Pilgrimage to Sikkim, India

Welcome to India! Upon your arrival at the airport in Delhi, our representative will greet you and escort you to the hotel. After checking into the hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the local area and relaxing. Our friendly guide and hotel staff will be on hand should you need restaurant recommendations or general provisions.

Today we’ll travel to Kalimpong, a beautiful town in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal. Fly from Delhi to Bagdogra, where we’ll be met by our driver on arrival. On the way to Kalimpong we’ll pass by one of the main rivers of Sikkim, the Teesta River. When we arrive in Kalimpong we’ll check into our hotel. Kalimpong is known as the garden of flowers, and the town is renowned for its scenic beauty and mist covered hills. The rest of the day is at your leisure to rest or explore.

Today we’ll take in the many sights of Kalimpong. Visit Durpin Hill, home to the famous Zong Dog Palri Phodrang Monastery that belongs to the same Buddhist school as the Dalai Lama. We’ll also visit Jelepla View Point, Pine View Point, Kalim Temple, and Dr Graham’s Homes Complex. The complex has a historic church and well-maintained grounds and was founded in 1900 by Rev. Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Scottish missionary. Later, we’ll visit Delo Hill, the highest point in Kalimpong and home to the town’s picturesque water reservoir, and Mangal Dham Temple, which was constructed in memory of the late Guru Shree (108) Mangal Das Ji and dedicated to Lord Krishna. In the late afternoon we’ll visit the Kalimpong Arts and Crafts Centre.

After breakfast we’ll leave Kalimpong and drive to Pelling, which offers some of the most spectacular views Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world (subject to clear weather). Upon arrival we’ll check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to rest and acclimatise.

Today we’ll spend a full day exploring Pelling and its picturesque surrounds. We’ll start with a visit to Khecheopalri Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 1780 metres. This sacred lake is known as a wishing lake, and is a popular pilgrimage destination for both Buddhists and Hindus. Next, we’ll visit the Rimbi Waterfalls, followed by a trip to see the statue of Buddhist deity Chenrezig. This giant statue was consecrated with a special prayer led by Dodrupchen Rinpoche and Gonjang Rinpoche, and the complex also has an impressive glass-bottomed sky walk. We’ll also visit Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most famous monasteries in Sikkim, and a key monastery for the royal lineage. Lastly, we’ll visit the Rabdentse Palace Ruins, formerly the second capital of Sikkim.

After breakfast we’ll drive to Yuksom, a remote territory of Sikkim and the first capital of the region. Yuksom was also the site of the first Chogyal’s coronation, and you will be able to view the footprint of the head lama on a stone. We’ll also visit Kathok Lake, located on the hilltop of Yuksom at 1701 metres, and the Norbugang Stupa. In the late afternoon we’ll drive back to Pelling.

After breakfast, we’ll leave Pelling and head to Namchi. On the way we’ll stop at Ravangla to visit Buddha Park, famous for its giant Buddha statue and picturesque surrounds. We’ll also visit the Hindu shrine Siddheswari Dham; Samdruptse Hill, which overlooks Namchi and has one of the tallest statues of Guru Padmasambhava in Asia; and Temi Tea Garden, which produces top quality tea for international markets. In the late afternoon we’ll check in to our hotel in Namchi.

After breakfast, we’ll head to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Along the way we’ll pass by a land of unspoiled natural beauty complete with alpine landscapes, thick luxuriant forests, and peaceful lakes and rivers. On arrival, we’ll check into our hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to rest and explore the local area.

Today we’ll set off for a full day of exploring. We’ll start with a visit to Rumtek Monastery, which was built in the 1960s by His Holiness the 16th Karmapa when he took refuge in Sikkim after the Chinese aggression on Tibet. We’ll also visit Ranka Monastery, a newer monastery with excellent views of the surrounding area. We’ll take in some of the best views around the city at the Tashi View Point, which provides spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Kanchenjunga, Siniolchu, Mount Pandim and Kabru (subject to clear weather). Subject to clear weather, we’ll also visit Ganesh Tok for a bird’s eye view of the sprawling city. Lastly, we’ll visit Tingkye Gonjang Monastery, which was blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1981. Inside this Nyingma monastery there are statues of the founding fathers, known as Khen Lop Cho Sum, and the engraved statues of the 25 disciples of Guru Padmasambhava.

Today we’ll say goodbye to Sikkim. After checking out of the hotel, we’ll be transferred to either Pakyong or Bagdogra airport for our return flight to Delhi.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Delhi Airport for your onward journey. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to see you again soon.