Sikkim - Mountain Jeep Safari
Sikkim, a land of unparalleled beauty and diversity, offers a unique experience for those seeking adventure and exploration. The Mountain Jeep Safari Tour in Sikkim is an exhilarating journey that takes you deep into the heart of this enchanting region, where every turn reveals a new facet of its rich biodiversity, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. This safari is not just a drive through the mountains; it’s an immersive experience that brings you closer to the soul of Sikkim, where ancient monasteries stand as sentinels over serene valleys, and the majestic peaks of the Himalayas form a breathtaking backdrop.
The journey begins with a thrilling ascent to Nathula Pass, a historic trade route on the Indo-China border, where you can witness the confluence of history and nature at one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
Trip Highlights & Attractions
As you drive through the winding roads, you’ll be captivated by the changing landscapes, from lush green forests to the rugged beauty of the high-altitude terrain. The tour continues to Changu Lake (Tsomgo Lake), a pristine glacial lake that mirrors the surrounding mountains, offering a tranquil spot to pause and absorb the natural beauty surrounding you. The safari also takes you to Pelling, a quaint town that offers panoramic views of the mighty Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Here, you can explore ancient monasteries like Pemayangtse, where the spiritual essence of Sikkim is palpable.
- Nathula Pass: Explore the historic Indo-China border at an altitude of 4,310 meters, where the past and present converge against stunning mountain vistas.
- Changu Lake (Tsomgo Lake): Visit the serene glacial lake surrounded by rugged mountains, a sacred site revered by locals and a haven for nature lovers.
- Pelling: Experience the charm of this peaceful town, known for its panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and its proximity to ancient monasteries like Pemayangtse.
Trip Facts
- Trip id: SKTU-03
- Trip type: Sikkim Tour
- Trip grade: Moderate
- Starting from: Gangtok
- Ending at: Gangtok
- Trip duration: 11 Days
- Base price: $$$$
- Max. altitude:
- Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House
- Group size: 2-16 Person
Sikkim - Mountain Jeep Safari — Itinerary
Day 01: Bagdogra - Darjeeling
On arrival at Bagdogra airport the clients will be received by our guide who will accompany the group for rest of the tour in Darjeeling and Sikkim. Bagdogra to Darjeeling is a three hours drive uphill through tea gardens and small towns. We will occasionally meet the famous Darjeeling Toy Train, huffing and puffing across our road.
Day 02: Darjeeling
Early morning visit Tiger Hill for fabulous sunrise views over Mt.Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world at 28,156 ft. Mt. Everest and a host of other Himalayan giants are also seen on the horizon subject to clear weather. On our drive back to the hotel we will stop at Ghoom to visit Yigacholing Monastery. After breakfast we shall visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre and the nearest tea garden to witness the orthodox manufacturing process of Darjeeling Tea. In the evening, stroll around the local market and the mall. O/N Hotel.
Day 03: Darjeeling - Pelling or Pemayangtse (West Sikkim)
Today’s drive is truly a naturalist’s delight. The hillsides and mountain slopes of Sikkim are strewn with bright patches of myriad colors. The lower mountain slopes are abundant with lush green bamboo and ferns. The northern valleys are draped with wild cherry, oaks, chestnut, pines as well as magnolia variety’s called Magnolia Campbeli and Michelia Doltso-pa. The higher altitudes are abloom with 46 species of Rhododendrons. And of course, Sikkim’s 600 varieties of orchids are everywhere. This day our 5 hours drive is interesting s we move upstream along the river Rangit through dense forests of sal and teak. O/N Hotel.
Day 04: Pelling to Yuksom via Kechipalri Lake
Early morning after having breakfast we walk to the Pemayangtse monastery. Here we hear the chanting of the morning prayers by the young and old monks and the smell of the burning Juniferous Squamata and Rhododendron Nivele. Pemayangtse, also known as the “Perfect Sublime Lotus” is one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim and belongs to the Read Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. After visiting his monastery we will drive towards Kechpalri Lake – wishing lake and further proceed to Yuksom. O/N Hotel.
Day 05: Yuksom
The original capital of Sikkim, the tiny hill town of Yuksom is the base for treks and climbing expeditions to Mt.Kanchenjunga and other important peaks. This day we walk to the coronation throne, Dubdi Monastery and the nearby jungles to see wild orchids like Coelogyne and Dendrobium, as well as the indigenous flora of Sikkim.
Day 06: Yuksom - Gangtok
The 5 hour drive from Yuksom to Gangtok passes lush green fields of the famous large Sikkimese Cardamoms as well as Golden Rice.
Day 07: Gangtok
Perched atop of ridge at a height of 1,520 mtr lies Gangtok, a quaint, colorful town. This small modernized town is the capital of Sikkim. Here we visit the famous monastery of Rumtek (27 kms away from the main town), which is the headquarters of the Kagyu sect. Later, we visit the Institute of Tibetology which has a collection of almost 30,000 volumes of diverse subject like astrology, philosophy, magic and religion. After lunch we visit Enchey Monastery, Flower Show, Du Drul Chorten and take a walk around the town. O/N Hotel.
Day 08: Gangtok to Lachung
This area was recently opened to foreign visitors. We will be seeing the breathtaking landscapes of the northern part of Sikkim. Our drive takes us through lush green bamboo thickets intermingled with tropical flora and we arrive at the historical place of “Kabi Logstok” where the Lepchas and Bhutias had their brotherhood treaty. Later we pass scattered villages and terraced paddy fields. A few kilometers before reaching Mangan (the capital of North Sikkim), we will cross the Rang Rang bridge which is said to be one of the highest bridges in Asia. After Mangan the landscapes turn even more interesting as we encounter magnificent waterfalls cascading down steep mountain walls. O/N lodge.
Day 09: Lachung - Yumthang
This day we visit Shingba Rhododendron sanctuary set at 12,000 ft. Here we find different varieties of Rhododendrons and Pines. Yumthang is also rich in sulphur springs and even the Kings of Sikkim have made their own bathing huts. The air starts to get cooler as you enter the valley, with towering peaks closing in from all sides. From this point Tibet is only 25 kms as the crow flies. Evening return back to our lodge in Lachung.
Day 10: Lachung - Gangtok
After breakfast visit Lachung monastery before commencing the return drive. Lachung is famous for apple and October and November are lively months when the apples are harvested and sent to Gangtok. On our return drive we will make stop at different places and take short hikes to explore the countryside. We will have a picnic lunch at Singhik, famous for its clear and unobstructed views of Himalayas.
Day 11: Gangtok - Bagdogra
The 5 hours drive from Gangtok to Bagdogra follows the Teesta river and we will be making stops to see the low altitude Himalayan flora.
Cost Includes
- All Transportation – All sightseeing, including pick-ups and Drops
- All internal taxes
- All Sightseeing as per Itinerary
- Parking Charges/Driver's Allowance
- Deluxe Hotels with Breakfast at Gangtok & Lunch
- Exclusive Non-A/C vehicle for transfers & sightseeing.
- Please note: that the vehicle will not be at your disposal. It will be available as per itinerary only (point to point basis)
Cost Excludes
- Expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone, alcohol, etc.
- Personal insurance, however, covers immediate medical facilities
- Additional sightseeing or extra vehicle usage other than what is mentioned in the itinerary.
- Extra expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as landslides/strikes/accidents/natural calamities
- Ropeway, airfare ticket, internal flight, tips, etc.