Window to Darjeeling, Gangtok & Kalimpong

During British Raj era, the hill station of Darjeeling, Kalimpong enjoyed special prerogative as an ideal getaway from scorching summer of the plains. Till date it still has remnant of those Raj Era  in form of quaint Churches, tea garden, toy train etc. With addition of Sikkim, steeply immersed in its own indigenous history in the list this journey takes you on the roller coaster ride to the kaleidoscope of vibrant endemic cultures of  North east India,

The odyssey start with the transfer from Bagdogra to Darjeeling. After visiting the land marks of Darjeeling and if weather permits, unforgettable sight of sun rise and vista of eastern Himalayan range from Tiger hill early in the morning, this journey takes its course to Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, erstwhile kingdom of Chogyal dynasty, The capital is filled with many attractions and dotted with various monasteries under the watchful eyes of Mt Kanchenjunga. After breezily traversing these attractions. The next port of call is Kalimpong, which boast of flower nurseries, schools, and spectacular vista from the hill top of Deolo.

Outline Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive - Darjeeling On arrival in Bagdogra/NJP meet your Guide and dive to Darjeeling. Darjeeling is one of India’s most beautiful hill stations and affectionately called ‘Queen of Hills’. This enchanting town perched on a beautiful ridge with magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga range. Upon arrival check in to the hotel and the evening is free to stroll around Chowrastha Mall and  visit the local Bazaar. Overnight in Darjeeling

Day 2: Darjeeling Tour - Gangtok. (Darjeeling to Gangtok - 95 km. / 3 -4 hours drive) After breakfast, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/museum of mountaineering expeditions and the Himalayan Zoological Park within its premises and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre. After lunch visit the Japanese peace Pagoda and drive to Gangtok, en-route visit the beautiful Dali monastery and continue to Gangtok.  On arrival we might just have time to take a walk on the MG Marg Avenue and visit the Lal Bazaar vegetable and food market. Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 3: Around Gangtok. After breakfast visit the Enchey monastery, followed by some view points, from where we may get spectacular views of the city and the snow-capped peaks of Kanchendzonga.  Also visit a flower exposition and walk along the garden/ promenade to view to the Palace and temples used by Chogyals (Kings of Sikkim). Later,  stop by at the Cottage Industry, where you can see and buy the traditional handicrafts.  In the afternoon, visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and the Dodrul Chorten monastery. The rest of the afternoon is free to make visit as per your interest. Overnight in Gangtok.

Day 4: Gangtok – Rumtek - Kalimpong ( 1,250 m./4,125 ft Gangtok to Kalimpong - 75 km. 3 hrs drive). After breakfast,  drive down to the valley floor and up the opposite ridge to Rumtek monastery, the seat of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism (45minutes). The monastery is the largest in Sikkim, and a replica of its Karmapa’s monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet. Following the visit of Rumtek monastery, we continue our journey to Kalimpong. 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) hills.  Visit local monasteries (especially Zongdogpaldri Monastery) and stroll around the town.  If time permits, we will also take a peek inside the Dr. Grahams Homes’ campus, a boarding school founded by the Rev. Dr. John A. Graham, a Scottish missionary in 1900. Overnight in Kalimpong.

Day 5: Kalimpong - Departure (Kalimpong to Bagdogra - 85 km. / 2-3 hours) Departure transfer to the Bagdogra airport in time for your flight.