From bustling Kolkata, India’s vibrant capital of culture, to the incredible beauty of Darjeeling & surrounding Sikkim, with its verdant tea plantations, Himalayan vistas & Buddhist monasteries – take the road less travelled on this captivating 10 day journey.
Once you arrive into Kolkata you will be met at the airport & transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Kolkata or relax at the hotel. Overnight – Kolkata
The graft of a European city imposed on an Asian landscape lends Kolkata a bewitching blend of color, charm & excitement. The city is a compelling medley of ancient & modern with its skyscrapers & Raj-era architecture. It’s vibrant, effervescent & overflowing with life & custom. Enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to the imposing Victoria Memorial. Opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921, this vision in marble is often called the”Taj” of the British Raj. They also visit the New Market’s a bazaar on Chowringhee Road, the stately Indian Museum founded in 1814 & the oldest & largest in India, St Paul’s Cathedral & the odd Marble Palace which houses paintings by Rubens, Titian & Reynolds. Overnight – Kolkata
Kolkata – Kalimpong. Early this morning enjoy a visit to the famous flower market near Howrah Bridge, followed by a boat ride on the Hooghly River. Later, fly to Bagdogra. From here, a drive to Kalimpong – a remote hill station set among the rolling foothills & deep valleys of the stunning Himalayas. Kalimpong’s attractions include monasteries including Tharpa Choeling, Tongsa and Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang, a handful of ancient church buildings as well as a vibrant bazaar area known as Tenth Mile bulging with Tibetan and Buddhist curios and handicrafts. Kalimpong is also renowned for its horticulture, with some 50 nurseries dedicated to orchids and plenty of other flower varieties. Overnight – Kalimpong
Kalimpong – Gangtok. They drive north to Gangtok. Owing to its propinquity to the Tibetan border, the capital of Sikkim is steeped in Tibetan culture. Characterised by mists, fluttering prayer flags, painted roofs and pagoda-styled houses, a rich cultural heritage, friendly people coupled with excellent views of the whole Kanchenjunga Range from lots of points in the city, Gangtok is scenically stunning. On day five, enjoy a tour to the Rumtek Monastery followed by a sightseeing tour of Gangtok, including the Namgyalak Institute of Tibetology. The afternoon is free to relax or explore. Overnight – Gangtok
Gangtok – Pelling (Pemayangtse). Continuing to Pelling by Tashiding, enjoy an afternoon visit to the lofty heights of the hallowed Pemayangtse Monastery – of the principal monasteries in the state of Sikkim. Founded in the 17th century, the monastery, which has been reconstructed several times, is the main center of the Nyingmapa sect, established in the 8th century AD. The followers of the sect wear red caps than the yellow ones worn by monks in other monasteries. Near the monastery, there are the traditional austere dwellings of the monks. Breath-taking scenery can be witnessed from the vantage point; carpets of alpine vegetation & numerous waterfalls lining the hillsides which are sometimes covered with a blanket of snow. Overnight – Pelling
Pelling – Darjeeling. The journey continues to Darjeeling. Home of Darjeeling tea and with a panoramic backdrop of the awesome Himalayan snow-clad peaks. Early on day 8, enjoy a drive to Tiger Hill to witness dawn over the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga; followed by a visit to Ghoom Gompa (monastery), sightseeing back in town and a visit to an actual tea estate. Day 9 is free for you to explore Darjeeling your way. See some Buddhist monasteries or visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, a training school for mountain climbers. Its museum features memorabilia from the first ascent of Everest. It is also worthwhile taking a stroll through town. Owing to Darjeeling’s nearness to Tibet, the town also has a Tibetan Refugee Centre comprising look after the young and elderly and craft workshops that produce carpets, leather work and other Tibetan curios, hunt for a bargain or basically go trekking! Overnight – Darjeeling
Darjeeling – Kolkata (by New Jalpaiguri). Later this morning, the journey continues to New Jalpaiguri, from where you board the Darjeeling Mail train to Kolkata. In air-conditioned first class sleepers, travel in style. Overnight – Train Day 11: Kolkata On arrival, enjoy a transfer to our hotel where a day-use room is obtainable for your comfort. The remains of the day are at leisure. Included evening transfer to airport.
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Little gifts from Travel East:
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