7-Day Private Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour from Siliguri

Summary

Gangtok to Darjeeling: Private Himalayan Tour with Local Sights

If you want real Himalayan moments—from sipping chai above cloud lines to watching monks spin prayer wheels—this private tour covers it all without rushing you along. It’s perfect if you want local stories mixed with classic sights like Tiger Hill sunrise or Tsomgo Lake’s icy blue waters.

What’s the experience like?

Stepping out of the NJP station, I could already feel the air change—cooler, a little sharper than back home. Our driver, Rajesh, met us right at the exit with a smile and a sign. The drive up to Gangtok wound through tea gardens and tiny roadside stalls selling momos. It took about five hours with a quick chai stop where the steam mingled with mountain mist. By the time we reached our hotel in Gangtok, my phone was full of photos of prayer flags and distant peaks. The evening was ours; I wandered down MG Marg, watched locals chat over plates of thukpa, and let myself just settle into the rhythm of Sikkim.

The next morning started early—permits for Tsomgo Lake can be unpredictable, so we waited for Rajesh’s call before heading out. The road climbed fast; at 12,400 feet, Tsomgo Lake looked almost unreal—icy blue water ringed by snow even in April. Yak herders offered rides near the shore (I skipped it but snapped a photo). Locals tossed marigold petals into the water for luck. Afterward, we drove another half hour to Baba Mandir—a small temple with boots lined up outside and army men lighting incense inside. Back in Gangtok that evening, I browsed souvenir shops for handwoven scarves before dinner at Taste of Tibet (try their steamed buns if you go).

Pelling was next—a four-hour drive through switchbacks and forests thick with rhododendrons. Our hotel balcony faced Mt. Kanchenjunga itself; clouds drifted past all afternoon but cleared just enough at sunset for a glimpse of its snowy shoulder. In town, vendors sold oranges from crates and schoolkids played cricket in an empty lot.

The full day exploring Pelling was packed but never felt rushed. Rimbi Waterfall thundered nearby as we walked along mossy rocks; you could hear birdsong over the rush of water. Kanchenjunga Falls was even bigger—locals say it never dries up. Khecheopalri Lake felt almost silent except for prayer wheels spinning softly in the breeze; there’s a story that not even a leaf floats on its surface because it’s considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus.

Pemayangtse Monastery stood quiet on its hilltop—our guide Tashi explained how monks here are chosen from Bhutia families and follow centuries-old rituals. Rabdentse Palace ruins were scattered among trees; moss covered old stones where kings once lived. The new Sky Walk near Chenrezig Statue was something else—walking on glass above green valleys made my knees wobble but the view was worth it.

The road to Darjeeling twisted through tea estates—you could smell fresh leaves when windows were down. Once in town, Mall Road buzzed with life: kids eating hot jalebis from street carts, couples taking selfies under old lampposts.

Tiger Hill meant waking up at 3:30am—totally worth it though. We joined dozens of others bundled in blankets waiting for sunrise over Kanchenjunga; when the first pink light hit the peak everyone cheered softly like it was some secret only we shared.

Later that day we visited Ghoom Monastery—the Maitreya Buddha statue is huge and peaceful—and then stopped by Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where Tenzing Norgay’s gear is still on display (felt surreal seeing his boots). Padmaja Naidu Zoo had red pandas napping high in trees; I’d never seen one before except on postcards.

The Tibetan Refugee Centre had women weaving carpets by hand while kids played outside—the place smelled faintly of yak butter candles and wool dye. Peace Pagoda stood white against blue sky; monks chanted inside while visitors circled quietly outside.

On our last morning after breakfast (masala omelette and sweet chai), we said goodbye to Darjeeling’s hills and headed back down toward NJP station—the car radio played old Hindi songs as tea gardens slipped by outside my window.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Transfer to Gangtok

• Arrival at NJP/IXB and transfer to Gangtok
• Hotel check-in and leisure time

Day 2 — Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir

• Visit Tsomgo Lake
• Visit Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
• Evening free for shopping in Gangtok

Day 3 — Transfer to Pelling and Relax

• Check out from Gangtok hotel and transfer to Pelling
• Hotel check-in and relax with mountain views
• Evening visit to local markets

Day 4 — Pelling Local Tour and Sky Walk

• Visit Rimbi Waterfall and Sewaro Rock Garden
• Visit Kanchenjunga Falls
• Visit Khecheopalri Lake
• Visit Pemayangtse Monastery
• Visit Rabdentse Palace Ruins
• Pelling Sky Walk and Chenrezig Statue

Day 5 — Transfer to Darjeeling

• Transfer from Pelling to Darjeeling
• Hotel check-in and leisure time
• Evening visit to Mall Road

Day 6 — Darjeeling City Tour

• Visit Tiger Hill for sunrise
• Visit Old Ghoom Monastery (Yiga Choeling)
• Visit scenic train track and gardens
• Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
• Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
• Visit Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre
• Outer view visit (unspecified)
• Visit Peace Pagoda
• Afternoon leisure in Darjeeling town

Day 7 — Departure from Darjeeling

• Check out and transfer to NJP/IXB airport

Top questions

How difficult are the drives between cities?

The roads are winding but well-maintained; drivers are experienced with mountain routes so it's comfortable if you're used to hilly terrain.

Is there free time for shopping or exploring on our own?

Yes! Evenings are mostly free in Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling so you can wander markets or relax as you like.

What should I pack for this trip?

Layers work best—mornings can be chilly especially at higher altitudes like Tsomgo Lake or Tiger Hill. A rain jacket is handy too.

Are permits needed for any sites?

A permit is required for Tsomgo Lake/Baba Mandir; your driver will arrange this based on availability each morning.

Can I try local food during the tour?

Definitely! There are plenty of chances to sample Sikkimese or Tibetan dishes at local cafés along the way.

What’s included

Your private car with local driver covers all transfers between Siliguri, Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling—including parking fees and tolls so you don’t have to worry about logistics. Three-star hotels each night keep things comfy after busy days out exploring waterfalls or monasteries. Fuel costs? Already sorted! Just bring your sense of adventure—and maybe an extra memory card for all those mountain photos.