Hidden Treasure of India! #TM2021

The best part about North East is that besides Indian culture it has resemblance of neighbouring countries too i.e Nepali, Tibetan and Chinese. Base point to travel this route is to reach New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri via train or bus.From here one can book taxi or sharing cabs as per the budget. Approx charges for private taxi is 3500 and sharing taxi is 400. Charges may vary as per season.Nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport.Private taxi is to be booked in advance for ease, no sharing is available here.

Try to reach sikkim before 8a.m in the morning in order to utilise full day. After 4.30 all the tourist places shuts down.

Places to visit in local Gangtok.

1. Ropeway

2. Hanuman tok

3. Ganesh tok

4. Tashi view point for Sunset

5. Banjhakri falls

6. Enchey monastery

8. Rumtek monastery

7. MG marg

8. Do drul chorten

9. Bakhtang falls

10. Khechopalri lake

Local transport is quite expensive in Gangtok so prefer sharing cabs.

Stay at Muscatel grand silk route- Rs 2500 per night, 300 m from mg marg.

Local tour company- Blue Sky Tours and Travels(office at mg marg)

Local dishes to be tried are momos, thupka , sel roti , and variety of non veg dishes.

Next day can plan trip to East Sikkim which includes Nathula pass, Baba mandir old and new, changu lake or tsomgo lake, Golf course, Elephant lake..

Permit is required to visit Nathula pass.

If shared cab is taken then book your seat a day in advance, they will take all permit and do formalities, which is an easy going option. This trip costs 1150 per seat.

Nathula paas is at high altitude so carry winter clothes.

Leaving for Kalimpong early in morning around 8am, for adventure at Teesta River White water rafting and camping.

Sharing cab from Gangtok to Kalimpong will cost around Rs 250 per person. Private taxi would cost around Rs 2500.

We booked our rafting and camping online from Mr. Ajay- 086370 70220 ( outdoor activities),Private boat for rafting- Rs 5000 ( occupancy for 5 people), pickup available. Check in is around 2 p.m and check out around 10a.m. Camping- 1200 per person.( With snacks in evening, dinner and next day breakfast, bonfire, speaker available).

Feels like heaven on earth, nearby Teesta River. Highly recommended!!

Its time for paragliding at Kalimpong to get the view of sikkim, Darjeeling and Mount kanchanjangha. Booked our ride with Mr. Ajay at Rs 3500 per person ( with photos and videos)

Activity worth experiencing, goosebumps and butterflies in stomach, peace and serene at 2000m above is just Wow!!

Book a cab to reach the paragliding spot and further to Darjeeling- costing around 3200. Reach activity spot by 11a.m. or early, because there is waiting time for weather to be stable and suitable for the activity.

Heading to next destination- Darjeeling. Reached there by 4p.m. Check in at Sterling resort and visit near Buddhist monastery.

Best route was from Kalimpong to Darjeeling, fog, pine trees, clouds makes u feel magical, it's about journey not the destination.

Start your day early to utilise fullest.

Tiger hill point for sunrise and Mount kanchanjangha view. Start your day at 4a.m. and back to hotel by 7.30 a.m.

( Permit is required so book your can a day in advance at hotel) - around Rs1500

There are two options to do sightseeing at Darjeeling

1. Via toy train- get ticket from station and enjoy the view with halt at specific tourist spots.

2. Book a cab and cover destinations. Things to do-

1.Batasia loop

2.Japanese temple, peace pagoda

3.Happy estate tea garden

4.Rock garden

5.Local shopping at chowrasta- full of Trendy clothes and accessories

6.Mall road- Must visit Glenary's, local bakery and cake shop,with rooftop restaurant.

7.Ghoom monastery

Local food to put hands on- wai wai, Aaloo mimi, momo, thupka, Samosa in their way, churpi, moori ladoo.

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Special points

Minimum 2 full days required for Darjeeling,and full day for local Gangtok travel. Travel time is usually more than that is shown by Google maps so plan accordingly.

In order to extend trip- can cover Northern Sikkim which requires 2 nights 3days, to get view of snowfall. Which cover lachen, lachung, gurudongmar lake, yumthang valley, zero point.

Best time to travel- October to December, March to May.

Trip to Pelling for India's first skywalk is worth visiting.