Excellent
Nooree's Trip to Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Sikkim
(Written on 02 Jun, 2025)
What's Good: Our recent 7-day/6-night package tour covering Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling with Z Star Holidays was a fantastic experience, offering a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, se (Read More)rene monasteries, and charming colonial history. This trip is ideal for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Eastern Himalayas.
The Journey Highlights:
Gangtok (2 Nights):
* Arrival & First Impressions: Our transfer from NJP Railway Station to Gangtok was smooth, with a comfortable vehicle and a courteous driver. The winding roads offered the first glimpse of the majestic mountains.
* City Charm: Gangtok is a vibrant capital. We loved exploring the MG Marg, a bustling pedestrian street, in the evenings. It's clean, lively, and offers great shopping and dining options.
* Natural Wonders: The trip to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass was a highlight.
Pelling (1 Night):
* The Scenic Drive: The drive from Gangtok to Pelling was incredibly picturesque, winding through lush greenery and small villages.
* Kanchenjunga's Grandeur: Pelling truly lives up to its reputation for stunning Kanchenjunga views. Our hotel Udaan Pine Crest offered an unobstructed view from our room, which was an absolute treat to wake up to the morning.
* Skywalk near Chenrezig statue was a thrilling and visually impressive addition.
Darjeeling (3 Nights):
* Queen of the Hills: The drive to Darjeeling was equally scenic. The town has a unique colonial charm.
* Sunrise at Tiger Hill: Waking up at 3 AM for the Tiger Hill sunrise was absolutely worth it! Witnessing the sun's first rays illuminate the Kanchenjunga range in golden hues was an unforgettable, almost spiritual experience. The Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery visits afterwards were also very nice.
* Tea & Tranquility: We enjoyed a visit to a tea garden and sampled some famous Darjeeling tea, which was delightful.
* Darjeeling Mall Road: The Mall Road was bustling and a great place for an evening stroll, picking up souvenirs, and enjoying the local vibe.
*Pine Forests and Trails: The majestic pine forests surrounding Lamahatta are a defining feature. Many reviews mention the refreshing, earthy aroma of the pines and the chance to take peaceful walks or short treks through them.
*Mirik Lake is a delightful destination for those seeking peace, natural beauty, and a gentle pace of life. It's ideal for a relaxing day out, a romantic stroll, or a fun family outing with boating and horse riding. Its serene environment provides a welcome respite from city life and makes it a memorable stop on any trip to the Darjeeling hills.
Tour Operator & Logistics:
* Accommodation: Hotels in all three locations were comfortable, clean, and well-located, offering good value.
Summiy Grand Resort, Gangtok had excellent service, and the Udaan Pine Crest, Pelling truly delivered on the views.
* Transportation: The private vehicle provided was well-maintained.
* Itinerary: The itinerary was well-paced, allowing us to see key attractions without feeling rushed. Transfers between cities were managed efficiently.
* Communication: Mr. Bhaskar was responsive during the booking process and provided clear instructions throughout the trip.
Areas for Improvement (Minor):
* We were not happy with two drivers from gangtok to pelling and darjeeling. So please avoid those two drivers.
Overall:
This Gangtok, Pelling, and Darjeeling tour was an absolutely magical journey. We left with incredible memories, stunning photographs, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and culture of the Eastern Himalayas. Highly recommend this package for a truly enriching travel experience!
Date of Travel: 22 May 2025 to 28 May 2025
Package Booked: Z Star Holidays
What's Not Good: We were not happy with two drivers from gangtok to pelling and darjeeling. So please avoid those two drivers.