A Darjeeling Gangtok tour is an unforgettable journey through the beauty of the Himalayas, offering a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. With a variety of Darjeeling and Gangtok tour packages available, you can easily find one that suits your preferences and budget.
Darjeeling and Gangtok are among the most popular tourist destinations in India. They are situated in the northeastern part of the country, where one can see breathtaking views of the Himalayas, lush tea gardens, vibrant culture, and rich history. If you want to spend a vacation that is different and refreshing, a Darjeeling Gangtok tour package would be a perfect choice.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the costs, itineraries, and the best way to plan a trip for a Darjeeling Gangtok tour packages. Whether you travel alone, with family, or with friends, these hill stations provide a range of experiences to be remembered throughout life.
About Darjeeling and Gangtok
Darjeeling
Darjeeling, often called the "Queen of the Hills," is known for its colonial charm, tea plantations, and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Located in the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is known for its rich British-era architecture, pleasant weather, and charming landscape. The town is also home to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is an iconic attraction for visitors.
Some of the major tourist attractions in Darjeeling are the Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Even touring the tea estates, taking a joyful ride on the toy train, or cupping local tea, Darjeeling is a scenic retreat that can be said to be free of all hassle and complete tranquility.
Gangtok
Gangtok is a vibrant hill station that boasts scintillating views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range, monasteries, and lush green landscapes. Gangtok is the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is an altitude of 5,410 feet and is marked by cultural importance, Buddhist monasteries, and adventure activities. The town is a perfect combination of modernity and tradition, with bustling markets, modern hotels, and traditional monasteries side by side.
Some of the popular attractions in Gangtok include the Rumtek Monastery, Tashi Viewpoint, MG Road, Banjhakri Falls, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. For adventure seekers, Gangtok offers trekking and easy access to Nathu La Pass and Changu Lake.
Types of Darjeeling and Gangtok Tour Packages
1. Darjeeling and Gangtok Tour Package
The Darjeeling and Gangtok tour package is one of the most popular travel itineraries for those visiting the northeastern part of India. These packages typically cover both destinations, giving travelers the chance to experience the best of both hill stations. You’ll enjoy scenic views, explore monasteries, visit popular tourist spots, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Some popular packages include a 7-day itinerary, which allows enough time to explore both Darjeeling and Gangtok at a leisurely pace. The tour usually includes visits to prominent spots such as Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Tsomgo Lake, and more.
2. Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Package Cost
The cost of the Darjeeling Gangtok tour package differs based on several factors such as the duration of the trip, the type of accommodation, the season, and the inclusion of special activities. On average, the cost of a 5-7 day Darjeeling Gangtok tour is around INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 per person. The above cost generally covers accommodation, transportation, and sightseeing activities.
And for more luxury types, the price can go to as high as INR 40,000 or more per person with richer hotel accommodation and more luxurious experiences. It is necessary to compare various tour operators and what is in the package before making a booking.
3. Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package From Siliguri
Siliguri is located on the foothill of Himalaya in West Bengal. Siliguri has many tourists passing on their way to Darjeeling and Gangtok. From Siliguri, you can find a suitable package for the tour of Darjeeling and Gangtok by arranging transportation to Siliguri both ways. In fact, road from Siliguri to Darjeeling is approx 3 hours and the same towards Gangtok around 4 hours.
The Siliguri packages generally consist of sightseeing tours, local experiences, and transportation between Darjeeling and Gangtok. The road from Siliguri to Gangtok is very scenic and offers a great opportunity to enjoy the lush green landscapes of the region.
4. Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Package From NJP
Another popular railway station near Siliguri, the New Jalpaiguri Junction, is another major point of transit for the tourist attractions to Darjeeling and Gangtok. You can book the Darjeeling Gangtok tour package from NJP if you are here by train. Distance between NJP and Darjeeling is 70 kilometers, and up to Gangtok, it is around 120 kilometers.
The tour packages from NJP include vehicle transfers to Darjeeling and Gangtok, sightseeing, and hotel stays. For train-traveling tourists, NJP is a very convenient entry point to the region, with easy access to both hill stations.
Sample Itinerary for a Darjeeling and Gangtok Tour
Here's a sample itinerary for a Darjeeling Gangtok tour, which covers major attractions in both destinations:
Day 1: Siliguri / NJP / Bagdogra - Arrival to Darjeeling
Reach Siliguri, NJP or Bagdogra Airport.
Transfer to Darjeeling. This will take approximately 3-4 hours.
Check into the hotel and take rest after reaching.
Evening free time for a stroll down Mall Road. Enjoy local shopping and snacks.
Day 2: Darjeeling
Tiger Hill at dawn to view the sunrise over Kanchenjunga.
Visit Batasia Loop, a scenic spot offering panoramic views.
Explore Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Take a ride on the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train).
Enjoy shopping at local markets in the evening.
Day 3: Darjeeling to Gangtok
After breakfast, depart from Darjeeling for Gangtok (approximately 4-5 hours by road).
Check into your hotel in Gangtok and relax.
Visit MG Road, the commercial hub of Gangtok, in the evening for shopping and dining.
Day 4: Explore Gangtok
View Kanchenjunga from Tashi Viewpoint.
Explore the largest and most important monasteries in Sikkim at Rumtek Monastery.
Visit Banjhakri Falls to enjoy the surrounding greenery.
Visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to know about the Tibetan culture.
Day 5: Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass
Take an excursion to Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by snowy peaks.
If time permits, continue the journey to Nathu La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world and the gateway to China.
Return to Gangtok in the evening.
Day 6: Gangtok to Siliguri / NJP / Bagdogra - Departure
After breakfast, return to Siliguri, NJP, or Bagdogra for your onward journey.
Why Choose Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Packages?
Convenience: Tour packages provide seamless transportation, making it easy to explore both destinations without the hassle of planning every detail.
Expert Planning: Professional tour operators design itineraries to ensure you visit all the must-see spots, offering valuable insights and ensuring a smooth trip.
Affordable Options: Tour packages cater to all kinds of budgets, offering affordable, mid-range, and luxurious options.
Local Experiences: Tour packages usually include cultural experiences, where you can explore the local way of life in Darjeeling and Gangtok.
Conclusion
A Darjeeling Gangtok tour is an unforgettable journey through the beauty of the Himalayas, offering a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. With a variety of Darjeeling and Gangtok tour packages available, you can easily find one that suits your preferences and budget. Whether you take a package from Siliguri, NJP, or have your own customized tour, the rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and warm hospitality of these hill stations will ensure that you have a memorable trip. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to these stunning destinations today!