Sikkim · 7 Nights / 8 Days

Darjeeling and Sikkim Circuit: 7 Nights / 8 Days

The classic Eastern Himalayan pairing: Darjeeling's tea hills and heritage, then Gangtok and the lakes and monasteries of East Sikkim.

Overview

Many first-time visitors want both Darjeeling and Sikkim in one trip. This route spends three nights in Darjeeling and four in Sikkim (Gangtok with a night in Pelling), leaving time for views and monasteries without long, tiring days.

Mountain visibility is never guaranteed, so the plan leaves some afternoons open. See Darjeeling and Sikkim for detail on each side.

Duration
7 Nights / 8 Days
Route
Bagdogra / NJP > Darjeeling > Gangtok > Pelling > Bagdogra / NJP
Suits
First-time visitors who want to combine two famous hill regions without rushing.
Stay style
A heritage-style or boutique stay in Darjeeling, a comfortable hotel in Gangtok and a quiet hill stay in Pelling.

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 and drive to Darjeeling

Meet your driver at Bagdogra (IXB) or NJP and drive about 3 to 4 hours to Darjeeling. Evening walk around Chowrasta.

Day 2Tiger Hill and Ghoom

An early outing to Tiger Hill for sunrise, weather permitting, then Ghoom monastery and the Batasia Loop. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 3Tea country and heritage

Visit a working tea estate, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the zoo area, subject to opening days. Evening in town.

Day 4Darjeeling to Gangtok

Drive about 4 to 5 hours via Rangpo to Gangtok. Evening walk along MG Marg.

Day 5Gangtok sights

Rumtek Monastery (about 24 km out), Enchey Monastery and a viewpoint. Optional Tsomgo (Changu) Lake needs a permit and is subject to weather (check current rules).

Day 6Gangtok to Pelling

Drive about 5 to 6 hours towards West Sikkim via Ravangla, with a stop at viewpoints. Evening rest in Pelling.

Day 7Pelling sights

Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse ruins and Sanga Choeling, with Kanchenjunga views weather permitting.

Day 8Return to Bagdogra / NJP

A long drive of about 5 to 6 hours back to Bagdogra or NJP. Book onward travel for the evening or next day.

Main experiences

  • Tiger Hill sunrise, weather permitting
  • Tea estate visit
  • Rumtek and Enchey monasteries
  • Pemayangtse Monastery
  • Kanchenjunga views, weather permitting

Practical considerations

Permits

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

Road time

Long hill drives; weather and landslides may cause delays.

Altitude

Moderate (about 1,700 to 2,300 m).

Views

Mountain visibility varies by season.

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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