Eastern Paradise

When you reach NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, get into your ride to Gangtok. It’s a journey of about 130 km and will take around 4 to 5 hours. Once you arrive in Gangtok, check into your hotel and relax for the night.

• Start your day with a tasty breakfast, then set off for a fun trip to Tshangu Lake and New Baba Mandir. Tshangu Lake is a stunning place located 12,400 feet, about 43 km away. It’s a beautiful lake with clear water that reflects the snowy mountains around it.
• Then, visit the New Baba Mandir, a sacred spot at 13,100 feet, 16 km from the lake. This temple honours Baba Harbhajan Singh, a brave Indian Army soldier who passed away in 1968. The journey to these places is just as amazing, with incredible views of the mountains and valleys. After exploring the lake and temple, head back to your hotel in the evening for a restful night.

• After your breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and start our journey to Lachen, which is about 130 kilometres away and takes around 6 hours to reach. Lachen sits high at 9000 feet above sea level. On our way, we’ll stop at some beautiful places worth seeing, like the Tashi viewpoint and the Seven Sisters waterfall, if we follow the usual road without any changes. We expect to arrive in Lachen by late afternoon or evening. Once we get there, we’ll check into our hotel. Enjoy your dinner and have a good night’s sleep in Lachen.
• Please remember to bring two passport-sized photos and a photocopy of your photo ID proof (like your passport, driving license, or voter ID. Please note, that PAN cards and Aadhar cards are not accepted). If you’re under 18, you need to bring your school or college ID. Make sure to carry the original IDs with you.

• Your adventure begins early at 5 am with a packed breakfast, setting off for a memorable drive to Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake, high up at 17,200 feet. It’s still nearly dark as you start, but as you climb higher, the first rays of the sun light up the snow-capped mountains, turning them into shimmering peaks of gold.
• Your journey from Lachen includes a stop at Thangu, a high spot at 13,000 feet, about 2 to 2.5 hours away. Thangu offers a welcome break for stretching and getting used to the altitude. Here, local family kitchens provide simple yet comforting meals like tea, bread with butter, and Maggi noodles for a small fee. It’s a chance to warm up around a traditional stove and experience a slice of mountain life.
• Driving further, you’ll reach the untouched beauty of Chopta Valley, a mere 30 to 45 minutes from Thangu. Sitting close to Tibet, the valley is a splash of green amidst the high altitudes, with stunning alpine vegetation. Some travellers choose to stay here, enjoying the serene views and the rich flora.
• The journey towards Gurudongmar takes you through a landscape surrounded by mountains and army bunkers, resembling a high-altitude desert with little vegetation, stones, and dust. Here, the road is what you make it, navigating through the openness can be tricky without guidance. The area is known for its cold, windy conditions year-round, and it’s advised to take it easy to avoid breathing difficulties due to the high altitude. In winter, Gurudongmar Lake transforms into a frozen wonder, with a sacred corner that never ices over, watched over by the ever-helpful army personnel.
• The day ends with a transfer to Lachung, where you’ll spend the night at a local hotel, resting and reflecting on the day’s incredible journey.

Start your day early with a trip to the beautiful Yumthang Valley, located about 25 kilometres away, a journey that takes around 1.5 hours one way. This valley is a must-see for visitors staying in Lachung. From April to June, the area is especially beautiful as the Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary lights up with colourful blooms. Surrounded by tall, snow-covered mountains and wandering yaks, it’s like stepping into a dream. The valley is also famous for its hot springs. Even though the water might not look clean, many local people believe it has healing powers and come here for a dip. In the afternoon, you’ll head back to Gangtok, which is about 124 kilometres away and takes around 5.5 to 6.5 hours to reach. Spend the night at a hotel in Gangtok, resting up for more adventures.

Transfer to Darjeeling

• Wake up early and start your day with an exciting trip to Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery, and Batasia Loop. After a hearty breakfast, get ready for a day full of exploring Darjeeling’s top spots. We’ll see the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park. Don’t miss out on climbing Tenzing-Gombu Rock and visiting the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, the Japanese Temple, and the Peace Pagoda. Finish your day with a beautiful view of the Tea Estate, then head back to the hotel by the evening.
• In the evening, enjoy a relaxing walk on Mall Road for beautiful views of Darjeeling or do some shopping in the local market. Stay overnight at the hotel, all set for another day of adventure.

After breakfast, head to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, which is 413 feet above sea level and about 100 kilometers away. It will take around 3 to 4 hours to get there, so you can catch your next train or flight.