Jewels of the Himalayas

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Duration: 8 Days

Trip Grade:

Jewels of the Himalayas is classic 8 days journey in the northern hilly district of Bengal touring the highlights of the Indian Himalayas to Darjeeling, former princely state of Sikkim and Kalimpong.  With its rich cultural and historical heritages the "hill districts" were the preferred destination during the Indian summer. The region nests on the lap of the Himalayas and has fascinating landscape where tea is grown, important Buddhist monasteries and colonial legacies to visit.

This tour can begin with a 2 nights stay in either Delhi or Kolkata.

DAY 1 : DELHI OR KOLKATA (CALCUTTA) – BAGDOGRA – DARJEELING

Transfer to airport for flight Kolkata to Bagdogra, transfer from the lowland plains through verdant hills of famous tea estates to the Queen of the Hill Stations “Darjeeling”, introductory walk through the main mall Chowrastra. 

DAY 2 : DARJEELING

Sightseeing Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Makaibari Tea Estate to see tea making of the famous Darjeeling tea, visit Tibetan Self Help Center.  Toy train ride to Ghoom and Ghoom Monastery.

DAY 3 : DARJEELING – GANGTOK

Before breakfast, trip to Tiger Hill to view sunrise over the eastern Himalayas with clear day views of Mt Kanchenjunga the 3^rd highest mountain and glimpses of Mt Everest. Transfer to Gangtok, provincial capital of Sikkim. Enjoy a walk on the Mall road a pedestrian only street to catch a glimpse of a slice of local life!

DAY 4 : GANGTOK

Sightseeing Gangtok Enchay Monastery one of the oldest in Sikkim, Dechenling the former Royal Palace, Institute of Tibetology known for its vast collection of Buddhist scriptures, a visit to the Flower show and Handicraft Center.

DAY 5 : GANGTOK – MARTAM

A leisurely start for the relatively short drive to Martam where the famous Rumtek monastery the centre of Buddhist Karyug sect, later enjoy a nature walk through cardamom plantation and the terraced fields of this scenic area.

DAY 6 : MARTAM - PELLING

Today we travel to Pelling the former royal capital of Sikkim, enroute stop by at a bustling market place. If time permits, visit the ruins of the former palace, Pelling monastery and view point from where Mt Kanchenjungha can be seen in its majestic grandeur on clear days.  

DAY 7 : PELLING  –KALIMPONG

Transfer to Kalimpong this small trading town at crossroads of India-China trade upto the 1960s. Visit Dr Graham’s Homes School a pioneering institution founded for children of Anglo Indian origin.  Visit also School of blind, Durpin Danra Monastery and one of the famous Flower Nurseries.

DAY 8 : KALIMPONG – BAGDOGRA AIRPORT – DELHI OR KOLKATA OR BHUTAN

Transfer to Bagdogra airport for connecting flights to either Delhi or Kolkata or drive to Phuntsholing gateway town on the India and Bhutan to begin a journey to this mystical Kingdom.

Book this amazing journey from the plains of Bengal to the Himalayas!

Check for extensions to Bhutan compatible with this itinerary.

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