Itineraries

Monastery Tour – A Footloose Gypsy Trip to Western Sikkim & Darjeeling.

OVERVIEW:  This trip will let you explore monasteries in Western Sikkim in a nice mixture of walking and driving. You will be living in lovely farmhouses that are geared up to receive guests and put them up in comfort; the families there are your hosts. You will have lovely views of Kanchendzonga range of mountains. You will end your trip in the hill-station of Darjeeling.

WHEN TO GO: Sept – May

DURATION: 8 days

GETTING THERE AND AWAY: The trip starts and ends at Bagdogra, connected by air to all major cities of India.

DAY-BY-DAY PLAN

Day 1: Bagdogra- Kewzing

Pick up at Bagdogra & transfer to Kewzing. 5.30 hrs. Check in Bon Farm House.

In the evening meet over a bon fire with traditional Chang (traditional millet beer) service for social interaction with family members and friends. Overnight stay at Farm house.

Lunch, evening tea and dinner included.

Day 2:  Kewzing

Early morning visit the Kewzing Monastery. After breakfast head for a easy Nature walk to Doling Monastery, along a lovely forest trail passing through Kewzing Village, forest, Mandeng(Buddhist Stupas), 2-3 hrs. Lunch will be served in Doling monastery. After lunch head back to Kewzing by the motorable road visiting the Bon-Monastery in Bakhim Village. Visit the Mamrung monastery view point to enjoy the sunset view. Dinner and evening at leisure at the Farm House

Overnight stay at the farmhouse.

Lunch, evening tea and dinner included.

Day 3: Kewzing- Gayshaling

After breakfast at the Kewzing Farm House, drive to Gayshaling in West Sikkim in 1.30 hrs. Upon arrival check in at Hotel Tashigang Resort. After lunch at your hotel drive upto Pamayangtse, which lies on top of the ridge at 2200 m. Walk through the heritage forest to Rabantse-one time capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim, and till the year 1814 AD. Later visit the Pamayangtse Monastery, see the sunset on the great ranges and attend evening prayers.

Overnight at your Hotel.

Lunch, evening tea and dinner- a la carte at Extra Cost.

Day 4: Gayshaling- Pamayangtse- Rinchenpong

Get up early for a breathtaking sunrise view of Mount Khangchendzonga group of peaks. It is an unforgettable sight as the great mountain, changes various colors and hues.After breakfast at your hotel at Gayshaling, drive to Rinchenpong. It is a 41 kms scenic drive . Arrive at the Yangsum Heritage Farm for lunch.

In the afternoon explore the farm and surroundings. Overnight at Yangsum Farmhouse.

Lunch, evening tea and dinner included.

Day 5: Rinchenpong

Yangsum Farm:  Enjoy the surroundings and views, explore local hamlets, take a short trek to Rinchinpong Monastery, ReshungGompa, and Lepcha village. Try out home cooked Sikkimese food. Overnight at Yangsum Farmhouse.

Lunch, evening tea and dinner included.

Day 6:  Rinchenpong- Darjeeling

After breakfast drive to Darjeeling via Naya Bazar in 03 hrs. Check in at Dikiling hotel New Wing. Afternoon and Evening free to explore bazaar on your own. Overnight at Dikeling hotel (New Wing)

Lunch, evening tea and dinner- a la carte at Extra Cost.

Day 7: Darjeeling

Free to explore on your own

Overnight at Dikeling hotel (New Wing)

Lunch, evening tea and dinner- a la carte at Extra Cost.

Day 8: Darjeeling- Bagdogra

After breakfast (not included in the price) transfer to Bagdogra in 03 hrs

Download Monastery Tour and Western Sikkim Itinerary