Sikkim and Darjeeling

Overview

Kolkata is the most strategic point to kick-start a tour in the east.  A day at the unique city kind of gears you up for the eventful times ahead.  Darjeeling is the next stop which offers the classic views of the Mt. Everest at the famous Tiger Hill.  It will demand an early wake up though.  But I guess the trouble is worth it, because the sunrise on the Tiger Hill is simply amazing! Several important Gompas are also worth a visit. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a great place to visit for firsthand experience on this popular activity. After a fabulous start in the hills its time to touch base the next spot and that is the ethereal Pelling.

The natural beauty is beyond words and any possible description. Great views of the lofty Kachenjunga, picturesque villages, unique walking trails await you. Further ahead, is Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, also has the famous Rumtek Monastery apart from the enchanting natural wealth of scenic points and stunning views of the lofty peaks. The soul nourishing experience continues with Kalimpong, which means playground on the ridge. This place looks as if, was once a painting which has turned real with a magic wand. The riot of colours in the golden oak forests, the pristine waters hopping in a brook, the mystical shades in the sky changing with the dawn and dusk and the innocently gleaming eyes of the little monks; what else can it be but magic!!

The tour also gives you a little surprise tucked away in the hills. Samthar, that offers great treks, flora and fauna and of course the warm hospitality of the Lepcha community.

So much and more is wrapped in the folds of these lofty peaks and inviting valleys!! 

Outlined Itinerary

Day 01 - Delhi

Arrive Delhi, meet and transfer to your hotel. Later proceed for orientation tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit Qutub Minar – the 239ft sandstone tower. Drive past the India Gate; Parliament House [exterior] and the President’s Palace. Visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi – The Father of Nation was cremated and drive past the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk.

Day 02 - Kurseong

After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to Delhi domestic airport to connect with your flight to Bagdogra 1040-1250. Arrive Bagdogra and drive to Kurseong [2 Hrs]. Arrive Kurseong and check in at the hotel. FULL BOARD

Day 03 - Kurseong

After breakfast, you will be ta leisure to pursue independent activities. You can walk around small hilly town. Discover tranquillity in Kurseong, which in Lepcha means 'the Land of White Orchids', referring to the small white orchid prolific here. Often you can look down on the clouds below. It seems like the sea, stretching for miles, filling the valleys and the peaks. Ranges rise out of it like islands and peninsulas. FULL BOARD

Day 04 - Darjeeling

After breakfast, morning will be at leisure. At an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to Kurseong railway station to board your Toy Train to Darjeeling (subject to operation of this train & availability of the seats). Arrive Darjeeling & transfer to your hotel. Tranquil tea plantations, grand monasteries, charming hilltops and a toy train make Darjeeling a special destination in the east. Originally called Dorje Ling, or ‘Place of the Thunderbolt’, Darjeeling is a pleasant little hill district in the state of West Bengal. FULL BOARD

Day 05 - Darjeeling

Early morning, you will visit Tiger Hill & Ghoom Monastery. Later, you will visit Tibetan Refugee Centre (Closed on Sunday), HMI & Zoo. (Closed on Thursday), this afternoon you will walk to Bhutia Busty Monastery & Observatory Hill. FULL BOARD

Day 06 - Pelling

After breakfast, you will drive to Pelling (4 Hrs). Arrive Pelling and check in at the hotel. Pelling is located in north Sikkim on a narrow ridge with great views of Mt Kanchenjunga. The ancient monasteries of Pemayangtse and Sangachoeling are located at opposite ends of the village. In the afternoon, you will visit Pemayangtse Monastery & Rabdantse Ruins. FULL BOARD

Day 07 - Pelling

After breakfast, you will make an excursion to Khecheopalri Lake (1 Hr). The Lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this State both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. FULL BOARD

Day 08 - Kewzing

After breakfast, you will drive to Kewzing (Ravangla) (3Hrs). Arrive Kewzing and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will be at lesiure to pursue independent activities. FULL BOARD

Day 09 - Kewzing

After breakfast, you will visit Samdruptse and Temi Tea Garden. Rest of the day will be at lesiure to pursue independent activities. Kewzing is a typical Bhutia village rich in cardamom forest cover. The atmosphere in the village is very serene and peaceful. FULL BOARD

Day 10 - Gangtok

After breakfast, you will drive to Gangtok (3 Hrs). Arrive Gangtok and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will be at lesiure to pursue independent activities. Now a sprawling urban settlement, Gangtok sits atop a 1,600 m-high ridge, surrounded by brilliant green mountains snuggled against Kanchenjunga. FULL BOARD

Day 11 - Gangtok

After breakfast, in the morning you will have private guided tour of Gangtok visiting Rumtek Monastery, Tibetology (Closed on Sunday) & Do Drul Chorten. In the afternoon, you will visit Enchey Monastery & Cottage Industry. (Both Closed on Sunday) FULL BOARD

Day 12 - Kalimpong

After breakfast, you will drive to Kalimpong (3 Hrs). Arrive Kalimpong and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Kalimpong visiting Tharpa Choling Monastery, Thongsa Gompa and Zong-Dog-Pelri-Pho-Brang Monastery. FULL BOARD

Day 13 - Kalimpong

After breakfast, you will visit Pedong Monastery. Rest of the day will be at lesiure to pursue independent activities. Kalimpong is a bustling bazaar town set at an altitude of 1250 m among the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayas. FULL BOARD

Day 14 - Delhi

After breakfast, you will drive to Bagdogra (3 Hrs) airport to connect with your flight to Delhi 1355-1545. Arrive Delhi and transfer to your hotel .Rest of the day will be at lesiure to pursue independent activities.

Day 15 - Delhi

Breakfast is at the Hotel. Today at an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to Delhi International airport to connect with your homebound or onwards flight... or travel to your next destination if you would like to add to this tour.

All our tours and holidays are tailor made so can be amended to suite your budget. Click on our from prices below to see what hotels you can expect based on the cheapest time to travel in High Season per person based on two people sharing a room. We can design this tour for you at a lower or higher price, basically to suite your budget, style and comfort. Contact a specialist to discuss your requirements. International flights are not included.