Day 01: Bagdogra/ NJP – Kurseong (1550 m/5086 ft; 41 km; 2 hrs)

Meet and assist at Bagdogra Airport/NJP Rly. Stn. and drive to Kurseong. Kurseong is a sublime tea town in the lower Darjeeling hills is famous for its scenic landscape and great climate. The fabulous view of snow ranges over the rolling slopes covered with tea gardens and the peaceful environment gives you a desired break from the routine life. Kurseong is also marked by some historical buildings and churches made during the British period. Check in at the hotel - set out for a leisure walk in the serene country road towards the Eagle Crag for an awesome view of sunset beyond the vast plains of North Bengal. Overnight stay at hotel in Kurseong.

Day 02 : Visit Makaibari or Ambhootia Tea Estate; Evening transfer to Darjeeling (2100 m/6890 ft; 35 km; 1½ hrs

After breakfast we make an excursion to the Makaibari or Ambhootia Tea Estate. Both gardens produce some of the finest quality of bio organic tea. The fabulous locations of the tea gardens are also worth visiting. Post lunch we drive to Darjeeling. The journey follows the traditional Hill Cart Road runs all along the forested hills, small villages and beautiful tea gardens. On the way you will have a chance to see the famous Toy train chugging its way on the zig-zag track. Enjoy the beautiful valley covered with lush green tea garden as you proceed to Darjeeling. The Queen of hills - greets you with all its grandeur: the great view of mountains and valleys dotted with tea gardens and forests, and a blend of traditional heritage and modern cultures. Overnight stay at hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 03: Darjeeling sightseeing

Tiger Hill Excursion: Early morning visit to, Tiger Hill at 8442 ft. above sea level, to experience the unforgettable sight of sunrise over the snow peaks of Kanchenjunga Mountains. The summit at Tiger Hill also commands a fine view of the vast plains of North Bengal, the mountain ridges slowly descending to the plains, several courses of major rivers of North Bengal like Teesta, Mahananda and Balasan along with dense forest covers of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. Ghoom Monastery - one of the oldest Monasteries in Darjeeling. Batasia Loop - the picturesque garden and War Memorial with the backdrop of snow ranges - on your way back to hotel. There is also an option of visiting: Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park (Closed on Thursday) to see some rare collections of high altitude Himalayan species like Snow leopard, clouded Leopard, Siberian Tiger, Red Panda and many rare mammal and birds in the natural surroundings. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday) to see the priceless collection of mountaineering gears used by legendary climbers in the Himalayas. Tenzing Rock and Gombu Rock for some fun rock climbing activities. Tibetan Refugee Centre (Closed on Sunday) and Bhutia Basti to procure the traditional handicraft items made by the local people. Ava Art Gallery that houses the unique art and embroidery works of Mrs. Ava Devi. Overnight stay at hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 04: Darjeeling - Pelling (2150 m/7054 ft; 116 km; 4 hrs)

Drive to Pelling in West Sikkim. The exciting journey runs through the winding road cutting across the valleys, hills and villages and follows the course of Teesta River and then beautiful Rangit River till Legship. Take a refreshing break at the view point near Melli and watch the magnificent bird eye view of the confluence of both the rivers. From Legship the road takes a steep turn through Geyzing. The view of the entire surrounding widens as you proceed towards Pelling through the clouds and forests. Stop a while on the way to enjoy the scenic beauty and take some photographs. Overnight stay at hotel in Pelling.

Day 05: Pelling - Visit Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdantse Ruins (18 km round trip); Afternoon transfer to Yuksom (1780 m/5578 ft; 58 km; 2 hrs)

After breakfast we visit one of the most important monasteries in Sikkim- the Pemayangtse - the seat of the Nyingma Order of Tibetan Buddhism was originally a small Lhakhang built by Lhatsun Chempo in the 17th Century. The monastery contains numerous antique idols and objects of worship and is filled with wall paintings and sculptures. The most astounding feature is a painted wooden structure of Zantho Pelri - the Heavenly Palace of Guru Rinpoche. Also visit Rabdantse Ruins - the ruins of the second capital of Sikkim of 1814 AD. Lying at a walking distance from Pemayangtse, the place also offers scenic view of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Lunch at Pelling. Post lunch drive to Yuksom via Khecheopalri lake. Enroute visit Kanchenjunga Falls and Rimbi Falls, two magnificent perennial waterfalls on the way - the must see place for tourists. Now we take a detour to the legendary Lake at Khechopalri. The Holy Lake surrounded by dense forests is believed to have the power of wish fulfilling. Although the lake is surrounded by rich forests even a single leaf is not seen floating at the middle water. Legend has it that the birds pick up the leaves that float on the holy lake. It is also a prominent place for the bird watchers. Proceed to Yuksom the first capital of Sikkim, where the first Chogyal was consecrated by three learned monks in 1642 AD. The Norbugang Throne made of stone at that time still carries the evidence of that ceremony. Yuksom is a small village surrounded by forested hills and is a tranquil tourist destination. The place is also known for its proximity to the popular trek to Dzongri and Goechala at the base of Mt Kanchenjunga and other important peaks of Himalayas. Overnight stay at hotel in Yuksom.

Day 06: Yuksom - Temi Tea Garden (1675 m/5496 ft.; 73 km; 3-4 hrs)

A fresh morning with colourful birds chirping everywhere greets you at Yuksom. Early morning we trek to Dubdi Monastery, the oldest in Sikkim. A 1 hr trek through virgin forest takes you to the monastery on top of a hill - an ideal place for meditation in the serene environment. We arrive back at the hotel for breakfast. Yuksom - The first Capital of Sikkim and an old historical place in West Sikkim. It has a few old monasteries, holy lakes, caves, waterfalls, lovely country side with simple villages and few good hotels guarded by high forested hills, a base to explore the high altitude Himalayan Peaks and the famous trek to Dzongri and Goecha La Pass at the foot of Mt Kanchenjunga. After breakfast we walk to the historical Norbugang Throne and spend some time at the tiny holy Kathok Lake to offer prayer. Leave Yuksom and drive to Kewzing Village via Tashiding and Legship. As we leave Yuksom, we come across the mighty Phamrong falls on the way. Spend some time at the falls and take photographs and proceed to Tashiding Monastery an important seat of Nyingmapa order built in the 18th Century. The monastery is also famous for its Holy Chorten (Stupas), which believes to wash away all the sins of the devotees. On reaching Temi Tea Gardens we check in the hotel. In the evening we take a small walk in the Temi Tea Garden - only tea estate in Sikkim. Overnight at hotel in Temi Tea Garden.

Day 07: Temi Tea Garden - Rumtek (1750 m/5742 ft.; 55 km; 2 hrs) – Gangtok (22.5 km; 40 min.)

Post breakfast, check out from Temi Tea Garden and drive to Rumtek. Enjoy the view of River Teesta on the way. Rumtek - The most important pilgrimage and meditation centre for Buddhists with the biggest monastery in Sikkim – the seat of Rinpoche and an institute for Higher Buddhist study; also a nice East Sikkim country side close to the Capital town Gangtok with refreshing village walks and great climate. We visit Rumtek Monastery, the most important religious place of Sikkim. Built in 1960 by his Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa it is a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet, the seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, head of the Karmapa sub sect of Kargyudpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It now functions as the headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre. Walk to the Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies just adjacent to the Monastery Building. We drive to Gangtok. Overnight stay at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 08: Gangtok sightseeing:

After breakfast we take a full day city tour in and around Gangtok. We visit the following places, Government Institute of Cottage Industry (Closed on Sunday, 2nd Saturday) where beautiful souvenirs like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts, furniture, hand looms carpets and other products are produced & exhibited for sale. Orchid House to see or buy some rare orchids and ornamental plants. Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology, which holds world's largest collection of books and rare manuscripts on the subject of Mahayana Buddhism plus many religious works of art and incredibly finely executed silk embroidered Thangkas (paintings). Dodurl Chorten encircled by 108 prayer wheels built by late Trulsi Rimpoche in 1945-46. This is one of the most important and biggest stupas found in Sikkim. The Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, 24 km from Gangtok. Built in 1960 by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa it is a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet, the seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa Rinpoche, head of the Karmapa sub sect of Kargyudpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It now functions as the headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre. Walk to the Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies just adjacent to the Monastery Building. While coming back from Rumtek there is an option of visiting, Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden - to see the collection of well-tended tropical and temperate plants and orchids. Shanti View Point - to enjoy the panoramic view of the Gangtok valley. We also visit the Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok from where you can see the panoramic view of entire Gangtok town and valley along with the magnificent Kanchenjunga. Visit to the temple at Hanuman Tok to offer prayer. Overnight stay at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 09: Gangtok – Excursion to Tsongo Lake (3780 m/12,402 ft.) & Nathula Pass (both, for Indians only) (4310 m/14,141 ft.) (64 km; 3-4 hrs one way)

After breakfast, we proceed to Tsongo Lake, a high altitude Alpine Lake. The 1 km long and 15 m deep lake is considered sacred to the local people. The pristine clear water remains frozen during winter. Drive further to the legendary Baba mandir 10 km from Tsongo Lake on the way to Nathu-la (Closed on Mon & Tue) - Jelepla pass at an altitude of over 13,000 feet. It was built in memory of a soldier in the 23rd Punjab Regiment, who drowned in a stream near the spot. Legend says he later appeared in a dream to one of his colleagues where he requested that a temple be built in his memory. Back to the hotel and have a leisure afternoon or roam around the market. Overnight stay at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 10: Gangtok - Bagdogra Airport/NJP (125 km; 4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from Gangtok and drive back to NJP/Bagdogra for final departure. End of arrangements…