Morning after transfer to Kolkata Airport to board flight to Bagdogra. Arrive Bagdogra Airport. Assistance on arrival and drive to Darjeeling, the dreamland of the East. The views over the mountains to the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga and down to the swollen rivers in the valleys are magnificent. The vegetation comprises of fir, pine and birch. Darjeeling is home to one of the most courageous warrior tribe’s famous world over for their velour and chivalry – the Gurkhas. Darjeeling - the name is derived from the Tibetan word 'Dorje' which means the precious stone or ecclesiastical scepter, which is emblematic of the thunderbolt of Indra, and 'ling' - a place, hence the land of the thunderbolt. Remaining day is free to stroll around this beautiful city. Stay two nights at Darjeeling. (B)
Day 02: Darjeeling
Early morning around leave for one of the most mesmerizing sunrise views over the mountain you would have ever had. Tiger Hill for the sunrise view of Himalayan Mountains. As the first rays of the sun shoot ahead and shed light upon the twin peaks of Kanchenjunga. After the wonderful view, visit Ghoom Monastery, Later proceed to the Darjeeling Railway station to enjoy World Heritage Toy Train ride up to Ghoom. As you enjoy the toy train ride, the spectacular landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan railway, opened in 1881, one can experience the sound, smell and romance of a bygone era. Afternoon visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute(Closed on Thursdays) and Everest Museum having complete details on Everest attached to institute one can visit Himalayan Zoological Park where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds. Also visit the Tibetan Self-Help Centre Or Refugee Centre(Closed on Sundays) This institute is run by Tibetan Refugees to preserve their handicrafts and one can see making of Tibetan Carpets, Leather work, Paintings and Wooden work etc. (B)
Day 03: Darjeeling – Gangtok (Approx. Travel Time: 05hrs)
Travel to Gangtok which offers breath taking vistas, colourful lifestyles, Buddhist shrines, adventure and exquisite flora and fauna. Gangtok at an altitude of 1750m, became the state capital in the mid-19th 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 testing ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a traveller’s delight. Stay two nights in Gangtok. . (B)
Day 04: Gangtok
Today you will explore Gangtok. Start with Rumtek Monastery is the awe -inspiring Rumtek Monastery, the world dharma chakra centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Continue you sightseeing visiting Enchey Monastery - located on a hilltop which is one of the oldest monasteries around. Stop at Institute of Tibetology; the fantastic museum housed in a traditional Tibetan-style mansion boasts a jaw-dropping collection of artefacts related to Vajrayana Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Also visit the Chorten Stupa - A famous Buddhist religious monument with a golden dome top which is visible from many places around Gangtok. Stay overnight in Gangtok. (B)
Day 05: Gangtok – Bagdogra
After breakfast tour finishes with transfer to Bagdogra airport. (B)
Hotel accommodation, meals as specified, sightseeing and transfers by private car with driver, local English speaking guide, monument charges, toy train ride.
