North and East Sikkim
NJP - Gangtok - Lachen - Chhangu
- Visit the chilly Indo-China border
- Meditate at the holy lake of Gurudongmar
- Lose yourself in Rhododendron paradise in Yumthang Valley
6 days starting at Rs. 0/-
South & West Sikkim
4 Days
Overview
Palace ruins and majestic monasteries. Towering waterfalls and scenic views. Sikkim’s South & West districts make for a perfect Himalayan getaway.
Siliguri - Pelling - Ravangla - Namchi
Discover Pelling, a tourist destination of the future. Dare the Skywalk to witness a 137ft statue of Lord Buddha, and explore the ruins of Rabdentse palace.
This all encompassing itinerary is packed with some of Sikkim’s biggest attractions.
Whether it be the Rimbi orange orchards, or the world famous Temi Tea Garden, each stop in your journey will leave you wondering why more people aren’t talking about Sikkim.
We’ve chosen the best guides and hotels/homestays for your trip. Talk to our expert for further customisation.
This tour lasts 4 days and 3 nights.
Itinerary Details
Perfectly crafted plans to make the most of your stay
Day 1: Siliguri to Pelling
Your journey begins at Siliguri.
After your welcome, you’ll get some time for rest and refreshments before leaving for Pelling.
On your way from Siliguri to Pelling, you’ll pass through Sevoke,the River Teesta, and the Coronation Bridge, which was built by the British Empire in 1941.
After checking in at Melli, you’ll reach Pelling (6,250 ft).
Pelling is a small hill town with magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga range.
The mountains appear as if they are a stone’s throw away.
This place is known for its scenic beauty, hospitality, rich culture, and monasteries.
You’ll check in at your homestay upon reaching.
After which, you’ll have the rest of the day and night to explore for yourself.
Day 2: Pelling Sightseeing
As morning comes, your tour resumes.
Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest and most renowned monasteries in Sikkim. This monastery is the head of all monasteries following the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.
Founded in 1647, the monastery was later extended in 1705 for Ta Sangs, meaning pure monks.
The monastery is a three floored, ancient Tibetan style building, with beautiful and colorful Tibetan murals painted on the walls.
The first and second floor consists of various manifestations and images of Guru Padmasambhava. While the third floor is said to be the palace of Padmasambhava, made with astonishing structures of wood; considered to be a masterpiece.
If you visit in March, make sure to attend the Guru Dragmar Cham, a very vibrant and colorful masked and costume dance celebrated by the monks here.
Ruins of Rabdentse Palace, was the palace of the second capital of Sikkim back in 1670 to 1814.
It was built by Tensung Namgyal, the second king of Sikkim.
Although the palace is in ruins now, the southern part of it is still considered sacred as it was a platform to worship for the royal family, where the three stupas still stand.
The place is part of the Sidkeong Tulku Park, making it a great place for birdwatching.
Pelling Sky walk, India’s first ever skywalk is one of the main attractions of Pelling. Located at an altitude of 7,200 ft, it’s a footbridge made of glass and metal frame.
The Sky Walk connects to the giant 137ft statue of Chenrezig also known as Avalokitesvara Buddha.
The Rimbi Waterfall is another famous tourist spot.
Around it is the Sewaro Rock Garden, with beautifully manicured gardens, pools, pretty rocks and pathways, and great viewpoints.
You can also visit the Karchen Power House nearby.
Developed by the government in the early 1970s, it still supplies power to several villages like Pelling, Geyzing and so on.
Shortly ahead is the Rimbi Orange Garden, also known as the River Orange Garden.
The garden also features other trees, seasonal vegetables and plants like cardamom, potatoes, peas and a lot of beautiful flowering plants.
You’ll also visit Kanchenjunga Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Sikkim.
It is said that this waterfall forms from the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga, hence the name.
It’s a perennial waterfall that flows throughout the year, from a height of 100 feet.
You can take about 50 steps from the road and reach the waterfall.
Nearby is the Khecheopalri Lake, considered enchanted by the locals, fulfilling wishes.
It is said that no leaf ever floats on the surface of the lake, as it is immediately picked up by the local birds.
You can also visit the Khecheopalri Monastery, 1.5km above the lake.
From there, the lake looks like a giant left footprint.
Outside, you’ll see snack stalls and small souvenir shops.
Pelling also has a Helipad, where you can get an astonishing view of the Kanchenjunga Range along with other mountains surrounding the place.
At the end of the day, you’ll return to your homestay to retire for the night.
Day 3: Pelling to Ravangla
After your breakfast, you’ll check out from your homestay and leave for Ravangla.
Ravangla (7,000 ft) is a small Himalayan town, popular among tourists visiting its gigantic golden Buddha statue.
Theres not much to do here, but its charm lies in being an quaint offbeat getaway.
Once you check in at Ravangla, you’ll be served lunch before you leave for Buddha Park.
Buddha Park is the prime attraction in Ravangla.
Also known as the Tathagata Tsal, in it is a 130 ft golden statue of Gautama Buddha made with copper.
You will also see Mount Narsing, acting as the backdrop to the statue.
The statue is a part of Rabong Monastery also known as Rinchhen Surgye.
Although the Monastery was built recently, the place has been a pilgrimage site for centuries.
Also within the complex is Cho Djo lake. There’s also a Buddhist conclave, a meditation centre and a museum with a spiral gallery, within the park, that you can visit.
Another monastery nearby is the Ralang Monastery, also called the Ralong Palchen Choling.
It is a prime monastery of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.
The monastery has a huge collection of paintings and thangkas of Lord Buddha.
Your day ends back at your homestay.
Day 4: Ravangla to Siliguri
After your breakfast at the homestay, you’ll check out and head back towards Siliguri.
On your way, you’ll visit the Temi Tea Garden – Sikkim’s only tea garden.
Considered to be the best in the world, the garden is sprawled over a gently sloping hill that originates from the Tending hill range.
You’ll also visit Samdruptse Hill (7,000 ft).
Also known as the wish fulfilling hill, the people here believe it’s been showered with the blessings of Guru Padmasambhava over twelve hundred years.
The main attraction here is the 45 m golden statue of Guru Padmasambhava.
The hill is believed to be a dormant volcano, which can only be held in from erupting with prayers. Which is why the monks here pour in their devotion into praying.
Within the premises, you’ll also see a collection of Sikkim’s historical photographs, along with some faded photos of Mahatma Gandhi.
Lastly, you’ll visit Namchi Chardham (5,500 ft).
The Chardham, also known as the Siddheshwar Dham, is a replica of all the four (Char) holy pilgrimages (Dham) of India along with the 12 Jyotirlingas, built on top of the Solophok Hill.
Beside those, there’s also a 108 ft majestic statue of Lord Shiva.
The place is surrounded by beautiful green hills and snow covered Himalayan peaks.
Your journey then concludes back at Siliguri, where we say goodbye. Until next time.
When to Visit
Sandakphu welcomes travellers during Spring, Autumn and Winter.
March - May
The Spring is when most flowers like the Rhododendron and other wild as well as garden flowers are in bloom. The forests are luscious and green. This is also some of the best times to be birdwatching.
October - November
October is when the tourist season starts. You’ll want to avoid the Puja rush if you can. However, this is when the weather is pleasant in most parts. The clear, blue skies provide great views. Rivers, streams and waterfalls are in full flow after the monsoon rain.
November - January
The winter months are cold, but that’s when the skies are clear and views unhindered.
Most areas are covered in beautiful, white snow. The orange orchards bloom from mid-November, with harvest season starting late December.
What to take
Things that will help make the trip easy
1. Documentation
You’ll need to carry the following legal documents for Protected Area Permit (PAP) and Homestay/Hotel check-ins:
- Original and photocopy of government photo ID: Any one of your Passport, Voter’s Id, Driver’s License, PAN or Aadhar Card for identification.
- Two passport size photos.
- Passport and Visa/e-Visa are mandatory if you’re a foreign national.
Note: Aadhar Card can only be used for check-ins, and is no longer applicable to get PAP.
2. Clothing and Accessories
Depending on when you visit, what you carry will vary.
During the summer, light cotton clothes, and an additional layer (sweater/sweatshirt) will suffice in and around towns. You will need a thick, windproof jacket, some warm gloves/mittens, a wool cap and a muffler, if you’re visiting snow covered areas.
For the autumn and winter months, some wool or fleece layers and thermal underlayers are essential. A thick windproof jacket, and some comfortable trek pants will keep you warm when you’re outside. You’ll also need some warm gloves/mittens, a wool cap and a muffler.
3. Cutlery and Toiletries
Carry a 1 litre thermos flask with you if you want to carry warm liquids.
A moisturiser or cold cream might be necessary during the colder months, along with lip balm.
Your homestay/hotel will provide shampoos, soaps and towels.
4. Medical Kit
Carry the following medicine with you at all times, in case of emergencies. Do not take any medicine without consulting your guide.
- Paracetamol: For fever and mild pain.
- Avomine: For motion sickness. Take one half an hour before starting a road journey.
- Combiflam: For muscle strains and leg pain
- Digene: For indigestion
- ORS: To prevent dehydration and replenish salts.
- Knee brace: Carry a knee brace if you are prone to knee injury or suffer from knee pain.
Any medical emergencies will be handled by your tour guide. Consult your tour guide for any medical query.
Talk to an expert about South & West Sikkim
Homestays
Carefully vetted by Homestay Tour
Things to remember
What you need to know before embarking on the journey
Guides
A guide will be provided to take you to the best offbeat locations.
Homestay Tour will make sure you get the best guide available at the time.
Your guide is an expert. Please follow all instructions at all times.
Power and Network Coverage
You may face some network coverage issues for most of your trip.
Food and lodging
3 meals will be provided to you by the homestays during the trip.
If you want to try out local snacks or different local food, you can order separately.
You can buy packaged snacks, bottled drinking water, tea, coffee or beverages along the route.
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