Darjeeling, Sikkim & Kanchenjunga Loop
A loop connecting Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling to see sacred lakes, ancient monasteries, tea gardens, and the Kanchenjunga sunrise.
This is the most popular mountain loop starting from Bagdogra, featuring three nights in Gangtok, two nights in Pelling, and two nights in Darjeeling. Navigating 4–6 hours of winding mountain roads daily is not easy, but the route is non-repetitive. It is perfect for families and couples visiting the Eastern Himalayas for the first time. This itinerary does not include North Sikkim, which experienced multiple road closures in 2026 and requires at least 3 additional days.
Landslides are common during the monsoon, and mountain views are rarely visible. In winter, snow may block the road to Tsomgo Lake.
Day by day
Day 1 · Up the Mountain to Gangtok
Hire a car from Bagdogra to Gangtok (approx. 124 km, 5–6 hours), driving up along the Teesta River valley.
Foreign tourists must hold a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter Sikkim, which will be checked at entry points like Rangpo.
Stay: MG Marg Area
Day 2 · Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir
Gangtok（Tsomgo Lake、Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir）
Drive to Tsomgo Lake (approx. 2 hours), then to Baba Mandir (approx. 35 minutes), and return the same day.
Permits must be arranged in advance by a registered travel agency. Nathu La is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Stay: MG Marg Area
Day 3 · Gangtok Monasteries & Town
Gangtok（Enchey Monastery、Namgyal Institute of Tibetology、Do-drul Chorten、Gangtok Ropeway、Rumtek Monastery）
Hire a local car for a half-day or full-day tour. Rumtek Monastery is about 1 hour one-way; other sights are within the town.
Stay: MG Marg Area
Day 4 · Over the Mountains to Pelling
Pelling（Sanga Choeling Monastery）
Gangtok to Pelling is about 124 km (approx. 6 hours on mountain roads). You can stop for lunch in South Sikkim.
Stay: Upper Pelling (Helipad Area)
Day 5 · Pelling Ancient Capital & Sacred Lake
Pelling（Pemayangtse Monastery、Rabdentse Ruins、Kanchenjunga Falls、Khecheopalri Lake、Chenrezig Statue & Pelling Skywalk）
Hire a local car for a full-day tour. One-way travel between sights takes 20–60 minutes, with some bumpy sections.
Stay: Upper Pelling (Helipad Area)
Day 6 · Transfer to Darjeeling
Darjeeling（Chowrasta Mall、Glenary's）
Pelling to Darjeeling takes about 4–6 hours depending on road conditions, climbing via Jorethang. An early departure is recommended.
Stay: Chowrasta and The Mall
Day 7 · Tiger Hill Sunrise & Toy Train
Darjeeling（Tiger Hill Sunrise、Ghum Monastery (Yiga Choeling)、Batasia Loop、Darjeeling Himalayan Railway、Himalayan Mountaineering Institute）
Take an early morning drive to Tiger Hill (approx. 40 minutes), returning via Ghum. In the afternoon, take the 2-hour Toy Train joyride.
Tickets for the Toy Train joyride and Tiger Hill sunrise viewing spots should be booked well in advance during peak seasons.
Stay: Chowrasta and The Mall
Day 8 · Tea Gardens & Down via Mirik
Darjeeling（Happy Valley Tea Estate、Mirik Lake）
Visit a tea garden in the morning, then drive down via Mirik to Bagdogra (approx. 4 hours) along the scenic tea-country road.
Tea gardens may not be operating on Sundays or during the off-season. Choose a late afternoon flight for your return.