Forests & Vistas: Lepcha Jagat, Darjeeling & Sittong
Overview
This journey is a perfect story of the Himalayas, told in three distinct chapters. It begins in the whispering pine forests of Lepcha Jagat, a paradise for nature lovers. The adventure then moves to the heart of Darjeeling, the iconic "Queen of the Hills," for two days of classic sightseeing and colonial charm. Finally, the story concludes in the serene orange valley of Sittong, offering a peaceful retreat into authentic village life. This trip is designed for those who want to experience both the famous sights and the quiet, hidden soul of the mountains.
Trip Highlights
- Experience the profound peace of the pine forests in Lepcha Jagat.
- Witness a breathtaking sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill.
- Explore all of Darjeeling's iconic sights, including the Zoo, Ropeway, and Peace Pagoda.
- Enjoy the warm hospitality and tranquility of a homestay in Sittong.
- Get a stunning 360-degree Himalayan view from Ahaldara View Point.
Itinerary
Morning/Afternoon: Your journey into the wild begins! We’ll be there to greet you with a warm welcome upon your arrival at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or NJP Station. From there, we take a scenic drive to Lepcha Jagat, a tiny village nestled in a forest of pine, oak, and rhododendron. Check into your cozy homestay and breathe in the fresh, pine-scented mountain air.
Evening: Take a leisurely walk through the magical forest trails surrounding the village. The profound silence, broken only by the chirping of birds, is an experience in itself.
Trip Memories Tip: Lepcha Jagat is a haven for birdwatchers. Keep your camera ready and walk quietly through the forest trails in the morning or evening for the best sightings.
Meals: Lunch, Snacks, Dinner
Includes: Private Transfer, Accommodation in Lepcha Jagat
Morning: After a hearty breakfast amidst nature, we drive from the quiet forests of Lepcha Jagat to the bustling town of Darjeeling. We'll begin our exploration by visiting the beautiful Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park, a stunning terraced garden with a waterfall. Afterwards, we will visit the Darjeeling Ropeway for a spectacular bird's-eye view of the tea gardens below.
Afternoon: After the sightseeing, we will proceed to your hotel and check in.
Evening: The evening is free for you to explore the vibrant heart of Darjeeling, the Chowrasta (The Mall Road).
Trip Memories Tip: The ropeway ride is fantastic for photography. Try to get a cabin at the front or back for the clearest, unobstructed views of the valley.
Meals: Breakfast
Includes: Transfer, Sightseeing, Accommodation in Darjeeling
Early Morning (4:00 AM): The most iconic Darjeeling experience awaits. We'll drive to Tiger Hill to witness the spectacular sunrise over the majestic Kanchenjunga range.
Morning: On the way back from Tiger Hill, we'll visit the historic Ghoom Monastery and the Batasia Loop, a key part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After eating, we'll visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (home to the Red Panda) and the adjoining Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Afternoon: We will visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate to learn about the process of making world-famous Darjeeling tea, followed by a visit to the serene Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda.
Trip Memories Tip: This is a packed day! Wear comfortable shoes. The ticket for the HMI also includes entry to the zoo, so plan for at least 2-3 hours to cover both properly.
Meals: Breakfast
Includes: Full-day Sightseeing, Accommodation in Darjeeling
Morning: After a leisurely breakfast, we say goodbye to Darjeeling and embark on a beautiful scenic drive down to the peaceful village of Sittong.
Afternoon: Check into your cozy homestay and be greeted by the warm hospitality of your local hosts. Spend the rest of the day walking through the village's famous orange orchards (seasonal) and visiting the local church or monastery.
Trip Memories Tip: Sittong is famous for its delicious homemade pickles and preserves. Ask your homestay host if they have any for sale, they make for a wonderful and authentic souvenir.
Meals: Breakfast (in Darjeeling), Lunch, Snacks, Dinner in Sittong
Includes: Transfer, Accommodation in Sittong
Morning: Wake up to the gentle sounds of the village. After a delicious, home-cooked breakfast, we'll visit the stunning Ahaldara View Point for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding hills and the Kanchenjunga range. Take one last walk to capture the beauty of Sittong in your memory (and your camera!).
Late Morning: With a heart full of wonderful memories, you will be driven back to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or NJP Station for your journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Includes: Transfer to Airport/Station
Includes/Excludes
- Accommodation: 1 Night in Lepcha Jagat, 2 Nights in Darjeeling, 1 Night in Sittong.
- All transfers and sightseeing in a comfortable, private vehicle.
- Meals as specified in the day-wise plan.
- All necessary permits and taxes.
- 24/7 on-trip support from the Trip Memories team.
- Airfare / Train fare.
- Lunches and Dinners in Darjeeling.
- Additional Services (Entry fees for parks, monuments, or activities).
- Insurance
- Personal expenses.
FAQs
Lepcha Jagat is a serene, offbeat forest village known for its dense pine and oak forests, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range. It's a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
This itinerary is designed to cover many highlights. The two-night stay in Darjeeling allows us to spread the sightseeing over two days for a more comfortable pace compared to a single-night stay.
No, this trip is not physically demanding. It mainly involves car travel between destinations and gentle walks to explore the local sights, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
Yes, this trip can be suitable. The pace is manageable, and we ensure our vehicles are comfortable and our drivers prioritize safety. We can also customize the itinerary to include more rest time if needed.
Yes, this trip is great for families. The pace is manageable, and the mix of city sights and village calm offers something for everyone. We can also customize the trip to include more rest time if needed.
In Darjeeling, we provide comfortable 3-star (and above) hotels. In Lepcha Jagat and Sittong, you will experience authentic local culture with stays in clean, cozy, and welcoming homestays.
We provide comfortable and well-maintained private vehicles like a sedan for smaller groups or an Innova/Xylo for larger groups, ensuring a safe and pleasant journey on the mountain roads.
All our tours include a comfortable private vehicle exclusively for you and your group. This ensures you can travel at your own pace, stop for photos whenever you like, and have a more personal and flexible experience.
Meals are included as specified in the day-wise plan. All meals are included during your homestay in Lepcha Jagat and Sittong to give you an authentic local food experience. In Darjeeling, only breakfast is included, giving you the flexibility to explore the town's famous cafes and restaurants for lunch and dinner.
Absolutely! We can customize the pace, add extra days, or change the accommodation to suit your preferences. Just let us know what you have in mind.
The best time to visit is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and the skies are generally clear, offering great views of the mountains. The orange season in Sittong is from late October to January.