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DAY 1: ARRIVE AT GANGTOK FROM BAGDOGRA AIRPORT
Upon arrival meet with our representative, drive five hours to Gangtok, through the bypass of Siliguri town and cross through the Mahananda wildlife sanctuary (Sometimes it's possible to see herds of elephant crossing the road). Continue past the last railroad crossing at Sevok settlement and gradually climb upwards into hilly terrain accompanied by the sight of the beautiful river Teesta along the road. Enroute you will pass through small settlements and towns like Melli, Rangpo ,Singtam and Ranipool. Upon arrival check into your rooms at the Mayfair Resort and Spa. Dinner at the resort. If you wish you can visit the Casino Mahjong which has live gaming and entertaining dance programs accompanied with drinks and buffet spread.
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DAY 2: EXCURSION TO CHANGU LAKE AND BABA MANDIR
After breakfast take an excursion trip to Changu Lake, a very beautiful oval shaped lake cradled between the high mountains of eastern Sikkim. It's a beautiful blue during the warm seasons while it freezes to icy hues during winters. It is worth the while to take the cable car ride over the lake for a magnificent view of the lake and the Chola range.
Later drive to Baba HarbajanMandir, legend has it that a Major of the Indian army named Harbajan Singh fell among the glacier and died during the Indo –Sino war of 1962. The body was found three days later apparently lead by his spirit. It is also said that he would warn the soldiers about imminent attack three days prior. The army still provides him his own living quarters and an office along with a set of uniform. During the flag meeting between China and India at Nathu la, the Chinese apparently sets aside a chair for the Major. One of the colleagues of the major saw a dream where he was instructed to make a shrine after him. Today the major is given the status of a saint and referred to as Baba. On the road to Nathu la a shrine in memory of him was built which is now called Baba Mandir. The army believes his spirit protects and guides them.
Return to Gangtok and have Lunch at Café live & loud a multi cuisine restaurant and bar or you can opt for Nimtho, a traditional restaurant for authentic native cuisine. Spend the evening at leisure around M.G.Marg, later return back to hotel for dinner and rest.
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Day 3: NORTH SIKKIM VISIT - LACHEN
After breakfast drive to Lachen, a small village in North Sikkim. Enroute visit Tashi view point from where you can get a grand view of the mighty Kanchendzonga. Drive through the meandering roads till KabiLungtshok and visit the historic spot where the two tribes, The Bhutias and The Lepchas swore a blood brother treaty, continue onwards and witness the beautiful seven sister waterfalls beside the road as you drive by. Stop over at The Planters Home, Mangan for a hearty lunch. After lunch head towards Singhik view point a perfect location to watch Mt Sinolchu, considered one of the most beautiful peak in the Kanchendzonga range. Drive further to Lachen and check into Apple Orchard resort. Spend the evening strolling around Lachen for acclimatization
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Day 4: EXCURSION TO GURUDONGMAR LAKE AND DRIVE TO LACHUNG
After an early breakfast head towards Gurudongmar Lake. This Lake is considered sacred by the people of Sikkim and legend has it that the water has miraculous healing power for those who have faith in it. At an altitude of nearly 17500 feet it is a magnificent sight. You can also visit Thangu the summer settlement of the yak herders and Chopta valley where you can spot the yaks grazing. After the visit to the lake drive back to Lachen and have lunch, later drive to Lachung, another picturesque village in north Sikkim. Check into hotel YarlamLachung and take rest.
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Day 5: EXCURSION TO YUMTHANG VALLEY AND DRIVE TO TEMI TEA GARDEN
After early breakfast drive towards Yumthang valley, the most beautiful valley in Sikkim, take time to explore the valley, river side and the hot spring. After the visit ride back to Lachung for lunch and then head over to the beautiful tea garden of Temi. Check into Cherry resort and spend the evening at leisure.
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Day 6: SIGHTSEEING VISIT TO NAMCHI AND RAVANGLAENROUTE TO PELLING
Wake up for a delightful outdoor breakfast in the lush green tea gardens of Temi, with the snowcapped mountains at the back drop and cherry blossom dotting the fringes.
Later travel to Namchi and visit Samdruptse- a major tourist attraction and also a pilgrimage site for the Buddhist devotees around the world. Built atop the Samdruptse hill 7 km from Namchi, this 138 feet statue of the patron saint of Sikkim Guru Padmasambhava is the tallest in the world. It is visible even from the neighboring state of Bengal. The foundation stone was laid by the Dalai lama in 1997 and the structure was completed in 2004. Sitting upon a lotus plinth this copper coloured statue is a grand piece of art. At the base there is a pray hall and multi coloured flowers surrounds the outer courtyard. Samdruptse means the wish fulfilling hill .
Chardham-This is a 7 acre pilgrim center which lies 5 km from the town of Namchi in south Sikkim. While it serves the purpose of prayer and worships its grand design and architecture is a sight to marvel .According to the Hindu belief if one seeks to attain salvation then one must perform pilgrimage to four Dhams namely Dwarka, Badrinath and Jagannath dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Rameshwar which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. That being the core concept you will be able to see the exact replicas of all four temples along with a giant 87 feet statue of Lord Shiva on a sitting posture within the main temple which is about 108 feet in height. It is one of the top tourist destinations in Sikkim and we don't recommend reading much about it because you have to see this place to truly experience its grandeur.
Buddha Park at Ravangla- This is a beautiful religious park in Ravangla a small village in south Sikkim. Also known as TathagataTsal it holds a 130 feet high statue of Lord Buddha surrounded by beautiful garden and coloured lights. It was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2013 to mark the 2550 birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. The park is within the premises of the Rabong monastery which is century old place of pilgrimage. Later proceed for lunch at the Bon farm house atKewzing, after lunch drive to Pelling. Check into Hotel Mt Pandim.
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Day 7: PELLING TO MANGLEBAREY VIA DENTAM VALLEY AND RINCHEPONG MONASTERY
Wake up to the view of the majestic Kanchendzonga towering on the horizon, the early sun painting the peaks into a golden hue. You could visit the Pelling helipad for a better view. Return back to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast visit Pemayangtse Monastery- Also known as the perfect sublime lotus, this monastery is located on a beautiful hilltop. It was built in 1705 at the spot where the revered monk Lhatsun Chenpo (the monk who conducted the coronation of the first king of Sikkim) had built a shrine. With a 108 monks this monastery is the main center for all the other Nyingma monasteries. It houses beautiful statues, thankas and other religious art forms. The third floor houses a painted wooden model of the abode of Guru Rinpoche as it was envisioned by the monk Lhatsun Chenpo. The month of February witnesses the chaam or mask dance which is very interesting to watch.
Later drive through the beautiful Dentam valley, take a detour to Singshore Bridge, once the highest suspension bridge of Asia. Drive further to Rinchenpong and visit the heritage monastery, then head towards Azings farm for a rare organic lunch. Post lunch drive to Biksthang heritage farm, this is a rural setting scantily populated and ideal for village nature walks. Hike around the village and farms and later enjoy the cultural program organized by the local villagers.
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Day 8: DEPART FOR BAGDOGRA AIRPORT
After breakfast head towards Bagdogra airport. End of Sikkim tour packages from Delhi