Day 1
We reached Bagdogra Airport and headed towards Gangtok city by road exploring the mountains and forest on our way. Reached Gangtok at evening around 7 pm and checked-in in our hotel with all safety measures. After a quick freshen up we went out to explore the local market and grabbing of some food.
Day 2
We quickly got up in the morning, got ready, had our breakfast, and started our day trip to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Temple, and Nathula Pass (there is an additional cost to enter into Nathula pass depending upon the driver). The temperature at these places was almost -3 0r -4 degree Celsius and the wind was blowing at it most. But the scenic beauty was jaw-dropping. We had some momos (dumpling) on our way at a height of 13 thousand above sea level. For lunch we visited a local restaurant where the food was not too good but also not too bad. After that we did the ropeway over a small lake. Came back to the market of Gangtok by evening 5 pm. We were walking around to grab some more winter clothes after experience over the day. Well it was a great end to the day. 🙂
Day 3
We wake early in the morning packed up our stuff, had our breakfast in the hotel, and headed toward a small village in North Sikkim called Lachen. On the way we encounter many waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. It was almost a 6 hours journey but with a great view – and yes we did stop on our tour tohave Tibetan food and it was damn amazing. We reached our destination after lots of photoshoot on our way by evening at 5 pm. After checking in we had some Maggie (Indian Ramen) and explored this little city, its culture, and people in the evening.
Day 4
Its was a super cold morning with almost -2 temperature. We somehow managed to get ready skipping our breakfast started our day for Gurudongmar Lake which is at a height of 17800 ft – one of the highest lakes in the world. It is all frozen with the temperature of almost -7 to -9 Degree Celcius. It was freezing colds, the view was breathtaking but due to the height, there is a lack of oxygen too so you need to make a break and rest well before exploring more. On our way to Gurudongmar we have an army checkpoint that has a cafe solely managed by the army and serves Jalebi/maggie/dumplings/tea/coffee (must try). Then we headed back to Lachung the last city of Sikkim (Well Lachen and Lachung are strictly plastic-free zone). Spend our evenings with the locals and wander around the city.
Day 5
From Lachung we started our day for Kalapathar, Yamthung Valley, and Zero Point. It was a hectic day since we have to cover a lot of places and these places were super freezing due to which the water is frozen so needs lots of adjustment. But trust me it’s worth visiting this place since every corner has a different view and beauty to indulge yourself. From Lachung we return back to Gangtok and went for our dinner at OSM restaurant since it was new year’s eve. Well, the market was all filled with people’s music and happy vibes.
Day 6
This was the end of the Gangtok trip we headed towards Pelling – West Sikkim, which offers an amazing view of Kanchenjunga Mountains – The third highest mountain in the world. On our way, we visited the Ravangla Budhha Temple and had our lunch there too. We had a few more local sight scenes of Pelling like Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdantse Ruins, and some waterfalls.
Day 7
From Pelling we started our journey for Darjeeling, the queen of hills, the tea state of India as well as the Orange state. But while saying goodbye to Pelling we make sure we cover the skywalk on the glass bridge 7km from Pelling Singshore Bridge which is the highest hanging bridge in India paying some extra to the driver. I would suggest not to miss these 2 places since mostly it is not included. We reached Darjeeling in the evening and went out for the local market and obviously the dinner at the most happening restaurant – Glenary’s. And the food was truly amazing.
Day 8
Well, this was our last day of the trip and we are completely draining out. It was Darjeeling’s local sight scene, but we wanted to take a rest so we started the day a little late then headed to very limited places like the Tea garden, the Japanese Temple, and the toy train followed by the local market and food. Ended up our day early did our pack up and got ready to end this trip with lots of memory.
Day 9
With early wake up we said goodbye to our memorable journey of 2020 – 2021 came to an end. We headed back to Bagdogra to catch our flight in the afternoon. This was one of my best comeback trip after a very depressing time. And I would suggest you guys explore the northeast of India for many more hidden places to explore
Wonderful! After read the article , definitely I will plan this trip:)