Assistance at the
airport/railway station on arrival and drive to Darjelling.
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 Hills”, 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 Earth”. 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
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), Tenzing Rock, Gombu
Rock, Tea Estate(from outside), Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda. 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 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 resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a traveller’s delight. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed for full
day sightseeing in Gangtok visiting Tashi View Point, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok,
Plant Conservatory, Handicraft, Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten,
Ropeway (On Direct Payment) and Bakthang Falls. 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 New 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 Delo Hill, Mangal Dham, Durpin
Hill, and flower nurseries. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bagdogra/NJP
in time for flight/train to onward destination.