Lower Soreng loop: Soreng, Tharpu and Daramdin

This loop links the lower villages of Soreng district that most visitors drive straight past. From Soreng town, the road drops about 13 km to Tharpu at about 880 m, where you visit the Mangardzong site and hear the story of the Mangar raja Sintu Pati Sen. From there it is about 6 km up to Daramdin, whose name comes from the Lepcha word for flat land, for the Stairway to Heaven site and the clay-pot tower story.

In Daramdin, stop at the Sri Sathya Sai Sarva Dharma Kendra, which Wikipedia names as the village's main attraction, and eat lunch at a local eatery or homestay. Return to Soreng by the direct road, about 15 km, or carry on up to Sombaria and Okhrey if you are heading for Barsey. The whole loop is about 35 km and takes four to five hours with stops.

A small car for the half day costs about ₹2,000–2,500. A local guide, about ₹500–1,000, adds the stories at both sites. October to March is best; the valleys are warm and humid in summer and wet in the monsoon. Check current status of the memorial work at both Mangardzong and the Stairway to Heaven before you go.