What type of accommodations are included?

We provide a mix of homestays and boutique hotels. In villages like Darap and Gnathang, you’ll stay in cozy homestays offering authentic local experiences. In Gangtok and Darjeeling, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels or heritage stays.

What meals are included?

Breakfast and dinner are included daily. In homestays, you’ll enjoy traditional home-cooked meals, while hotels offer a mix of local and Indian cuisines. Lunch can be enjoyed en route at local restaurants.

Do I need permits for this trip?

Yes. Permits are required for Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, and Doklam Plateau. Escape Tag arranges all necessary permits for Indian tourists. International tourists will need additional documentation and may not be permitted to all areas.

What is the best time to take this trip?

Spring (March–May): Rhododendrons in bloom, pleasant weather. Autumn (September–November): Clear skies, best mountain views. Winter (December–February): Snow in Nathula and Gnathang Valley (for snow lovers).Monsoon (June–August) is less recommended due to landslides and road conditions.

How difficult are the road journeys?

The Silk Route involves winding mountain roads, sharp bends, and high-altitude passes. Our experienced drivers ensure safe and comfortable travel. Motion sickness tablets are recommended if you’re prone to travel sickness.

Himalayan Wonders; East Sikkim/West Sikkim/Darjeeling 8Day

Transportation
Car/Inova, ScorpioN, Wagnr, Swift & Bolero
Accomodation
Standard-Five Stars Hotels/Homestay's
Best season
Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct & Nov
Tour type
Eco-Tour
Meals
Breakfast & Dinner
Language
English, Hindi & Nepali
Group Size
2-15

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

This journey takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes of Sikkim and Darjeeling, blending adventure, culture, and nature into one unforgettable experience.

From the lively streets of Gangtok to the mystical heights of Nathula Pass and the surreal Doklam Plateau, every day unfolds like a story against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas. You will trace the ancient Silk Route, marvel at the alpine meadows of Gnathang Valley, and descend through the dramatic loops of Zuluk.

In West Sikkim’s Darap Village, you will be welcomed into warm homestays, where culture and tradition come alive. Visits to sacred lakes, cascading waterfalls, ancient monasteries, and the Chenrezig Skywalk will add depth to your experience. Finally, the journey ends in the colonial charm of Darjeeling, where the golden sunrise at Tiger Hill and the nostalgic Toy Train ride will leave you with timeless memories.

This itinerary is perfect for travelers who seek a blend of high-altitude adventures, spiritual experiences, cultural immersion, and scenic road trips—all wrapped in the authentic warmth of local hospitality.

Highlights

Scenic drive along the Teesta River to Gangtok.
Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass (Indo-China border), and the rare Doklam Plateau (subject to permits).
Gnathang Valley, Zuluk Loops, and Thambi View Point.
West Sikkim gems: Darap Village, Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga & Rimbi
Waterfalls, Orange Garden, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, and Chenrezig Skywalk.
Darjeeling attractions: Tiger Hill sunrise, Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, Himalayan Zoo, HMI, and optional Toy Train ride.

Expand all

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the mystical Himalayas with our Himalayan Wonders itinerary, a carefully crafted 8-day experience that combines the magic of Sikkim’s Silk Route, hidden valleys, and West Sikkim villages with the colonial charm of Darjeeling.

The adventure begins with a serene drive along the Teesta River to Gangtok, where vibrant markets and cozy homestays welcome you. From here, the road winds up to Tsomgo Lake, a sacred glacial lake, and further to the windswept heights of Nathula Pass, standing at 14,140 feet on the Indo-China border.

Next comes the rare experience of visiting the Doklam Plateau (subject to permits), a region at the crossroads of India, Bhutan, and Tibet, surrounded by dramatic alpine landscapes. You’ll then journey into the enchanting Gnathang Valley, often called the “Switzerland of the East.”

Descending through the iconic Zuluk Loops and the panoramic Thambi View Point, the road takes you westwards into Darap Village, where authentic homestays, cultural interactions, and a slower pace of life await. From Khecheopalri Lake (the wishing lake) to Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, Rimbi Falls, and the Chenrezig Skywalk, the beauty of West Sikkim will leave you spellbound.

As the journey continues, explore the historic Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse Ruins, and charming hill stations before arriving in Darjeeling. Here, the golden sunrise from Tiger Hill, visits to Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, the Himalayan Zoo, and Mountaineering Institute, along with an optional Toy Train ride, complete your Himalayan adventure.

With every stop, this itinerary blends majestic mountain views, spiritual lakes, heritage sites, and local village life, creating an experience that is both adventurous and soulful.

Day 01 :

Arrival at Siliguri → Gangtok

Arrive at NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport and drive along the scenic Teesta River. Check into a cozy
homestay in Gangtok. Evening free to stroll MG Marg, enjoy tea, momos, or shopping. Meals: Dinner at
homestay.

Day 02 :

Gangtok → Tsomgo Lake → Nathula Pass → Kabuk Village

Visit the glacial Tsomgo Lake surrounded by snowy peaks. Drive further to Nathula Pass (14,140 ft) on the
historic Silk Route. By evening, reach Kabuk Village for an authentic homestay experience. Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 03 :

Excursion to Doklam → Gnathang Valley

Early morning excursion to the Doklam Plateau (subject to permits) at the Indo-Bhutan-Tibet border. Enjoy
surreal alpine landscapes before heading to Gnathang Valley, known as the 'Switzerland of the East.'
Overnight at a traditional homestay. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 04 :

Gnathang → Zuluk → Ravangla → Darap Village

Descend through the legendary Zuluk Loops and stop at Thambi View Point for panoramic Kanchenjunga
views. Visit Ravangla Buddha Park before reaching Darap Village for a traditional Limboo homestay
experience. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 05 :

Darap Sightseeing – Sacred Lakes & Waterfalls

Excursion to Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, Rimbi Falls, Orange Garden, and the Chenrezig
Skywalk. Return to Darap for cultural interaction with locals. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 06 :

Darap → Pelling & Rabdentse → Darjeeling

Explore Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, and Bird Park. Drive onwards to Darjeeling. Evening
leisure at Mall Road – café hopping at Glenary’s or shopping. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 07 :

Darjeeling Sightseeing

Early morning drive to Tiger Hill for sunrise over Kanchenjunga. Visit Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop,
Darjeeling Zoo, and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Optional Toy Train Ride. Evening leisure in the hill
town. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 08 :

Departure from Darjeeling → Siliguri

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Scenic drive back to NJP / Bagdogra for onward journey. Meals: Breakfast.

Himalayan Wonders; East Sikkim/West Sikkim/Darjeeling 8Day

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