DAY -1

Arrival

Meals

Meal Not Included

City

Okhrey

Hotel

Homestay

Arrival at Bagdogra Airport, meet and greet by our representative and transfer to Okhrey.
Okharey situated at an altitude of 7,200 mtrs popular for its intense supernatural beauty, magnificent view of the Himalayan ranges and wide varieties of Himalayan floras. It is the base for Varsey Rhododendron Trek.

Upon reaching Okhrey check in at the homestay.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight at Okhrey

DAY -2

BARSEY RHODODENDRON SANCTURY

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Okhrey

Hotel

Homestay

After morning breakfast we drive upto Hilley and then proceed hike to Barsey Rhodendron Sanctury. Drive passing through natural glacial streams powered by the freshness of nature and protected by the guardian Mt Kanchenjunga “mountain of five treasures”. Some of the streams still retain its old culture with wooden bridges atop to walk across them, breath-taking views of the Kanchenjunga Himalayas and endless stretches of Rhododendron.

Upon a clear sky day it commands glorious views of the Singalila range. Drive passing through natural glacial streams, some of which have wooden bridges to walk across them, breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga Himalayas and endless stretches of Rhododendron.
Back to the hotel by evening.

Overnight stay at Okhrey
# Barsey Rhododendron Sanctury can be visited throughout the year. Best month to see Rhododendrons in full bloom from mid of March to mid of April every year.

DAY -3

OKHREY TO PELLING

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Peeling

Hotel

Norling Retreat or similar

After morning breakfast transfer to Pelling. The drive passes though steep green hills and deep valleys across many nature pure mountain streams and majestic waterfalls. Enroute photo stops to capture the different faces of the Kanchenjunga Mountains.
Upon arriving at Pelling check in at the hotel

Start a brief sightseeing tour visiting:

We drive till the entrance of the site and then start hike to the Ruins of the Rabdantse Palace. The second capital of Sikkim during the year 1640 to 1814 when Sikkim used to be a Kingdom. The palace was destroyed by the Gorkhas and the ruins of the palace and the chorten left behind. The Palace was established by Chakdhor Namgyal son of Phuntshok Namgyal the First religious King of Sikkim. The Rabdantse ruins are part of Buddhist pilgrim circuit and declared as of national importance by the Archeological Survey of India.

Overnight at the Peeling

DAY -4

Peeling

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Peeling

Hotel

Norling Retreat or similar

After breakfast sightseeing of Pemayangtse Monastery popularly translated as “The Sublime Perfect Lotus” one of the premium monastery in Sikkim. Apart from its ancient religious importance and architectural magnificence, it is unique for its canvas paintings on the walls which exceeds all imagination of an artist in bringing to life the divinities in the paintings. Occasionally a holy site of a monk or a pilgrim going round the monastery with incense sticks and mantra chants is a delight. The Monastery was built in 1705 by Lama Lhatsun Chenpo a high reverend monk from the Tibetan Buddhist order.

After a day return excursion to the holy Kechipalri Lake also popularly known as the “wish fulfilling lake”. The drive passes through ethnic villages and thick forests including plants in beautiful nature and untouched wilderness. Upon reaching Kecheopalri Lake walk into the silent premise of the Lake, the surrounding of the Lake religiously covered with prayer flags of the five primordial colours of Buddhism that represents the element nature of co-existence. One can offer or meditate in the silent vicinity of the Lake.

Rimbi Waterfalls formed over the Rimbi River. The continuous water splashing on the hard natural rocks seems mesmerizing. Located near the water falls is Sikkim’s oldest hydro power house station.

Darap Village lies about 6 kms away from Pelling. Surrounded by lofty mountains, its calming ambience, wide rolling ranch lands and paddy fields that offers breath-taking sights with the snow-capped Kanchenjunga makes it a humble abode to seek spirituality.

Also visit Kanchenjunga Waterfalls perennial waterfall that originates from the glaciers of Mt. Kanchenjunga the third highest mountain in the World. The water gushes down 100 ft into a pool. Known for its grandeur the Kanchenjunga Waterfalls provide a perfect picnic spot.

After visit Singshore Bridge which is Asia’s second highest hanging bridge built in between two hills. It is 198 metres long surrounded by lush green hillside with a fall just below the bridge, amidst pristine valley views. It promises a sight to behold.

After driving back to Pelling and walking around the village to witness Sikkim’s Village life.

Stay overnight at Peeling

DAY -5

PELLING TO RAVANGLA

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Ravangla

Hotel

Homestay

After breakfast drive to Ravangla situated at an elevation of approx 8000 ft in the south district of Sikkim. Ravangla is a small sleepy town known for its old school of beauty with its distinctive natural charm and views of the Kanchenjunga ranges.

Upon arriving at Ravangla visit to the Tathagata Tsal with a 130 ft high statue of Lord Gautam Buddha at the centre of the park. On 25th March 2013, his holiness the Dalai Lama consecrated the statue as part of the Himalayan Buddhist circuit pilgrimage. Monks are often seen circumventing the prayer hall.

Then visit Ralang Panchen Choeling Monastery which also serves as the residence of Gyaltsab Rimpoche who holds a high status in the Kargyu School of Buddhism. The main prayer hall has a huge courtyard and gilded roof with almost 500 monks taking refuge in the Monastery. The Monastery is known for the Mahakala dances which takes place during November alongwith the worship of Mt Kanchenjunga with dancers wearing masks performing rituals in the courtyard.

Old Ralang Monastery built around 17th century to celebrate the victory passage of the 4th Chogyal King to Tibet. The local Sikkimese people regard the Monastery as one of the most scared region of their land. Religious mask dances called Cham dance takes place in the Monastery every year during the beginning of the New Year as per the Tibetan lunar calender.

Evening retire for the day relaxing in the nature fresh surroundings.

Stay overnight at Ravangla

DAY -6

RAVANGLA TO GANGTOK

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Gangtok

Hotel

Udaan Woodberry or similar

After breakfast drive to Gangtok via Ravangla the Valley of Passes.
Later in the afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour:

Enchey Monastery: Established in 1909. It is one of the major religious centre of Gangtok belonging to the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The location where the monastery lies is believed to be blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo, who was an attained being in the tantric practice of vajrayana Buddhism. Enchey Monastery is beautifully decorated and features images of Buddhist deities including Loki Sharia, and Guru Padmasambhava the patron saint who founded Buddhism in Tibet in the 7th Century.

Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom: is the recent name given to the old Handloom and Handicrafts Centre of Sikkim which was set up in 1957. The museum was founded during the reign of the Chogyals of Sikkim. It houses handwoven carpets with traditional motifs, blankets, shawls (in Lepcha weaves), graceful 'choktse', 'thangka' paintings, hand-painted masks, dolls, and many other objects. The carpets so produced at the museum have amazing design and fine texture ranging from stylish contemporary patterns to the traditional ones. Besides carpets, the exclusive handmade paper is another specialty which is made from the bark of algeri tree.

White Hall is one of the oldest buildings of the city and was built in 1932, when India was still under the British colonization. White Hall has been built in memory of Sir John Claude White, the first Political Officer of Sikkim. Hence it has been named as White Hall. The White Hall in Gangtok is a two storied structure that is adorned with statue of Jawaharlal Nehru, the late Prime Minister of India. The design of the building represents the British architectural style.

Flower Show Best visited during March to May or October to December. Various varieties of roses, dahlias, carnations, gerberas and many more species of flowers are exhibited. The other major highlight is the yearly Cymbidium Orchid Show which starts from March to April.

Later, return back to the hotel.

Overnight stay at Gangtok

DAY -7

TORQUISE TSOMGO LAKE

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Gangtok

Hotel

Udaan Woodberry or similar

After breakfast, visit Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir.
A tranquil and scenic lake with a depth of around 48 feet and spreading over a kilometre, set at an elevation of 3780 m, the glacial lake is considered a pilgrimage site by local Sikkimese people. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the banks of the lake. The place is also a paradise for bird watchers as it gets to spot varieties of Brahmini ducks alongside different migratory birds which flock to the vicinity of the lake. The water source of the lake comes from melting of snow glaciers of its surrounding mountains and forms the origin of Lungtse Chu River whilst the lake romances with its picturesque surrounding.

Overnight at Gangtok.

DAY -8

GANGTOK TO LACHUNG

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Lachung

Hotel

Tenzing Retreat or similar

After morning breakfast, drive to Lachung.
Lachung is nestled at an elevation of 6,900ft on the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung River.IT used to be a trading post between India and Tibet before the Chinese Invasion over Tibet in the 1950’s.
En route from Mangan one can see the Teesta River flowing alongside all the way till Chungthang. The Teesta River is one of the major rivers of Sikkim and originates from the glacial Tso Lhamu Lake which lies 5,350 mtrs above sea level and 14th highest altitude lake in the world.
After arriving at Lachung check in at the hotel.
Overnight stay at Lachung

DAY -9

EXPLORE YUMTHANG VALLEY AND TRANSFER TO DZONGU

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Dzongu

Hotel

Homestay

Lachung is nestled at an elevation of 6,900ft on the confluence of the Lachen and Lachung River.IT used to be a trading post between India and Tibet before the Chinese Invasion over Tibet in the 1950’s.

After breakfast proceed to Yumthang Valley known as the Valley of Flowers situated 3,564 mtrs (11800 Ft). Surrounded by Majestic Mountains and ice around enroute visit rhododendron sanctuary with its floral diversity and sulphur spring. Calm, quiet and a sense of insignificance time seems to stand still here like nothing ever change. Yaks can be seen grazing in the Rolling Meadows seasonally covered with magnolias and primulas alongside the varieties of Rhododendron.

After visit the Lachung Monastery which belongs to the Nyingma Traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Nyingmapa or the old orthodox school of Buddhism based on the Mahayana form of Buddhism or the greater vehicle of Bhuddism.

After driving towards Mangan, enjoying all along the sky scraping mountains with the lush green vegetation made more panoramic by the perennial waterfalls. The Dzongu area enroute between Lachung and Mangan has the most waterfalls in the region. Many of the waterfalls are snow fed and ultimately meets either River Teesta or Rangeet River. Refreshment break at the wonderful water splashes of Bhim Nala Waterfalls and the Twin Waterfalls on the way. These waterfalls are also conducive for setting up hydro power projects.

Upon arriving at Dzongu walk with fragrant smell of fresh air, pleasing breeze serene and secluded ambience.
Overnight stay at Dzongu

DAY -10

HIDDEN HERITAGE OF DZONGU

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Dzongu

Hotel

Homestay

After breakfast explore Dzongu:

Lingthem village
A short trek from Passingdang to Lingthem through the secluded bamboo groves. The village is located in the heart of a forest and has a beautiful monastery. If you visit Lingthem during December at the time of Namsoong Festival, you can see the masked dance here. It is quite similar to the Kagyed Dance that we saw in Phodong.

Hee Gyathang Village
This is a beautiful village and can be reached by jeep from Passingdang. It has a small lake surrounded by fluttering prayer flags where the local villagers believe if the fishes in the Lake die, then their clan too will perish. Thus they guard these fishes with care. One can witness how beautifully the Lepchas share a strong bond with nature.

Visit the traditional Lepcha Museum, Namprikdang
The traditional Lepcha Museum is actually a Lepcha house constructed over strong stone pillars. The strong stone base and architecture makes it relatively safe from earthquakes and flash floods which the region faces from time to time. The house is located near Sangkalang at the confluence of the Teesta river and Rongyang Chu.

Enjoy the solitude at Lingzya or Lingzey Waterfall
The landscape of Dzongu is dotted with numerous waterfalls, but this one is the best among all. Located at Upper Lingzya village, the waterfalls is located on the way to Pentong and Sakyong. The waterfall has a drop of 300 feet and is a visual treat. The locals do fishing on the shelf of the waterfall.

Tholung Monastery:
This quaint monastery was built in the 18th century to preserve the ancient manuscripts and relics from the invading Gorkha invaders. The Tholung Monastery hoses some of the rarest Buddhist artefacts and relics. Ancient Buddhist scrolls and handwritten manuscripts are kept here in safe. Once every 3 years, the monastery opens its doors and puts on display these precious and ancient relics.

Overnight at Dzongu

DAY -11

Dzongu to Kalimpong

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Kalimpong

Hotel

Hotel Park or similar

After breakfast drive to Kalimpong

En route visit Research Institute of Tibetology Since its establishment in 1958, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology has sponsored and promoted research on religion, history, language, art and culture of the people of the Tibetan cultural area which includes Sikkim. The library holds one of the largest collections of Tibetan works in the world outside Tibet and a museum of Tibetan iconography and religious art.
Do Drul Chorten Stupa: one of the most important Stupas in Sikkim. The stupa features intricate architecture set on a scenic hill top. Built around 1945 by Trulshik Rinpoche who heads the Nyingamapa order of Tibetan Buddhism.

After visiting Rumtek Monastery, the Seat of His Holiness the 16th Karmappa who heads the Kargyu School of Tibetan Buddhist Order. After his exile from Tibet, His Holiness Karmappa made Rumtek the main seat of Kargyupa School, the original being Tshurpu Monastery in Tibet. In the 1980’s Rumtek Monastery was declared as the Dharma Chakra Centre for Tibetan Buddhism and right after Nalanda University for learning higher Buddhism was started. The site of monks dressed in their gowns flooding the premise of the monastery provides a spirit touching experience. After visiting the main prayers hall we then visit Golden Stupa which contains the relic remains of the 16th Karmappa who passed away in the early 1980s.
After driving to Kalimpong.

Overnight at Kalimpong

DAY -12

Departure

Meals

Breakfast Only

City

Kalimpong

Hotel

Hotel Park or similar

After breakfast drive enjoying the tropical landscapes of the hills with the Teesta River running side by side. Passing through the stretch of forest at Sevoke and driving on the outskirts of Siliguri we finally arrive Bagdogra airport or NJP Station to fly back on with your onward journey.