Gangtok & Darjeeling

Overview

About Gangtok Darjeeling Tour Package

Did you ever imagine a trip of your dreams? Did Gangtok & Darjeeling ever make it to your head? If not, then come and plan with us. Go4Explore especially curated this Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour package for every nature lover and travel enthusiasts.

Gangtok, the capital city of India's most populous state Sikkim is truly a definition of enchanting beauty. located in northeast India, Gangtok serves as the purest and breathtaking form of nature and one of most beautiful hill stations in India.

This destination offers a perfect blend of culture and modernity. It boasts breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga. It also has numerous natural attractions. These include Tsomgo Lake and Ban Jhakri falls. The city is home to spiritual sites. These include Enchey Monastery and Do Drul Chorten and for adventure seekers The Teesta River provides excellent white water rafting opportunities. Gangtok's diverse appeal makes it a must-visit destination.

Darjeeling is a town cum district in West Bengal, India, and undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist spots. Famous the world over for its tea and views of the Kanchenjunga range, it is bestowed with rich cultural and natural heritage. Noted as an internationally acclaimed attraction, the "toy train" is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO-recognized running system.

The district spans 1,144 square kilometers and is visited by millions of people every year. Its manifold offerings include natural beauty, cultural significance, and unique experiences blended into a small Himalayan ambience.

Best Places to Visit in 5 Days Gangtok Darjeeling Package

Nathula Pass: Nathula Pass, situated at 14,140 feet, is a high-altitude mountain pass connecting Sikkim to Tibet. It offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and serves as an important trade route. Visitors need special permits to access this strategically significant border area.

Tsomgo Lake: Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a glacial lake located at 12,400 feet. Its serene waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque landscape. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a playground for yak rides and snow activities.

Rumtek Monastery: Rumtek Monastery, the largest in Sikkim, showcases intricate Tibetan architecture and houses precious Buddhist artifacts. It serves as the seat of the Karmapa Lama in India. The monastery's vibrant murals and peaceful atmosphere attract both devotees and tourists.

MG Marg: MG Marg is Gangtok's bustling main street and pedestrian-only zone. Lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, it's the heart of the city's social life. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere.

Tashi View Point: Tashi View Point offers panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. On clear days, visitors can witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the snow-capped Himalayan range. It's a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.

Tiger Hill: Tiger Hill, famous for its sunrise views, offers a spectacular panorama of the Kanchenjunga range. As the sun rises, it paints the peaks in hues of gold and pink. On clear days, even Mount Everest is visible from this vantage point.

Batasia Loop: Batasia Loop is a spiral railway track where the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway makes a 360-degree turn. It offers stunning views of Darjeeling's landscape and houses a War Memorial honoring Gorkha soldiers. The site combines natural beauty with historical significance.

Ghum Monastery: Ghum Monastery, also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling. It houses a 15-foot-high statue of the Maitreya Buddha and rare Buddhist manuscripts. The monastery's colorful prayer flags add to its serene atmosphere.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the "Toy Train," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This narrow-gauge railway offers a scenic journey through the mountains, providing breathtaking views of tea gardens and the Himalayan landscape.

Happy Valley Tea Estate: Happy Valley Tea Estate, one of the oldest and most famous tea gardens in Darjeeling, offers visitors a chance to learn about tea production. Visitors can tour the tea factory, witness the tea-making process, and sample some of Darjeeling's finest teas.

Ganesh Tok: Ganesh Tok is a tiny hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic views of Gangtok and the surrounding Himalayan range. Despite its small size, it's popular for its stunning vistas and a small Ganesh temple. It's especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.

Hanuman Tok: Hanuman Tok, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is a serene temple complex at 7,200 feet. It offers breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and the Gangtok valley. Maintained by the Indian Army, the site combines spiritual significance with natural beauty.

Banjhakri Falls: Banjhakri Falls is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by landscaped gardens. The park features sculptures depicting the Nepali Shaman folklore. With its natural beauty and cultural elements, it's a popular spot for picnics and photography.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: This zoo, specializing in breeding programs for rare Himalayan animals, is known for its red pandas and snow leopards. Set against a backdrop of mountains, it offers visitors a chance to see high-altitude wildlife in near-natural habitats.

Japanese Peace Pagoda: The Japanese Peace Pagoda, one of many built worldwide, promotes world peace. Its white structure stands out against Darjeeling's green hills. The pagoda offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains.

Rock Garden: Rock Garden, also known as Barbotey Rock Garden, is a terraced garden with waterfalls and pools. It showcases the natural beauty of the region with its rocky landscape and flowering plants. It's a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.

Top Things to do in 5 Days Gangtok Darjeeling Trip

Take a yak ride at high altitude: Experience the unique thrill of riding a yak in Sikkim's high-altitude regions. These shaggy beasts offer a traditional mode of transport while you enjoy breathtaking mountain views and crisp Himalayan air.

Sample local Sikkimese cuisine: Indulge in Sikkim's diverse culinary offerings. Try momos, thukpa, sel roti, and sinki. Don't miss gundruk, a fermented leafy green dish, and tongba, a millet-based alcoholic beverage sipped through a bamboo straw.

Try your hand at river rafting: Challenge yourself with an adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting experience on the Teesta or Rangit rivers. Navigate through rapids while surrounded by stunning Himalayan landscapes and lush forests.

Shop for traditional handicrafts: Explore Gangtok's markets for authentic Sikkimese handicrafts. Look for colorful thangkas, intricate wood carvings, hand-woven carpets, and traditional jewelry. These items make perfect souvenirs and support local artisans.

Attend a traditional Sikkimese cultural show: Immerse yourself in Sikkim's rich culture by watching a traditional performance. Enjoy colorful costumes, folk dances, and music that showcase the region's diverse ethnic heritage.

Go paragliding for aerial views: Soar like a bird over Gangtok's stunning landscape. Paragliding offers unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, and winding rivers. It's an exhilarating way to appreciate Sikkim's natural beauty.

Visit a local flower nursery: Explore Sikkim's rich flora at a local nursery. See exotic orchids, rhododendrons, and other Himalayan plants. Learn about the region's biodiversity and perhaps purchase some seeds or saplings.

Explore the nightlife on MG Marg: Experience Gangtok's vibrant evening scene on MG Marg. Enjoy live music at cafes, savor local and international cuisines, or simply stroll along the bustling pedestrian-only street.

Experience a tea tasting session: Participate in a professional tea tasting in Darjeeling. Learn about different tea grades, brewing techniques, and the art of tea appreciation. Sample various flavors and aromas of world-renowned Darjeeling tea.

Take a ride on the famous toy train: Board the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for a nostalgic journey. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a slow-paced ride through stunning mountain scenery and quaint hill stations.

Watch the sunrise over Kanchenjunga: Wake up early to witness a spectacular sunrise. Watch as the first rays of sunlight paint Kanchenjunga's snow-capped peaks in hues of gold and pink. It's a truly magical experience.

Go trekking in the surrounding hills: Explore Darjeeling's natural beauty on foot. Choose from various trekking routes suitable for different fitness levels. Enjoy panoramic views, diverse flora and fauna, and serene forests.

Try local Tibetan and Nepali dishes: Savor authentic Tibetan and Nepali cuisine in Darjeeling. Try steaming momos, hearty thukpa, spicy alu dum, and sweet sel roti. Don't miss butter tea, a local specialty.

Take a yoga or meditation class: Find inner peace with a yoga or meditation session in the tranquil Himalayan setting. Many retreats and centers offer classes suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

Shop for Darjeeling tea and woolens: Browse Darjeeling's markets for its famous tea and high-quality woolens. Purchase different tea varieties directly from estates. Find warm shawls, sweaters, and other woolen items perfect for mountain weather.

Enjoy a heritage walk: Discover Darjeeling's colonial past through a guided heritage walk. Explore Victorian-era architecture, old churches, and historical sites while learning about the town's rich cultural history.

How to Reach Gangtok & Darjeeling

By Air: The closest airport that services Gangtok and Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport. From Bagdogra, you will have to avail ground transport to reach the places. Gangtok and Darjeeling themselves do not have any direct air connectivity.

By Rail: Take a train to New Jalpaiguri railway station, NJP, about 16 km away from Bagdogra. From NJP you can take the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a 'toy train' to Darjeeling, a very scenic journey of about 7-8 hours. There is no direct rail link, so for Gangtok you would have to switch to road transport from NJP.

By Road: From Bagdogra or NJP, you can travel by shared jeeps, private taxis, or buses. Shared jeeps are a popular and economical option. Taxis offer more comfort and flexibility. Buses are available but may be less comfortable. The journey to Darjeeling takes about 3 hours, while Gangtok is about 4-5 hours away.

Best Time to Visit Gangtok & Darjeeling

Spring (March to May): This is one of the most popular times to visit. The weather is pleasant. Temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F). Spring brings clear skies. These skies allow stunning mountain views. Rhododendrons and orchids bloom during this time. These blooms add vibrant colors to the landscape. It is an excellent time for outdoor activities. Moreover it's perfect for sightseeing.

Autumn (September to November): Another favored season for tourists. The weather is crisp and the atmosphere is clear. Temperatures are similar to spring. The post-monsoon period offers spectacular views. These include the stunning Himalayas which encompass Kanchenjunga. The autumn foliage adds to the scenic beauty. This is also a good time for trekking. Additionally, it's ideal for outdoor exploration.

Things To Pack