Sikkim & Darjeeling Spiritual & Artisan Journey
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Duration 8 nights / 9 days
About This Tour
This Himalayan journey invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the spiritual, cultural, and natural wealth of Darjeeling and Sikkim. Walk through pine forests and tea gardens, visit sacred monasteries echoing with chants, and connect with artisans and villagers preserving traditional crafts. Stay in heritage tea houses, family-run homestays, and serene farm retreats that bring you closer to local life. With a balance of solitude, scenic drives, forest walks, and meaningful encounters, this is a journey into the spiritual and artisanal soul of the Eastern Himalayas.
Tour Plan
Arrive at Bagdogra and drive through rolling hills and lush tea estates to Darjeeling (about 3.5 hours). Check into either the elegant Ging Tea House or Chamong Chiabari, both set amidst scenic plantations. As the sun sets, take a gentle walk through the tea gardens, followed by a calming tea ceremony in the evening.
Begin your day with a refreshing walk at Lamahatta Eco Park, where pine forests and mountain air awaken the senses. In the afternoon, visit Tinchuley village to meet locals and learn about their homemade pickles and preserves. An optional evening visit to a quiet Buddhist temple in the hills offers a spiritual close to the day.
After breakfast, take a scenic five-hour drive through tea gardens and forested landscapes en route to Pelling. Stay at the Chumbi Mountain Retreat, a Tibetan-inspired property overlooking the mountains. Visit the historic Pemayangtse Monastery and enjoy a short forest walk to the evocative Rabdentse Ruins, the former royal capital of Sikkim.
This morning, hike to the sacred Khecheopalri Lake, revered as a wish-fulfilling site for Buddhists. In the afternoon, visit Darap village, where the Lepcha community showcases traditional weaving and basket-making. Overnight at the welcoming Daragaon Village Retreat, where homestay hospitality offers deeper immersion.
A short drive brings you to Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim. Stay at Yangsum Heritage Farm, surrounded by forests and fields. In the afternoon, hike to Dubdi Monastery, Sikkim’s oldest, where its serene courtyard invites meditation. In the evening, you may choose to learn traditional Sikkimese cooking with your hosts.
After breakfast, drive to the sacred Tashiding Monastery, a revered pilgrimage site said to wash away all sins. Continue to Ravangla, where you’ll explore Ralang Monastery, famous for its murals and chants. Overnight at Bon Farmhouse in Kewzing, where you’ll learn about Bon traditions and enjoy rustic farm hospitality.
Attend early morning prayers at Buddha Park, where the chants resonate in the crisp Himalayan air. Visit a local carpet-weaving center to meet artisans preserving their craft. The rest of the day is spent on peaceful farm walks and conversations with monks, offering an intimate glimpse into Buddhist life.
After breakfast, drive through scenic landscapes and the Temi Tea Garden to reach Kalimpong (about 4 hours). Stay at Windsor Villa or Soods Garden Retreat. In the afternoon, explore Tharpa Choling Monastery or Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, renowned for their murals and Tibetan scriptures.
On your final morning, visit Kalimpong’s celebrated orchid nurseries, a colorful farewell to the Himalayas. Later, drive back to Bagdogra (about 3.5 hours) for your onward flight, carrying with you memories of monasteries, artisans, and the tranquil landscapes of Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Safe travels!