If you’re short on time but still want to experience the best of the Eastern Himalayas, this 6-day Darjeeling–Sikkim itinerary offers a well-balanced journey through tea-covered hills, alpine lakes, monasteries, and mountain villages. Starting from Darjeeling and moving through Gangtok to the quieter landscapes of Pelling, this route blends classic sightseeing with scenic drives and cultural depth, ideal for first-time visitors who want more than a rushed checklist.
6-Day Darjeeling & Sikkim Itinerary
Here’s how a quick 6-day Sikkim & Darjeeling tour itinerary would look like:
- Day 1: Arrival at NJP / Bagdogra – Transfer to Darjeeling
- Day 2: Tiger Hill Sunrise – Darjeeling Sightseeing – Transfer to Gangtok
- Day 3: Tsomgo Lake – Baba Mandir – Nathula Pass (Subject to Permit & Weather)
- Day 4: Gangtok – Namchi / Ravangla – Transfer to Pelling
- Day 5: Pelling Sightseeing
- Day 6: Pelling – NJP / Bagdogra Departure
Now, let’s see in detail how this 6 Day Sikkim – Darjeeling Tour plan would look like, day-wise.
Day 1: Arrival at NJP / Bagdogra – Transfer to Darjeeling
Upon arrival at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, you will be warmly received by our representative and driven to Darjeeling, a charming hill town in West Bengal, world-famous for its tea plantations and sweeping Himalayan views.
The scenic drive gradually climbs into cooler mountain air, offering your first glimpses of the Eastern Himalayas. After reaching Darjeeling, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax.
In the afternoon, you may opt for a Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train ride (optional, at your own cost), a UNESCO World Heritage experience. Later in the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk around Chowrasta and the local markets, soaking in the colonial charm of the town.
Day 2: Tiger Hill Sunrise – Darjeeling Sightseeing – Transfer to Gangtok
Early morning (around 3:45 AM), head out for the iconic Tiger Hill sunrise, where, weather permitting, you can witness the golden rays of dawn lighting up Mount Kanchenjunga. On exceptionally clear days, Mount Everest can also be seen in the distance.
While returning, visit:
- Ghoom Monastery
- Batasia Loop and War Memorial
After breakfast, proceed for Darjeeling local sightseeing, covering:
- Japanese Temple
- Peace Pagoda
- Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park
- Darjeeling Ropeway
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursdays)
- Tenzing & Gombu Rock
Post sightseeing, begin your drive towards Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. The journey takes you through winding mountain roads and river valleys.
Day 3: Tsomgo Lake – Baba Mandir – Nathula Pass (Subject to Permit & Weather)
After breakfast, set out for a full-day excursion to the high-altitude landscapes of East Sikkim.
Visit Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, a glacial lake formed by melting snow from the surrounding mountains. The lake holds cultural significance, as local monks once studied its changing colours to predict the future.
Continue onwards to Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a revered shrine dedicated to an Indian Army soldier and deeply respected by locals and the armed forces.
If permits and weather conditions allow, proceed to Nathu La, one of the highest motorable roads in India and a historic Indo-China border crossing.
Return to Gangtok by evening.
Day 4: Gangtok – Namchi / Ravangla – Transfer to Pelling
After breakfast, check out from Gangtok and drive towards Pelling in West Sikkim. This is a longer but scenic journey, passing through lesser-explored landscapes.
En route, visit:
- Namchi Char Dham, a large pilgrimage complex featuring replicas of India’s four sacred dhams
- Buddha Park, Ravangla, home to a majestic Buddha statue set against panoramic mountain views
Continue onwards to Pelling, a quiet mountain town perched at about 2,150 metres, offering close-up views of the Kanchenjunga range. Known for its pristine surroundings, waterfalls, and alpine forests, Pelling feels calmer and less commercial than other hill stations.
Day 5: Pelling Sightseeing
After breakfast, explore the natural and cultural highlights of Pelling and its surroundings.
Sightseeing includes:
- Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim
- Rabdentse Ruins, the remains of the former capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim
- Pelling Skywalk & Chenrezig Statue
- Bird Sanctuary
- Darap Village, offering a glimpse into traditional village life
- Rimbi Waterfall
- Kanchenjunga Waterfall
- Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred wish-fulfilling lake revered by both Buddhists and Hindus
Return to your hotel by evening.
Day 6: Pelling – NJP / Bagdogra Departure
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your return journey to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport, carrying back memories of misty mornings, mountain roads, monasteries, and Himalayan sunsets.
Your journey concludes with a collection of moments that stay long after the trip ends.
Inclusions
- All permits for Indian nationals are required.
- All Toll Charges.
- A dedicated vehicle with a driver cum guide for the entire trip.
- Local guide wherever required.
- Breakfast on all mornings from Day 2 till last day’s check-out.
Exclusions
- Any personal/sanitary/medical expenses.
- Nathu La visit (Costs between Rs. 3000-5000 per vehicle)
- Any extension in the number of days staying.
- Food and snacks.
- Drive to Ziro point in Yumthang valley costs about Rs. 4000/-.
- PAP Fee for non-Indian Passport Holders
- Parking Fee
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusions section above.
- 5% GST.
**Access to Nathu-la is dependent on the weather.
Want More Time in Sikkim?
If your primary interest is exploring Sikkim in greater depth – including more relaxed sightseeing and additional regions – you may want to consider our 7-day Sikkim itinerary, which is designed for travellers focusing exclusively on the state.
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