to visit such places like Changu Lake, Nathula Pass, Gurudongmar Lake, etc. We suggest you to contact us to obtain permits.
Note: While booking Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Plan, if you plan to go with tour agencies, do not go with big tour players. Eventually they will keep the profit and forward your tour plan to some other local tourism. So for the same tour, you will almost be paying double than what is worth it.
Ok, let’s move on.
So how should you prepare Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Plan?
First book your train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or a flight to Bagdogra Airport ( IXB ). Though recently, an airport named Pakyong Airport in Sikkim has been inaugurated, but there are no any significant commercial flights. So NJP or Bagdogra are the nearest stations to reach Sikkim or Darjeeling.
Bagdogra Airport
Bagdogra has a good connectivity from across major cities of India
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Remember to schedule your journey such that you arrive at NJP or Bagdogra early morning or before noon. Subsequently, forward journey from these stations take 3-4 hrs. Plan accordingly.
For Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Plan, first plan your visit to Darjeeling, and then to Sikkim. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Bagdogra Airport are in the vicinity of a town called Siliguri. Siliguri is the cynosure to all trade and tourism business of entire Northeast India. It is a main commercial hub and a prime city of West Bengal.
After arriving at NJP/IXB, you can either get a direct shared vehicles to Darjeeling ( Tata Sumo/ Mahindra Savari, etc) or go to Siliguri which is 40 mins away. Shared vehicle to Darjeeling may not be very comfortable but comes with cheapest option. It costs around 600-800 rupees per person from Bagdogra Airport and 300-400 rupees per person from New Jalpaiguri. If you cannot find a direct vehicle to Darjeeling, hop in into a shared taxi to Siliguri and ask to drop you at Darjeeling Mod in Siliguri (or SNT, from both places, you get a vehicle to Darjeeling). Fare to Siliguri from Bagdorga Airport varies around 350-500 rupees and 40-50 rupees from NJP.
*Note: DO NOT take a direct cab or reserve any vehicle from Airport or NJP. After your arrival, drivers know that you are helpless, need a vehicle and you are unlikely to book with travel agencies standing at the stations. Hence, they charge very hefty amount ranging from 5000-9000 to Darjeeling. If you plan to take a reserved cab, plan before your arrival and book at least 7 days prior to your arrival. Remember, your negotiating power vs their negotiating power standing at the Bagdogra or NJP.
So now your Darjeeling Gangtok Tour starts:
Day 1: The Arrival
I hope, by early morning, you have arrived at Bagdogra or NJP. At Bagdogra, there are not much eateries to eat from while NJP has some eateries inside and outside the station. If you plan to take a shared vehicle to Siliguri, you will have some good options for refreshment and can have a sound breakfast or lunch. Again, assuming you to be new to the city, ask locals about good food option around.
Moving forward, your journey to Darjeeling starts from Darjeeling Mod in Siliguri. Siliguri is a plain area, but hills and mountains of Darjeeling are visible from here. Shared vehicle costs somewhere around 250-350 rupees per person to Darjeeling. Its a 3 hrs drive if you are in a shared vehicle. If you have reserved a cab, it will take longer as reserved cab stops at major and minor view point along the route to let you enjoy the view and take photographs.
Driver starts the engine, dhrum dhrum dhrum……
The beautiful Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Plan commences. As we move forward, at the outskirt of Siliguri, you will find tea estates along the road. Roads are curved and are surrounded by the beautiful tea estates of Siliguri. Wait wait, no need for photographs. You will find many such beautiful tea gardens later. Gradually after half an hour, as we leave the tea estates and plain area of Siliguri, our ascend to the hills of Kurseong starts. On the way, you will be mesmerized by the view of the hills, and down there, you leave behind The Great Plains of Ganges. Now you have just touched the base of the mighty Himalayas. Here is how it looks while you ascend to Kurseong.
On the way to Darjeeling
Look how the merger of plain and hill looks like
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There are numerous viewpoints on the way and if you have reserved the cab, drivers will stop the vehicle. Now please take the photos. Shared vehicles won’t stop at any viewpoints. It will take you directly to Darjeeling.
Since it has almost been one hour to the journey, get out of the vehicle at one of the many viewpoints. Have some tea and snacks from small food joints there, take some beautiful photos and videos. If you have booked cabs from professional tour organizer, they have trained drivers who will take you off the roads from where you will have more scenic view and can take good photographs.
Ok, enough photos, we have to reach Darjeeling too. Pack your camera and get back to vehicle, lets go.
From viewpoint, after sometime, you will cross a place called Kurseong. If you have time, you may stroll the bazar but we recommend to leave it and continue further.
As you move further towards Darjeeling, green lush forest cover overtakes the scenic beauty. Between the forest and the roadways house, you will see many tea gardens. Tea gardens are the beauty of Darjeeling. Darjeeling is also famous for its tea all over the world. You can stop the vehicle to click some pictures of the garden here at one of the tea gardens.
Now get in the vehicle and move ahead. Day is about to end, and you are nearing Darjeeling. Darjeeling is a hill town in West Bengal. It is situated in the lesser Himalayas at an elevation of 6,700 ft (2,042 m) above sea level. It is noted for its tea industry, its views of third highest peak of the world, Mt. Kangchenjunga and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit all this tomorrow. After about roughly 4 hrs drive along with the photography break, you will reach Darjeeling late evening or night. It is a British era township, hence congested and unplanned.By this time, it has already been dusk or even dark. Vehicle will drop you to your pre-booked hotel.
Yes!, please pre-book hotels, before coming to the trip. This is one of the main task of your Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Plan. There are many hotel booking service providers online. Book it from any one you deem will provide best hotels, near to the center locality of Darjeeling, with good food and excellent view.
Coming back , now you have reached Darjeeling, refresh yourself and take rest. If you reach early, stroll the streets and enjoy the rest of the day. Don’t wake up till late night. You are in hilly area of India. By the time it is 9:00pm, city is closed, and all go to sleep. Its early to bed and early to rise here. Day here starts at 5:00am. But not for you.
You have to get up at 3:00am. Oh oh!, haha.
Yes, I am not kidding. Its 3:00am. You will know why, wait for it.
So if you have planned to have some alcoholic drink or something, don’t. Wait till tomorrow. Ok, now enjoy your night and take good rest. Tomorrow is a long day,and you have to wake-up early at 3:00am. First day stay would be at Darjeeling Town itself. If you wish more fun in your trip, book homestay near Darjeeling.
Good Night!
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Day 2: Howdy Darjeeling?
Second day into the trip, you will wake up to see the sunrise from Tiger Hill, 11 km above Darjeeling.
You will need to start from the hotel by 3:30am in the morning so that you reach by 4.15am. Hence, you have to wake up at 3:00am. In winter you can start around 4:00am but we insist that you start early. The reason being that as you reach close to the summit, particularly during peak seasons, there would be a long queue of cars. Hundreds of tourists visit Tiger Hill everyday. As a result, you may have to walk uphill quite a bit as your vehicle may be parked much below the top.
You won’t get a shared vehicle to visit Tiger Hill, that too at 3:00am. You also need a permit from a local police station a day before to visit Tiger Hill. So you have to hire a taxi well in advance, a day before on your arrival. Search for taxi provider in Darjeeling online, make a call and book taxi for Tiger Hill visit. Not only for Tiger Hill visit, but book for entire day. Ask them that you will be visiting the following places. It is a one day plan.
Ask the cab operator for the following 3-point tour itinerary. Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop. Your Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Plan is incomplete without visiting this places in Darjeeling. War Memorial is built at the center of Batasia Loop to honour Gorkha Martyrs. He will make the arrangements accordingly. Bold words are the places to visit. The cost of the vehicle (4-seater car) will be around 2000-3500 for morning shift that covers above four itinerary. 10 seater vehicle will cost 3000-5000. They may charge you more depending upon the tourist season. If you book for the entire day itinerary, 3-point morning and 7-point day plan, 4-seater car will cost you around 4500-7000 and 10-seater sumo will charge 5000-9000 for the whole day. Various cab operators will quote you various rates. For people looking for cheap option, they provide vehicle at low rates and later on, you find that vehicle is not in a good condition and they wont take you to all the itineraries. So, make it clear beforehand while you book.
So now you have a vehicle ready at the gate of hotel, get up early in the morning, at around 3:00 am and get refreshed and drink some water. You wont be getting breakfast this early. Get some really warm cloths. Tiger Hill is cold, freezing cold. Wear inner, jackets, monkey cap, gloves, whatever you have brought, get into the cab and head for Tiger Hill. Since this will still be night, so no sightseeing or something. You will reach Tiger Hill directly.
Tiger Hill
As the sun rises, golden peaks of Himalayas can be seen
From Tigerhill, you will see the panoramic view of Himalayan Summit. You can see the changing colors of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and its nearby snow peaks when the first rays of sunlight strikes. While it is subject to the weather condition, if the day is clear, you can also get a glimpse of Mount Everest, Mount Makalu and Tibet’s Chomol Hari.
Ok, now that you saw the sunrise, and drank some tea from the vendors at Tiger Hill, ascend and head for the second morning itinerary, Ghoom Monastery.
Monastery is a Buddhist Temple. Ghoom Monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries of Darjeeling located at a scenic location at Ghoom. It has a 12-foot tall statue of Mayetriya Buddha, which they say is the Buddha of the future. You don’t require entry fee here but if you want to take photographs inside, donation is required.
Money? or Photo? or Money? … ok as you wish, but donation is a better choice I think. Moving ahead, before going back to the hotel for breakfast, you will visit the third itinerary, Batasia Loop. Oh, by breakfast, I remember, are you hungry? Oh yes! you will be hungry by now. Lets go to Batasia Loop.
Batasia Loop
Yay! Toy Train. Toy train makes dramatic loop here
Hungry?
Here at Batasia Loop, vendors sell tea and samosa to the weary travellers from Tiger Hill. You also find some other local snacks here. Now eat, and eat, and drink and drink more. People generally feel hungry by now. Satiate your hunger and relax here for sometime. Click some beautiful photographs here. Make videos too. Youtube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, see where all you have to upload. Click more pictures.
Ok, by now, time would have been around 7:30am. You will be refreshed and relaxed by now. Time to relax more. Head for the hotel, have a good and healthy breakfast and rest for sometime. Remember to book good hotel, your health and freshness depends upon room’s comfortableness and food quality.
After resting for around 1 hour, gear up for more sight seeing. As you have booked the vehicle prior, lets move ahead. You have booked the vehicle right? Don’t roam around hotel manager asking them to arrange for the vehicle. It will cost you dearly. Majboori ka Fayda.
We will now head for the famous Darjeeling Zoological Park. Officially its called Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. The best part of the zoo is that, you can see many endangered spices of animals along with Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
*Note: This zoo is closed every Thursday.
Red Panda
Red Panda is not found anywhere else in the world except China.
Darjeeling Zoo is one of the most important itinerary in Darjeeling. Among many reasons to not miss this Zoo, it is internationally recognized for its conservation breeding programs of Red Panda, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf and other highly endangered animal species of Eastern Himalayas.
Siberian Tiger
Endangered Siberian Tiger roaming the Darjeeling Zoological park
Red Panda
Do you Know?
Apart from China/Nepal, Red Panda is found only in Sikkim and Darjeeling
Himalayan Bear
Himalayan Black Bear, they also roam in the wild here
The Zoo is renowned for some of the rarely seen species in the whole world including Red Panda, Siberian Tiger, Tibetan Wolf, Black Bear and Snow Leopard. In addition to these rare species, the zoo is also enriched with Asiatic Black Bear, Barking Deer, Leopards, Blue and Yellow Macaw, Eastern Pangolin, Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Wolf, Lady Amherst, Red Jungle Fowl, Royal Bengal Tiger, Sambar Deer, Temminck’s Tragopan, Yak, and many species of birds.
Entry fees of Rs. 60 is charged to the visitors, but believe me, its worth every penny. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the rarest of the rare spices housed here. For animals enthusiastic, there is wildlife adoption program here. Talk to the authorities when here. Spend about 1.5 -2 at the zoo. Take photographs and enjoy the green lush Himalayan Zoo.
Within the zoo is Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, one of the oldest mountaineering institutes of India. This institute was setup to encourage mountaineering as a sport in India and also to commemorate Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary’s conquest of the Everest in 1953. Here, you can spot all the equipment used especially in Mt. Everest expeditions by Sir E Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.
Also within the same compound is Bengal National History Museum. Now don’s smirk. This is not a regular museum. The museum houses huge collection and specimens that include wide varieties of birds with nests and eggs, reptiles, fishes, mammals, insects and more. All these specimens are of real creatures that were captured and preserved. There is a special taxidermy unit in the museum which specializes in curing, staffing and rendering the birds and animals for display on the glass cabinets. So, do not miss this.
Then after 2 hours, lets move ahead towards our next destination, Ropeway. Take a ropeway ride to have a holistic view of the Himalayan city and far off mountains and peaks.
Ropeway
Its called ‘Ghirling’ in local language
Ropeway offers a fantastic view of the surroundings. Your driver will reach at the drop point of ropeway and take you to the next itinerary, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre. Its famous for their handicraft.
*Note: Its closed every Sunday.
Hmm….you forgot shopping right? or gifts?
You do it here. They sell traditional Tibetan carpet, Thankas and wood carved items like folding tables, frames, wall hangings, metal items like bronze and copper pots, prayer wheels and leather items such as gents and ladies boots and shoes. If you forget to buy something, or want to get it home, contact us. We help you get it delivered to your address in India and abroad too. Ok, wrap up your shopping, we have to move ahead. Now take a lunch break. Ask the driver, he will take you to some good place to have lunch.
After lunch, next destination is a visit to Tea Estate.
YaY! finally! We had left tea estate en-route Darjeeling yesterday, remember? Where I had mentioned that you will get a chance to take photographs later. Here it is.
Tea Estate
Note down the pose you want to take pic in
After the visit to Tea Estate, we move ahead to visit Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda. It is a wonderful Japanese temple, also known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. The two storied white building was built in a traditional Japanese style in the year 1972.
Close to the temple is the Peace Pagoda that showcases four avatars of Lord Buddha. From the top of the Pagoda, you have a panoramic view of Darjeeling landscape including the Kanchenjunga range. Take some photographs and move ahead. Don’t spent too much time here.
Now since the day is about to end, prepare to go back to Hotel. Get refreshed to go to Chowrasta Mall. Chowrasta or the Mall is the heart of Darjeeling town. Located on top of Nehru Road, it is a place where tourists and locals come to stroll and spend leisure time. Take a seat on one of the many benches along the periphery (if you are lucky to get one) and watch the wonderful views of sun-set in the mountain, and valleys all around.
Chowrasta
Start walking from one road, you will come back to same place via other road
You know why it is called Chowrasta? Because it has 4 roads cross-section. Two road leads to the part of Darjeeling and from remaining two, you start walking from the one of them, you end up in the same Chowrasta from the other one. Try it. 
By now, it would have been evening, so stroll around Chowrasta and Darjeeling Town. Do talk with the local people. They are really friendly. Don’t shy away. You will come to know a lot more about the culture of Darjeeling. Do remember that here, we respect all and do not differentiate the gender. If someone approaches to talk to you, or with your ladies tour mate, do talk with love. You may find some girls in a casual dress that may be erotic to you. Do not tease the girls. Remember, they respect you. Do respect them.
Unlike other parts of India, here many people can speak English. Girls and Boys are very liberal. If you approach them and talk, they don’t think that you are flirting or anything else. Specially for the gents, I can understand that you have the fear of speaking with ladies. Now brush your fear aside and speak up. Just enjoy!
Wait wait, don’t go back to hotel so early. Yesterday we went to bed without partying? what about today? Vodka? or beer? Buy it from the shop around. Your hotel may also arrange it. Don’t forget to buy cigarettes and chakna also.
*Disclaimer: We do not endorse smoking and drinking. Readers discretion is advised. You can prepare your Darjeeling Gangtok tour plan accordingly.
Ok, now good night for today.
Day 3: Mirik Excursion
Good Morning! You can wake up little late today. Get refreshed, have a breakfast and be ready for Mirik Lake excursion.
Mirik is nearly 32 kilometers or 2 hours drive. It is a one day trip. Yep ! again you have to book the vehicle for Mirik Trip. You won’t get shared taxis. You have to reserve. Again contact the local taxi operators and tell them that you will be visiting the following. It will cost you around 3000-4000 for 4-seater car and 4000-5000 for 10 seater for the day.
The drive is through hills and with scenic beauty. On the way to Mirik, you will pass through beautiful forest road covered with pine trees. Pine trees grow only at higher altitudes and cold region. On the way, you will find plenty of such scenic forest cover. Passing through forest and various hills, you reach Mirik after 2 hours of journey from Darjeeling.
Way to Mirik
Pine forest remains mostly cloudy
Mirik is a quiet town that borders with Nepal. It is noted for its secluded charm, beautiful tea gardens, samendu lake, orange orchards, cardamom plantation and its pleasant climate.
Mirik Lake
Mirik lake is also called Sumendu Lake
Here in Mirik, there are various activities such as boating, horse riding, fish feeding, etc. You can spend a leisure time here at lake with boating or feeding fish. There are benches and grass to sit for day picnic. You can also go to visit Bokar Monastery, Helipad, Don Bosco Church and Swiss Cottages. These are some beautiful nearby places to visit. You can easily spend around 2-3 hours here.
Now pack up from Mirik, we have to move back to Darjeeling and en-route, we have some places to visit as well as some shopping to be done. On the return journey, wait, trip is not over. There are many things en-route back to Darjeeling. On return journey, you will drive back the same road. The road is a border road (Indo-Nepal). After driving for some 40 mins, you will come across a place called ‘Simina’. Its a border and from this view point, you can see Nepal the other side of the mountain. Driver will stop vehicle here for short break and sight seeing. Click some photos and move ahead from here.
Further ahead shortly, you can actually cross the border and enter Nepal. For Indian nationals, no any visa or passport is required. Its open border. Just across the border, is a market called ‘Pashupati Market’, famous for electronics items; jackets, perfumes, bags, etc.
Hmm, now you know from where all the cheap items come to Siliguri. Now you know how the train vendors in North East Frontier Railway Zone sell cheap electronics items inside trains. Anyway, don’t leave the opportunity. This market is in Nepal. Your vehicle will take you up to the border. You have to cross the border and is a 10 min walk from the border. Indian currency is a legal tender here. 500 and 2000 rupees notes are not accepted though.
Pashupati Market
Shop for cheap electronics and fashion items
Remember to bargain. Quote 1/3 the price shopkeeper has asked. As things are cheap here, don’t go on a shopping spree and buy lot of stuff. You have to shop in Sikkim as well? Don’t forget, we are yet to visit Gangtok.
After shopping, return back to Darjeeling via the same road that you have travelled in the morning. In the evening, stroll Darjeeling markets. You will have some time today to spend significant time in leisure. You can go to some famous restaurants for dinner or even bar if you want to. This is your last night at Darjeeling. We shall go to Sikkim tomorrow.
Sleep tight. Good Night.
Day 4: Adventurous Safari to Sikkim
It is last day at Darjeeling and don’t you think we forgot something?
What?
Isn’t your first part of Darjeeling Gangtok tour plan incomplete? Missing something?
Toy Train….How can your Darjeeling visit be complete without riding toy train.
Toy Train
Toy Train is accorded with UNESCO World Heritage Status
In the morning after breakfast, load all your belongings into the cab. You will be going to Aritar today. But before leaving, Toy Train ride is due. Toy Train operates under the name of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR). It is the most sought after and has always remained a coveted experience one should not miss. It operates on narrow gauge tracks from Siliguri to Darjeeling but for you, it is called joy ride and runs from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back conducting several round trips during the day starting in the morning from Darjeeling station or Ghoom. Toy Train runs alongside the road in its track and has been into operation since 1880. It’s approximately 2-hour round trip from Darjeeling up to Ghoom and back via Batasia Loop covering a total distance of 15km. Don’t forget to book prior tickets on IRCTC. Diesel engine rides cost Rs. 1000/- and steam engine rides cost 1600.
After 2 hours ride of Toy Train, you have now completed the first part Darjeeling of Darjeeling Gangtok tour plan . In the afternoon, pack your bag and leave for Aritar. You won’t be coming back to Darjeeling. Say it a Good Bye!
Aritar is a small hill station in extreme eastern part of Sikkim. You can very well go to Gangtok too on shared vehicle costing around 300/- per person, but you will miss certain part of the most beautiful roads of Sikkim, Old Silk Road. So, from Darjeeling, travel to Aritar. You won’t get shared vehicle to Aritar. So you have to reserve one that costs around 4000-5000 for 4-seater and 5500-7000 10-seater vehicle. There are some few hotels in Aritar, book them in advance. But for Aritar, my suggestion is to book homestay. You can book homestay through various travel agencies online. You can even book homestays nearby places of Aritar such as Lingsey, Rongli, Rhenock, etc. Also you cannot take the same vehicle all around due to taxi unions, you have to keep changing vehicles. So the vehicle leaving you to Aritar won’t go for other places in Sikkim. From next day onwards, you have to find different Vehicle driver.
Dhrum….dhrum…..lets start for Sikkim. Second part of your Darjeeling Gangtok tour plan starts.
When you leave Darjeeling, you will descend from the top of the mountain to the valley below where you will find river Teesta in a place aslo called “Teesta”. Here you will join the Highway connecting Gangtok and Siliguri. Further ahead from Teesta bridge, is a place called Melli. Near Melli is a place from where white river rafting is operated.
Have you ever thought of Rafting? No, no, don’t worry if you don’t know swimming. Rafting is safe and is escorted by a professional diver. Although optional, you should not miss this rafting. Ask the driver beforehand that you will be going for rafting.
Rafting
Splash !
And the cold water hits your face
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Today’s adventurous safari includes Toy Train ride and now this, rafting. Many people doesn’t like to go for thrilling adventure due to fear. Come on, its for non swimmers, there are safety measures in place and professional divers will accompany you in the raft. You must give it a try. Its once in a lifetime experience.
Don’t think too much, get in the raft. Rafting costs around 900 per person for a group of 5 people. You can book rafting there itself when you reach but I recommend to book prior to avoid any sort of delay or non availability of raft due to peak tourist season.
Be ready for the thrilling experience of rafting. As you raft down the river Teesta, you will pass through various ups and downs of water tide, pass through beautiful valley covered in greenery and fresh air. You will feel the refreshment of fresh air along with the thrill of raft. Look look look….look out the water and splash! water hits your body. and again….splash! Uh hu hu hu…..the other tide hits you.
Splash !
The water hits your body. Uh hu hu hu …
Imagine how beautiful and thrilling experience it would be? Don’t miss it.
I hope you took the ride. By this time, it would hit 2:00pm and you will be hungry. Just after rafting, there is a place called Kirney. Good foods are available there, North Indian non-veg as well as pure veg option are available. Eat to the fullest. Take some break and then move forward towards Aritar.
Moving forward after lunch, within 40 mins of journey, you will reach Rangpo, the entry into Sikkim. You thought you were in Sikkim? No. All the above places and itinerary are in West Bengal. Rangpo is the entry point to Sikkim and now, you have just entered Sikkim.
Welcome to Sikkim!
There is a Police check post before entering Sikkim at Rangpo. Your vehicle will be stopped here for check-up. No need to panic, this is just a routine check-up. Police will ask your valid ID proof for verification.
From Rangpo, the two route departs, one to Gangtok and other to Aritar/Rhenock. We will not be going to Gangtok today. Move further ahead and in about 90 mins from Rangpo, you will reach your destination, Aritar.
Aritar
Take an evening stroll beside the lake
Aritar is a small hill station in Sikkim famous for its view and a lake called Lampokhri. Its the only lake of Sikkim where boating is permitted. Aritar has a border with West Bengal.
Here, you have two options to stay, first at a hotel in Aritar and second, at a homestay in Mulkharkha, a nearby village. Mulkharkha homestay is developed and managed by Greenfield Holidays where, there lies Neora Valley National Forest where night camping, bone fire, forest safari and night party can be organized.
You can either book a hotel at Aritar on your own or book homestay at Mulkharkha from Greenfield Holidays
Ending your 4th day of Darjeeling Gangtok tour plan, take a good nap. We have to start little early tomorrow.
Good night.
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Day 5: Zig-Zag Changu
Good Morning!
I hope you remember that in-spite of Gangtok, I have taken you to Aritar. And Changu Lake is accessible from Aritar, as well as Gangtok. Here is the itinerary for today and you will know why.
After breakfast in the early morning, start driving to Changu via Rongli, Zuluk and Kupuk. Its call the Old Silk Route. Yeah, the same route that China and India used to trade some centuries back. I hope, as suggested earlier, you have booked the vehicle in advance beform coming to the trip. Now to visit Changu, you need a permit. A little after you drive from Aritar, there is a police post at a place called Rongli. Pass to visit Changu is made from here. Changu lake and Nathula Pass are same day itinerary, but for Nathula Pass, its optional subject to the availability of permit from Gangtok. You need a tour agency to obtain pass for Nathula from Gangtok.
4-seater vehicle for Changu excursion costs around 4000-5000 and 10-seater vehicle costs around 5000-7500. Book well in advance.
Ok, lets start. After you book vehicle and you have necessary permit, Ascend from the valley of Rongli to the top of the mountain starts. Wait, call your friends or relatives or some business calls right now. From here onwards, the places are less habituated to almost nil. You won’t get mobile signals the whole day. So make any urgent call now. Lets go.
As you start ascend, on the way cross Lingtham, Padamchin, and Balasura Point. There are numerous viewpoint to enjoy the scenic beauty. Stop the vehicle and enjoy the view. Click some photographs too.
As you move further uphill, the vegetation changes. So does the temperature, it drops. Hope you have carried warm cloths. Today, if you book in the right season, you will see snow. Whether snow is there or not, its freezing cold at any time of the year.
Vegetation changes from lush green to arid forest. As you move further up, vegetation changes from arid forest to pine forest. Pine forest is the last vegetation you see. Its a steep climb up the mountain. Within 2 hours, from Rongli at 5000 ft, as you move ahead, and reach Kupuk, you will gain an altitude of 8000 ft with Kupuk being at the altitude of 13,000 ft. So people with asthama and other breathing problem needs to take. Although we will climb up further, air and weather plays an important role you scenic view.
Climb further, and vegetation is gone. Now you will be covered by fog. If you noticed, its not fog but clouds that you saw in the sky from Rongli/Aritar below. Yes, you will go in between the clouds and cross it. You will literally be above the clouds. Road take a dramatic turn.
Silk Winter
Silk route in winter, covered in snow
Silk Spring
In spring, green lush bushes covers the area
At around 13,000 ft, you are practically above the clouds and the mountains. You can see other distant mountains below the horizontal eye site. Clouds will be floating below your feet at a distant peaks. This is the most spectacular view of mountains that you will ever see from any other places in India. This is the experience one should not miss.
Now, had you gone to Gangtok instead of Aritar, you will miss all these above mentioned places and experience. Many tour organizers do not inform tourists of this route and take them to Changu Lake via Gangtok-Changu Lake and back to Gangtok. Now you know where to go to Changu Lake from.
Stop vehicle at some view points. Take excellent photos and feel the mountain. Take the feel you have always wanted to, away from the city, away for hectic schedule and tension. Breathe the aroma you have always coveted for.
Taking further your Darjeeling Gangtok tour plan, other itineraries covered are Thambi View Point, Nathang Valley and Yak Golf Course. At13025 ft, Yak Golf Course is the highest golf course in the world. It rivals the very best for its beauty and picturesque surroundings. It features in the Guinness Book of World Records. After visiting the above, move further to take blessing at Baba Harbajan Singh Mandir.
Baba Mandir
Legend say, Baba takes annual leave from the army each year
You are here
Map
Legend says that the spirit of Harbhajan Singh, ( hence the name after him) late Indian Soldier who died here, protects every soldier in the inhospitable high altitude terrain of the Eastern Himalayas.
By now, you would be hungry. But here, there are no any eateries. So whatever prasad you receive at the mandir, take it and move ahead. Sometimes, Indian army organises langar for the tourist. If you are lucky, you can get one.
Now lets go to visit Changu Lake. If you have Nathula Pass permit, you will first go to Nathula Pass, then come back to Changu Lake. Nathula is 15km ahead of Changu Lake. Since it is the subject to permit availability, I leave it for today.
Changu Lake
Till March end, it is covered in snow
Cool, serene water and the picturesque beauty of Changu Lake(Tsomgo Lake) is the main attraction. A temple of Lord Shiva is built on the lakeside. Primula flowers and other alpine plantation provide an immaculate beauty to this place .
Here, there is a small market where you can buy Chinese artifacts that are bought from China. Don’t perceive these as other ordinary Chinese items. They are really good and durable.
You can take a ride of a Yak here. It is a bit costly, around 100 rupees per ride, but if you consider the harsh climate and the hard work of the animal and the owner, it is worth it.
Yak Ride
You have to say Shyo Shyo…..asking yak to walk
Here, in between Changu Lake and Nathula Pass, there is a market where Chinese people enter 15 km inside the Indian territory in Sikkim to sell their products. Govt. of Sikkim have provided them with a shed to open their market there.
This market is open Mon-Thu from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm only. You get the winter wears really really cheap. The cost of that exotic woolen blanket that you have thought buying at Rs 8000 /- will just cost you around Rs 1200 here. As again, don’t doubt the quality. It is cheap because the people selling there don’t have to pay tax to sell their product in India. They cannot sell their stuffs to the whole-seller. It is only for the small scale business so that Chinese people living on the other side may make their living.
Do you know how the deal is done here. Chinese people can’t speak Hindi or English. And almost all other Indian tourist visiting there don’t know Chinese. So if you have to buy a blanket, you will ask what is the cost of the blanket like this:
Then they will type in the calculator as 2000. Then you again type your amount as 800. Then they will again type as 1500. And this way the bargaining is done. Isn’t it amazing.
Ok, enough shopping. Let’s move on.
Oh O ! Aren’t you hungry?
At Changu Lake, there are many eateries. Eat from the one you like. And by now, it has almost been late afternoon. Spend some more time at Changu and head for Gangtok. Today we will stay at Gangtok.
We are so tired today. So no any extras at Gangtok. Hope you have booked hotel there earlier. Book hotels near MG Road at Gangtok prior to your arrival. After reaching Gangtok, we directly land at bed.
Good Night!
You are here
Map
Day 6: Howdy Gangtok
Get up late in the morning. Not too late though but by 8:00am. Today, we will go for local sightseeing in and around Gangtok.
Again book the taxi in advance. Contact the local operators in Gangtok. It will cost you around 3000 for 4-seater for whole day. For local sight-seeing only small vehicles are allowed by the police. If you are more in numbers, you may have to book 2-3 taxis.
Contact tour operators and ask them for one day Gangtok sight seeing compromising of Tashi View Poin, Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok in morning and Ban Jhakri Falls, Rumtek Monastery, Tibetology Museum, Cottage Industry
Enchey Monastry and White hall flower show.
At a place called Ranka, near Rumtek Monastery, you can go for paragliding too. But lets keep the discussion of paragliding for adventure tour. The above mentioned itinerary, in no any order, is a full day sight seeing plan. No of itinerary covered depends upon ho much time you dedicate to each itinerary. Without explaining much, below photos depicts how your day will be like.
Hanuman Tok
You can see the whole of Gangtok from here
Rumtek Monastery
Most beautiful and famous monastery of Sikkim
MG Marg
It looks like the road outside of India
MG Marg
It looks more beautiful when it rains
At evening, stroll MG Marg at the heart of Gangtok. Again, do talk with the local people. Same principle as Darjeeling applies here. In MG Marg, the whole street is covered by the tiles and flowers as shown above. Background music keeps rolling through the speakers all around the street.
Carry your purse heavy, because here, you will find many artifacts and other items that you will end up buying. Don’t worry, there are ATMs there. There are shopping centers where you can buy gifts items, cloths, etc. There are eateries too. Do try some of the foods that are native to Sikkim. Not naming the foods here, I leave it up to you to talk with the local people and find what to eat. They will better guide you.
As the 6th day ends, cheers your journey to the beautiful places of Sikkim and Darjeeling. Visit pub and restaurants in Gangtok and enjoy your day.
Smoking and Drinking at public places are strictly banned in Sikkim. Smoke or drink only at the places designated by the authority.
Take care and Good Night! Today is the last day of your Darjeeling Gangtok tour plan.
Day 7: The Departure
See how our tour came to an end and we didn’t even noticed.
Ok Buddy, Trip Over! Hope you have enjoyed your Darjeeling and Gangtok trip.
Take a vehicle to Bagdogra/NJP from Gangtok. You can find the shared vehicle that will cost you around Rs 350-400 per person. It takes around 4 hours drive to Siliguri. Book the forward journey ticket for late evening. If time permits, shop at Siliguri. There, you can find some really cheap cloths and other items.
Ba Bye, See ya!
“Athithi Devo Bhava.”
Now that you are back at home there reading this blog, I have explained how your Darjeeling Gangtok tour plan should be. Plan according.
In case you need any clarification or help, do contact us from the Contact page. If you are stuck anywhere in Sikkim or Darjeeling or in case of any emergency, please contact us to get help.
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