This morning, after an early breakfast, our guests embark on a day of exploring the ‘Old Silk Route’ – visiting Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass. Tsomgo Lake, located at a driving distance of 37 km (1 hour 40 minutes drive) from Gangtok, on the way to Nathu La, is one of the highest altitude lakes offering stunning views with the reflections of the surrounding hills on the water. This oval lake holds religious importance in Buddhism and has prayer wheels installed by the side. It is also believed that in ancient days, the Lamas used to forecast the future by studying the color of the water in the Lake.

Further, we proceed to visit Nathu La Pass (16KM, 30 minutes drive from Tsomgo Lake). This mountain Pass used to serve as the corridor of passage between India and Tibet (then in China), trading Silk till 1961, till the Indo-China war broke out and reopened in
2006 for limited trade between India, Tibet and China. On a clearer day, we can even see this route winding down the Valley.

Our guests will then be driven back to their hotel in Gangtok. Late in the afternoon, we enjoy some leisure time at the very cozy Rachna’s Bookstore in Gangtok sipping some high-altitude, home-roasted Himalayan coffee and indulge in a storytelling session with Raman Shrestha. Also known as ‘The Bookman of Sikkim’, Raman is a dynamic yet idealistic 40-year-old who got back to his  hometown and reopened his family enterprise of a bookshop and printing press – Rachna’s Bookstore which was shut back in 1988. Raman, with his knowledge and belief, wants to keep the reading culture alive, in this age of technology. A great host, talker & book critic, Raman stands as a panelist at the literature festival hosted in Jaipur. With stories of Sikkim from the 1970’s, Raman will walk you through the changing scenarios till the present day.

Guest’s may then visit some of the cafes & restaurants in town at their discretion for dinner or return to the hotel. Overnight in  Gangtok.

This morning, after breakfast, the guests embark on a scenic & adventurous journey to Lachung in North Sikkim! Lachung means ‘Small Pass’ – owing to its close proximity to the then Tibetan border.

North Sikkim, still left mostly uninhabited due to extreme temperatures and climates, is surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes. It is the land of Lepchas – the indigenous tribe who worship nature and are known to not have interfered with any invasions. It is believed that they further colonized with the ambitious Bhutias. The guests are driven through Mangan & Chungthang, also referred to as the last towns of North Sikkim, to arrive at Lachung.

Upon arrival, guests are escorted to check-in followed by a guided village walk to explore & experience the art & architectural marvels, regarded to be over 300 years old! This evening’s dinner, reflecting authentic Sikkimese & Tibetan cuisine, will be served at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Lachung.

Early morning, the guests are taken on an adventurous ride of 50 KM (2.5 hours) to Yumthang.

Located at an altitude of approximately 3700 meters, Yumthang valley of flowers is one of the Rhododendron sanctuaries of India, consisting of 33 varieties of Rhododendron shrubs and flowers. April is the time for blooming and we will be just in time to experience
it. Along with Rhododendron are Pemula flowers carpeting the surfaces of these high altitude meadows. Further we proceed to Zero point, named so as it lies at close proximity to the Indo-China border and from where Sikkim starts.

We spend some time here, soaking the purity of the landscape before heading back to Lachung. The rest of the day will be at leisure for the guests to enjoy the landscape and natural surroundings. Overnight at the hotel in Lachung.

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, the guests will be driven through the picturesque terrain for approximately 5 hours to the Temi Tea Estate in South Sikkim. The Temi Tea Estate is a government-owned and maintained tea estate which produces pure organic tea.

We will be nestling in a British Tea House surrounded by the tea gardens today. The guests can enjoy some of the optional activities at the estate or indulge in the subtle tastes of first flush Temi Organic tea and soak in the environs of the tea estate in peace!

Overnight at the hotel in Temi Tea Estate

After breakfast at the hotel, the guests check-out & continue their journey to Pelling.

Pelling, the 2nd capital of Sikkim, has a strong cultural history as the first palace – home of the kings – and hosts one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sikkim called the Pemayangtse Monastery. This beautiful, petite town, situated in West Sikkim, also has sites for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations, apart from serving as a base for a number of treks in the region. Apart from its historical significance, this town is popular for breath taking views of the Kanchenjunga Peak and the Eastern  Himalayan Range.

En-route to Pelling, we have a brief stop at Ravangla, the religious abode of Sikkim. We will visit the Buddha Park, that houses one of the biggest Buddha Statues. Although a manmade spot, it has a spiritual ambiance, and blends in with the scenic surroundings. Upon arrival in Pelling, the guests are escorted to check-in to the hotel. Overnight will be at the hotel in Pelling.

Post breakfast we proceed to visit Khecheopalri Lake (wish fulfilling lake, located at distance of 30KM from Pelling). The lake is an integral part of the much revered valley of “Demazong” meaning valley of rice. This landscape is also known as a land of hidden treasures blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.

This is followed by a visit to Rimbi Falls. The waterfall turns into Rimbi River, which offers various leisure activities like fishing and swimming along with the resplendent views!

It is followed by a visit to India’s first Glass Skywalk. Located at a height of 7,200 feet above sea level, the skywalk is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas and overlooks the marvellous 137 feet tall statue of Chenrezig and the stairs that lead up to it, with golden prayer wheels on both sides. It also offers a panoramic view of the Teesta and Rangit rivers. After a brief stop at Darap Village, we move to the Pemayangtse Monastery. Planned, designed and founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo in 1647, it is one of the oldest and premier monasteries of Sikkim. Close to the monastery is Rabdentse, it was the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814. The capital city was destroyed by the invading Gurkha army and only the ruins of the palace and the chortens are seen here now.

Rest of the evening is at leisure for our guests to explore this quaint town of Western Sikkim & collect some souvenirs back home!
Overnight at the hotel in Pelling.

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, the guests will be driven back to the Bagdogra airport or to New Jalpaiguri Railway station. (Estimated: 140 KM, 4.5 hours).

Alternatively, the guests may consider some of the post tour extensions, available on request!