Total Number of Days: 11

Best Season: March to May and October to December

Grade: Moderate

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Day 1/ Flight from Delhi to Bagdogra

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• From Bagdogra Airport, you will proceed to Rumtek by surface, a scenic 120 Kms (78 miles) drive in about 5 hours.
   

• Along the way, aroma of Himalayan cuisine welcomes us as we savor a hot lunch, followed by another Himalayan coffee break amidst beautiful landscapes.
   
• The evening at Nedo Chidu Chokhorling Monastery's guest house grants us the gift of leisure.
   

• An informative briefing and a Q&A session about the tour will follow after dinner. 

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Day 2/ Rumtek

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• Wake up to the tranquil ambiance of Rumtek. After a wholesome breakfast, embark on a guided tour of the Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre. Explore its ornate architecture, intricate mandalas, statues, relics and vibrant murals. The sacred items brought from Tsurphu Monastery, the Karmapa's seat in Tibet, were installed. Then, gradually proceed towards the Reliquary Stupa behind the monastery building. After the 16th Karmapa passed away in 1981, his relics were interred in a Golden Stupa at the site creating a timeless connection. A short Guru yoga session in the chamber next to Karmapa's heart stupa to conclude your visit at the site.
   

• Enjoy a traditional Sikkimese lunch at a local eatery.
   

• Visit the first traditional 'Kagyu Retreat center' built outside of Tsurphu in Kham, Tibet. A short hike in the forest hill brings us to 'Yiwong Samtenling', established.in 1977 where many of today's Kagyu masters including Maniwa Sherab Gyaltsen, Nedo Rinpoche and Lama Choying Rinpoche have done long retreats under guidance of 16th Karmapa.
   

• Evening at the guesthouse, allowing time for reflection and relaxation in the embrace of this sacred place.

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Day 3/ Rumtek
 

• Early morning, take a peaceful walk, soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, and the scenic road to Old Rumtek Monastery, originally Karma Chokhor Thubten Ling, established in 1734. As the sun rises, the sound of gyalings and drums greets you, creating a ceremonial atmosphere. Pay a visit to the statue of Milarepa and the 2nd Karmapa, Karma Pakshi on the cliff in the surrounding area.
   

• The impressions refine, and now it's time for a rejuvenating coffee and breakfast at 'One Two One' Cafe, considered the best coffee in town.
   

• Time free to explore, meditate and make friends. 

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Day 4/ Rumtek to Phodong
 

• We will depart for Phodong Monastery, making a stop at Rey Monastery en route, and pass through one of the indigenous Lepcha villages in East Sikkim. Rey Monastery boasts a beautiful atmosphere and provides picturesque views of Gangtok. On the top floor of the monastery, you'll find old clay statues in the altar, surrounded by stunning wall paintings of all the Shamarpas. Take some time for a brief meditation session.
   

• The Phodong Monastery is one amongst the six most important monasteries in Sikkim. It will be especially interesting for those keen on learning about the history and connection of the Karmapas to Sikkim. During this journey, we will also have the opportunity to experience Dzongu, a preserved land of the Lepcha tribe, where outsiders are still not allowed to settle.
  
  Like the Ralong and Rumtek the main annual puja is performed on the 28th and 29th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calendar when the religious dances are performed. The potentially beautiful two-storey prayer hall is somewhat marred by metal gratings but contains extensive murals and a large statue of the 9th Karmapa. This monastery has been a popular pilgrimage site for the Buddhist monks beside lay people. 

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• Time for Luch and proceed to Gangtok, hotel check-in. 

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Day 5/ Gangtok

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• After breakfast proceed for Gangtok sightseeing 

 

• The Do Drul Chorten is a Vajrakilaya Stupa, significant among all stupas in Sikkim. It was constructed under the guidance of the late Trulshik Rinpoche, the head of the Nyingma school. Rinpoche consecrated this stupa with Kangyur manuscripts (translated words of Buddha) and relics linked to Vajrakilaya, which are meticulously preserved inside. The stupa is surrounded by a cluster of 108 prayer wheels beautifully adorned with mantras.

 

• Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology, one of the most popular attractions in Gangtok, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a mansion reflecting traditional Tibetan architecture, providing insights into Buddhist culture. It displays cloth paintings, manuscripts, ritual objects, and human bone trumpets. Additionally, there is a souvenir store where you can purchase jewelry, mementos, and more. In other words, it's a fascinating Tibetan museum.

 

• The Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms, also known as the Government Institute of Cottage Industries, was established in 1957. Located half a kilometer from the city's main market, its foundation was laid during the reign of the Chogyals of Sikkim. The institute was founded with the aim of preserving and promoting the talents and skills of local artisans.

 

• Enchey Monastery, Enchey Sangag Rabtenling Monastery, a beautiful temple surrounded by blooming meadows, holds significant importance as a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Set against a backdrop of pine trees with khangchendzonga visible in the distance, the name 'Enchey' itself conveys a sense of solitude. Located just 3 km from Gangtok, this tranquil monastery boasts a history spanning nearly 200 years. 

 

• The White Hall, built in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White, in 1932. It is a small two-story building with typical British architecture. All the important functions were held in this hall until the 1960s.

 

• Flower exhibition visit, sikkim is renowned for its flowers, especially during April-May (spring season). A small flower nursery near Ridge Garden features various orchids and flowers year-round, with the best displays in spring when fresh varieties are showcased from across the state. If you love flowers and have limited time, it's worth a quick visit. Visitors can also purchase plant seeds and orchids at the exhibition center's corner.

 

• After an excursion led by an expert guide to ensure a smooth day, return to the hotel and enjoy the comfort of accommodations at a fine hotel in MG Marg, the heart of Gangtok.

 

Day 6/ Gangtok - Namchi 

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• The journey covers a distance of 80 kilometers and takes approximately 3 hours.  

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• In the morning, after breakfast, drive to Namchi via a scenic route and visit Samdruptse Hill, home to a 45m-high statue of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) adorned with copper and gold. Take a moment to view old Sikkim historical photos at the statue's base and in the prayer room. 

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• In the evening, drive to Ravangla and check in at the Tibetan family-run guesthouse and restaurant with live music and entertainment.

 

Day 7/ Ravangla to Yuksom 

 

• Proceed to Yuksom, a small tourist town. The journey will take up most of the day to reach our destination, with enroute visits to Buddha Park, Ralang Monastery, and Tashiding Monastery.

 

• First stop at the Buddha Park of Ravangla, also known as Tathagata Tsal, situated in south Sikkim district features a 40-meter-high statue of Buddha as its centerpiece. The site was chosen within the larger religious complex of the Rabong Gompa, itself a centuries-old place of pilgrimage.

 

• Next, we proceed to the Old Ralang Monastery, constructed in 1768, which exudes a unique charm and historical significance. Legend has it that the 9th Karmapa, the head of the Kagyu lineage, blessed the monastery's site by tossing grains of rice from Tsurphu Monastery in Kham, Tibet. The architecture of the building and the distinct blend of Karma Gadri and Sikkimese-style paintings and thangkas encapsulate the essence and depict the history of the Karma Kagyu lineage, making it one of Sikkim's top attractions. 
  
  Time for Guru Yoga session. 

 

• En route, enjoy an organic Sikkimese lunch.  

 

• Tashiding Monastery in west Sikkim will be the third and final stop before reaching Yuksom. Tashiding, often referred to as the 'spiritual heart of Sikkim,' derives its name, 'Drakkar Tashiding,' which translates to 'The Devoted Central Glory'. This sacred site bears immense historical significance and plays a pivotal role in the Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit. It was visited by Guru Padmasambahva (Rinpoche) in the 8th century and later by Terton Rigdzin Godem in the 14th century, contributing to its rich heritage. A little before reaching the top there is Shidro cave, where practitioners are occasionally seen engaged in Chöd practice, reciting mantras, and chanting prayers. Perched atop a 'heart-shaped' conical hill, Tashiding Monastery offers a remarkable 380-degree panoramic view, overlooking the Rathong and Rangit Rivers.

 

• In the evening, arrive at Yuksom and check in at the hotel.

 

Day 8/ Yuksom

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• After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of Yuksom which includes the following.

 

• Dubdi Monastery, also known as the Yuksom Monastery, is a Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Established in 1701, it is considered the oldest monastery in the state. Sitting on a beautiful hilltop, approximately a 1-hour walk from Yuksom town, Dubdi Monastery is also referred to as the 'Hermit's Cell', a retreat place. The Kangso Lhakhang of Dubde Phagmo behind the main Gompa contains impressive statue of a protectress. 

 

• Mani Hall is a single glass-walled temple building that houses 18 giant-sized prayer wheels made of partially gilded copper. They are so large and heavy that it takes some muscle to move them.

 

• Norbugang Coronation Throne signifies the place where the crowning of the first Chogyal king, Phuntsog Namgyal, took place in 1642. After the ceremony, a wall-like structure was erected and named Norbugang Chorten, which still marks the original site. It is believed that the people who attended the ceremony offered a huge amount of treasures that are still buried beneath the Norbugang Chorten.

 

• Kartok Monastery, located in the picturesque village of Yuksom, is noted as one of the three important monasteries in the town. Kartok flaunts its smooth red structure adorned with golden and yellow outlines in traditional Tibetan design. This monastery is a popular pilgrimage destination in Yuksom, adorned with colorful prayer flags and flanked by the beautiful Lake Kartok.

 

• Relax at the hotel in the evening. 

 

Day 9/ Yuksom to Pelling 

 

• After a scrumptious morning meal, embark on your scenic drive through the mountains and winding roads with stop along the way.

 

• Khecheopalri Lake, stunning in its serenity, is a holy lake often referred to as the wish-fulfilling lake. It is known for its cleanliness and is steeped in various legends with different versions of stories. Some believe it to be the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava (Rinpoche), while others consider it to be the dwelling place of Mother Tara. The indigenous Lepcha community is dominant here, and they share their folklore stories, creating a sense of being in a different dimension. The lake's name has different meanings, with one signifying 'Flying Yoginis and Palace.' A short hike, passing by a cave, leads to a viewpoint. From there, you can see the lake's shape, which resembles a footprint. 

 

• Kanchenjunga Falls, a perennial waterfall, is one of the major tourist attractions in the region. It is believed that this pristine waterfall originates high up in the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga. Hidden by the thick forest cover, it is a perfect place to rejuvenate amidst serene surroundings.

 

• Late afternoon arrival in Pelling, a small tourist town. Check-in at the hotel. 

 

Day 10/ Pelling 

 

• Enjoy a full day of Pelling today.

 

• Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the prestigious monastic institutions in western Sikkim. Pemayangtse, meaning 'Perfect Sublime Lotus,' a renowned tourist attraction just 2 kilometers from Pelling, has a serene environment and breathtaking Himalayan views. This 300-year-old monastery, the second oldest in Sikkim, boasts rich architecture, statues of venerated Lamas and saints, antique idols, and Buddhist scriptures. The main prayer hall features traditional Tibetan paintings, while the top floor portrays a remarkable Guru Padmasambhava's (Rinpoche), celestial palace 'Zandog-palri' with a rainbow arch. From the monastery, you can glimpse the ruins of Rabdentse.

 

• Rabdentse ruins, the Machu Picchu of India, once served as the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814. The Namgyals fortified it to defend against Gurkha (Nepalese) and Bhutanese invasions. Remarkably well-preserved, these structures and stupas hold great significance in the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit in Sikkim. To reach the main entrance of the ruins, we take a short trek along the thick stone walls through a forest path lined with chestnut trees and rhododendron flowers. 

 

• Lunch break at a fine restaurant in  Pelling town. 

 

• A short drive to Sanga Choeling Monastery and Giant Chenrezig Statue from pelling

 

• Sanga Choeling, like many monasteries in Sikkim, was built with the natural surroundings in mind. It is located on a ridge directly across from Pemayangtse Monastery. 'Sanga Choeling' translates to the 'Island of Guhyamantra teachings,' It is believed that Guhyamantra were taught here in the past.

 

• Take a leisurely stroll from Sanga Choeling Gompa to the adjacent Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) statue, an awe-inspiring sight that stands as the world's tallest Chenrezig statue, soaring to an impressive height of 42 meters.

 

• experience with a local family for a traditional Sikkimese dinner, a farewell treat starting with tea and regional snacks such as khabje (a type of biscuit) and tongba (a millet-based drink) 

 

Day 11/ Pelling to Bagdogra Airport 

Enroute Lho Khandro Sang Phu

 

• Check out early in the morning and transfer to Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey, a scenic 5-hour drive, a packed breakfast will be served. 

 

• To conclude the pilgrimage, a stop at Lho Khandro Sang Phu, 'the secret Dakini caves' en route. The cave holds the imprints and blessings of Guru Padmasambhava (Rinpoche). Outside, you'll find a unique deep blueish statue of 'Guru Rinpoche of Medicine', as well as Stupas and a hot spring by the river Rangit. Pilgrims often soak in these medicinal springs for health benefits. 

 

• Lunch break and time for before on arrival to