Himalayan Week

This trip allows you to visit the scenic hill stations and terraced tea gardens of Darjeeling and Sikkim on a cultural journey through the Himalayan foothills. The renowned hill station of Darjeeling still retains the charm of the British Raj in India with its mild climate and laid back allure. Hills and valleys steeped in color intermingle with vast stretches of rolling green tea gardens, which at a distance looks like a green carpet of nature. Whichever way you look, in Darjeeling, green is the clarion color. Presiding over all this is Mt. Kanchanjunga – the third highest mountain on earth – with spectacular views and an aura of magic that leaves one’s senses intoxicated!

Travel to Gangtok, Sikkim, to visit the nearby Rumtek Monastery. Stay overnight in Martham Village Lodge and experience the rural life surrounding it. Finally, visit Kalimpong, a once-thriving trade destination between Britain, India and Tibet. Our local guides help you discover the markets and outlying villages, allowing you to relish its culture on the upswing.

Outline Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive – Darjeeling 
Arrive by flight in Bagdogra airport or in NJP railway station. Meet our representative and drive to Darjeeling, popularly known as the ‘Queen of hills’. Evening is free to take a stroll around the Chourastha Mall road. Overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 2: In Darjeeling
Early in the morning(before dawn) drive to Tiger hill(if weather permits) to see the sunrise view over the Kanchenjunga range(optional). On the return journey visit the old Ghoom monastery and the Dali Gompa Monastery. After breakfast, visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park(closed Thursday) and the Tibetan Self Help Centre(closed Sunday), it’s  emporium boasts of high quality Tiben crafts and also visit a tea estate on the way back. In the afternoon visit the Japanese temple and the Dali monastery. Later, we have some free time to explore around. Option is also available to take a toy train until Ghoom(at extra cost). Overnight in Darjeeling.

Day 3: Darjeeling – Gangtok
Drive down the hills, through Tukdah forests and Peshok Tea Plantations to descend into Teesta Valley. Cross the border at Rangpoo and climb up the hill to Gangtok. On the way, just before Gangtok, stop to visit the Institute of Tibetology and also visit Deorali Dodul Chorten. On arrival check into the hotel and later take a walk along the MG Marg, a cobbled boulevard in the heart of the city, free of vehicular traffic. Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 4: In Gangtok Tour – Martam 
Visit the Enchey monastery, followed by some view points, from where we may get spectacular views of snow-capped peaks of Kanchendzonga (weather permitting). Also visit the Flower Exposition and walk along the promenade to view to the Palace and temples used by Chogyals (Kings of Sikkim). Later, stop by the Cottage Industry, where you can see and buy the traditional handicrafts. After lunch drive down the hill and climb up to the opposite ridge to Rumtek monastery, the largest monastery complex in Sikkim, which is a replica of Karmapa’s monastery in Tsurpu, Tibet. After the visit, drive short distance to Martam village, where you can experience a glimpse of rural Sikkim.
Overning in Martam Village.

Day 5: Martam to Kalimpong
Descend down the hill and cross Sikkim border at Rangpo. Following Testa river downstream for some time, take a diversion road that climbs up the the hill to Kalimpong. Kalimpong was once a prominent center for trade with Tibet. With a year-round temperate climate, it is home of many flower nurseries. This afternoon, visit the ridge tops for spectacular views from Deolo & Rinkingpong (Durpin Dara) hill top view points. Visit Zongdogpaldri Monastery and stroll around the town. Peek inside Dr. Grahams Homes’ campus, a boarding school founded by the Rev. Dr. John A. Graham, a Scottish missionary in 1900. Overnight in Kalimpong.

Day 6: Bagdogra – Departure 
Departure transfer to Bagdogra airport in time for your flight.