03 Nights/04 Days
DARJEELING-SIKKIM
Sikkim, a part of the Eastern Himalayan is a small state in India, yet another exotic tourist destination in India. "Su- Khim" commonly known as Sikkim is a small and an advanced state in terms of its prismatic beauty, awe-inspiring destinations such as the spectacular terrain, immaculate lakes, rivers and gentle sparkling streams, diversification of wildlife, and variants of rhododendrons. 'Nye-made-el' in Lepcha language meaning `Paradise` thus proves to be true for people residing within and across the globe.
Mt.Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world and lies partly in Nepal and Sikkim with an elevation of 8.586 m. This esteemed peak can be viewed by tourists visiting Sikkim. Along with this, the land is blessed with twenty-eight peaks, twenty-one glaciers, high altitude lakes, five hot springs, righteous monasteries, varieties of rhododendrons etc. making it a 'paradise on earth'.
Lachung can be visited all year and has a number of attractions to please tourists.This place is a complete heaven for nature lovers to explore as much. At an altitude of 8610 ft. Lachung village is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, magnificent waterfalls, streams, apple apricot and peach orchads and holy gompas. Here you can visit the 'Lachung Monastery', an ancient Nyingma Buddhist Gompa situated at the concourse of Lachen River and Lachung River, tributaries of River Teesta. Away from the distressed course of life, this is someplace where you can take pleasure of the peaceful and serene atmosphere.Divine statues of Guru Rimpoche and Guru Padmasambhava can be seen within its bound. Another important place to explore here in Lachung is the famous 'Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary' that has more than 24 species of rhododendron shrubs.
Tsomgo, also known as Changu Lake is a glacial lake in Sikkim located 35kms away from Gangtok through the steep route of Jawaharlal Nehru Road which leads all the way to Nathula Pass. The name Tsomgo means `Source of water`. One of the amazing high altitude (12.310 ft) celestial lakes in India worth seeing over. It is a one-kilometer long oval shaped lake filled with water of melting snow from surrounding and as such, the lake becomes frozen during winter. The Tsomgo Lake is considered holy by the people residing around. By the lakeside stands a small temple of Lord Shiva.
Yuksom is the birth-place of Sikkim, yet an outspoken gorgeous town in West Sikkim best to spend holidays. It is also known as the `Gateway to Kangchendzongha` and thus regularly visited by trekkers/mountaineers.
According to the myth, there is a sacred wishing lake called as 'Khecheopalri Lake' known to be connected to Goddess Tara. It is located inside a forest where pilgrims come to the lake every year and offer prayers.
The 'Dubdi Monastery' also known as the `Yuksom Monastery` is a must see while in Sikkim. It has beautifully painted and carved Buddhist designs, symbols and manuscripts.
A place which nobody wants to miss on the trip to Sikkim. While in Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake should be a must on every visitor's guidebook. This is a high altitude(17000 ft.) lake close to Tibet border in North Sikkim. The name Gurudongmar is derived from the name of Guru Padmasambhava who has thought to have visited Tibet through this area having it blessed. Interestingly, it is also believed that the blessed water of lake retains miraculous powers of granting children to issueless couples. Thus the largest and remarkable lake in Sikkim which holds subtlety and legends untold.
Rumtek Monastery is considered as one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the state. It is an essential part of Gangtok tour and an ideal place to gain knowledge and peace.
Do-Drul Chorten is a prestigious and the largest Stupa in the state under the leadership of Truslshi Rimpoche.This stupa is weaved with 108 Mani Lhakors.
Though all modes of transportation are available in Sikkim, the nearest airport located to the state is Bagdogra Airport which is 124kms away from Gangtok.
New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri are the two railway stations nearest to Sikkim.
Sikkim has a beautiful road maintained by the Border Road Organization along River Teesta. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station(NJP) and Bagdogra Airport is the nearest railhead and airport respectively.