Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung-Pelling

Introduction:

Sikkim is a state in northeastern India. It borders Tibet in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south. Sikkim is also located close to India’s Siliguri Corridor near Bangladesh. Sikkim is the least populous and second smallest among the Indian states. A part of the Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim is notable for its biodiversity, including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and third highest on Earth. Sikkim’s capital and largest city is Gangtok. Almost 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park.

The Kingdom of Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal dynasty in the 17th century. It was ruled by a Buddhist priest-king known as the Chogyal. It became a princely state of British India in 1890. After 1947, Sikkim continued its protectorate status with the Republic of India. It enjoyed the highest literacy rate and per capita income among Himalayan states. In 1973, anti-royalist riots took place in front of the Chogyal’s palace. In 1975, the monarchy was deposed by the people. A referendum in 1975 led to Sikkim joining India as its 22nd state.

Gangtok-Lachan – Lachung – Pelling best time to visit:

February to June,September to December.

Tour programme:

NJP Rly Station / IXB Airport – Gangtok (120 km / 5 hrs)

Day 1-Arrival and Transfer to Gangtok : Guest will be received from at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) transfer – Gangtok – (Gangtok the capital of Sikkim at an height of 1670 meters / 5480 feet and is the most visited spot of India. Nearly 135 kilometers 4 ½ – 5 hours drive – Check into hotel – Evening free to roam around M G Road (Mall) or local Shopping center – Over Night stay at Gangtok.

Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir

Early morning, post breakfast, embark jeep to reach Tsomgo Lake (12,400 ft), a high altitude sacred lake. It is located on the Gangtok – Nathu La highway and derives its water through the melting snows of the mountains enclosing the lake. Further, you will visit Baba Mandir (13,200 ft.), which is approximately 55 km from Gangtok. After a tiring sightseeing tour, return to the hotel for overnight stay and dinner.

Gangtok – Lachen (107 km / 6 hrs)

Post breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave for Lachen, a tiny hamlet in the North Sikkim. During your journey, from Gangtok to Lachen, you will enjoy a small break at Naga Waterfall, The Confluence of Lachen Chu (River) & Lachung Chu (River) at Chungthang and Bhim Nala Waterfall. On arrival at Lachen, you will be transferred to hotel for overnight stay and dinner.

Lachen – Chopta Valley – Gurudongmar Lake- Lachen

Today, follow the nerve wrenching hilly roads and head towards Chopta Valley, a relatively unexplored and untouched region in Northwestern region of Sikkim. After driving for few kilometer from Chopta Valley, you will visit Gurudongmar Lake, which is considered as sacred by both Buddhists and Sikhs. The best about the lake is despite its location it never freezes even in the peak of winter. Later, continue your ride back to Lachen hotel for overnight stay and dinner.

Lachen – Lachung (45 km / 2 hrs)

Post breakfast, leave for Lachung, which is 45 km from Lachen. Upon arrival at Lachen, you will be transferred to hotel for overnight stay and dinner.

Lachung – Yumthang Valley Excursion – Gangtok

Post breakfast, drive to Yumthang Valley (12,000 ft), which is also known as the valley of flowers. On your way back to the hotel from Yumthang Valley, you will be visiting a hot spring, which is believed to have some medicinal properties. Head back to the resort for lunch, check ou and head towards Gangtok. On the way if the weather is clear you may get to see Mighty Khangchendzonga from Singhik viewpoint. On arrival at Gangtok check-in to your hotel. Rest of the evening will be free for leisure. Overnight stay at Gangtok.

Gangtok – Pelling (150 km / 5 hrs) via Chardham

Post breakfast, you will hop in the four-wheeler, which will take you to Pelling. On your way to Pelling, you will pass through some attractions of Namchi i.e. Temi Tea Garden, Samdruptse & Siddheshwar Dham (Chardham). In Siddheshwar Dham, you can see miniatures of the Indian Char Dhams located in India i.e. Jagannath Dham in East, Dwarka Dham in West, Badrinath Dham in north and Rameshwaram in South. It also has 108 feet. Statue of Lord Shiva enclosed by the 12 ‘Lingas’, a temple of Shirdi Sai Baba and an effigy of Lord Kirateshwara. On arrival at Gangtok, you will check in a hotel, for overnight stay and dinner.

Pelling Sightseeing

Get your cameras ready as today you will be going for a sightseeing tour to Sikkim. In the first half of the day, you will be visiting Darap village, Rimbi water Falls, Khecheopalri Lake and Khangchendzongha waterfalls. For lunch, you will enjoy a stop at some good restaurant. In the second half of the day, you will be visiting Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdantse Ruins, and New Helipad Ground. After the sightseeing tour, head back to the hotel for stay and dinner.