If you dream of an experience that has all that you can see, experience, and enjoy, then look no further than the magical destinations of Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling. These three hill stations of the northeastern part of the country are the best combination of nature, adventure, and serenity. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, nature enthusiast, or one who loves to laze around, tour packages for gangtok and darjeeling will make your journey simple, fun, and convenient.
Here, we will take you to the top destinations to visit at Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling, and give you insights into why one should take up a well-structured tour package. Whether you are going to the hill stations with family, friends, or alone, this article will cover all you need to know to enjoy your time to the fullest at these breathtaking hill stations.
Why Book a Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling Tour Package?
The Allure of Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling
Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling are among India's northeastern region's most popular travel destinations. They present an interesting mix of breathtaking landscapes, ancient sites, and deep-rooted cultures. They all have charms that can be appreciated, which makes them suitable destinations for those that want to sample the beauty and culture of the region.
Gangtok: Sikkim's capital city, Gangtok, is a picturesque hill station with neat streets, serene ambiance, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It has numerous monasteries, lakes, and adventure activities, making it ideal for relaxing as well as discovering new places.
Pelling: Pelling is situated in the state of Sikkim, which is known for its scenic beauty and boasts views of the magnificent Kanchenjunga mountain range. It’s much calmer and less crowded compared to the others, so it’s the best choice for those seeking to relax close to nature.
Darjeeling: Also referred to as the “Queen of the Hills,” Darjeeling is an idyllic town with colonial buildings, tea estates, and breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains. Rich in history, the town provides ample opportunity for sightseeing, such as the renowned Toy Train as well as Tiger Hill.
Convenience of Tour Packages
Booking one of the tour packages of Gangtok along with Darjeeling has several benefits. An efficient tour package looks after nearly all the arrangements of your vacation, thus making your vacation free of any problems. It covers your travel, hotel stay, and touring, so you don’t need to take care of anything yourself. This convenience is much appreciated by families, couples, or groups of people.
Tour packages typically include a combination of activities to suit all tourists. Whether you want to see the mountains, visit ethnic sites, or indulge in local foods, these packages include all this and more. Besides, you can find packages that are designed exclusively for family holidays so that you can find activities and accommodation that is appropriate for everyone, regardless of age.
Key Attractions in Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling
Gangtok: A Blend of Culture and Nature
Gangtok, situated at an altitude of 1,650 meters, is an exquisite mix of modernism and tradition. Its tranquil vibe and breathtaking views of the Himalayas make it the perfect place to indulge in a relaxing break.
Tsomgo Lake: This glacial lake, 38 kilometers from Gangtok, is nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks and is a must-see destination for all the tourists. Nature lovers will find the serene beauty of the lake highly appealing to visit.
Nathu La Pass: This high-altitude pass along the Indo-China frontier is an adventure lover’s delight. It remains one of the foremost tourist destinations among tourists going to Gangtok.
Rumtek Monastery: This significant Buddhist monastery is renowned for its serene atmosphere and historical reputation.
MG Road: Gangtok's primary shopping area, MG Road is the city's busiest area, filled with shopping complexes, restaurants, and cafes selling local foods, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Pelling: Scenic Beauty and Tranquility
Pelling, which is located in Sikkim, is generally considered to be among the northeastern region of India's most spectacular destinations. It is set amidst astounding views of the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range, which makes it highly suitable for nature and family tourism.
Kanchenjunga Falls: It is one of the gorgeous waterfalls of Sikkim, situated at Pelling. Surrounded with greenery, this place is an ideal location to enjoy with your family at a picnic.
Pemayangtse Monastery: It is one of the oldest, most significant, 17th-century Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim, providing serene ambiance, along with pleasing views of the surrounding area.
Rabdentse Ruins: These ruins are found close to Pelling, the remains of the old capital of Sikkim, which give us an insight into the region's culture and history.
Darjeeling: Colonial Charm and Mountain Views
West Bengal's Darjeeling is one of India's best-known hill stations. It has remained a favorite destination since the British colonial period, and the colonial style still prevails in the town's architecture and ambiance.
Tiger Hill: The most visited attraction of Darjeeling, Tiger Hill is renowned for offering the best sunrise views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. A sunrise experience from Tiger Hill is one that you will never forget.
Toy Train, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (World Heritage site): A voyage by the Toy Train, which is a World Heritage site, along the hill-side and the valleys is one experience that no visitor should miss.
Batasia Loop: This loop track is an engineering feat and provides breathtaking views of Darjeeling. A war memorial dedicated to the war veterans who participated in the Indian freedom movement is located at the site of the Batasia Loop.
Best Time to Book a Tour Package for Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling
The most suitable time to visit Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling is between the months of March to June and September to December. These periods enjoy good weather, which is best suited for visiting the places, engaging in open activities, and appreciating the nature around the area.
Summer (March to June): The time of pleasant weather, between the temperature of 10°C to 25°C, that is best suited for sightseeing, and enjoying the outdoors.
September to December (Autumn): This time is characterized by clear skies and cooler weather, which is ideal to see the views of the Himalayan ranges and visit the tourist spots.
It is best not to travel between the months of June to August since the heavy rains can lead to landslides and cause inconvenience to your journey plans.
Tour Packages for Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling
There are numerous tour packages to Gangtok and Darjeeling to suit your budget, length of stay, and the activities you want to enjoy. Tour packages typically comprise transport, accommodation, and sightseeing excursions, which can be tailored to suit your taste.
3-Night/4-Day Package
A 4-day, 3-night stay is most suitable for those who can spare only a limited time to visit Gangtok and Darjeeling. A package typically has the following components
Day 1: Arrive at Gangtok, hotel check-in, and free time to explore MG Road in the evening.
Day 2: Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La Pass, and Rumtek Monastery visit
Day 3: Transfer to Darjeeling, visit to Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Day 4: Departure day at Darje
5-Night/6-Day Package
A 6-day, 5-night itinerary is best suited for those intending to visit Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling at length. This extended itinerary has more sightseeing activities, including
Day 1-2: Arrival at Gangtok and visit to prominent sites.
Day 3: Transfer to Pelling, explore the Kanchenjunga Falls, the Pemayangtse Monastery, and the Rabdentse Ruins.
Day 4-5: Travel to Darjeeling, explore Tiger Hill, visit the Batasia Loop, and ride the Toy Train.
Day 6: Peace Pagoda visit at Darjeeling and onward departure.
7-Night/8-Day Luxury Package
A luxury package of 7 nights, 8 days, provides an extended, luxurious experience at all three destinations. This package would include stays at the best 5-star hotels, individual transportation, personal guides, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
FAQ
1. How much does a tour package for Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling cost?
The price varies based on the type of package you opt for. Budget packages range from ?15,000 per person, whereas the luxury packages can reach up to ?40,000 or more per person for an 8-day tour.
2. Can I personalise my tour package?
Yes, all travel agencies permit you to tailor your tour package to your needs, such as the period, accommodation, and sightseeing activities.
3. When is the best time to go to these places?
The optimal time to visit is March to June and September to December, which is when the climate is suitable to enjoy city life, sightseeing, and outdoor adventure activities.
4. What is the duration of travel between Gangtok, Pelling, And Darjeeling?
It would take nearly 5-6 hours to cover these places by road. A standard tour package will arrange comfortable transportation for you to cover this distance.
5. Are there adventure activities available in Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling?
Yes, adventure sports such as trekking, river rafting, and cable car rides can be found at such destinations. Certain packages contain adventure activities.
6. Is it necessary to book a tour package?
Although it's not necessary, pre-booking a tour package saves you time and trouble planning your vacation. It also guarantees that you can view the prominent sites without any inconvenience.
7. Are the roads safe during the monsoon season?
Roads become slippery during the monsoon season, and landslides are dangerous. Travel is best avoided at this time, except under unavoidable circumstances.
8. What kind of accommodation is available?
Accommodation varies between economy hotels to high-class resorts. Packages cover stays at mid-level or high-class hotels, based on your option.
9. Are there vegetarian food options available?
Yes, all three destinations have vegetarian foods to choose from. Most restaurants and accommodations offer varied foods to suit dietary needs.
10. How is the tour package booked?
Booking a tour package is possible through travel agents operating online, or local travel agents that specialize in Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling tour packages.
Conclusion
A tour package to Gangtok and Darjeeling is the most convenient method of visiting these stunning places without the hassle of planning. From the breathtaking views of the mountain range of Kanchenjunga to the quaint streets of Darjeeling and the serene monasteries of Gangtok, the places are an experience to be remembered. With the tour package, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy making memories while others take care of the rest. Whether you are visiting the places with kids, friends, or as couples, the hill stations are going to give you the experience of a unique vacation that you will never forget.