BAGDOGRA-KALIMPONG-GANGTOK-DARJEELING
Upon arrival meet our representative and transfer from Bagdogra Airport/NJP to Kalimpong (4000 Ft) a drive of 80 kms also called the garden of flowers. This town has almost everything - scenic beauty, flowers, greenery, waters, mists, clouds etc. On arrival check in at the hotel. If you are in Kalimpong on a Wednesday/Saturday, walk down to the “Haat Bazaar” or local market – a place where villagers from all nearby villages come & sell/display their wares (right from handicrafts to food items). The market starts early morning by 6-7am & is on till 4pm. This is a unique extravaganza typical to rural regions, a cultural experience you will never forget. Overnight at hotel.
Leave the hotel early morning by 7.00am for a half day sightseeing of Durpin Hill (which has the famous Zong Dog Palri Fo- Brang Monastery which belongs to the same Buddhist sect as the present Dalai Lama) , Jelapla View Point, Pine View Point, Chitra Bhanu & Kalim Temple, Dr Graham's Homes complex with its historic church & well maintained grounds founded in 1900 by Rev. Dr. J A Graham, a Scottish missionary, Delo Hill (5556 ft) appears to be the roof- of- the- world, is the highest point in Kalimpong. Delo also has the town’s picturesque water reservoir. Then on to Mangal Dham Temple constructed in memory of the late Guru Shree (108) Mangal Dasji and dedicated to Lord Krishna, Kalimpong Arts & Crafts Centre, Nature Interpretation Centre (Forest Museum). Later depart for a 2hr 30mins journey to Gangtok (5500 Ft), Sikkim - the Land of the Pristine and unspoilt natural beauty with alpine landscapes and thick luxuriant forests, rivers in torrent and peaceful lakes
After breakfast proceed to Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) (12,210 Ft), a 40 km drive which takes 2.5 hrs. This lake is located very close to Nathula Pass which is the entry point to China termed as the “Silk Route & remains frozen for most parts of the year. Legend has it that the Lamas use to forecast the future by studying the colour of the lakes waters. Enjoy the surroundings, majestic snowy peaks which feed the lake and the clean fresh air. Back to Gangtok by 3 pm for a late lunch. Evening free for leisure or go shopping for Sikkimese traditional handicrafts. Night Halt at the hotel.
Morning after breakfast, take a half day sightseeing trip to The Handicraft & Handloom Showroom, which promotes traditional arts & crafts, a veritable storehouse of exquisite carpets, blankets, shawls in “Lepcha “ weaves. The Flower Show which contains over 200 species of orchids set amidst a beautiful landscape. Enchey Monastery - built in 1910 on the site blessed by the great tantric master Lama Drutob Karpo, known for his flying powers, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism, Nam Nang VP
Ropeway, Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa) which is one of the most important stupas of Sikkim, built by the head of the Nyingma order- Trullshi Rimpoche in 1945. It contains rare details of Dorji Phupa, Holy Books, Mantras and is encircled by 108 prayer wheels, The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology built in 1958 in traditional style, a renowned worldwide centre for the study of the Mahayana Buddhist philosophy & religion, a treasure house of rare “Thankas”, statues, over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art. Back to the hotel for lunch.
After lunch, depart for Darjeeling (7100 Ft), the "Queen of the hill stations", its name derived from "Dorje-Line" which means the place of “Dorje”, the mystic thunderbolt. Covering a distance of 94 kms over a drive of 3.5 hrs along the Teesta & then a vertical climb thru Tea Gardens, its an experience of unforgettable beauty. Arrive at Darjeeling by late afternoon, check in at the hotel and overnight stay.
Start the day at 4 am with an early morning trip to Tiger Hill (7800 Ft) to catch the sunrise from behind the majestic Kunchenjunga range. On the way back visit the Ghoom Monastery & Batasia Loop. Back to the hotel for breakfast. Spend the rest of the day recouping the lost sleep. Walk to the mall, do some shopping or lazy around at “Chowrasta” - the meeting point. Overnight at hotel.
Morning after breakfast take a trip to “Mirik” (6000 Ft) – the newest hill-station in the Darjeeling hills. Famous for its squash (the vegetable) & the picturesque lake, this quiet township is also surrounded by gardens which produce some of the finest teas. The lake offers boating and fishing apart from a view of snowcapped peaks. Enjoy the fulfilling experience of Nature in its purest form mingled with the unique culture prevalent here. Spend the rest of the day at Mirik and reach Darjeeling back by sunset. Overnight at hotel.
Morning transfer to Baghdogra airport in time to catch flight for onward destination