Trip Facts

Duration

9 Days

Trip Grade

Easy

Country

Nepal & India

Maximum Altitude

2,050 m

Group Size

2–15

Starts

Kathmandu

Ends

Kathmandu

Activities

Cultural tour, scenic sightseeing

Best Time

Mar to May, Sept to Nov

Highlights

  • Discover the charm of the Eastern Himalayas — where green hills meet peaceful monasteries.
  • Visit Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling — the three jewels of Sikkim and West Bengal.
  • Watch the sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill.
  • Visit famous monasteries like Rumtek, Pemayangtse, and Enchey.
  • Enjoy scenic drives through tea gardens, waterfalls, and mountain valleys.
  • Experience local culture, traditional food, and warm Himalayan hospitality.
  • Perfect mix of sightseeing, cultural exploration, and gentle adventure.

Overview

The Sikkim Darjeeling Tour is one of the most beautiful journeys you can take in the Eastern Himalayas. Over 9 days, this trip lets you experience two of India’s most charming destinations — Sikkim, the land of monasteries and mountain views, and Darjeeling, the “Queen of Hills.”

This tour starts from Nepal or India, taking you across winding roads, snow-capped peaks, and peaceful villages. You’ll explore Gangtok, the lively capital of Sikkim, known for its colorful markets and stunning viewpoints. From there, you’ll travel to Pelling, a quiet town surrounded by lush forests and ancient monasteries. Finally, you’ll reach Darjeeling, famous for its tea gardens, colonial charm, and the iconic Toy Train ride.

Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, this tour is perfect for anyone who loves mountains, culture, and slow travel. It’s not about rushing — it’s about soaking in every moment, one hill at a time.

Itinerary

Your Sikkim Darjeeling Tour begins as you arrive at Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station. From here, enjoy a scenic drive to Gangtok, the vibrant capital city of Sikkim. The journey follows the Teesta River, with winding roads, hanging bridges, and lush green valleys. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, freshen up, and take a short evening walk along MG Marg — Gangtok’s charming pedestrian street filled with cafés, prayer flags, and smiling locals.

After breakfast, begin your full-day sightseeing around Gangtok. Visit the Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest in Sikkim, known for its peaceful ambiance and golden Buddha statues. Stop by Do Drul Chorten, a sacred stupa with hundreds of prayer wheels, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which showcases Buddhist manuscripts and artifacts. Later, explore the Flower Exhibition Centre and Handicraft Centre, where you can see local artisans at work. End the day with tea overlooking the city’s colorful rooftops.

Today, get ready for an unforgettable mountain experience. Drive about 40 km northeast to Tsomgo Lake (3,780m) — a stunning glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The water changes color with the season, and during winter, the lake freezes into a mirror of ice. Nearby, visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a temple built in honor of an Indian soldier believed to protect travelers in this area. You can also try a short yak ride or taste local snacks like momos and butter tea before returning to Gangtok for the night.

After breakfast, set off for Pelling, a quiet hill town known for its monasteries and mountain views. The 5–6 hour drive passes through charming villages, forests, and waterfalls. Stop at Temi Tea Garden, Sikkim’s only tea estate, to learn how the famous Temi Tea is produced. Continue via Samdruptse Hill, home to a towering statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim. Arrive in Pelling by evening, check into your hotel, and enjoy the peaceful sound of mountain winds before dinner and rest.

After breakfast, visit Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries built in the 17th century. Inside, ancient murals and wooden carvings tell stories of Buddhist wisdom. A short hike takes you to the Rabdentse Ruins, once the royal capital of Sikkim, offering panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Next, explore Khecheopalri Lake, believed to fulfill wishes — locals say not even a leaf floats on its surface because birds keep it clean. End your day at the Singshore Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in Sikkim, before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, drive toward Darjeeling, crossing scenic landscapes, tea plantations, and mountain villages. The route offers beautiful views of the Rangit River. Upon reaching Darjeeling, check into your hotel and spend the evening relaxing with a warm cup of Darjeeling tea or exploring Mall Road. You’ll immediately feel the British-era charm in its architecture and cool mountain breeze.

Wake up before sunrise for a drive to Tiger Hill (2,590m). As the first rays of light touch Mt. Kanchenjunga, the snow turns golden and pink — a sight that stays with you forever. Visit the peaceful Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop, where the famous Toy Train circles around a war memorial surrounded by flowers. After breakfast, continue sightseeing: visit the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, home to red pandas and snow leopards, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and Happy Valley Tea Estate.

Today is your leisure day to unwind and enjoy Darjeeling at your own pace. You may take the Toy Train ride, visit the Peace Pagoda, or shop for local tea, woolen scarves, and handicrafts at Chowrasta. Another lovely option is to sip tea at one of Darjeeling’s heritage cafés and watch clouds roll over the hills.

After breakfast, bid goodbye to the serene Himalayas as you drive back to Bagdogra Airport or NJP Station for your onward journey. Your Sikkim Darjeeling Tour ends with wonderful memories of colorful monasteries, friendly people, and peaceful landscapes that feel like another world.

Cost Details

Included

  • Twin-sharing accommodation in standard hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and dinner during the tour.
  • All sightseeing and transfers by private vehicle.
  • English-speaking local guide for major sightseeing.
  • Permits and entry fees as per itinerary.
  • All government taxes and service charges.

Excluded

  • International or domestic airfare.
  • Visa fees and travel insurance.
  • Lunch and beverages.
  • Personal expenses like tips, laundry, and shopping.
  • Optional activities such as yak rides or cable cars.
  • Anything not mentioned in “Cost Includes.”

Useful Information

Best Travel Season:

The ideal months for the Sikkim Darjeeling Tour are March to June (spring–summer) and September to December (autumn–winter). During spring, rhododendrons and orchids bloom across the hills. Autumn offers clear skies and the best mountain views.

Weather & Clothing:

Temperatures in Gangtok and Darjeeling range from 10°C to 25°C in summer and can drop to 2°C–10°C in winter. Carry warm clothes, a light jacket, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes. Umbrellas or raincoats are useful during the monsoon (July–August).

Altitude Tips:

Though this is not a high-altitude trek, some days (like Tsomgo Lake) reach over 3,700m. Drink plenty of water, avoid rushing, and carry small snacks to maintain energy.

Health & Safety:

Carry basic medicines for headaches, colds, and stomach upsets. Keep a reusable water bottle; Eco Himalaya promotes eco-friendly travel.

Permits and Entry Requirements:

Foreign travelers need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. Your passport, visa, and a passport-sized photo are required. Eco Himalaya arranges these permits on your behalf.

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi is available in hotels and towns, but mobile networks can be weak in rural areas. It’s best to download maps and keep offline music or books for travel days.

Currency & Payments:

The local currency is Indian Rupees (INR). ATMs are available in major towns like Gangtok and Darjeeling, but not in remote spots like Tsomgo or Pelling. Carry some cash for small shops or local markets.

Food & Cuisine:

Try Sikkimese dishes like thukpa, momos, and gundruk soup, along with Darjeeling’s signature teas. Vegetarian options are widely available. Avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

Photography:

The region is full of photogenic landscapes. However, always ask for permission before photographing monks, temples, or locals. Drone use is restricted in certain areas.

Cultural Etiquette:

Remove shoes when entering monasteries. Speak softly, avoid pointing at religious objects, and greet locals with a smile or a respectful “Namaste.”

Responsible Travel:

Eco Himalaya encourages sustainable travel. Do not litter, respect wildlife, and support local crafts and homestays when possible.

FAQs

The best time is spring (March–June) and autumn (September–December) when the skies are clear and flowers are in full bloom.

Yes, foreign tourists need an Inner Line Permit, which we will arrange for you in advance.

Absolutely! The Sikkim Darjeeling Tour is family-friendly, with comfortable drives and light walking.

Yes, Eco Himalaya can personalize the tour to include extra days, monastery visits, or even add Kalimpong.

We select clean, comfortable 3-star hotels with warm hospitality and great mountain views.

Simply contact our travel team via the Eco Himalaya website or email. We’ll help you plan your perfect Sikkim Darjeeling Tour, including transfers, hotels, and permits.