12 Days - North East India Walking Tour

Welcome to North East India! Upon arriving at Bagdogra Airport, you will receive a traditional Sikkimese welcome before meeting your guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout your stay. Your journey into the hills begins with a scenic drive past lush green tea plantations. Kurseong, whose name comes from the Lepcha word Kharsang meaning “The Land of the White Orchids,” is famous for producing some of the world’s finest and most expensive teas. Renowned estates like Castleton, Ambotia, and Makaibari craft exquisite orthodox teas enjoyed by connoisseurs worldwide.

During your time in Kurseong, take a guided tea garden tour, visit remote villages, meet the locals, and sample a variety of fine teas. Unwind with a green tea or bamboo massage, enjoy a picnic lunch by a stream, or ride a heritage steam train. If time allows, walk to Eagle’s Crag Viewpoint near Kurseong railway station for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, hills, and valleys.

Wake up to the rich aroma of freshly brewed tea before embarking on a guided tour of the region’s most renowned tea estate, followed by a full-day nature hike with a picnic lunch in a scenic valley.

Visit the esteemed organic and biodynamic Ambootia Tea Factory, known for producing some of the world’s most innovative, exclusive, and expensive teas. Stroll through the rolling tea plantations, meet the garden workers, and, if visiting during harvest season, try your hand at tea plucking. Tour the factory to learn about the tea-making process and participate in a tasting session. Factory tours run seasonally, typically from March to November, and are closed on Mondays and public holidays. If the factory is closed, the day continues with the remaining activities.

Walk through villages to observe or engage in daily rural life, witnessing unique cultivation techniques and diverse crops, including medicinal plants. Trek through breathtaking countryside to a small yet ecologically significant natural pond, home to the endangered Himalayan newt. Enjoy a picnic lunch by a fresh spring before returning to your hotel by car. Unwind and savour a special Indian tandoor dinner in the evening.

Hiking: 5 to 6 hours | 12 to 15 km | Max Elevation: 1,400 m | Ascent/Descent: 250 to 300m
Schedule: Depart at 8:00am | Return to Kurseong by 4:00pm

Rise early for your departure to Kurseong Rail Station for a scenic ride on the Heritage Himalayan Train, which has been running on a narrow gauge for 150 years. As the train leaves Kurseong, it passes through the bustling bazaar before winding into the hills. The sight of colourful Tibetan prayer flags signals your arrival in the mountains. The train crisscrosses the main Darjeeling Road, travels through forests of pine, maple and chestnut, and passes small stations and picturesque countryside before reaching Ghoom - the highest railway station in India at 2,250 m. From there, the train descends towards Darjeeling, passing through the famous Batasia Loop, home to a memorial honouring Gorkha soldiers. Enjoy breathtaking views of Darjeeling town with the majestic Mt Kanchenjunga range as a backdrop before arriving at Darjeeling Station.

Darjeeling, one of India's oldest hill stations, is a vibrant blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With flaming rhododendrons, sparkling magnolias, rolling tea plantations, historic monasteries, churches and temples - all set against a brilliant blue sky - it is rightly called the "Queen of Hill Stations." After lunch, take a short uphill walk to Mahakal Temple, the oldest temple of Lord Shiva in Darjeeling, where Hindu and Buddhist traditions exist side by side. Later, stroll along the Mall or Chowrasta, the town’s lively centre, where century-old bookshops and curio stores line the shady pedestrian paths. Enjoy the misty mountain air as you take in the unique charm of Darjeeling.

Journey: 35 km | 3.5 hours
Schedule: Depart Kurseong Station at 7:00 am | Arrive at Darjeeling Hotel by 11:00 am

Rise very early this morning to begin the Tiger Hill tour. Leave your hotel at 4:00am for the chance to witness a stunning sunrise over the highest Himalayan peaks from Tiger Hill, situated atop the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary.

Brace yourself for a chilly morning and wake up at 3:30am for the 45-minute drive to Tiger Hill. If the weather is clear, you'll be treated to a magical display of colours on the snow-covered ridges at dawn. Return to your hotel for breakfast before starting the drive to Pelling in West Sikkim. The journey takes around 5 hours, following the Tista and Rangit Rivers.

On the way, enjoy a short walk of about 3km to the Rabduntse Ruins, with a maximum altitude of 2,000m and no climb required.

Surrounded by dense forest on a hilltop overlooking a vast valley and mountains, the palace dates back more than 300 years. Rabduntse - the second capital under the Chogyals of Sikkim, built in 1670 - is now in ruins and is protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The hilltop offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and the Kunchenjungha snow ridges, including the Pemayangtse Monastery on the left.

Arrive at Pelling, a small and peaceful village that has transformed into a bustling tourist spot in West Sikkim, known for its incredible close-up views of the highest peaks of the Greater Himalayas. The area is rich with beautiful countryside, ancient monasteries, sacred lakes, and waterfalls steeped in myths and legends.

Your evening is free to relax, or you might like to take a short visit to Pemayangtse Monastery to witness the evening prayer. Pemayangtse Monastery is the most significant and widely discussed monastery in Sikkim. Built more than 300 years ago by Lama Lhatsun Chempo, a revered saint from Tibet belonging to the Nyingmapa Sect of Buddhism, it is regarded as one of the premier monasteries in Sikkim.

The oldest of all Sikkimese monasteries is the Sangachoeling Monastery, which means "the place of secret spells", located in Pelling. It is a major pilgrimage centre for Buddhists and is about 4km from the main centre in Pelling.

This morning, set off on a 15km trek, which takes around 6 hours. Walk through dense pine forests, which are also excellent for birdwatching. Upon reaching the top of the hill, you'll find a small and colourful monastery building surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and sacred stupas. Being far from the city's influence, this area is incredibly peaceful - an ideal spot for meditation amidst nature. The hilltop offers stunning views of the mountains and forested valleys below.

A narrow trail leads from the monastery through the forests to a sacred site called Rani Dunga. This beautiful trail runs along the ridge for about 3 hours, offering spectacular mountain views and excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Rani Dunga, or the Queen Stone, is a massive, fixed rock that locals consider sacred, believing it was created by Lord Buddha. The trail is usually quiet and uninhabited, providing a good chance to spot birds and other wildlife.

From Rani Dunga, continue trekking for about an hour, descending through scattered village houses to Darap, a small settlement of the Limboo community. Check in at a local homestay where the host family will welcome you with a hot traditional lunch. There’s an opportunity to interact with the villagers and experience their daily routines - such as farming, milking cows, learning to cook, and tasting the local beer. This is a chance to observe the rural and simple Sikkimese way of life.

Hiking: 15km in approximately 6 hours | Max Altitude: 2,400m | Ascent: 400m | Descent: 800m

Schedule: Start at 7:30am in Pelling | End at 2:00pm in Darap

Wake up early to the sound of roosters crowing as life in the village begins before sunrise. The women head to the fields to harvest crops, milk cows, and prepare food over a wood fire. Experience their daily lives first-hand before breakfast. Drive to Khecheopalri Lake, which is about 20km from Darap and takes around an hour.

Khecheopalri, which literally means in Tibetan "A Palace of Flying Meditating (female) Deities", is the holiest lake in West Sikkim, surrounded by myths, legends, and folklore. Nestled amidst a dense broadleaf forested hill at an altitude of 1,700m, this small lake has a powerful presence in the mythology of Sikkim and plays an important role in the social lives of the local villagers. The lake, shaped like a foot, is believed to represent the footprint of Lord Buddha and is an essential part of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage circuit in West Sikkim.

Spend time at the lake, observing the morning activities of monks and nuns who come to offer prayers. From here, start the 3 to 4-hour hike to Yuksom through temperate forests rich in birdlife and past some remote Sikkimese hamlets. Your car will wait near Yuksom with your luggage and take you to your hotel.

With a history spanning more than 300 years, Yuksom holds a significant place in the Kingdom of Sikkim. As the first capital and centre of Buddhist pilgrimage, Yuksom became the seat of power in 1642 when three of the most learned monks from Tibet gathered in this small village to establish Buddhism and crowned the first Chogyal of Sikkim at a place called Norbugang - a prime attraction in Yuksom. Nestled beneath the snow-capped Mt Pandim, Yuksom, at an altitude of 1,700m, is a small village and market with a few shops and lodges, surrounded by thick forests and agricultural fields.

Check into your hotel. After lunch, explore the local market and visit the historic Coronation Throne at Norbugang, just 2km away from the hotel.

Journey: 1 hour by car

Trek: 8km in 3 hours | Max Altitude: 1,700m | Ascent: 250m | Descent: 250m

Schedule: Start from Darap at 8:30am | Reach Yuksom at 1:30pm

This morning, drive through the unspoilt countryside of West Sikkim. Stop at Tashiding Monastery and walk from the main road to the Gompa for about 40 minutes, returning in about 25 minutes. Built in the 1640s, Tashiding Monastery is regarded as the most sacred monastery in Sikkim. It belongs to the Nyingma sect, or the Red Hat sect, of Tibetan Buddhism. A path from the main road, lined with colourful prayer flags, prayer wheels, and sacred golden chortens (stupas), leads to the main monastery, which houses many valuable artefacts, relics, scroll paintings, and old statues of Lord Buddha. From Tashiding, continue the drive to Kewzing and check in at your village homestay.

After lunch, take the opportunity for a village and nature walk through cardamom plantations and terraced farmland for about 1.5 hours. You can also visit a school on weekdays to meet the students. If interested, you can participate in a football match specially arranged. This evening, there is a special gathering with some leaders of KTDC who will explain their sustainable village tourism initiative and how it is benefiting the villagers of Kewzing.

Drive: 3 hours by car

Journey: Walk to monastery, total 1 hour | Max Altitude: 1,850m | Ascent: 300m | Descent: 300m

Schedule: Start from Yuksom at 8:30am | Reach Kewzing at 1:00pm

A full-day hike to one of the finest nature trails in Sikkim - the Maenam La Sanctuary Nature Hike.

Drive around 5km to Rabangla to start the trek. The trail to Maenam La top passes through lush forests of oak, birch, rhododendron, magnolia, and pine, offering stunning views of the vast snowy Himalayan ranges, including Mt Kunchenjungha, Mt Karbu, Mt Pandim, and several other prominent peaks. Maenam La, meaning "Treasury of Medicines", is home to a rich collection of medicinal plants. This small sanctuary is also a paradise for bird lovers, boasting more than 150 species of birds, including the rare tragopan, partridge, and laughing thrush, as well as being a natural habitat for red pandas.

The trail has some steep climbs, so it's best to carry a walking stick. A packed lunch will be served at a small Buddhist monastery at the top of the hill. Return to Kewzing in the late afternoon. You might also like to opt for a traditional hot stone bath with medicated herbs to help you rejuvenate.

The best time for this trek is between late October and early April, though it can be very cold and snowy from December to February.

Total Hike: 10km + 10km | Max Altitude: 3,250m | Ascent: 1,100m | Descent: 1,100m | 4.5 hours up & 2.5 hours down

Schedule: Start from Kewzing at 8:00am | Return to Kewzing at 3:00pm

This morning, drive to Rumtek, the most important pilgrimage and meditation centre for Buddhists, home to the largest monastery in Sikkim - the seat of Rinpoche and an institute for higher Buddhist studies. Located in the picturesque East Sikkim countryside, close to the capital town of Gangtok, Rumtek offers refreshing village walks and a pleasant climate.

The journey, which takes around 3 hours, passes through stunning countryside with agricultural fields on the hill slopes, small villages, and forests. Along the way, you'll cross the scenic Temi tea garden, the only tea garden in Sikkim. Visit the Rumtek Monastery and then continue to your farmhouse accommodation for lunch.

The rest of the day is at leisure. You might like to visit the farm garden, where your meals come from, and relax in the scenic surroundings, enjoying views of the vast valley and the illuminated Gangtok town at twilight.

The peaceful surroundings in Rumtek are perfect for cycling through the countryside. You’ll be provided with a bicycle and a local guide who will lead you on a memorable ride through rural areas. Meet villagers and school children, cycle through stunning agricultural land with beautiful views of valleys and mountains, and see villagers working in the fields using traditional methods. You can stop at a local shop for a cup of tea. Return to your farmhouse around noon.

This afternoon, join an activity with a specialist from the local village. This will give you an authentic insight into the traditional way of life of the Sikkimese people. You can choose to take part in a bamboo basket-making workshop, a traditional painting workshop, prepare a Sikkimese dish, or teach maths to a group of children. There may be several other options available depending on your interests.

This evening, a special barbecue dinner will be arranged with a bonfire and local drinks.

Cycle: 20km | Approx 2 to 3 hours | Max Altitude: 1,700m | Ascent: 250m | Descent: 250m

Schedule: Start from Rumtek at 8:30am | Return by 11:30am

This morning, drive to Gangtok. The journey takes around an hour. Upon arrival, begin a walking tour of the city, which lasts about 4 hours.

The walk starts from the main market. Stroll along Tibet Road and reach Nehru Point, just below the White Hall. Next to the hall is the popular Orchid Centre, where the most exotic flowers of the Himalayas are on display. From here, walk towards the TV tower of Gangtok - one of the highest points in the city. As the buildings give way to tall pine trees, the road becomes quieter. Enjoy stunning views of the town before walking to Enchey Monastery - an old monastery and an important Buddhist centre surrounded by thick forests. Spend some time at the monastery, then walk to Ganesh Tok - a viewpoint and temple on the outskirts of the city.

On a clear day, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Kunchenjungha range and the Gangtok town below. Take a coffee break before continuing to the Himalayan Zoological Park - a semi-natural forest for wild animals. From here, walk down to the White Hall and continue through Ridge Park - a pedestrian-friendly path decorated with trees and lovely views of the surroundings. A 10-minute walk over the ridge takes you to Tsuklakhang Monastery and Palace - a historical site in Sikkim that was the seat of power for the Royal Chogyals of Sikkim. See the Sikkim Legislative Assembly - an imposing building and the current seat of power.

From there, walk down to Deorali either by foot through the typical residential areas of Gangtok or take a cable car, which takes about 15 minutes. Visit the Institute of Tibetology - an important Buddhist learning centre and museum with a priceless collection of antiques and relics. Walk another 2km along the main road to reach Gangtok Market. Spend the rest of the day in the busy M.G. Marg shopping, people-watching, or visit Lal Bazaar - the traditional market for locals. You can also walk to the Centre for Handicraft and Cottage Industry for some authentic shopping of traditional handicrafts and see how they are made.

Return to Rumtek by car in the late afternoon.

Trek: Roughly 10km | Duration: about 4 hours

Schedule: Start from Rumtek at 9:00am | Return by 5:00pm

Today, we say farewell! This morning transfer to Bagdogra Airport. The journey is around 5 hours.