Sikkim · 9 Nights / 10 Days

Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim: 9 Nights / 10 Days

The full Eastern Himalayan circuit: Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok and Pelling, with enough nights in each to unpack and look around.

Overview

This is the long, thorough route. It covers all four hill bases and still leaves a free half-day in most places. It suits those who want to see how the hills differ town to town.

Because of the many road days, we recommend a flexible schedule for the monsoon months. Shorter options include the eight-day circuit.

Duration
9 Nights / 10 Days
Route
Bagdogra / NJP > Darjeeling > Kalimpong > Gangtok > Pelling > Bagdogra / NJP
Suits
Travellers with 10 days who want a thorough Eastern Himalayan circuit.
Stay style
A mix of heritage-style and quiet garden stays, with comfortable hotels in the larger towns.

Day-by-day itinerary

Sample itinerary. These are sample itineraries, designed as relaxed tour options. For a customised, detailed and personalised itinerary built around your dates, interests and pace, please contact us. Plan your journey or call +91 97755 97771.

Day 1Arrive in Darjeeling

Drive around 3 to 4 hours from Bagdogra or NJP to Darjeeling. Evening walk on the Mall.

Day 2Tiger Hill and Ghoom

Sunrise at Tiger Hill, weather permitting, then Ghoom monastery and the Batasia Loop. Free afternoon.

Day 3Tea country and heritage

A tea estate visit, the Mountaineering Institute and the old town, subject to opening days.

Day 4Darjeeling to Kalimpong

Drive around 2.5 to 3 hours. Afternoon at a plant nursery or the Durpin Dara hilltop.

Day 5Kalimpong day

Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery, Thongsa Gompa and old-town lanes at a slow pace.

Day 6Kalimpong to Gangtok

Drive around 3.5 hours to Gangtok. Evening on MG Marg.

Day 7Gangtok sights

Enchey Monastery, Do-Drul Chorten and a viewpoint. Optional Tsomgo Lake or Rumtek, subject to permits and weather.

Day 8Gangtok to Pelling

Drive around 5 to 6 hours via Ravangla and the Buddha Park.

Day 9Pelling sights

Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse ruins and a viewpoint, weather permitting.

Day 10Return

Drive around 5 to 6 hours to Bagdogra or NJP for onward travel.

Main experiences

  • Tiger Hill sunrise, weather permitting
  • Darjeeling tea estate
  • Kalimpong nurseries
  • Rumtek or Tsomgo Lake
  • Pemayangtse Monastery

Practical considerations

Permits

Indian citizens need no permit to enter Sikkim; high-altitude areas need Protected Area Permits. Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (check current rules).

Road

Long mountain drives; landslides can delay.

Altitude

Moderate; the lake is higher.

Season

Spring and autumn are clearest.

This is a sample itinerary, not a fixed departure. Sequence, stays and activities are confirmed when we plan your journey, subject to availability, season, permits and local conditions.

Other Sikkim journeys

Helpful reading

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