Splendors of North East India: 11-Day Darjeeling & Sikkim Scenic Tour
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–11 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended—able to handle several hours of walking each day and occasional short uphill sections at altitude.
Overview
Travel from Bagdogra into the eastern Himalaya on an 11-day private tour through Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Pelling, Gangtok and high Sikkim. Expect sunrise over Kanchenjunga, Buddhist monasteries, alpine meadows at Yumthang and the crystalline Tsomgo Lake.
Splendors of North East India: 11-Day Darjeeling & Sikkim Scenic Tour
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The road climbs before dawn, and the foothills of the eastern Himalaya blur into a palette of slate roofs, tea terraces and a blue bruise of mountain. Travelers who begin at Bagdogra find themselves in a succession of atmospheres: mist-thin mornings at Tiger Hill watching Kanchenjunga chew the horizon, monastery bells echoing through the pine-scented air of Pelling, and the lunar quiet of Yumthang’s high meadows.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimatize Gradually
Tsomgo Lake sits above 3,700 m—take it easy the first two days, drink water, and sleep low if you feel breathless.
Dress in Layers
Temperatures swing from cold mornings to warm afternoons; a lightweight insulated jacket and shell are useful year-round.
Carry Cash & Copies
Mobile networks are patchy in high valleys; keep cash and printed confirmations or permits for remote checkpoints.
Road Comfort
Expect narrow, winding mountain roads—bring motion-sickness remedies and plan for longer drive times when stopping for viewpoints.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Himalayan red panda (in protected zoo and high forest areas)
- Himalayan yellow-throated marten and yak herds in high pastures
History
This route threads colonial-era Darjeeling tea estates, centuries-old Buddhist monasteries like Pemayangtse (founded 1705), and pilgrimage sites such as Samdruptse in Namchi.
Conservation
High-altitude meadows and glacial lakes are sensitive to foot traffic and litter—follow local guidance, avoid single-use plastics, and stick to marked paths.
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Adventure Hotspots in Gangtok
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated mid-layer (fleece/down)
Keeps you warm during cold mornings and high-altitude stops like Tsomgo Lake and Yumthang.
Sturdy walking shoes
Useful for village walks, short trails and uneven surfaces around waterfalls and monasteries.
Sun protection (sunglasses, SPF 50)
High-altitude sun is strong—even on cloudy days—so protect skin and eyes.
Reusable water bottle with filter
Staying hydrated is essential; a filtered bottle reduces reliance on single-use plastic.