Location: Bagdogra
Day 1 - 18 May 2019
Bagdogra Airport
Content: We reached Bagdogra Airport which is the nearest airport to Darjeeling as well as Sikkim. It was a small airport but loaded with tourists. It served as a gateway to the lovely hills of Darjeeling and the Organic state Sikkim. There is no air condition in the airport. We hired a car from the outside taxi point.
Location: Gangtok
Day 1 - 18 May 2019
Gangtok
Content: We reached Gangtok after 4 hours journey. It is the capital of Sikkim and popular hill station in the northeast region. It is the perfect destination for a vacation. From adventures to sightseeing there are a lot of things to enjoy in Gangtok. This place was surrounded by the River Teesta.
Hotel New Orchid & Spa
Content: Our driver dropped us at the hotel. Hotel New Orchid is located only a few minutes from the most popular spot M. G. Marg at Development Area. The staff welcomed us generously. The room was very neat and spacious. The staffs were very helpful and polite. The rooms are well equipped with toiletries. We had dinner from the hotel, the food was good. The restaurant ambiance was good.
Location: Gangtok
Day 2 - 19 May 2019
Ranka Monastery
Content: After breakfast, we moved to our first destination of the day Lingdum Monastery or Ranka Monastery. It is the pictorial monasteries in East Sikkim. We took many photos on the backdrop of beautiful mountain ranges. We saw many Buddhist pilgrims and devotees there. From the car parking area, we could able to see the number of prayer wheels fixed on a long wall. We saw a huge golden statue of Buddha inside the prayer room. We headed towards another beautiful spot.
Ban Jhakri waterfall
Content: Ban Jhakri waterfall is located en route to Ranka. The road towards Ban Jhakri waterfall was not good in condition. We saw a beautiful park surrounded the falls with statues and a large variety of flora. There was a man-made lake with a dragon at the centre. This is a perfect picnic spot for families.
Rope Way Ride
Content: We had momos from Shuffle Momos restaurant and headed to experience Rope Way Ride. It is one of the must-visit places. It is located at Deorali market. It was top trilling activity in Gangtok. It was 1 km long from the lowest point Deorali market to the highest point is at Tashiling. We saw fantastic views of the Gangtok market, valley, and assembly hall of the state of Sikkim. It was a nice and trilling experience.
Dordul Chorten Stupa
Content: It is the most important stupa of Sikkim. We saw many small stupas around the main one. Our driver dropped at the base of the stupa from where we climbed uphill to the stupa. We saw some pilgrims chanting mantras by rotating the prayer wheels. The stupa was surrounded by 108 prayer wheels.
Hanuman Tok
Content: Our next destination was Hanuman Tok. Our driver explained that Tok means a temple and this is the place where Lord Hanuman took rest for a moment at this place when he was on his way to Lanka from the Himalayas. So this temple was dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple complex was loaded with many pilgrims. The temple is situated amid lush greenery.
Location: Gangtok
Day 3 - 20 May 2019
Ganesh Tok
Content: After breakfast, we headed towards Ganesh Tok. It is a very small temple. We crawled into the temple to worship Lord Ganesh. It is situated at the top of the hill from where we could see the Kanchenjunga hill in its true form.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Content: It was a popular Tibetian institution. It was very unique spot photography is prohibited inside the museum. This institution is constituted with a museum, library, and shopping area. The museum is located on the ground floor which exhibits Tibetan and Buddhist artifacts. We saw the collection of the casket and the sandalwood images of five great ancient personalities. The museum has a unique collection of statues, coins, masks, thangkas, Tibetan artwork & objects. The library contains volumes of Buddhist studies. Asta Mangala is a shop opposite to Namgyal Institute of Tibetology where we brought some unique gift items.
Hotel New Orchid & Spa
Content: We reached back to the hotel for lunch. We had momos and Shah-Phaley. Shah-Phaley is a Tibetan dish. It was bread stuffed with grounded beef and cabbage. It was crispy on the outside but juicy and tasty inside which was accompanied by the sauce. It was good and tasty. We checked out the hotel and headed to next city Lachung.
Location: Lachung
Day 3 - 20 May 2019
Lachung
Content: We reached Lachung after a five-hour journey. It was a small city but rich in a scenic view. It was a perfect place in Sikkim to enjoy the real beauty of mountains and valleys. On the way, we could see a large stretch of colourful flowers. It was very pleasant to travel.
Snowlion Mountain Resort
Content: We checked in to the Snowlion Mountain Resort. It was a very simple hotel with excellent service. The room was air-conditioned and small. It was OK for a night. The dinner was good and tasty. They provided delicious hot food.
Location: Lachung
Day 4 - 21 May 2019
Zero Point
Content: After breakfast, we started to the most popular spot Zero Point. We cannot go beyond this point as it was the Indo-China border. We saw the most magical snow-capped mountains. We had boiled eggs and Maggi from small tented shops. We spend some time on the backdrop of mountains and snow. We got amazing photos of the valley and headed to Yumthang Valley.
Yunthang Valley
Content: It was one of the popular tourist destinations in North Sikkim. It is commonly known as the Valley of flowers. It was near to the Indo-China border so we need a permit. Our driver helped us to get a permit. It is known as Valley of Rhododendrons as there are more than 24 species of rhododendrons bloom here. We saw a small hot spring in the middle of the mountains. On the way back to Lachung we saw gushing waterfalls and streams. We visited Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary which is very close to Yumthang Valley. Once we entered the gate we saw a board with pictures of various rhododendrons blossoming here. It is most beautiful in the flowering season. We had a wonderful time with family.
Snowlion Mountain Resort
Content: We reached the hotel and had dinner. They provide momos and soup. The taste was good and hot. We had hot steamed momos with two sauces.
Location: Lachung
Day 5 - 22 May 2019
Bhim Nala Falls
Content: After breakfast, we checked out from the hotel and headed to Gangtok. En route, we visited Bhim Nala Falls. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Sikkim. It is also known as is also called Amitabh Bachchan falls due to its height. We heard the sound of water falling from far away. We saw water falling from a high mountain. There was a small tea stall opposite the falls which offers a beautiful view of the falls. It was a photographic place.
Location: Gangtok
Day 5 - 22 May 2019
Lemon Tree Hotel
Content: We reached Gangtok and checked in to the Lemon Tree Hotel. It was situated in the lap of the eastern Himalayan range. The rooms are good enough; we got an amazing view of the mountains from the balcony of the room. The room was neat and clean. The staff's behaviour was polite and helpful. The room was equipped with necessary things.
M.G Marg
Content: By evening we went for a short walk through the M.G Road. It is the place where locals and tourists take a leisure stroll. We just sit and relax on one of the many benches laid along the middle and both sides of the road to enjoy the ambience of the place. The road was lined up with a lot of cafes and restaurants. Many shops were closed but we enjoyed ambience the place. The vehicles are not allowed so it was a smoke free zone.
The Dragon Wok
Content: We had dinner from The Dragon Wok. We ate spicy noodles followed by hot and sour soup. The noodles were good rich in veggies and spices. The soup was not up to our expectations. Overall it was a good place for dinner, we enjoyed the food. We return to the hotel.
Location: Gangtok
Day 6 - 23 May 2019
Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
Content: After breakfast, we headed towards Baba Mandir. It is located on the road passing between Nathu La and Jelepla Pass. The mandir was dedicated to Baba Harbajan Singh who was a soldier of the Indian Army. We saw a huge photo of Harbhajan Singh which is worshipped by his devotees inside the temple. We visited Harbhajan Singh's office has been built on one side of the temple with a dining place. There is room for him to stay with his uniform and shoes. It is the most important place for soldiers. After visiting Baba Mandir we headed towards Nathula Pass.
Nathu La Pass
Content: We reached the most thrilling part of the day, Nathula Pass which is the border of India and China. When we reached it is -12°C which is too cold. After getting down from the car we walked to the top of the hill. We saw some soldiers at the top who safeguarding our nation. We climbed the long stairway and reached up to the Indo-China international border to take a look. It was very difficult to climb as the oxygen level is low we could not able to breathe properly. We can see both Indian and Chinese soldiers. There is an engraved stone called Nehru Stone, which marks the visit of former Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru. We need a permit to visit the place.
Tsomgo Lake
Content: We reached to next destination, Tsomgo Lake. It is a scenic lake considered to be sacred by the Sikkimese. This scenic beauty of Tsomgo Lake attracts tourists from all corners of the world. It is also known as Changu Lake. It was a thrilling experience to walk through the frozen Tsomgo Lake. We went for a ride on the back of yaks along the edge of Tsomgo Lake. It was a perfect spot for photography lovers. We got many magical photos of the mountains as well as lakes. We enjoyed the day.
Lemon Tree Hotel
Content: We returned to the hotel and had dinner. The room service was excellent they changed bedspreads and pillow cover. The room was neat and clean when we returned.
Location: Gangtok
Day 7 - 24 May 2019
Lemon Tree Hotel
Content: After breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and headed to the next destination. Darjeeling is a Himalayan city in the state of West Bengal. It is better to combine Darjeeling with Sikkim. We booked a car from the hotel to Darjeeling.
Tessta River Rafting
Content: On we had lunch from a restaurant recommended by our driver. Then we went to the Tessta River Rafting point. Our driver said that the Sikkim trip was incomplete if you have not experienced white water rafting on River Teesta. It originated from a glacier of Mount Kabru in the lower Kanchenjunga region and formed a boundary between Darjeeling district and Sikkim. The raft operators gave important instructions before boarding. We raft down the river to experience the most beautiful scenic views. We raft along the slope of the mountains enjoying the chirping of different birds. It was an unforgettable memory. Then we headed towards Darjeeling.
Location: Darjeeling
Day 7 - 24 May 2019
Sterling Darjeeling
Content: We checked into the Sterling Darjeeling Hotel. It is located at the height of Darjeeling. The front desk staffs were very helpful to plan the next day's trip. They were very knowledgeable about the place. The rooms are spacious and well furnished. From the balcony, we got an amazing view of the Kanchenjunga range. We had dinner from the restaurant at the hotel. They offered special Darjeeling momos. It was good and tasty.
Location: Darjeeling
Day 8 - 25 May 2019
Tiger Hills
Content: As per our driver's advice, we started our first day in Darjeeling in the early morning. We reached Tiger Hill by 5 am. We saw many tourists came there. Our driver dropped us at the parking area from there we climbed on foot for a short distance. Tiger Hills is the perfect spot to view amazing Greater Himalayas. When we reached there the Observatory Tower and the open viewing terrace were filled so we stood at the meadow below the summit. We were unable to get the perfect sunrise view due to cloud and fog.
Ghoom Monastery
Content: Our next destination was Ghoom Monastery. It is the oldest Tibetan monastery in Darjeeling. It was located below the Ghoom railway station. The main attraction inside the monastery is The Maitreya Buddha. We saw a 15-foot model of the Lord Buddha. It is one of the oldest and biggest statues of Buddha. We saw a large number of Buddha's manuscripts along with bells and a huge drum inside the complex. Then we headed towards Batasia Loop.
Batasia Loop
Content: Batasia Loop is a spiral of a narrow-gauge railway track just below Ghoom Monastery. It was a perfect spot to get a 360-degree view of Darjeeling. We walked around the loop to enjoy the magnificent view of mountains and loops. There is an eco-garden in Batasia which provides information about organic farming. We found many rare species of plants and flowers. In the middle of the loop, there is a war memorial. It was created to honour the Gorkha soldiers of Darjeeling. There was a small market area just outside the loop. It was the place where locals sell snack items like hot samosas. It was famous in Darjeeling. We can enjoy Toy car service to enjoy mountain ranges.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Content: After breakfast, we reached Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Our driver recommended visiting this place. He said that it was a perfect place to spot many rare Himalayan animals. India's former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi dedicated this zoo in memory of Padmaja Naidu, daughter of Sarojini Naidu. At the entrance, we saw a huge circular birdcage where different kinds of birds are kept. Then we headed to visit Tibetan Wolf, Red Panda, Snow Leopard, etc. We saw snow leopard which was imported to Darjeeling zoo from snow leopard has been imported to Darjeeling zoo. It was a very informative place. It was a perfect spot for children to examine rare animals and birds.
Delicious Moments Darjeeling
Content: We had lunch from Delicious Moments Darjeeling. It was located very close to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. The ambiance was good. We ate chicken noodles and Chicken and Vegetable in Sauce. The food was delicious and fresh. The Chicken and Vegetable in Sauce was an excellent combination with noodles.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Content: Our next destination was the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. It is recognised as one of the best mountaineering institutes in the world. From the institution, we walked for a short distance to reach the Museum. Photography is prohibited inside the museum. At the entrance, we saw a large picture of Jawaharlal Nehru, B C Roy the Chief Minister of West Bengal of that time, and Tenzing Norgay. We saw mountain mule used by Edmund Hillary in a small metal frame. We saw the entire Kanchenjunga range very clearly through the telescope installed at the HMI. We ate snacks from the small tea shop there. Then by evening, we headed to the shopping area.
Chowrasta Mall
Content: Chowrasta Mall is the heart of Darjeeling town. It is located at the top of Nehru Road. This is the place where four different roads meet. There is a small beautiful fountain on the right side of the entrance. We saw Hawa Ghar is a two-storied building where cultural events like Nepali dance and music are performed during the high season. The upper floor is used for performance while the lower one is used for preparations. There are many benches laid out for people to sit under the pine trees to enjoy the beauty of mountain ranges. At the entrance of Mall Road, we saw a huge golden color statue of the Nepali poet Bhanubhakta Acharya.
Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge
Content: Then visited Nathmulls Tea & Sunset Lounge from where we had a cup of Darjeeling tea with cakes. It is one of the best choices to try Darjeeling tea. We saw large varieties of loose tea kept in glass containers so that you can smell the flavor and order as per choice. We brought some packets for our neighbours and friends. We can buy varieties of teapots and cups both in metallic and ceramics. We ordered hot lemon tea. It was excellent; they gave tea in a transparent glass. The light music played added ambience to the place.
Location: Darjeeling
Day 9 - 26 May 2019
Sterling Darjeeling
Content: We had a lavish breakfast from the hotel. They offered a wide variety of dishes. They presented buffet with south Indian as well as North Indian dishes. We have options of fruits too. We started our day with bread toast and omelette. The food was great and tasty. The tea was excellent in taste with some spices. Then we headed to Mirik which is a small and sleepy hill town in Darjeeling.
Simana View Point
Content: It was an awesome scenic drive through tea gardens on hill slopes. We passed through the turbo Tea Estate of Goodricke and spend some time at Jorpokhri. Then we stopped at Simana viewpoint. It is the Indo-Nepal border area. From Simana we saw Maneybhanjan and beautiful mountains. At Simana we found many small stalls selling tea & snacks. We had a hot cup of tea and steamed momos. There are some candy shops where we brought some chocolates and candies. Then we headed to Pashupati Market.
Pashupati Market
Content: We stopped at Pashupati Market located at the entrance to the India-Nepal border. We took Nepal taxi at the border to reach the main market. After some formalities, we moved towards the main market where cameras are not allowed. After a short visit, we headed towards Mirik.
Mirik
Content: We moved further towards Mirik by passing through a beautiful landscape full of tea gardens. We could saw several small round hillock formations with pine trees. We visited Mirik Monastery on top and then the Mirik Lake. These are top attractions in Miriki. We sat along the banks of the river to enjoy the scenic atmosphere. We walked over the arching footbridge and to cross the lake. There is a walkway through the dhobi forest and enjoy nature. It was a perfect place to enjoy the real essence of nature. We had some food from the Hotel Jagjit. Due to lack of time, we stopped and return to Darjeeling town.
Sterling Darjeeling
Content: We reached the hotel and had a delicious dinner. As per our request, they kept food in our room. It was satisfying and good. The staffs are very helpful to us. Their food was excellent, especially momos they served with sauce. They gave their best to satisfy the guests.
Location: Darjeeling
Day 10 - 27 May 2019
Bagdogra Airport
Content: We checked out and booked a cab to airport. The driver was very polite and good. We reached airport on time. It is needed to get permit for some places was the only one thing need to remember before planning. We enjoyed each and every place.