Day 03: Darjeeling to Yangtey by Jeep (approx. 110
kms, 4 hours).
Morning after breakfast you depart for Yangtey by surface. This place
stands majestically on a hilltop and is the latest addition on the
tourist map of West Sikkim. The resort here commands a panoramic view of
the Khangchendzonga range and the surrounding countryside dotted with
monasteries and hamlets. The colourful Friday market at Geyzing is 1-1/2
kms away. Upon arrival you will check into the hotel. Lunch will be at
the hotel. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel .
Day 04 : Yangtey: Yuksam, Khechoperi Lake & Pemayangtse
Monastery
Full day excursion to Khechoperi Lake, Yuksom Valley & Pemayangtse
Monastery. The holy wishing lake at Khechoperi lies surrounded by
luxuriant forest cover and according to legend tiny birds pick up leaves
that accidentally fall into the lake, thus keeping it clean. Yuksom, a
small cardamom growing village is first capital of Sikkim and a stone
throne bears testimony to its rich history. It is the starting point of
the famous Dzongri-Goechala trail. On a clear day you get superb views
of Mt. Kabur (North & South) and the bald and ominous Dzongri top.
Later visit Pemayangtse monastery (6840 feet), the 2nd oldest monastery
in Sikkim belonging to the Nyingma-pa sect. Overnight at Yangtey.
Day 05: Yangtey to Gangtok by Jeep (approx. 120 kms, 5 hours).
Morning after breakfast you depart for Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
Lunch en route. A majestic mountain vista, quaint Sikkimese hamlets,
encounters with the locals form great memories and make for fantastic
photo opportunities. Overnight at Gangtok.
Day 06: Excursion to Tsangu Lake (at 12,400ft) by Jeep
Excursion to Tsangu Lake at 12,400ft., through the Kyongnosla Alpine
Sanctuary. This holy lake is near the Chinese border and is frozen for 4
months in winter. A Yak ride is a thrilling experience here and if you
are lucky you'll also see the Brahminy duck! A 40 km winding road takes
you to this high altitude alpine region in 1-1/2 hrs. An optional
excursion to Nathula Pass on the Indo-China border can also be arranged
at extra cost. Packed lunch will be served. Overnight at Gangtok.
Day 07: Gangtok: Rumtek Monastery & local sights.
On
this tour we will visit the Enchey Monastery, the Do Drul Chorten, the
Research Institute of Tibetology, Purba Chorten, Government Institute of
Cottage Industries (GICI) and finally a walk down Lal Bazar (an
intriguing market place where you can bargain and shop with the local
people). In the afternoon, we drive to Rumtek Monastery, 24 kms from
Gangtok past paddy fields depicting rural Sikkimese life in all its
glory. Overnight at Gangtok.
Day 08: Gangtok to Lachung by Jeep. (120 kms. 6hrs).
At 10 am, depart for the wilderness of North Sikkim. A 6-hr.120 kms
drive. The fascinating jeep safari takes you across numerous bridges
over fast flowing streams and cascading waterfalls. The wilderness is
awe-inspiring. The terrain ranges from the frightening to the
fascinating. The feeling of travelling into a wilderness region is all
pervading. En route, at the confluence of the two main rivers of Sikkim-
Lachen and Lachung, a small historic Gurudwara of Lama Sahib (Guru
Nanak's footprints can be found on a rock where he meditated) is a must
see. Overnight at a mountain lodge in Lachung.
Day 09: Explore Yumthang Valley: 12,000ft - your tryst with destiny.
Photographs of the natural scenes of Switzerland & Yumthang valley
look so similar that it is difficult to distinguish between them.
Located on a flat valley it is near the tree line and the surrounding
mountains seem to touch the heavens. It is a sight that is awesome in
its magnificence. You may also take a dip in the hot spring in the
valley. The 1-1/2 hour journey from Lachung to Yumthang is one of our
favourite Himalayan journeys with amazing variety of flora and landscape
- an unending visual treat. Overnight stay at Lachung.
Day 10: Lachung to Gangtok by Jeep drive. (6 hrs drive. 125 kms).
After breakfast, depart for Gangtok. See Lachung Monastery. Lunch en
route. On the way, clean weather permitting, you get to see the mighty
Khangchendzonga range from Singhik. Arrival at Gangtok late in the
afternoon. Stay at Gangtok.
Day 11: Gangtok to Bagdogra / New Jalpaiguri 5hrs drive by Jeep.
A memorable tour draws to a close as we head towards the airport for
the onward flight.
Morning
arrive at New Jalpaiguri, your gateway to the Eastern Himalayas. Upon
arrival you will be transferred to Darjeeling by surface transport. Also
called Queen of the Himalayas, the name in Tibetan means "where Indra's
thunderbolt or sceptre rested" (Dorji-thunder bolt, Ling-place).
Evening at leisure. Overnight stay. 
North
India States
