Paradise of North East India

Darjeeling

Arrive Kolkata. Upon arrival meeting, assistance at the airport & transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Morning after Breakfast, day free.

Later on time transfer to Kolkata Airport to connect flight for Bagdogra.

On arrival at Bagdogra airport, meet & greet by our representative and drive to Darjeeling. Upon arrival at Darjeeling check in at hotel.

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 stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and then go for Enjoy toy train ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom & back.

The spectacular landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan railway, opened in 1881, labours at about 10 mph criss-crossing the road. It has tiny 4-wheel locomotives (some over 100 years old) like living legends. One can experience the sound, smell and romance of a bygone era. DHR is a work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and cultural importance. It is beautiful and has outstanding universal appeal. Based on its unique features, it is considered to be of lasting significance to mankind.

Afternoon explore the Mall, Observatory Hill.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Early morning visit Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery.

Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill:- It is 13 kms from Darjeeling and one can see 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. It is truly a majestic sight.

Ghoom Monastery:- This is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height on the way back from Tiger Hill.

After breakfast proceed for city tour.

Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on every Thursday)/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park :- The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest to give training to learn Mountaineering and other adventure sports related to mountaineering and in that Institute one can see equipment etc .used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay and Everest Museum having complete details on Everest attached to institute one can visit Himalayan Zoological Park where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds.

Tibetan Self- Helf Centre Or Refugee Centre:- This institute is run by Tibetan Refugees to preserve their handicrafts and one can see making of Tibetan Carpets, Leather work, Paintings and Wooden work etc.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast at hotel, drive to Pelling. Upon arrival transfer to hotel for check in.

PELLING
Pelling is another serene, mountain village which lies in the western districts of Sikkim. This village is situated at an altitude of 2000 mts(approx) and the distance from this village to the mount Kanchandzonga, as a crow flies…is 26 Kms approx.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Pelling

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Pelling.
Visit Pemayangtse monastery and Rabdentse.

Pemayangtse monastery follows the Mindroling tradition besides holding the lineage of Lhatsun Chenpo. Mindroling monastery was founded by Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje whose famous daughter Jetsun Migyur Paldon lived near Pemayangtse and taught there during her exile. Her stone throne is still to be seen in this monastery, which has 108 monks. The main attraction of the monastery is the wooden replica of Zangdog Palri; the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava built by Serdup Lhundrup Dorje Rinpoche in 1971. The annual chaam (monk dance) is held here on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.

Rabdentse- Sikkim’s second capital. The ruins of Rabdantse are worth exploring. The winding track through the forest brings you to a small set of ruins of the early town and eventually on the ruins of the palace with Chorten (stupa) nearby. Farther afield are the Changay Falls.

Later visit to Khechipalri lake, Rambi Falls and Kanchenjunga Falls.

KHECHEOPALRI LAKE: - Past the ruins of ancient towns below monasteries tended by red robed lamas lie the crystalline wish fulfilling waters of Khecheopalri Lake. The sacred lake lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags and forested hills. Above (1.5km) is the Khecheopalri Gumpa.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Yuksom. On arrival, transfer to hotel for check-in.

Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim. It was consecrated in 1642 after three venerated Lamas who came from the north, west, and south to Yuksom and consecrated Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal (religious king) of Sikkim. There is a place called the Coronation Throne in Yuksom where the first King was named. Phuntsok Namgyal ruled over a vast territory that was many times the current size of Sikkim. His kingdom extended to Thang La in Tibet to the north, Tagong La near Paro in Bhutan to the east, Titalia on the borders of West Bengal and Bihar to the south and Timar Chorten on the Timar river in Nepal to the west.

Afternoon viist Dubdi monastery and Norbughang chorten.

Dubdi Monastery, one of the oldest monastery in Sikkim, is located at the top of a hill about an hour's walk from Yuksam. Also known as the Hermit's Cell after its reclusive founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, it was built by the followers of the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The trail to Dubdi winds through lush forests high above the village, offering scenic overlooks and impressive mountain views. For bird watchers, an early morning or late afternoon visit is particularly rewarding. Dubdi means 'the retreat’.

Visit to Norbughang Chorten

True to the prophecy of Tibet's founder of Buddhism, Guru Rimpoche, some nine centuries prior, three learned Lamas, Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, Kathok Rigzin Chenpo, Nga-Dak Sempa Chenpo, gathered at Yuksam in 1642 from various directions and enthroned Chogyal Phuntsog as the first religious king of Sikkim. A stone throne shaded by a 300 year old fir still stands here today. A foot print in stone in front of the throne is said to belong to Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, and a nearby chorten (stupa) contains soil and water from all over Sikkim. Thus Yuksam occupies an important place in Sikkimese history as the first capital, and Norbugang as an historic cultural site maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast, drive to Gangtok. On arrival, check-in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

GANGTOK:
At an altitude of 1750 m, 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 traveler’s delight.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Gangtok

Breakfast at the hotel and full day city tour of Gangtok including excursion to Rumtek Monastery.

Rumtek Monastery: -24 Kms from Gangtok is the awe -inspiring Rumtek Monastery the world Dharma chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the lavishly decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from the world over. Opposite the entrance to the Institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel studded Chorten the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of His Holiness the xvi Gyalwa Karmapa. According to legend, it is believed that after years of meditation, the first Karmapa was said to have been visited by ten thousand fairies who came to congratulate him each of whom offered a strand of her hair as a gift. These were said to have been woven into a black hat, which was passed down and is still at the Rumtek Monastery today. It is said that unless held on to by the wearer (who of course, cannot be anyone else but the Karmapa) or kept in a box, the hat would fly away.

The Enchey Monastery (Closed on every Sunday): Perched on a ridge above Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery is nestled within lush woods with a spectacular view of Gangtok town. Built in 1910 on the site of the hermitage of the great tantric saint, Lama Drutob Karpo, who was renowned for his powers of levitation, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism.

Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts (Closed on every Sunday): -This Directorate was set up to promote traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden friezes, intricate bamboo work, along with beautiful hand woven carpets and handlooms are on exhibit here. Visitors can not only purchase these items here but also see the artisans at work. Among others, a favourite item here is the choktse a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a portable pack.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (Closed on every Sunday): -Amidst a serene surrounding of oak, birch and ash lies the unique organization established in1958. Built in traditional style, the namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research in Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. It has one of the world’s largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. The Institute also has a retail outlets where related books and commercially produced religious art and craft of Tibet can be bought. Adjacent to the institute are two exquisite stupas. Overnight stay at hotel.

Morning after breakfast drive to Gangtok. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

LACHUNG
Sikkim, the most mystifying Himalayan State claims its rightful pride of place for its unparallel natural beauty and exotic flora and fauna. Be it the mighty Himalayan heights or the meandering River Teesta and Rangit or even the simplicity of its people, Sikkim beckons tourists for more reasons than one. One of the most breathtaking places in North Sikkim is this relatively small Bhutia village ------- LACHUNG. Sprawled on the bank of Lachung Chu, Lachung is known to retain its unique culture and tradition. The Lachung Monastery perched on the slope opposite the highway is the focal point of all religious functions of local inhabitants. The serene beauty of the monastery itself lures people from all over. Lachung is increasingly emerging as a tourist destination with the soaring popularity of Yumthang Valley. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and then proceed for excursion to Yumthang Valley & back. - The valley of flowers. Flora, Fauna, Rhododendrons and Primulas and found in abundance. Yumthang is the summer grazing grounds of the Yaks. On the way back visit the Sulphur Hot Spring, considered to have medicinal properties.
Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Gangtok. Arrive Gangtok by late evening. Rest of the day free. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kalimpong. On arrival transfer to hotel for check in.

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. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Morning after breakfast, proceed for city tour of Kalimpong.

Flower Nurseries

Flower Nurseries (Closed on every Saturday): The climate of Kalimpong is ideal for the cultivation of flowers and plants. Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotice flowers like Amaryllis lilies, Anthuriums, Roses gerberas, Dahilias, Gladiolias as well as Orchids and Cacti.

Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery – This is a fairly new monastery located in Durpin Dara, from here one can get an exclusive panoramic view of the town and surroundings. The prayer room inside the monastery is adorned with wall paintings and there is a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs.

Tharpa Choling Monastery at Tirpai hill on route to Dr.Graham’s Home belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Lamas to which the present Dalai Lama belongs.

Thongsa Gumpa: this monastery is of Bhutanese origin and built around 1692. It is the oldest in Kalimpong. The original structure was destroyed in the inter-clan wars before the British arrived

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Morning after breakfast, drive further to Bagdogra Airport. On arrival at Bagdogra, connect flight for Kolkata. On arrival in Kolkata, remain at the transit area to connect flight for onward destination.