Sikkim Saga With Pelling

Q: What is the best time to visit Gangtok, Pelling & Darjeeling?

The best time to visit Gangtok, Pelling, Lachung (North Sikkim) and Darjeeling is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, skies are generally clear, and you can enjoy the scenic beauty, outdoor sightseeing, and Himalayan views. Monsoon months (July–August) are not recommended due to heavy rainfall and landslide risks, while winters (December–February) are very cold, especially in North Sikkim, but ideal for snow lovers.

Q: What is the temperature in these destinations?

During summer (April – June), temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C, making it pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. In monsoon (July – September), temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C with moderate to heavy rainfall. Winter (October – February) sees temperatures drop from 0°C to 15°C, particularly in Lachung, Yumthang, and Zero Point, where it can fall below zero. North Sikkim remains colder compared to Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling throughout the year.

No Fixed Departure Available!

Discover the Eastern Himalayas with this Sikkim Saga covering Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling—blending scenic mountain drives, serene monasteries, and breathtaking hilltop views.

Flight Included
No
Hotel Accomodation
4 Star
Trip Starts From
Gangtok
Trip Ends At
Darjeeling
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Route Plan
Gangtok (3N),Pelling (2N),Darjeeling (2N)
Destinations Covered
Darjeeling, Gangtok, India, Pelling, Sikkim
Trip Type
Family Fun Trips

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Dates

FAQs

Review

Overview

Your journey with thekangarootravels begins with arrival at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, followed by a scenic transfer to Gangtok for a 3-night stay. This 7 Nights / 8 Days itinerary then continues to Lachung (1 Night), back to Gangtok (1 Night), onward to Pelling (1 Night), and finally to Darjeeling (1 Night) before departure from NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport. In Gangtok, sightseeing includes Tsomgo Lake, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Ban Jhakri Falls, Do Drul Chorten, Research Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom and Flower Show (subject to holidays). The North Sikkim excursion covers the beautiful Yumthang Valley from Lachung, known for its alpine scenery and seasonal rhododendron blooms. In Pelling, attractions include Pemayangtse Monastery, Chenrezig Statue and Skywalk, Rimbi Waterfall, Khecheopalri Lake and Kanchenjunga Waterfall. The tour concludes in Darjeeling with an early morning visit to Tiger Hill to witness sunrise over the Himalayas, along with Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, Japanese Temple, Peace Pagoda, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center and panoramic views of tea estates. The package includes 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners, comfortable hotel stays, private transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary, offering a complete Himalayan experience across Sikkim and Darjeeling.

Sightseeing & Activites Covered

Gangtok : Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass (At Optional), Tshangu Lake - The glacial lake of Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery, Jhakri Water Fall, Do Drul Chorten Monastery
Pelling : DriveTo Yuksom, Darap Village, Rimbi Water fall & Hydro Project, Khecheopalri Lake
Darjeeling : Tiger Hills, Kangchenjunga, Ghoom Monastery ( Yiga Choeling Monastery), Tenzing & Gombu Rock

Day 01 :

Arrival NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport – Gangtok

Sightseeings Covered No sightseeing (only arrival and transfer)

Gangtok (5412 Ft / 1650 Mts, 130 Kms / 04 to 05 Hrs Drive)

On arrival at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) (413 Ft / 126 Mts), you will be met by our local representative who will assist you to board the vehicle to Gangtok. Proceed by road covering a distance of 130 kms in approximately 04 to 05 hours. On reaching Gangtok (5412 Ft / 1650 Mts), check in at the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Gangtok.

Dinner

Day 02 :

Gangtok – Excursion to Tshangu Lake & New Baba Mandir

Sightseeings Covered Tshangu Lake & New Baba Mandir

Tshangu Lake (12400 Ft / 3780 Mts / 43 Kms / 02 Hrs Drive one way) & New Baba Mandir (13100 Ft / 3994 Mts / 18 Kms / 01 Hrs further drive from Tshangu Lake)

Today, after breakfast, proceed for a full day excursion to Tsomgo Lake (12400 Ft / 3780 Mts / 43 Kms / 02 Hrs drive one way) followed by Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple (13100 Ft / 3994 Mts / 18 Kms / 01 Hr further drive from Tshangu Lake). After completion of sightseeing, return back to Gangtok.
Overnight at Hotel in Gangtok.

Note:

Documents required for Tshangu Lake & New Baba Mandir – 02 Passport Size Photos along with Photo Copy of Photo ID Proof (Passport or Driving License or Voter ID). PAN Card & Aadhaar Card are not accepted. For children below 18 years, School ID / College ID is mandatory. Original ID proof must be carried while travelling.

In case visit to Tshangu Lake is not possible due to landslide or any other unforeseen reasons, alternative sightseeing will be provided.

Process for Foreigner, OCI & PIO Card holders is completely different. Kindly inform well in advance to plan the itinerary accordingly.

Optional:

Nathu La (14137 Ft / 4310 Mts) at Indo-China Border (remains closed on Monday for tourists). Visit is limited to Indian nationals only and allowed on the basis of advance permit and on extra cost. For rate, kindly refer to Supplement & Optional Cost Column given below the main package cost.

Breakfast + Dinner

Day 03 :

Gangtok

Sightseeings Covered Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Enchey Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom, Flower Show & Ban Jhakri Falls

Today after breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing of Gangtok covering Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Enchey Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (Closed on Saturday & Sunday, Local Festival and State & National Govt. holidays), Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom (Closed on Saturday & Sunday, Local Festival and State & National Govt. holidays), Flower Show (Closed on Saturday & Sunday, Local Festival and State & National Govt. holidays) and Ban Jhakri Falls. After sightseeing, return back to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Gangtok.

Note:

Alternative sightseeing of Bakthang Waterfall & Ropeway (if operational, ticket on direct payment basis) will be provided in case Namgyal Institute of Tibetology & Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom are closed.

Breakfast + Dinner

Day 04 :

Gangtok – Pelling

Sightseeings Covered Transfer from Gangtok to Pelling

Pelling (5500 Ft / 1675 Mts, 116 Kms / 05 to 06 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer from Gangtok to Pelling covering a distance of 116 kms in approximately 05 to 06 hours. On reaching Pelling (5500 Ft / 1675 Mts), check in at the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Pelling.

Optional:

Detour to Buddha Park at Ravangla (8000 Ft / 2439 Mts).
Detour to Char Dham Namchi at Namchi (4314 Ft / 1315 Mts).

For rate, kindly refer to Supplement & Optional Cost Column given below the main package cost.

Breakfast + Dinner

Day 05 :

Pelling

Sightseeings Covered Pemayangtse Monastery, Chenrezig Statue & Skywalk, Rimbi Waterfall, Khecheopalri Lake & Kanchenjunga Waterfall

Pelling (5500 Ft / 1675 Mts)

After breakfast, proceed for local sightseeing of Pelling covering Pemayangtse Monastery, Chenrezig Statue and Skywalk. Post lunch, continue sightseeing to Rimbi Waterfall, Khecheopalri Lake and Kanchenjunga Waterfall. After completing the sightseeing, return to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Pelling.

Breakfast + Dinner

Day 06 :

Pelling – Darjeeling

Sightseeings Covered Transfer from Pelling to Darjeeling

Darjeeling (6710 Ft / 2046 Mts, 125 Kms / 05 to 06 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer from Pelling to Darjeeling covering a distance of 125 kms in approximately 05 to 06 hours. On reaching Darjeeling (6710 Ft / 2046 Mts), check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Darjeeling.

Optional:

Detour to Singshore Bridge (5904 Ft / 1800 Mts, 26 Kms / 1.5 to 2 Hrs drive one way from Pelling). For rate, kindly refer to Supplement & Optional Cost Column given below the main package cost.

Breakfast + Dinner

Day 07 :

Darjeeling

Sightseeings Covered Tiger Hill, Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tenzing & Gombu Rock, Tea Estates Panoramic Tour

Early morning at around 04:00 AM (subject to clear weather), proceed for a visit to Tiger Hill (8482 Ft / 2586 Mts) to witness the sunrise over the mighty Kanchenjunga. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, go for a half-day sightseeing of local Darjeeling covering Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park & Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday, Local Festival and State & National Govt. holidays), Tenzing & Gombu Rock, and panoramic tour of Tea Estates. Return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Darjeeling.

Note:
Tiger Hill visit is subject to availability of coupons, as only 600 vehicles are allowed in the morning. In case of non-availability, Tiger Hill visit will be provided after breakfast.

Optional:
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway popularly known as Joy Train Ride. For rate, kindly refer to the Supplement & Optional Cost Column given below the main package cost.

Breakfast + Dinner

Day 08 :

Darjeeling – NJP / IXB

Sightseeings Covered Optional visit to Pashupati Nagar (Indo-Nepal border) & Mirik Lake

New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) (413 Ft / 126 Mts, 100 Kms / 03 to 04 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer from Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport covering 100 Kms in approximately 03 to 04 hours for your onward connection. Overnight is not included as this is a departure day.

Optional:
Detour via Pashupati Nagar for shopping at Indo-Nepal border & Mirik Lake (4905 Ft / 1495 Mts).

Note:
For the Pashupati Nagar visit, the vehicle will stop at the Indian side of the border. Guests will need to walk to the Nepalese side of the border where they can hire a local taxi (INR 400–500 one way) to reach the market, or walk approximately 2 Kms to reach it.

Breakfast

Expand all

What is the best time to visit Gangtok, Pelling & Darjeeling?

The best time to visit Gangtok, Pelling, Lachung (North Sikkim) and Darjeeling is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, skies are generally clear, and you can enjoy the scenic beauty, outdoor sightseeing, and Himalayan views. Monsoon months (July–August) are not recommended due to heavy rainfall and landslide risks, while winters (December–February) are very cold, especially in North Sikkim, but ideal for snow lovers.

What is the temperature in these destinations?

During summer (April – June), temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C, making it pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. In monsoon (July – September), temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C with moderate to heavy rainfall. Winter (October – February) sees temperatures drop from 0°C to 15°C, particularly in Lachung, Yumthang, and Zero Point, where it can fall below zero. North Sikkim remains colder compared to Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling throughout the year.

What local foods and cuisines can I try?

The local cuisine includes traditional Sikkimese dishes such as momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), gundruk (fermented leafy greens), sinki (fermented radish), churpee (local cheese), and a variety of fresh Himalayan vegetables. In Darjeeling, you can also try Nepali, Tibetan, and Bengali dishes, along with freshly brewed Darjeeling tea.

Can I upgrade my hotel during the tour?

Yes, hotel upgrades are available at most destinations along the itinerary, subject to availability. You can request for upgraded rooms or premium hotels in Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling before booking or during the trip by paying the applicable charges.

Is this trip suitable for families with children and elderly travelers?

Yes, this itinerary is suitable for families, including children and elderly travelers, as sightseeing is mostly by private vehicle with moderate walking involved. However, North Sikkim destinations like Lachung and Yumthang involve higher altitudes, so travelers should be cautious of altitude sickness and carry necessary medication.