LAND OF GODS

Pickup from NJP station 04:20 AM & Depart for a 4 Hours approx Journey to Gangtok (5500 Ft), Sikkim – the Land of the Pristine and unspoilt natural beauty with alpine landscapes and thick luxuriant forests, rivers in torrent and peaceful lakes. Checkin at Hotel. Rest of the day at Leisure, explore the city.
Overnight stay at GANGTOK.

After breakfast proceed to Tsomgo Lake (12,210 Ft), a 40kms drive which takes 2.5 hrs. This lake is located very close to Nathula Pass which is the entry point to China termed as the “Silk Route & remains frozen for most parts of the year. Legend has it that the Lamas use to forecast the future by studying the colour of the lakes waters. Enjoy the surroundings, majestic snowy peaks which feed the lake and the clean fresh air. Back to Gangtok by 3pm for a late lunch. Evening free for leisure or go shopping for Sikkimese traditional handicrafts.
Overnight stay at GANGTOK.

Depart early morning for Lachung (8610 Ft), a distance of 126 kms. On the way stop enroute and enjoy the wonderful locations like Kabi Lungstok (25km from Gangtok where a blood brotherhood was signed between the Lepcha chief, Thekong Tek & the Bhutia chief, Khye Bumsa. The spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forests) ; Naga Waterfalls ; the confluence of Lachen Chu & Lachung Chu at Chungthang- the starting point of the river Teesta. Chungthang is predominantly a Lepcha region, the nodal junction for the two passes- Lachen & Lachung. Stop at the Twin Waterfalls & Bhim Nala Waterfalls before reaching Lachung.

Lachung is an exquisite valley town , resplendent in its crown of snow capped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls & sparkling streams. It has been described as “the most picturesque village of Sikkim” by Joseph Dalton in his ‘Himalayan Journal’ (1855). Checkin and get refreshed. The rest of the afternoon is spent Nature Exploring & Local Sightseeing around Lachung village with a visit to the Lachung Monastery. Relax, sleep off & rest your tired body.
Overnight stay at LACHUNG.

After Breakfast proceed to Yumthang (11800 Ft) a 23 kms drive taking 1.5hrs. This is where the Tree Line ends & the rhododendron groves cover the landscape in a surreal shade. Also called the Valley of Flowers as in spring wild alpine flowers carpet the land. In winter there is snow all around and the snow clad mountains add to the ethereal beauty. This place is also known for its Hot Springs which have healing medicinal properties.
Picnic in this beautiful valley, trek to reach the high points all around, take a bath in the Hot Springs. Back to Lachung by evening.
Overnight stay at LACHUNG.

After the Breakfast, depart for Gangtok by 10am. Arrive by lunch & Checkin at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at GANGTOK.

After breakfast, (0900hrs-1400hrs) visit Cottage Industries, Flower Show & Rumtek Monastery, 24 kms from Gangtok was built in 1960 by His Holiness the Late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa & this is a replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tibet, a must see for every visitor, the seat of the “Kagyu Order” . Behind the Monastery is the lavishly decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies which attracts students from the world over. Here one can find the most unique religious scriptures & art objects of the world. After lunch, proceed to Pelling (6800 Ft), a 5 hour journey (112 kms) via Ravangla (6800 Ft), a small township & transit point to various destinations in South & West Sikkim, situated at the base of Meenam Hill (10300 Ft). Arrive at Pelling by 2-3pm & checkin at Hotel. This is one of the closest points to the Khanchenjunga range & one can see it upfront touching the sky from Pelling.
Overnight stay at PELLING.

Leave early for the Khecheopalri Lake, also called the “Wish Fulfilling Lake”. It lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags & forested hills. Then to the, Rimbi Falls, Rock Garden, Khangchendzonga water falls. Back to the Resort for lunch.

After lunch, proceed to The Pemayangtse Monastery (7021 Ft), 2.5 kms from Pelling. Built during the late 17th century, it is one of the oldest & most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. Even today, it is only the monks of this monastery who enjoy the title of ‘Tasang’ or pure monks. The monastery follows the Mindroling tradition & has 108 monks. The main attraction of the monastery is the wooden replica of Zangdog Palri, the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava, built by Serdup L Dorje Rinpoche in 1971, Rabdentse Ruins – the second capital of the erstwhile King of Sikkim till 1814 A.D. This is also very close to the Pemyangtse Monastery, a 30mins walk from the main road. The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across the deep valley, to the mystic heights of the Khanchenjunga range is something to be cherished & etched in memory & Helipad Ground. Back by evening. Overnight stay.

After Breakfast drive to Rangpo. Further as per advise.