Itinerary

Day 1, DRIVE TO GANGTOK

Drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, a tiny but beautiful state, sandwiched between Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. 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.

Stay in Nor Khill Hotel for two nights

Day 2, GANGTOK

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 3, 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 in Silver Oaks

Day 4, ONWARDS FROM KALIMPONG

Today your tour ends after breakfast. You can either return to Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri (both approximately a 3 hrs away) or continue to Phuntsoling (180 km, 6 hours drive) to visit Bhutan.