We begin in Kolkata, arguably the most elegant city of India. Then we explore mountainous Sikkim - the former Himalayan kingdon with Tibetan culture and stunning views. Finally, we reach Darjeeling, the famous town of hills and tea plantations.
We begin in Kolkata, arguably the most elegant city of India. Then we explore mountainous Sikkim - the former Himalayan kingdon with Tibetan culture and stunning views. Finally, we reach Darjeeling, the famous town of hills and tea plantations.
Is this trip for you?
The trip is of easy physical grade. It includes three short domestic flights, walks in cities and towns, riding jeeps for up to 9 hours with visiting places of interest on the way. Accommodation in tourist class hotels and guesthouses, most of them will have hot water and wi fi internet.
The price of the trip includes:
To be paid separately:
Arrival in Delhi, flight to Kolkata, the capital of the West Bengal state. Meeting with a tour leader and checking into a hotel in the historical Sudder street. We visit the oldest museum in India - National Museum, with its unique collection of Hindu and Buddhist sculpture dating back 2300 years. Then we visit Victoria Memorial, explore the old British city, and take boats to Shiva Belur temple.
Flight to Bagdogra, than jeeps to Kalimpong (2.5 hours on the way). We check into a hotel and visit Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery. We travel to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim 1600 meters above sea level (5-6 hours on the way). On the way we will visit Rumtek Monastery - the biggest monastery in Sikkim. We enjoy stunning views of Kangchenjunga mount, those interested can visit the local zoo, known for its collection of red pandas. We will also visit Institute of Tibetology with rare collection of old books.
We leave for Yuksom (8-9 hours trip), on the way visiting the monastery in Tashiding. According to legend, it was built on the site where the arrow dropped by Guru Rinpoche fell. Yuksom is a small village where many Himalayan treks begin. We visit the picturesque lake and the monastery of Dubdi - the oldest monastery of the state, hidden in the forest, from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the mountains.