Darjeeling & Sikkim Luxury Expedition
Overview
Journey through the tea gardens of Darjeeling and the pristine Buddhist kingdom of Sikkim on this ten-day luxury expedition. Witness sunrise over Kangchenjunga (8,586m), ride the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, explore ancient monasteries in Pelling and Gangtok, and stay at exclusive heritage properties and mountain lodges.
Route
Bagdogra → Darjeeling → Pelling → Ravangla → Gangtok → Bagdogra
Highlights
- Sunrise over Kangchenjunga from Tiger Hill — the world's third-highest peak
- Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (UNESCO World Heritage 'Toy Train')
- Visit Pemayangtse and Rumtek monasteries in Sikkim
- Tea estate tour and private tasting at a heritage plantation
- Ravangla Buddha Park with its 130-foot Tathagata Tsal statue
- Views of the entire Kangchenjunga range from Pelling
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Difficulty
- Easy to Moderate
- Group Size
- 2-10 guests
- Max Altitude
- 3,636m
- Best Months
- March-May, October-November
- Starting From
- $2,700 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly to Bagdogra, Drive to Darjeeling
Flight from Delhi or Kolkata to Bagdogra. Scenic 3-hour drive up through tea gardens to Darjeeling (2,042m). Settle in and afternoon stroll along Mall Road and Chowrasta.
Darjeeling Heritage Day
Pre-dawn drive to Tiger Hill (2,590m) for sunrise over Kangchenjunga and the Everest range. Return for breakfast. Ride the UNESCO Toy Train from Darjeeling to Ghum. Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Padmaja Naidu Zoo (red pandas and snow leopards).
Tea Estate Experience
Full immersion at Glenburn Tea Estate: guided tour of the plantation, tea processing factory, and private cupping session with the estate manager. Afternoon walk to the River Rangeet viewpoint. Evening bonfire.
Darjeeling to Pelling
Drive to Pelling in Sikkim (5 hours) through forests of magnolia and rhododendron. Visit Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim's oldest. Evening views of Kangchenjunga from the hotel.
Pelling Exploration
Morning hike to Rabdentse ruins — the ancient capital of Sikkim. Visit Khecheopalri Lake, sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. Afternoon visit to Sangachoeling Monastery. Sunset over Kangchenjunga.
Pelling to Ravangla
Drive to Ravangla (3 hours). Visit the impressive Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) with its 130-foot Buddha statue and views of Kangchenjunga.
Ravangla to Gangtok
Drive to Gangtok (3 hours), the capital of Sikkim. Afternoon visit to Rumtek Monastery — the seat of the Karmapa. Walk through MG Marg, Gangtok's charming pedestrian promenade.
Gangtok & Tsomgo Lake
Morning visit to Enchey Monastery and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. Drive to Tsomgo Lake (3,753m), a sacred glacial lake, and Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial. Return to Gangtok.
Gangtok at Leisure
Morning visit to Do Drul Chorten stupa. Afternoon at leisure for spa treatment or shopping for Sikkimese handicrafts. Farewell dinner with traditional Sikkimese cuisine.
Drive to Bagdogra & Departure
Morning drive to Bagdogra airport (4.5 hours). Flight to Delhi or Kolkata.
What's Included
- Domestic flights to/from Bagdogra
- 3 nights Glenburn Tea Estate Darjeeling
- 2 nights Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling
- 1 night Temi Tea Garden Resort Ravangla
- 3 nights Mayfair Spa Resort Gangtok
- Sikkim Inner Line Permit
- Private vehicle and driver throughout
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- All meals as indicated
- Tea estate tour and private tasting
- Darjeeling Toy Train ride
- All monastery entrance fees
Not Included
- International flights
- Indian visa
- Travel insurance
- Camera fees at monasteries
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
Find Your Flights
Major international hub with global connections. Gateway for North India, Rajasthan, and connecting flights to Kathmandu and Paro.
Typical airlines: Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa, United Airlines
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.