Gangtok-Pelling-Darjeeling Highlights
8 Days / 7 Nights · 2-10 people
Overview
This 7 nights / 8 days circuit connects Gangtok, Pelling and Darjeeling in one well-paced trip. Start in Sikkim’s lively capital, move on to the quieter charms of Pelling, and end in classic Darjeeling with its tea slopes and colonial-era charm. The itinerary blends local culture, monasteries and lakes with relaxed evenings and scenic drives, making it suitable for families, couples and small groups who want to cover the key Himalayan hill stations in one holiday.
Trip Highlights
Tsomgo Lake & Baba Harbhajan Mandir excursion
Sunrise from Tiger Hill over Kanchenjunga
Gangtok city tour with monasteries and viewpoints
Pelling waterfalls, sacred lake and monastery visits
Darjeeling tea garden and Himalayan viewpoints
Scenic drives through forests, rivers and mountain villages
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at NJP/IXB · Drive to Gangtok (130 km / ~4 hrs)
- Arrive at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
- Meet our representative and begin the drive along Teesta River towards Gangtok
- Check-in at the hotel and take time to rest and acclimatise
- Evening free to stroll around MG Marg and try local cafés
- Overnight stay in Gangtok
Day 2
Gangtok Local Sightseeing
- Post breakfast, start a full-day city tour of Gangtok
- Visit Bakthang Waterfall and Tashi View Point (weather permitting)
- Stop at Ganesh Tok for views of the surrounding hills
- Explore Enchey Monastery and nearby viewpoints
- Visit Do Drul Chorten, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Handicraft & Handloom Centre
- End the day at the Flower Exhibition Centre or Ropeway (if operational and time permits)
- Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay
Day 3
Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Harbhajan Mandir
- Early morning departure for Tsomgo (Changu) Lake at around 12,400 ft, subject to permits and road conditions
- Spend time near the lake for photos and short walks as allowed by local authorities
- Continue to Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir and pay respects at the memorial shrine
- Optional: Nathula Pass visit can be arranged at extra cost, subject to availability and regulations (pre‑booking required)
- Drive back to Gangtok by evening
- Relax at the hotel or explore MG Marg on your own
- Overnight stay in Gangtok
Day 4
Gangtok to Pelling (Approx. 120 km / 5–5.5 hrs)
- Have breakfast and complete check-out formalities
- Drive from Gangtok to Pelling through changing landscapes and small hill towns
- Arrive in Pelling and check in at your hotel
- Evening at leisure to enjoy the peaceful surroundings
- Overnight stay in Pelling
Day 5
Pelling Local Sightseeing
- After breakfast, start a full-day sightseeing tour of Pelling
- Visit Kanchenjunga Waterfalls and Rimbi Waterfall
- Explore Khecheopalri Lake, a revered wish-fulfilling lake surrounded by forest
- Stop at Rabdentse Ruins for views and a short heritage walk
- Visit Pemayangtse Monastery and nearby viewpoints or helipad ground (time permitting)
- Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay
Day 6
Pelling to Darjeeling (Approx. 73–80 km / ~3–4 hrs)
- Breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out
- Drive from Pelling towards Darjeeling via scenic mountain roads
- En route, enjoy views of valleys, rivers and tea gardens
- Arrive in Darjeeling and check in at your hotel
- Evening free to walk along the Mall Road or Chowrasta
- Overnight stay in Darjeeling
Day 7
Darjeeling Sightseeing with Tiger Hill Sunrise
- Very early morning drive to Tiger Hill to witness sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga (subject to weather)
- Visit Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery on the way back to town
- Return to hotel for breakfast and some rest
- Later visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (closed on Thursdays)
- See the Peace Pagoda and Tenzing Rock; enjoy outer view of a tea garden
- Evening free for shopping or café hopping on Mall Road
- Overnight stay in Darjeeling
Day 8
Darjeeling to NJP/IXB Departure (Approx. 88 km / ~3 hrs)
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out at scheduled time
- Drive back to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport with scenic stops, if time permits
- Drop at station / airport as per departure schedule
- Tour concludes with memories of Gangtok, Pelling and Darjeeling
✓Inclusions
- Assistance on arrival and departure at NJP railway station or Bagdogra airport
- All intercity transfers and local sightseeing by private vehicle as per itinerary
- Accommodation in well-rated hotels in Gangtok, Pelling and Darjeeling with breakfast
- Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Harbhajan Mandir (subject to permits, weather and road conditions)
- Driver allowances, fuel, parking charges, tolls and basic applicable taxes
×Exclusions
- Train or flight tickets to and from NJP/Bagdogra
- Nathula Pass visit (can be added at extra cost, subject to permits, days of operation and weather)
- Monument, monastery and park entry fees, rides and activities not specifically mentioned as included
- Lunch, dinner, snacks, beverages and personal expenses such as laundry, tips, room heater, phone calls
- Travel insurance, medical expenses and any other services not clearly listed under inclusions