Assistance at the airport/railway station on arrival and drive to
Darjeeling.
DARJEELING:
Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the
Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the
Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the
Hillsâ€, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge
railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains,
Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An
introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely
Unrivalled on Earthâ€.
Overnight at hotel.
Early morning visit Tiger Hill to see a beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like
Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before
sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden. It is truly a majestic sight and
Ghoom Monastery which is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one
can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height on the way back from Tiger Hill.
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for city tour visiting Himalayan Mountaineering
Institute(closed on Thursday) which was started by Tenzing Norgay after he climbed Mt.
Everest, Zoological Park(closed on Thursday), Tibetan Refugee Centre(closed on
Sunday), Tenzing Rock, Gombu Rock and Happy Valley Tea Estate(from outside).
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Gangtok en route visiting Teesta
Village.
GANGTOK:
At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid 19 th century and has
undergone rapid development since then.The downtown area is dominated by huge
government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a
resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and
Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for half day city tour visiting Rumtek Monastery, Do
Drul Chorten, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (closed on Sundays), Cottage Industry
(closed on Sundays) and Flower Show Complex.Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and full day excursion to Changu Lake which is 35 Kms from
Gangtok at an altitude of 12,400 feet. The lake derives its waters from melting snows off
the surrounding mountains Legends say that lamas could forecast the future by studying
the color of the lake’s waters. Also visit Baba Mandir
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kalimpong
KALIMPONG
At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong’s location is ideal for a pleasant, relaxed getaway. Its
clement weather has made Kalimpong’s orchids and gladiole well renowned. Up to the
early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim raja’s domain. In the early 18th
century, the Bhutan king also took it over. In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War , it was
annexed to Darjeeling. Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s. The town
thrived as a wool trading center with Tibet till 1950s. Today it’s a quiet hill resort and a
haven for retired people.
Afternoon sightseeing in Kalimpong city tour visiting Zang Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery,
Tharpa Choling Monastery, Thongsa Gumpa and flower nurseries.
Overnight at hotel